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New research can help older adults plan for changes in driving and firearm use

A new study explores how older adults plan for future changes, such as stopping driving or using firearms. The research found that reducing access to potentially dangerous situations should be prompted by declining ability, not age alone. Trusted messengers like family and clinicians can lead conversations around limiting access, and s...

Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed before symptoms emerge

Researchers at Lund University have discovered that people with Alzheimer's disease can be identified before symptoms appear, using PET scans to visualize tau and amyloid proteins in the brain. Participants found to have these biomarkers were at a 20-40 times higher risk of developing cognitive decline in the next few years.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 11, 2022

Alzheimer's or Lewy body dementia? How patients draw can determine the type of dementia

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that analyzing patients' drawing tests can help diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD) and distinguish it from dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The researchers discovered that DLB patients showed differences in speed-, pressure-, and pause-related features, whereas AD patients sh...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateNov 3, 2022

Clinical psychologists and their patients need new ways to understand and confront the fear of losing control, says Concordia researcher

Clinical psychologists need new ways to understand and confront the fear of losing control, which is an understudied construct. Adam Radomsky's research suggests that a deeper understanding of what leads to a client's choices can help therapists make better ones in the future.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 11, 2022

National Institutes of Health Awards Cleveland Clinic $10.7 Million to expand national consortium studying Dementia with Lewy Bodies

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $10.7 million grant to Cleveland Clinic to expand a national research consortium focused on improving diagnosis and treatments for Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The consortium, which includes multiple clinical sites, aims to identify biomarkers for disease and develop new therapies.

Older adults with regular activity routines are happier and do better on cognitive tests, study finds

A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that older adults with consistent daily routines are happier, less depressed, and have better cognitive function. Participants who rose early, stayed active throughout the day, and followed a regular routine performed better on cognitive tests than those with disrupted patterns.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 12, 2022

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

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

New study indicates sight problems may increase dementia risk in older adults

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 76,373 participants found a significant association between visual impairment and cognitive decline in older adults. The study highlights the need for further research on the effectiveness of treating sight problems to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAging & Mental Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 24, 2022

Does glaucoma affect cognitive function?

A recent study of 7,073 adults found that those with glaucoma had higher cognitive function scores but steeper declines over 18 years. The association was small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 22, 2022

Study reveals how epilepsy and migraine drug causes birth defects

A study reveals that valproic acid induces cellular senescence in neuroepithelial cells, leading to developmental defects such as spina bifida, facial alterations, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The researchers found that a specific molecule, p19Arf, is responsible for this effect.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 14, 2022

Kessler Foundation researchers identify benefits of interpersonal emotion regulation for countering depression in multiple sclerosis

Researchers have demonstrated the efficacy of a six-week interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) intervention for addressing depression often experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis. IER strategies, such as turning to others for emotional support, significantly reduced depression levels in the treatment group.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

Vitamin K shows evidence of brain benefits in rats

A new study found that vitamin K2 supplementation improved spatial memory, learning ability, and reduced evidence of cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety in rats. The researchers suggest that vitamin K may help preserve cognitive functions by affecting biological pathways involving inflammation and antioxidant activity.

Women who report significant antibiotic use in midlife are more likely to experience cognitive decline in later life, perhaps through gut microbiome changes, in study of almost 15,000 U.S. nurses

A study of nearly 15,000 US nurses found that significant antibiotic use in midlife is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline later in life. The researchers suggest that this may be related to changes in the gut microbiome, which can impact brain function and overall health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2022

Disadvantaged older adults face greater risk of function, cognition decline after ICU admission

A retrospective analysis found that socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults are at a higher risk of decline in function and cognition after an intensive care unit hospitalization. The study highlights the need to prioritize low-income seniors in rehabilitation and recovery efforts after critical illness.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022