Articles tagged with Dementia
A recent study found that almost 50% of older adults with diabetes experienced depression during the pandemic, with loneliness and chronic pain being major risk factors. The study also identified unexpected findings, including a higher risk of depression among those with higher income prior to the pandemic.
The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention recommends addressing 14 modifiable risk factors to prevent or delay nearly half of dementia cases. The report identifies two new risks: high LDL cholesterol and vision loss, which are associated with 9% of all dementia cases.
Researchers discovered elevated levels of neurofilament light chain protein in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, suggesting potential early detection methods. The study found different protein patterns between the prodromal stage and established diseases.
Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to create detailed maps of mouse brains, identifying areas vulnerable to blood vessel degeneration. These changes can lead to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers studied Alzheimer disease blood biomarkers and found a strong association with incident all-cause dementia risk. Biomarker levels increased with age and were linked to dementia starting in midlife.
A new study found that early-onset dementia is more common than previously reported, with the incidence of Alzheimer's disease increasing by nearly double in the working-age population. The study analyzed patient data from Finland and found higher incidence rates of early-onset dementia compared to previous international studies.
Scientists at the Jackson Laboratory created a mouse model for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease by introducing genetic variants associated with the illness into mice. They used transcriptomics to analyze brain tissue and identify key biological signatures, paving the way for testing new therapeutics.
A cohort study found elevated risks of mortality, disability, and dementia among older adults with increased social isolation. The study highlights the importance of preventing increased isolation to mitigate its adverse effects on physical and cognitive function decline.
A prospective cohort study found that both chronic and new anxiety were associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. The presence of chronic anxiety was linked to a 2.8-time higher risk, while new onset anxiety was associated with a 3.2-time higher risk.
Oligodendrocyte-derived amyloid beta produces toxic peptide that promotes neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Selective suppression of oligodendrocyte Aβ production rescues abnormal neuronal hyperactivity, suggesting targeting these cells as a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.
A recent study published in Cell discovered that strokes can change the epigenetics of the immune system, particularly in the heart, leading to scarring and impaired pumping function. The researchers identified IL-1b as the main culprit behind these epigenetic modifications, which can drive inflammatory cardiac dysfunction.
A new study found that increased exposure to residential greenery during midlife can help stave off cognitive decline. Higher average exposure to greenness was linked to higher levels of cognitive function and slower cognitive decline, particularly among people living in low-socioeconomic status and highly populated neighborhoods.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that hormone modulating therapy (HMT) used to treat breast cancer was associated with a 7% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The protective effect of HMT decreased with age, particularly for women over 80.
A retrospective cohort study found hormone-modulating therapy protected against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The protective effect varied by age and race, with greater benefit for Black women under 75.
A new study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg over time may produce slight health-protective benefits against late-life dementia. The study found that middle-aged adults who lower their systolic blood pressure, particularly Black and Latino individuals, had a reduced risk of developing dementia.
Janusz Wojtusiak, a George Mason University professor, is developing an artificial intelligence solution to address social isolation and loneliness among caregivers of people with dementia. The project aims to identify and support caregivers who are socially isolated or at risk of becoming so.
Researchers developed an AI model that accurately predicts Alzheimer's disease progression in 82% of cases, outperforming clinical tests. The model uses cognitive tests and MRI scans to identify individuals at risk, allowing for targeted treatment and closer monitoring.
A new study by researchers at WashU Medicine found that people of predominantly Native American or African ancestry have a higher prevalence of dementia due to social determinants of health. These factors include lower education levels, rural residency, and high blood pressure, which raised their risk of cognitive decline.
Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million patient records to find that metformin and SGLT-2 inhibitors lowered dementia and Alzheimer's disease risks compared to other antidiabetic drugs. The study suggests individualized treatment approaches considering patient-specific factors for optimal diabetes management.
Researchers developed models to predict cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer's disease. The models showed promise in predicting the rate of decline, but also highlighted the uncertainty of these predictions.
Researchers at Amsterdam UMC have developed a prediction model that can forecast cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The model provides an indication of the disease course over 5 years and has potential for use in a user-friendly app, aiding doctors in discussing prognosis with patients.
Dr. Rissman's research uses plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio to predict brain amyloid PET positivity and identify individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease. His findings demonstrate the potential of a blood test to screen for amyloid in preclinical AD trials.
Researchers developed an AI framework to diagnose different forms of dementia using clinical data. The tool achieved a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and boosted neurologist accuracy by over 26%. This innovation has the potential to support increased demand in targeted therapeutic interventions for dementia.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have been awarded a five-year, $27 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to study the connections between heart health and brain health. The study will examine how cardiovascular disease contributes to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
Researchers discovered that young adults with higher levels of inflammation were more likely to experience reduced cognitive function in midlife. Higher inflammation was associated with lower performance on skills testing and differences in executive functioning.
Researchers have discovered a new diagnostic method for PSP by analyzing protein biomarkers in spinal fluid, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies. The high-throughput technology allows for the measurement of thousands of proteins in a tiny drop of fluid, providing a promising solution for identifying the condition.
A study found that higher levels of inflammation in early adulthood may negatively affect cognitive skills like planning, focus and processing information in middle age. Those with consistently high or moderate inflammation had poorer performance in processing speed and executive function.
A study of 221,777 individuals over 60 years old reveals disparities in antipsychotic use by socioeconomic status. People with low socioeconomic status are more likely to receive antipsychotics for dementia-related symptoms.
A new study of over 3,000 people found that dietary quality was closely linked with trends in general cognitive ability, with those eating more recommended foods showing improved cognitive performance and reduced risk of dementia. Establishing healthy dietary patterns early in life may support brain health throughout life.
A new study led by UCL researchers found that cardiovascular health is a significant risk factor for future dementia rates. The study analyzed data from 27 papers and found that rates of obesity and diabetes have increased over time, contributing to higher dementia risk.
A study from Aarhus University and the University of Oxford reveals that listening to music sets off a complex chain reaction in the brain, involving areas for sound, emotions, and memory. This understanding could lead to new interventions for improving cognitive function in individuals with neurological conditions.
Researchers at Boston University developed an AI model that analyzes speech patterns to predict the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment. The model achieved an accuracy rate of 78.5% and could potentially revolutionize dementia screening, making it more accessible and efficient.
Researchers have developed a new nonhuman primate model that allows for the tracking and treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The study shows a six-month window in which disease progression can be measured, enabling preclinical testing of interventions targeting the tau protein.
Researchers found a causal link between cerebral small-vessel disease and increased risk of Alzheimer's and dementia. The study highlights the importance of white matter hyperintensity burden as a surrogate marker for clinical trials to prevent dementia.
Researchers found that women who had their ovaries removed before menopause experience reduced white matter integrity in multiple brain regions. This reduction may contribute to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia later in life.
A study found that men taking certain prostate drugs, like terazosin and doxazosin, had a 40% lower risk of developing dementia with Lewy bodies. The risk was similar among those taking tamsulosin or 5ARIs.
A randomized controlled trial at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that using the SAGE test during routine appointments led to a sixfold increase in early diagnoses. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of this simple, self-administered tool for detecting cognitive impairment.
Researchers used a closed-loop auditory stimulation approach to target alpha rhythms in the brain, revealing that sounds at specific phases can manipulate alpha oscillations. The study's findings suggest that sound stimulation could be used to enhance cognition and sleep in people with dementia.
A new study by Duke-NUS Medical School reveals that individuals with cognitive impairment spend an additional S$700 per year on healthcare bills, mainly due to emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The researchers emphasize the need for proactive monitoring and care strategies to mitigate this growing burden.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect rare forms of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The test uses biomarkers, including tau and TDP-43 proteins, to identify underlying pathology.
A new Duke-NUS study found that nearly half of caregivers reported using physical restraints on family members with advanced dementia living at home. The study highlights the need for better guidance and support to prevent the use of restraints, which can impact older adults' physical and psychological health.
A new study reveals how the FUS protein behaves in ALS and FTD, mirroring what is observed in human diseases where protein aggregates spread and contribute to neurodegeneration. The research supports the broader hypothesis that many neurodegenerative diseases involve prion-like mechanisms.
The University of Texas at Arlington has awarded over $130,000 to support new research projects through its Research Enhancement Program grants. The funding is intended to provide seed money for researchers to initiate creative endeavors and make a positive impact on society.
A study by Åsa Winzell Juhlin from the University of Gothenburg found that all participants over 90 had hearing loss, with 80% requiring hearing aids. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing hearing health in this age group for physical and mental well-being.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that prolonged depressive symptoms starting in young adulthood are linked to worse thinking and memory skills in middle age, particularly among Black adults. The study also showed that Black adults experience depressive symptoms more often than white adults.
A cohort study found that severe dust exposure increased the risk of dementia in World Trade Center responders under 65. Using personalized protective equipment may prevent this age of onset, according to the research.
A new review paper explores the mechanistic links between peripheral vascular dysfunction, cerebral vascular dysfunction, and reduced brain health with aging. The study suggests that targeting fundamental aging mechanisms may be a promising strategy to reduce dementia risk.
Researchers led by Dr. Victor Luna aim to develop new treatments for late-life depression and Alzheimer's disease by understanding how synapses function in the aging brain. They will investigate the role of a synaptic protein called mGluR2 in memory formation and emotion.
Middle-aged people exhibit reduced exploration when learning a novel maze environment compared to younger individuals. This difference is partially driven by changes in how they learn about the maze, including visiting more objects and pausing for longer periods.
Dr. Jeetain Mittal's NIH grant will support multiscale computational models investigating phase separation in biology, particularly heterochromatin formation and its role in neurodegenerative diseases. The research aims to elucidate the molecular origins of phase separation using innovative models and methods.
Researchers estimate that 32% of memory clinic attendees and 14% of specialist cognitive service patients are eligible for disease-modifying therapies. Biomarker testing is crucial to identify suitable patients, but only a minority have undergone tests.
Research finds that Huntington’s disease damages microscopic blood vessels in the brain, affecting coordination between neuronal activity and oxygenation. The study uses non-invasive measurement techniques to monitor disease progression and evaluate potential treatments.
A novel study led by NUS linguists reveals that seniors with memory-related mild cognitive impairment exhibit distinct speech patterns, including reduced noun usage and increased abstract thinking. These findings hold promise for developing language-based interventions to address dementia symptoms.
Research suggests that using hearing aids can help mitigate the acceleration of brain metabolism decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The study found significant annual metabolic decline in frontal cortical regions among those with untreated hearing loss, whereas those with treated hearing aids experienced no such dec...
Researchers developed a therapeutic approach to replace the missing protein in the brain, reducing symptoms of frontotemporal dementia. The approach uses modified viruses to produce progranulin, which is then released into the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier, rescuing pathologies in mouse models.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine suggests that vigorous physical activity can lower the risk of cognitive decline in high-risk patients with hypertension. People who engage in one or more sessions of vigorous exercise per week had lower rates of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
A comprehensive, user-friendly repository has been created to help study Alzheimer's disease. The ssREAD database encompasses 277 integrated datasets from 67 scRNA-seq & snRNA-seq studies, totaling 7,332,202 cells, and includes interactive visualizations for comprehensive analysis interpretations.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London developed a predictive test using fMRI scans that detects changes in the brain's 'default mode network' to predict dementia. The test showed accurate predictions up to nine years before an official diagnosis, with greater than 80% accuracy and a two-year margin of error.
A new study found that an easy, five-minute assessment paired with recommendations in the electronic medical record system led to a three-fold improvement in diagnosis and treatment for patients with dementia. The '5-Cog paradigm' was developed to address cultural differences and testing disparities.
A new AI-driven tool can accurately diagnose Lewy body dementia by analyzing changes in vocal emotional expressions. The study found that individuals with Lewy body dementia exhibited more negative and calmer emotional expressions compared to those with Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls.