Articles tagged with Dementia
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that stress weakens the association between cognitive reserve and improved cognition in memory clinic patients. Cognitive reserve is built through experiences like higher education and social interactions, but high or persistent stress levels can impair these benefits.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with dementia who underwent surgery for hip fractures experienced lower odds of death compared to those treated non-surgically. The benefit was seen in patients with head and neck of the femur fractures, but not in other locations.
A new study found that almost two-thirds of prescribed tricyclic antidepressants were above the safe dosage threshold, with Black patients more likely to receive these high-dose medications. The research highlights the need for routine evaluation of drug efficacy in clinical care environments.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology found that a 9-week online stress management intervention program for family caregivers reduced caregiver burden scores by 15%. The program provided education and strategies to manage stress, including self-care techniques like breathing and meditation.
Researchers have developed an AI algorithm that can track protein clumping under the microscope in real-time, revolutionizing the study of neurodegenerative disorders. The tool helps identify key characteristics of clumped proteins, which can lead to new therapies.
A new study at the University of Copenhagen reveals that urolithin A, a naturally occurring substance in pomegranates, can alleviate memory problems and other consequences of dementia. The substance shows promise in improving brain function by removing damaged mitochondria.
A cohort study of Japanese older adults found that upward and downward socioeconomic status transitions were associated with an increased risk of dementia. The study also revealed a link between social mobility and the length of dementia-free periods throughout life.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that upward social mobility significantly lowers the risk of dementia. The research, led by Osaka University researchers, analyzed data from 9,186 participants aged 65 and over, finding that individuals who experienced upward transitions had a notably lower risk of dementia incidence c...
Research suggests that oxidative stress (OS) may trigger Alzheimer's disease and that enriching brain glutathione (GSH) could be a way forward. Clinical studies indicate GSH depletion in the hippocampus initiates early onset of AD prior to amyloid beta deposition and tau phosphorylation.
A Phase III randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that donepezil did not improve memory or other cognitive functions in breast cancer survivors. Despite this, researchers emphasize the need for further trials with different approaches to address cancer-related cognitive impairment.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that long-term exposure to air pollution accelerates cognitive decline and increases risk of dementia. The research, which followed a cohort of nurses for 27 years, also suggests that physical activity may mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution.
A study by Duke and Columbia Universities found that non-white older adults with mild cognitive impairment reside in areas with more environmental injustices than their white peers. The study suggests that location, race, and environmental factors may interact to impact brain health.
Judges and physicians hold vastly different opinions on appointing legal guardians for people with dementia. Cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as memory impairment and impulsivity, are evaluated differently by medical and legal professionals. Research emphasizes the need for consistency in assessments to ensure equal treatm...
Researchers developed a new system to prevent dementia, which was tested on 30 volunteers with mild cognitive impairment. The system showed a significant reduction in cognitive impairments after six weeks of training.
White and Hispanic people are most likely to be diagnosed with behavioral symptoms of dementia, but also receive potentially harmful drugs. The study found substantial racial disparities in dementia diagnosis and treatment, with non-white patients being underdiagnosed for treatable symptoms.
Scientists have recruited over 20,000 volunteers to a resource aimed at accelerating dementia drug development. The cohort will enable healthy individuals with increased genetic risk to participate in clinical trials, allowing researchers to test new treatments before symptoms appear.
A recent study published in BJSM found that increased cardio fitness level can reduce the risk of death from any cause and heart disease by 11-17% and 18%, respectively. Regular aerobic exercise programs can achieve this, leading to a reduced risk of early death and chronic conditions.
Physicians in states with mandatory reporting laws are 50% more likely to underdiagnose dementia, according to a new USC Dornsife study. This may worsen health outcomes and increase healthcare costs due to patients withholding symptoms out of fear of losing their driving privileges.
A new study assesses cognitive impairment over time in adults with essential tremor, finding a cumulative prevalence of 26.6% for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 18.5% for dementia. Early detection is crucial to slow further cognitive decline and improve quality of life.
A global consortium has studied the connection between a specific gene variation and Pick's disease, a rare form of early-onset dementia. The research found that the MAPT H2 genetic variant is associated with an increased risk of Pick's disease in people of European descent.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that understaffed nursing homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to overmedicate residents with antipsychotics. The researchers suggest that increasing staffing levels could help reduce the use of these medications and address the root causes of behavioral issues.
A new study found that better heart health in middle-aged Black women is linked to reduced cognitive decline and preserved brain function. However, this benefit was not observed among white women. The study suggests that taking care of one's heart may have a positive impact on brain function and overall well-being.
Researchers used state-of-the-art imaging techniques to discover the metabolism driving Alzheimer's disease, suggesting new treatment strategies. Lipid droplet metabolism can malfunction in Alzheimer's, leading to a cycle of stress and inflammation that worsens the disease.
A new study finds that initiating antihypertensive medication in older long-term care residents increases fracture risk, particularly among those with dementia. The study advises caution when prescribing antihypertensives to this vulnerable population.
A new study found that people with cognitively stimulating occupations during midlife had a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia after age 70. The researchers analyzed data from over 300 jobs and found that high occupational cognitive demands were related to lower risks of MCI and dementia.
Researchers found that individuals from certain racial and ethnic groups are less likely to be eligible for Alzheimer's disease clinical trials due to lower amyloid levels at early stages of the disease. Amyloid buildup in the brain varies across different populations, contributing to underrepresentation in clinical trials.
A study published by The BMJ found that antipsychotics for dementia are associated with a wide range of serious adverse outcomes, including stroke, blood clots, heart attack, and pneumonia. Risks are highest soon after starting the drugs, highlighting the need for increased caution in early treatment.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute have identified a gene expression pattern, akin to a disease-related fingerprint, in brain cells with Lewy bodies. This finding sheds light on the molecular changes that occur in these cells, which are key pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease and some dementias.
Researchers aim to understand mechanisms behind high ADRD rates among MENA immigrants, a growing demographic. The study will investigate daily living, stress, genetics, brain health, and cognitive ability, using MRI-based imaging and cognitive assessments.
A recent Mayo Clinic study investigated lucid episodes in people living with later stages of dementia, revealing that 75% were reported to have Alzheimer's Disease. The researchers identified distinct patterns or types of lucid episodes, suggesting they may be related to the level of cognition and circumstances surrounding the episode....
A new hypothesis paper proposes that Parkinson's disease starts in either the brain's smell center or the body's intestinal tract, tied to environmental factors. The study suggests that exposure to pesticides, air pollution, and tainted food may predispose to the disease.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for high-quality dementia care in nursing homes, where residents face social isolation and staff challenges. Experts emphasize person-centered care, resident involvement, and community connections to improve outcomes.
A new study found a link between midlife racial discrimination and increased levels of Alzheimer's disease markers, including phosphorylated tau181 and neurofilament light, in older age. Researchers analyzed data from 255 Black Americans over 17 years, revealing that chronic stress from racism contributed to dementia risk.
A new study found that non-medical cannabis use is significantly associated with a 96% decrease in odds of subjective cognitive decline. However, medical and dual-use were not significant in reducing the risk of SCD. The study highlights the potential protective effects of cannabis on cognition, but more longitudinal research is needed...
A traumatic brain injury quadruples the risk of developing dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. USC scientists used lab-grown human brain structures called organoids to study TBI's effects. They identified a gene, KCNJ2, that helps protect nerve cells against injury.
The study reveals that smartphone-based cognitive assessments can provide reliable and valid results for diagnosing frontotemporal lobar degeneration. These findings suggest a scalable solution for remote evaluations, which may enhance early detection.
Researchers developed a smartphone cognitive testing app that detects early signs of FTD in gene carriers before symptoms appear. The app was found to be comparable to gold-standard methods and may enable greater participation in clinical trials.
Scientists at The Florey have developed an mRNA technology approach to target the toxic protein tau, which builds up in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This new method demonstrates that mRNA can serve purposes other than vaccine development, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.
Researchers investigated genetic and modifiable influences on vulnerable brain regions using brain scans of 40,000 UK Biobank participants. They found that diabetes, air pollution, and alcohol consumption are the most harmful risk factors for dementia.
A new study found that people experiencing homelessness have a higher prevalence of dementia, especially in younger age groups. The researchers suggest that unhoused individuals should be screened for dementia at younger ages due to the complexity of diagnosing the condition in this population.
Researchers have identified PDE4B as a potential target for treating Alzheimer's disease, where reducing its activity shows promise in improving memory and glucose metabolism. The study suggests that this approach may also protect against other forms of dementia, such as Huntington's disease.
Researchers discovered changes to blood vessels in the brain that can increase stroke and dementia risk are common in people with heart conditions. The study confirms heart disease as a main cause of these changes, highlighting the importance of imaging tests to guide safer treatment choices.
A new study found that human brains are getting larger, with participants born in the 1970s having 6.6% greater brain volume and almost 15% larger brain surface area than those born in the 1930s. This increased brain size may lead to a higher brain reserve, potentially reducing the overall risk of age-related dementias.
Rats consuming reheated sesame or sunflower oil showed increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, leading to significant damage in the colon and changes in endotoxins. The study suggests that long-term deep-fried oil consumption may contribute to neurodegeneration and highlight the need for further research on this topic.
A study of 17,000 hospitalized adults found that inappropriate pneumonia diagnoses were common among older adults and those with dementia or altered mental status. Full-course antibiotic treatment for these patients may be detrimental to their health.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in humanin, a mitochondrial microprotein, that may help individuals with the APOE4 allele live longer and preserve cognitive function. The variant was found to reduce amyloid-beta buildup in the brains of mice engineered to express human APOE4.
Researchers found that a high-fat diet suppresses the expression of a key protein in the gut, leading to inflammation and increased risk of Alzheimer's. Managing diabetes may be key to preventing or slowing down dementia symptoms.
A new study published in Aging and Mental Health found that people with dementia can assist their spousal caregivers, providing mutual benefits. The research suggests that reciprocated care can reduce caregiver burden and slow the progression of dementia symptoms, improving overall health outcomes.
Medicare expenditures were higher for Black and Hispanic individuals compared to whites, with average total costs ranging from $136,326 to $165,730. The analysis attributed these differences to greater use of high-cost care during the last year of life.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that people living outside urban areas and those of Native American and Hispanic descent face longer travel distances to see neurologists. This can result in delayed diagnoses, higher costs, and reduced quality of life for dementia patients.
People with dementia experience declines in social well-being as their disease progresses, while caregivers become isolated due to caregiving responsibilities. Experts recommend screening for loneliness and finding ways to keep individuals socially connected to improve quality of life and reduce health outcomes.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led team has developed a fluid biomarker that can detect the early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The biomarker, HDGFL2, is associated with TDP-43 function loss and can be detected in blood or cerebrospinal fluid samples.
The study reveals that neurological conditions are the leading cause of ill health and disability globally, with 3.4 billion people affected in 2021. The analysis shows a significant increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by these conditions over the past three decades.
A healthy diet has been shown to slow the pace of biological aging and reduce the risk of dementia. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, found that adherence to the Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet slowed the pace of aging as measured by an epigenetic clock.
A Duke University-led study suggests that targeting disadvantaged neighborhoods for dementia prevention programs could help lower dementia risk. People living in poorer neighborhoods show early signs of cognitive decline and have measurably poorer brain health as early as age 45, regardless of their own personal income or education.
Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the effects of APC treatment on AD transgenic mice, revealing alterations in glial cells and upregulated genes associated with AD progression. APC treatment downregulates inflammatory processes and recovers nervous system functions.
The Hastings Center's new special report reviews options for supporting better lives of people facing dementia. The report analyzes care inequities and recommends policy changes to reduce financial hardships and social isolation associated with the diagnosis. It also explores emerging topics in health law and healthcare practice.
A study published by the University of Florida suggests a connection between elevated amyloid blood levels and subtle brain microstructural changes in individuals without dementia. Researchers used diffusion MRI to detect free-water in the brain, revealing associations with structural abnormalities even when PET scans were negative.
A study found that people with essential tremor are at a heightened risk of developing dementia, with rates 3 times higher than in the general population. Researchers also found a significant increase in mild cognitive impairment among those with essential tremor.
The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies is open to media registration for its 2024 event. Journalists can access the latest research discoveries in neuroscience fields such as dementia, addiction and depression.