Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
Researchers found that vision impairments contribute significantly to the development of dementia in older adults, with a population attributable fraction ranging from 4.9% to 19.0%. The study highlights the importance of incorporating multiple objective measures of vision impairment into assessments to capture its impact on dementia.
Researchers have identified a unique biomarker in human blood serum that shows potential for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The study's findings suggest that this test could be used to diagnose AD before cognitive decline or symptoms become apparent, enabling earlier lifestyle changes and medication to slow disease progression.
Researchers aim to develop a voice assistant delivering customized cognitive stimulation therapy to improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia and their care partners. The project has the potential to positively impact a large population, including those in remote areas.
Researchers mapped 1.65 million cells from 437 aging brains, identifying two distinct paths of cellular change that lead to either Alzheimer's disease or alternative brain aging. These findings offer new insights into the development of Alzheimer's and how it differs from healthy brain aging.
A large observational study found that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors used to treat type 2 diabetes may prevent dementia, with a 35% reduced risk of developing the condition compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Longer treatment duration was also associated with greater benefits.
A comprehensive brain imaging study found that diabetes and prediabetes are associated with accelerated brain ageing, with brains appearing 0.5-4 years older than chronological age. A healthy lifestyle may help counteract this effect, with associations attenuated among people with high physical activity.
Researchers have made progress in understanding how genetics and lifestyle factors influence dementia risk through epigenetics. DNA methylation signatures in blood can mirror protein biomarker levels in spinal fluid samples, used for diagnosing dementia.
Researchers at Boston University created an AI tool that can determine the cause of dementia using commonly collected patient data, boosting doctor accuracy by 26%. The algorithm identifies 10 types of dementia, including vascular and frontotemporal dementia, to help doctors manage patients more effectively.
A new study published in Neurology found that acute kidney injury is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 individuals and found a 49% higher risk of dementia overall, with significant increases for specific types of dementia such as Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia.
Researchers discovered that amyloid fibrils can harness quantum superradiant effects to mitigate oxidative stress, potentially transforming dementia treatments and understanding of Alzheimer's disease. This finding raises questions about the conventional view of amyloid's role in the disease.
A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) may slow down cognitive decline in dementia with Lewy bodies over five years. ChEIs were also associated with a reduced risk of death in the first year after diagnosis.
A new national study reveals significant regional variations in the likelihood of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Despite controlling for demographic and population-level risk factors, the study found that differences in diagnostic intensity persist across regions.
A study at UFSCar found that remote testing can be reliable for functional mobility and muscle strength, especially for those with dementia. This new methodology enables more frequent health sessions and better patient tracking.
A study found that older age, female sex, and irregular heart rhythms can predict Alzheimer's cognitive decline over two years. The results also showed strong correlations between caregiver load and various patient-related measures.
A study at the University of Helsinki discovered a new type of degenerative brain disease, limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), prevalent among the oldest old. LATE is associated with similar symptoms to early Alzheimer's but progresses more slowly and is milder.
A Brigham study found that shingles increases long-term risk of subjective cognitive decline by 20% in both men and women. Men carrying the APOE4 gene were at higher risk, particularly for cognitive impairment and dementia. The study highlights the importance of shingles vaccination in reducing disease burden.
A team led by Emory researchers found strong evidence supporting a new understanding of the mechanism behind Alzheimer's disease. They identified more than 20 proteins that co-accumulate with amyloid beta, suggesting they may play an important role in brain damage rather than the amyloid itself.
A recent study analyzing over 1.5 million patients' electronic health records found that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is significantly underdiagnosed in rural areas of West Michigan. Researchers discovered a higher rate of MCI skippers, where patients progress directly to dementia without a prior diagnosis, in these communities.
Glial cells play a significant role in Alzheimer's disease, producing amyloid beta and contributing to plaque formation. Researchers discovered that knocking out BACE1 enzyme in oligodendrocytes reduced plaque formation by 30%, opening up new avenues for therapies.
A new USC study led by Caleb Finch shows how feeding mice the drug GSM-15606 provided protection against air pollution-related increases in proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. The results indicate that GSM-15606 may one day have a role as a preventive measure against Alzheimer's in people living with air pollution.
A team of researchers from Penn State has identified HDAC3 as a key contributor to age-related impairments in memory updating. When blocked, older mice performed similarly to their younger counterparts, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age.
A new $3.5 million NIH grant will investigate the complex interplay between traumatic brain injury and genetic risk factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The three-year study will use rodents to assess disease progression across different age periods, providing insights into potential early intervention strategies.
A study published in Science Advances found that the quality of synapses, specifically dendritic spine head diameter, predicts episodic memory performance in older adults. Researchers suggest targeting pathways that maintain spine head diameter or synaptic strength may yield greater therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease prevention.
Researchers question the effectiveness of new amyloid immunotherapy drugs in reducing Alzheimer's disease impact, citing limited eligibility and high costs. The drugs showed small effect sizes that may not outweigh the risk of adverse events.
Maintaining stable hemoglobin A1c levels in individualized target ranges may lower Alzheimer disease and related dementias risk. Lower HbA1c time in range could identify patients at increased risk of these conditions.
A clinical trial found that fish oil supplements slowed neuronal integrity breakdown in older adults with the APOE4 gene variant, a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The study showed no benefit for all older adults, but suggested omega-3 fatty acids may be useful for prevention.
A new study suggests that public health interventions, such as reformulating food products and introducing low emission zones, could yield significant cost savings and QALY gains in England. The interventions studied could save up to £4bn by reducing dementia rates and helping people live longer and healthier.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic used AI to analyze electroencephalogram (EEG) tests, identifying subtle brain wave patterns characteristic of cognitive problems like Alzheimer's disease. This technology has the potential to provide healthcare professionals with a more accessible tool for early diagnosis in communities without easy access to...
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.