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Persistent low wages linked to faster memory decline in later life

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that sustained low wages during working years are associated with significantly faster memory decline in older age. Low-wage earners experienced approximately one excess year of cognitive aging per a 10-year period compared to those who never earned low wages.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateAug 2, 2022

KAIST research team proves how a neurotransmitter may be the key in controlling Alzheimer’s toxicity​

A KAIST research team has discovered a new role for somatostatin, a protein-based neurotransmitter, in reducing the toxicity caused by Alzheimers disease. When somatostatin is met with copper and Aβ proteins, it attenuates the toxicity and agglomeration of metal-Aβ complexes.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Finding the right memory strategy to slow cognitive decline

A new study led by researchers from the University of Michigan and Penn State College of Medicine compared two approaches for people with early form of memory loss: mnemonic strategy training and spaced retrieval training. Mnemonic strategy training showed increased brain activity in areas often affected by Alzheimer's disease, while s...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAlzheimers Disease & Dementia·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 22, 2022

Anti-amyloid drugs and Alzheimer’s disease

A recent PLOS Biology study examines the limitations of current anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer's disease, suggesting abnormal microglial function and tau tangles as key mechanisms. The authors review clinical trial results and propose new strategies for treating the disease, bringing hope for a cure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 21, 2022

Tracking daily movement patterns may one day help predict dementia

Researchers analyzed data from wearable activity monitors on nearly 600 participants to identify changes in movement patterns that may predict cognitive decline. The study found significant differences in activity during waking hours and afternoons, with fragmented activity being a key indicator of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheime...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateJul 19, 2022

Did gonorrhea give us grandparents?

A new study suggests that a unique gene variant supporting cognitive health in older humans may have first emerged to protect against infectious pathogens like gonorrhea. This variant, linked to CD33, allows brain immune cells to break down damaged brain cells and amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 18, 2022

Whole blood exchange could offer disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, study finds

A new study from UTHealth Houston found that whole blood exchange treatments decreased amyloid plaque formation in mice with Alzheimer's disease-causing amyloid precursor proteins. This approach has the advantage of treating the disease in the circulation instead of the brain, potentially bypassing the blood-brain barrier.

Moderate drinking linked to brain changes and cognitive decline

A study of almost 21,000 people found that moderate drinking is associated with higher iron levels in the brain and poorer cognitive function. Iron accumulation is a potential mechanism for alcohol-related cognitive decline, which can lead to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2022

Baycrest study reveals whether you’re 18 or 80, lifestyle may be more important than age in determining dementia risk

A new Baycrest study found that individuals with no dementia risk factors have similar brain health as people who are 10 to 20 years younger. Lifestyle factors such as managing diabetes, addressing hearing loss, and quitting smoking can reduce cognitive decline by up to three years of aging.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Research reveals how brain inflammation may link Alzheimer’s risk, sleep disturbance

A recent study discovered that brain inflammation may be a key link between Alzheimer's disease risk and sleep disturbance. The research found that age-related increases in brain inflammation can disrupt fast sleep spindles, which are crucial for long-term memory retention. This disruption contributes to age-related memory impairment i...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

Uncovering one of the driving forces of Alzheimer’s disease

A Flinders University study reveals how a protein called tau transforms into a disease state, providing hope for preventing this process and reducing toxic effects on brain cells. The researchers identified 'master sites' in tau that govern subsequent modifications, leading to a similar state seen in Alzheimer's patients.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022

“Good evidence” that ADHD drugs might also treat Alzheimer’s disease

A pooled data analysis of available research found that ADHD drugs may successfully treat key aspects of Alzheimer's disease. Noradrenergic drugs, which target the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, showed a small but significant positive effect on overall cognition and a large positive effect on apathy in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 5, 2022

Fixed vial sizes for controversial Alzheimer's drug could waste $605 million in Medicare spending each year

A new UCLA study found that fixed vial sizes for the controversial Alzheimer's drug aducanumab could result in significant wasteful spending of up to $605 million per year on Medicare. The researchers suggest reducing vial sizes to contain costs and improve the value of future Medicare spending.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2022

UTHealth Houston study: Flu vaccination linked to 40% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A new study from UTHealth Houston found that flu vaccination was associated with a 40% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in US adults over a four-year period. The study analyzed a large sample of patients and found that consistent flu vaccination every year had the strongest protective effect.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateJun 24, 2022

BU researchers untangle the APOE4 gene, the most significant genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that the APOE4 gene is unique to patients with Alzheimer's disease and causes specific defects in human brain cells. The study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of the gene, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies to combat the condition.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022

Untangling the role of tau in Alzheimer’s disease

A recent study published in eLife has revealed that high levels of soluble tau protein impair signaling between neurons, leading to cognitive decline. The research suggests that targeting the binding site of dynamin, a protein that binds to microtubules, may rescue synaptic transmission and prevent memory impairment.

BU researchers studying the link between the brain’s extracellular matrix and diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and schizophrenia

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine provide comprehensive information on mass spectrometry-based studies of the brain's extracellular matrix in neurological disorders. The study highlights changes in ECM molecule expression associated with neurodegenerative diseases, providing new avenues for treatment and diagnosis.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMass Spectrometry Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022

Single brain scan can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease

A new approach uses a single magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan to diagnose Alzheimer's disease with high accuracy, identifying changes in regions not previously associated with the condition. This method has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment, allowing for early intervention and improved patient outcomes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateJun 20, 2022

Inhaled toxic particles take direct route from lungs to brain - study

A new study reveals that inhaled fine particles can take a direct route from lungs to brain through blood circulation, potentially contributing to brain disorders. The particles were found to stay longer in the brain than in other organs, raising concerns about the long-term effects of air pollution on cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2022

Progress on early detection of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have developed a new probe to detect Alzheimer's disease biomarkers using near-infrared fluorescence, which may help diagnose the disease early and prevent its progression. The probe binds oligomeric Aβ proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, offering a potential alternative to existing treatments.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateJun 14, 2022

Study shows people with a high omega-3 DHA level in their blood are at 49% lower risk of Alzheimer’s

A new study published in Nutrients found that individuals with higher red blood cell DHA levels have a 49% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted on 1,490 participants aged 65 and older, suggests that increasing dietary omega-3 DHA levels may slow the development of the disease.

SourceWright On Marketing & Communications·JournalNutrients·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2022