 |
|
Obesity Linked to Increased Risk for Dementia
May 08, 2008Obesity may increase adults' risk for having dementia, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Their analysis of published obesity and dementia prospective follow-up studies over the past two decades shows a consistent relationship between the two diseases. The results are published by The International Association for the Study of Obesity in the May, 2008 issue of Obesity Reviews.
"Our analysis of the data shows a clear association between obesity and an increased risk for dementia and several clinical subtypes of the disease," said Youfa Wang, MD, PhD, senior author of the study and associate professor with the Bloomberg School's Center for Human Nutrition. "Subjects with a healthy body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference saw a decreased risk for dementia than their counterparts with an elevated BMI or waist circumference." Wang adds, "Preventing or treating obesity at a younger age could play a major role in reducing the number of dementia patients and those with other commonly associated illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease by up to 20 percent in the United States."
Lead researcher May A. Beydoun, along with Wang and H.A. Beydoun attribute these findings to a systematic review of 10 previously published studies that examined the relationships between dementia or its subtypes and various measures of body fat. Based on a pooled analysis of their findings from 7 of the studies, baseline obesity compared to normal weight increased the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 80 percent on average. The team further concluded that being underweight also increases the risk of dementia and its subtypes. The studies cited in the meta-analysis were conducted in a number of countries, including the United States, Finland, Sweden and France, and contained middle-aged and older adults.
Previously published research defines dementia as not a single disorder, but a number of syndromes characterized by diverse behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impairments. The most common form is Alzheimer's disease, with an estimated 5 million adults living with the disease in the United States alone.
"Currently, Alzheimer's disease is the eighth leading cause of death among the elderly population in the United States. While more studies are needed to determine optimal weight and biological mechanisms associated with obesity and dementia, these findings could potentially decrease the number of people diagnosed with dementia and lead to an overall better quality of life," said May A. Beydoun, a former postdoctoral research fellow at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
"Obesity and central obesity as risk factors for incident dementia and its subtypes: a systematic review and meta-analysis" was written by M. A. Beydoun, H. A. Beydoun and Y. Wang.
The research was funded by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Johns Hopkins University
Previously published research defines dementia as not a single disorder, but a number of syndromes characterized by diverse behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impairments. The most common form is Alzheimer's disease, with an estimated 5 million adults living with the disease in the United States alone.
"Currently, Alzheimer's disease is the eighth leading cause of death among the elderly population in the United States. While more studies are needed to determine optimal weight and biological mechanisms associated with obesity and dementia, these findings could potentially decrease the number of people diagnosed with dementia and lead to an overall better quality of life," said May A. Beydoun, a former postdoctoral research fellow at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
"Obesity and central obesity as risk factors for incident dementia and its subtypes: a systematic review and meta-analysis" was written by M. A. Beydoun, H. A. Beydoun and Y. Wang.
The research was funded by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Johns Hopkins University
Dementia Current Events and Dementia News RSSFat around the middle increases the risk of dementia
Women who store fat on their waist in middle age are more than twice as likely to develop dementia when they get older, reveals a new study from the Sahlgrenska Academy.
Surgery not linked to memory problems in older patients
For years, it has been widely assumed that older adults may experience memory loss and other cognitive problems following surgery. But a new study from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis questions those assumptions.
Cognitive dysfunction reversed in mouse model of Down syndrome
A study by neuroscientist William C. Mobley, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, and colleagues at Stanford University Medical School has demonstrated a possible new approach to slowing the inevitable progression of cognitive decline found in Down's syndrome.
Brain injured athletes may benefit from hypothermia research
NFL players and other athletes who suffer serious or multiple concussions may benefit from ground-breaking research being conducted by scientists at Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. The scientists are developing a surgical technique that involves hypothermia in specific regions of the brain.
Neuroimaging provides insights into new treatment options for Alzheimer's disease
With about 35 million people around the world suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) by the year 2010 and an expectation that these numbers will double every twenty years with approximately 115 million cases by 2050, pressure on healthcare systems worldwide will be intense.
Reduced muscle strength associated with risk for Alzheimer's
Individuals with weaker muscles appear to have a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and declines in cognitive function over time, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Amyloid beta protein gets bum rap
While too much amyloid beta protein in the brain is linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease, not enough of the protein in healthy brains can cause learning problems and forgetfulness, Saint Louis University scientists have found.
Blood test identifies women at risk from Alzheimer's
Middle-aged women with high levels of a specific amino acid in their blood are twice as likely to suffer from Alzheimer's many years later, reveals a thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Estrogen therapy likely must be given soon after menopause to provide stroke protection
For estrogen replacement to provide stroke protection, it likely must be given soon after levels drop because of menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries, scientists report in the Journal of Neuroscience.
Biofield therapies: helpful or full of hype?
Biofield therapies, which claim to use subtle energy to stimulate the body's healing process, are promising complementary interventions for reducing the intensity of pain in a number of conditions, reducing anxiety for hospitalized patients and reducing agitated behaviors in dementia, over and above what standard treatments can achieve.
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. |
 |
The 36-Hour Day, 4th edition: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) 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... |
 |
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... |
 |
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... |
 |
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 |
 |
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... |
 |
A Pocket Guide to Dementia and Associated Behavioral Symptoms: Diagnosis, Assessment, and Managment by Insight Therapeutics LLC (Author), H. Edward Davidson (Editor), Stefan Gravenstein (Editor), Lisa Han (Editor) This guide is an easy-to-use, practical resource for health care professionals managing patients with dementia. This guide was written by a team of professionals to help individuals understand the different types of dementia and to determine an appropriate treatment plan for patients with newly diagnosed dementia or ongoing behavioral and cognitive symptoms of dementia. |
 |
The Circle - A Walk with Dementia by Sally Hughes Smith (Author) The Circle was published with a vision of helping families and caregivers of aging, mentally frail loved ones cope with the ongoing realizations of dementia. This book is unique in that it addresses the emotional and human side of this disease while most available books concentrate on the dry medical practicalities. Sally Smith, whose inspiring personal account--closing the family home and moving her mother into an assisted living facility--resulted in a book that critics have said is "healing, hilarious and very helpful to those of us sharing similar experiences." The manuscript was given as a gift to the Medical University of South Carolina and published to raise awareness and support for research into Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia, vision and hearing loss and other... |
 |
Alzheimer Disease and Other Dementias: A Practical Guide (Practical Guides in Psychiatry) by Marc E Agronin (Author) Now in its Second Edition, this practical guide focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and management of the complex array of dementia disorders seen in older patients. Using the conversational style and clinical vignettes found in all Practical Guides in Psychiatry titles, Dr. Agronin addresses all the subtypes of dementia and associated psychiatric conditions such as agitation, psychosis, and depression. This edition features a new chapter on mild cognitive impairment and expanded coverage of Alzheimer disease and risk factors. Chapters offer advice on caregiver support and legal and ethical concerns. Handy pocket-card appendices include tests used in the dementia workup and treatment guides for agitation, psychosis, and depression. The Practical Guides in Psychiatry series provides quick,... |
 |
American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias: The App Textbook of Geriatric Psychiatry Diagnostic Issues in Dementia by Myron F. Weiner (Editor), Anne M. Lipton (Editor) The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Alzheimer Disease and Other Dementias is an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of dementia for practicing psychiatrists or residents who deal with cognitively impaired adults in outpatient, inpatient, and long-term care settings. With content ranging from clinical guidance to basic research, it contains information on nearly every subject related to dementing conditions or illnesses not only providing extensive coverage of clinical management issues but also enabling a deeper understanding of the causes of dementia. Designed to assist the practitioner faced with everyday dilemmas, from dosages of antipsychotic drugs to legal and ethical issues, the text describes in detail the most common conditions and diseases leading to dementia and... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |