 |
|
Smokers are more likely to develop dementia
September 04, 2007ST. PAUL, Minn - People who smoke are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or dementia than nonsmokers or those who smoked in the past, according to a study published in the September 4, 2007, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The study followed nearly 7,000 people age 55 and older for an average of seven years. Over that time, 706 of the participants developed dementia. People who were current smokers at the time of the study were 50 percent more likely to develop dementia than people who had never smoked or past smokers.
"Smoking increases the risk of cerebrovascular disease, which is also tied to dementia," Breteler said. "Another mechanism could be through oxidative stress, which can damage cells in the blood vessels and lead to hardening of the arteries. Smokers experience greater oxidative stress than nonsmokers, and increased oxidative stress is also seen in Alzheimer's disease."
Oxidative stress occurs when the body has too many free radicals, which are waste products produced by chemical reactions in the body.
"Antioxidants in the diet can eliminate free radicals, and studies have shown that smokers have fewer antioxidants in their diets than nonsmokers," Breteler said.
The researchers also looked into how smoking affects the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease for people who have the gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer's, called apolipoprotein E4, or APOEå4. They found that smoking did not increase the risk of Alzheimer's for those with the APOEå4 gene. But for those without the APOEå4 gene, smoking increased the risk of Alzheimer's. Current smokers without the Alzheimer's gene were nearly 70 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's than nonsmokers or past smokers without the Alzheimer's gene.
American Academy of Neurology
Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Dementia Current Events and Dementia News RSSRutgers Research: Parkinson's Disease Alters Patient's Ability to Learn from Rewards while Treatment Affects Ability to Learn from Negative Outcomes
A new neuropsychological memory test is helping to uncover how Parkinson's disease can alter people's ability to learn about the consequences of the choices they make.
University of Houston research team aims to help caregivers monitor patients' health and whereabouts
For those who are caring for elderly parents, peace of mind is hard to come by. And, for their parents, dignity is hard to retain. But a team of University of Houston researchers hopes to ease worries and frustrations by designing an affordable in-home health-monitoring system that will notify caregivers, via smartphones or PDAs, if their loved ones need attention.
Cerebrospinal fluid shows Alzheimer's disease deterioration much earlier
It is possible to determine which patients run a high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and the dementia associated with it, even in patients with minimal memory impairment. This has been shown by recent research at the Sahlgrenska Academy.
Another McGill/JGH breakthrough opens door to early Alzheimer's diagnosis
A new diagnostic technique which may greatly simplify the detection of Alzheimer's disease has been discovered by researchers at McGill University and the affiliated Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital (JGH).
Measuring brain atrophy in patients with mild cognitive impairment
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have shown that a fully automated procedure called Volumetric MRI - which measures the "memory centers" of the brain and compares them to expected size - is effective in predicting the progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease.
Statins don't lower risk of pneumonia in elderly
Taking popular cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, such as Lipitor® (atorvastatin), does not lower the risk of pneumonia.
PET Scans May Improve Accuracy of Dementia Diagnosis
A new study shows that the use of positron emission tomography (PET) scans may improve the accuracy of dementia diagnoses early in disease onset for more than one out of four patients.
Having a Higher Purpose in Life Reduces Risk of Death Among Older Adults
Possessing a greater purpose in life is associated with lower mortality rates among older adults according to a new study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center.
Popular Alzheimer's theory may be false trail
The idea that anti-inflammatory drugs might protect people struggling with dementia from Alzheimer's disease has received a blow with the online release of a study of human brain tissue in Acta Neuropathologica.
A case of cecal volvulus
Cecal volvulus is axial twisting that occurs involving the cecum, terminal ileum, and ascending colon. Rarely, it may take the form of upward and anterior folding of the ascending colon ("cecal bascule").
More Dementia Current Events and Dementia News Articles
 |
When Your Loved One Has Dementia: A Simple Guide for Caregivers by Joy A. Glenner (Author), Jean M. Stehman (Author), Judith Davagnino (Author), Margaret J. Galante (Author), Martha L. Green (Author) Eighty percent of persons with dementia live at home, and the family members caring for them are often overwhelmed by the enormous responsibility and the complexities of care. This book is designed to support the caregivers and help them understand the needs and feelings of the person for whom they are caring. A central focus is the goal of sustaining a loving family relationship between the caregiver and the patient. Developed from a training program for professionals and family caregivers, this book teaches the basics of dementia care while emphasizing communication, understanding and acceptance, and personal growth through the caregiving experience. The result is a guide that integrates the practicalities of caregiving with the human emotions that accompany it. |
 |
Dementia/Daughter of Horror Starring: Adrienne Barrett, Angelo Rossitto, Lucille Howland, Gayne Sullivan, Ben Roseman Directed By: John Parker Studio: Kino International Release Date: 10/10/2000 Run time: 55 minutes Rating: Nr |
 |
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life, 4th Edition by Nancy L. Mace MA (Author), Peter V. Rabins MD MPH (Author) Revised in 2006 for its twenty-fifth anniversary, this best-selling book is the "bible" for families caring for people with Alzheimer disease, offering comfort and support to millions worldwide. In addition to the practical and compassionate guidance that have made The 36-Hour Day invaluable to caregivers, the fourth edition is the only edition currently available that includes new information on medical research and the delivery of care. The new edition includes: -new information on diagnostic evaluation-resources for families and adult children who care for people with dementia-updated legal and financial information-the latest information on nursing homes and other communal living arrangements-new information on research, medications, and the biological causes and... |
 |
The Art of Dementia Care by Daniel Kuhn (Author), Jane Verity (Author) The Art of Dementia Care is a practical guide intended for all who provide support, encouragement and care for people with dementia. Using a relationship model of care, you will learn how you can make a positive difference in the lives of those with dementia. Discussion and examples will challenge you to reflect on your attitude and behavior towards people with dementia and teach you to provide thoughtful care to each person in your care. The authors draw upon examples from common clinical situations to highlight how to practice the art of dementia care through the recognition of the limits of people with dementia and the promotion of their strengths and abilities. Ultimately, the quality of the care you provide can greatly affect the quality of life the person with dementia will... |
 |
The 36-Hour Day, 4th edition: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life by The Johns Hopkins University Press Revised in 2006 for its twenty-fifth anniversary, this best-selling book is the "bible" for families caring for people with Alzheimer disease, offering comfort and support to millions worldwide. In addition to the practical and compassionate guidance that have made The 36-Hour Day invaluable to caregivers, the fourth edition is the only edition currently available that includes new information on medical research and the delivery of care. The new edition includes: -new information on diagnostic evaluation-resources for families and adult children who care for people with dementia-updated legal and financial information-the latest information on nursing homes and other communal living arrangements-new information on research, medications, and the biological causes and... |
 |
The Forgetting - A Portrait of Alzheimer's Starring: David Hyde Pierce Directed By: Elizabeth Arledge Also With: Elizabeth Arledge (Producer), Doug Quade (Editor), Naomi S. Boak (Producer), Whitney Johnson (Producer) |
 |
What If It's Not Alzheimer's?: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia (Updated & Revised) by Lisa Radin (Editor), Gary Radin (Editor), John Q., M.D. Trojanowski (Editor) Includes Vital Information on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Foreword by John Q. Trojanowski, MD, PhD, Director, Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Pennsylvania Hospital Although the public most often associates dementia with Alzheimer's disease, the medical profession now distinguishes various types of "other" dementias. This book is the first comprehensive guide dealing with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), one of the largest groups of non-Alzheimer's dementias. The contributors are either specialists in their fields or have exceptional hands-on experience with FTD sufferers. Beginning with a focus on the medical facts, the first part defines and explores FTD as an illness distinct from Alzheimer's disease. Also considered are clinical and medical care issues... |
 |
Dementium: The Ward by Gamecock Media Group Dementium: The Ward tells the tale of a man who awakens to find himself alone in a mysterious, derelict hospital that is frozen in time. Confronted by the deadly, grotesque surgical experiments that wander the halls, a series of challenging puzzles and a cast of peculiar characters, he must face his deepest fears, unlock the mysteries of the hospital, and escape with his life. A completely new experience on the Nintendo DS, Dementium promises to creep you out with gory visuals and bone-chilling audio that brings the world screaming to life. |
|
Recuperate from Reality by Dementia | |
 |
Keeping Busy: A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia by James R. Dowling (Author) Although very little can be done to alter the course of dementia, much can be done to maximize the quality of life of people with the condition. Research as well as practical experience suggest that behavior management, especially through programs that provide meaningful and constructive activity, is currently the most effective treatment. In Keeping Busy, James Dowling describes a variety of activities designed to bring meaning and enjoyment to the lives of persons with dementia. The activities are organized by general categories such as music, exercise, horticulture, pets, humor, and social events. The largest section deals with communication and includes word games that help people strengthen their remaining verbal skills. The description of each activity includes step-by-step... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |