Articles tagged with Dementia
A UCSF telecare program improves outcomes for patients with dementia and lightens the load on caregivers. The average monthly Medicare cost per patient was $526 lower for those in the Care Ecosystem compared to usual care.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that working in a medium or high occupational physical activity job increases the risk of cognitive impairment. Researchers assessed 7005 participants and found those with physically demanding work had a higher risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
A new study published in JAMA found that adults over 60 who spend more than 10 hours a day engaging in sedentary behaviors like sitting are at increased risk of developing dementia. The study used wearable accelerometers to track physical activity and found that the total time spent sedentary each day was a significant predictor of dem...
A meta-analysis of 34,000 older adults found that antihypertensive treatment decreased dementia risk compared to untreated hypertension. Individuals with treated hypertension had no increased risk of dementia.
A large study found that more time spent in sedentary behaviors was significantly associated with a higher incidence of all-cause dementia among older adults. The study, which included 49,000 adults aged 60 or older, suggests a potential causal link between sedentary behavior and dementia risk.
Researchers highlight microvascular contributions to white matter injury in Alzheimer's disease, sparking calls for exploration of connections between AD, WM injury and cerebral small vessel disease. The study emphasizes the critical need to define mechanisms and diagnostic features of mixed vascular and AD neuropathological change.
This exploratory study reveals racial differences in clinical presentation among individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The findings suggest that racially minoritized individuals may experience more severe dementia severity, functional impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
A large-scale study of the UK Biobank data found that shorter white blood cell telomeres are associated with a higher risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Telomere length was also linked to smaller total brain volume and reduced brain structure.
The Stevens INI is expanding its health disparities research with a new award to examine vascular causes of dementia in Asian Americans. The project aims to use innovative imaging techniques and clinical translations to better understand cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and its impact on cognitive impairment and dementia.
Researchers at Flinders University used eye-tracking technology to improve online assessments for older people with dementia, allowing them to self-report quality of life and care. The study found that this approach can provide accurate data for policy makers and practitioners.
Research finds antipsychotics used inappropriately among home-bound patients with Alzheimer's disease, leading to poorer patient outcomes. Commonly used antipsychotic quetiapine is often prescribed based on behavioral symptoms and limited daily activities.
A meta-analysis found that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) reduced dementia risk in Asian atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients compared to traditional blood thinners like warfarin. The benefit may reverse with increased age, necessitating further study.
Researchers found that ferroptosis, a form of cell death caused by iron buildup, destroys microglia cells in the brain's immune response, contributing to cognitive decline. The study's findings may lead to the development of compounds targeting microglial degeneration, offering new hope for Alzheimer's and vascular dementia treatments.
A groundbreaking review paper reveals the importance of GABA tone, the amount of GABA that regulates continuous signaling in the brain. The study identifies key mechanisms and functions, including astrocytes' role in regulating GABA tone and its impact on cognitive processes.
A review article confirms neurofilament light (NfL) blood levels can predict the severity and rate of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. High NfL levels are correlated with brain damage, cognitive decline, and increased risk of developing the disease.
A team of researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine has been awarded a $16.2 million grant to study inequities in healthcare for adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a focus on racialized and marginalized populations. The five-year renewal grant will explore how intersecting identities affect treatment...
A new study will examine the role of lifestyle physical activity in cognition among insufficiently active older adults with higher risks for Alzheimer’s or related dementias. The research aims to identify achievable lifestyle health behaviors that can reduce the risk of these conditions.
Atrial fibrillation patients in the UK are now 50% less likely to die from heart attacks and strokes than at the start of the millennium. The study revealed significant health inequalities, with socioeconomically deprived patients facing a higher risk of mortality.
Researchers found that participants taking adult education classes had a 19% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. This association held true for both Caucasian and non-Caucasian individuals, as well as those with pre-existing health conditions.
Researchers from FAU will examine the effects of smoke-related air pollution on social isolation, cognitive function and risk of Alzheimer's disease in rural residents along Lake Okeechobee. The five-year study aims to promote early awareness of the disease and earlier modification of associated risk factors.
A large study found catheter ablation reduces dementia risk by 48% and death from any cause in patients with atrial fibrillation, regardless of age, sex, or health conditions. The procedure is an important consideration for treatment options.
Researchers found that C9ORF72 mutations impair neural stem cell renewal, leading to reduced brain regions during embryonic development. This impairment could contribute to disease symptoms later in life. The study used patient-derived nerve cells and laboratory mice to demonstrate the impact of C9ORF72 on neurodevelopment.
Researchers highlight concerns among healthcare providers about patients with cognitive decline living alone, who are vulnerable to missing medical appointments and failing to respond to follow-up phone calls. The study emphasizes the need for improved support systems to prevent untreated medical conditions, self-neglect, and falls.
The FDA approved brexpiprazole, an antipsychotic drug, for treating agitation in elderly patients with dementia, despite trials showing it failed to provide a clinically meaningful benefit and increased the risk of death. The decision may reverse efforts to reduce off-label use of antipsychotics in care homes.
A new study finds that severe behavioral symptoms in older adults are associated with a higher likelihood of divorce, while those with more advanced dementia are less likely to end their marriages. The research analyzed data from 263 married couples and found a positive correlation between neuropsychiatric symptoms and divorce risk.
Researchers found that participants with MCI performed significantly worse on a test of four types of decision-making abilities compared to those without. The study's findings have broad implications for choices about finances, health care, and other daily decisions.
A new study, funded by George Mason University, explores the effects of group digital gaming on cognitive function, mood, and behaviors in people with early to moderate levels of dementia. The research aims to learn if this innovative technology can enhance cognitive stimulation and overall well-being.
A nationally representative study found that higher residential levels of fine particulate matter were associated with greater rates of incident dementia. The findings suggest that intervening on key emission sources could have value in reducing dementia risk, although further research is needed.
A new study shows that a rule-based natural language processing tool successfully identified patients with unstable access to transportation, food insecurity, social isolation, financial problems, and signs of abuse or exploitation. The tool performed better than deep learning algorithms in identifying these social determinants of health.
Researchers found that social determinants of health significantly impact healthy ageing across countries. Machine learning models were used to analyze complex interplay of factors associated with ageing. The study highlights the need for region-specific data-driven health strategies in Ireland.
A new imaging technique, tau PET, has been shown to predict cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients with greater accuracy than current methods. This breakthrough could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes.
A recent study published in Neurology found an association between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and a higher risk of dementia. Researchers followed 5,712 participants for a median duration of 5.5 years and discovered that those who took the drugs for more than 4.4 years had a 33% higher risk of developing dementia.
Research reveals that high blood pressure disrupts artery cell messaging, causing arteries to remain constricted and limiting blood flow to the brain. The study provides a potential route for developing first-ever drug treatments for vascular dementia.
A large long-term study found exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with increased community mental health services use among people with dementia. Reducing nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter could help free up resources in overstretched psychiatric services.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found a significant association between anxiety and an increased risk of dementia diagnosis in seniors. Benzodiazepine exposure was also associated with a 28% higher risk of dementia, but only when prescribed to patients without an anxiety disorder.
The CMS Innovation Center has launched a new dementia care and payment model that provides comprehensive support for patients with dementia and their unpaid caregivers. The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience model aims to improve quality of life, reduce caregiver strain, and delay nursing home placement.
Researchers at Florida State University have identified a low-cost method to predict dementia risk by analyzing data from nearly 13,000 subjects. Interviewer ratings of a person's memory performance were found to be strongly associated with the likelihood of developing dementia over a 15-year period.
A study published in Neurology found that Black people are underrepresented in specialty memory care clinics and more likely to have advanced dementia upon initial evaluation. The disparity is linked to neighborhood disadvantage, with patients from less affluent neighborhoods having fewer opportunities for healthcare access.
A new study from WashU Medicine reveals that patients from underrepresented groups and lower socioeconomic neighborhoods are less likely to receive specialized dementia care. Black patients are also more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage dementia, exacerbating healthcare disparities.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that vision problems are more common in older adults with dementia. The study of nearly 3,000 older adults showed that even mild vision issues were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
The study reveals altered magnitudes and coherence between oscillations in brain vasculature and brain waves in older adults. This finding has significant implications for the assessment of Alzheimer's disease and monitoring of neurodegenerative disorders.
A study published in Annals of Neurology suggests that a protein in spinal fluid can predict mild cognitive impairment and dementia years before symptoms appear. The findings may offer new targets for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
A new phase II clinical trial will investigate the effectiveness of an accelerated course of transcranial magnetic stimulation in improving symptoms for patients with mild cognitive impairment and depression. The study aims to identify the optimal dose of stimulation needed to improve both depression and thinking difficulties in MCI, w...
A Cochrane review reveals that organizational interventions can reduce the use of physical restraints in care home residents by 14%, without increasing falls or fall-related injuries. Supportive managers play a crucial role in implementing these interventions, which improve knowledge, skills, and strategies among frontline staff.
A large Danish study indicates a persistent link between depression in early and middle life and increased risk of dementia. Depression diagnosed during these periods more than doubles the likelihood of developing dementia.
A program integrated community health workers into patient outreach to improve health, doubling annual visits to older adults with type 2 diabetes and dementia. The program resulted in a 17% reduction in hospital admissions and an 11% decline in emergency room visits among homebound patients.
A new study finds that people with dementia account for nearly 7% of all emergency visits over age 65, with twice the rate of seeking care after accidents or behavioral crises. Better supporting dementia caregivers could prevent future emergency visits and reduce risks associated with antipsychotic medications.
A new study suggests that incorporating olive oil into your diet could help reduce the risk of dying from dementia. Regular olive oil consumption was found to be associated with a 28% lower risk of fatal dementia compared to those who never or rarely consumed olive oil.
A Michigan Medicine study in Texas found that 61.4% of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, but one-third of caregivers have concerns about their care recipient's ability to drive safely. Researchers emphasize the need for open discussions between caregivers and healthcare professionals to ensure safety.
A three-month mild exercise program improved executive function in middle-aged and older adults by increasing neural efficiency in the prefrontal cortex. The benefits were particularly pronounced in the older adult group, suggesting a positive impact on cognitive function and brain function with minimal physical exertion.
Researchers found that a combination of exercise and cognitive training significantly improved cognition in adults with mild cognitive impairment. Vitamin D supplementation had no impact on cognitive function.
A study of 1.6 million patients reveals that residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods increases the risk of dementia among older veterans integrated into a national healthcare system. The results suggest that socioeconomic factors contribute to cognitive decline and increase the risk of developing dementia.
A new study published in Aging (Albany NY) suggests that prior training can rescue cognitive decline in aging by improving task performance and strengthening memory processes. The research, conducted on rats, found that prior training enhanced short-term and intermediate memory, while also enabling encoding-boosted long-term memory.
Researchers found that high levels of vitamin B-related amino acids, such as homocysteine and low methionine levels, increased the risk of dementia associated with particulate matter exposure. The study suggests a possible link among air pollution, amino acids, and dementia.
A study of 500,000 people in the UK Biobank found small but significant associations between systemic inflammation and later dementia risk. Elevated inflammatory biomarker levels were associated with increased risk of dementia diagnosis and poorer cognitive performance.
A new poll of people aged 65-80 found that 80% believe cognitive tests can give early warning signs of memory decline and 60% think healthcare providers should offer them annually. Despite this, only 1 in 5 have had a cognitive screening test in the past year.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a spinal fluid test to detect Lewy body disease before symptoms emerge. The study found that nearly ten percent of individuals without initial cognitive or motor difficulties had Lewy bodies in their brains, highlighting the potential for early detection and treatment.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased mortality rates among people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Notably, excess deaths in nursing home/long-term care settings declined in pandemic year 2.
The latest Alzheimer's drug, donanemab, has shown encouraging results in slowing cognitive decline by 35% compared to placebo in patients with low-to-intermediate levels of tau. However, its effectiveness is limited for those with more advanced disease, and risks include serious side effects such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities.
A new study found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced dementia-related deaths in long-term care and nursing homes, with a 77% decrease in the second year. However, deaths among those living at home did not decline as much, with only a 16% reduction.