Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
Researchers found a correlation between cortical gray matter thickness and dementia risk, with thinner ribbons indicating higher risk. The study suggests that this biomarker could be used to identify people at high risk of dementia, potentially allowing for early intervention.
A recent study found that controllable risk factors for dementia vary by race and ethnicity. For example, the percentage of cases attributed to these risk factors was higher among Black people (24%) and Native Hawaiians (14%) compared to white people (22%). The most prevalent risk factors also differed across racial and ethnic groups.
The Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR) will continue for five years to investigate behaviors, lifestyle, and brain health in Black adults. Researchers hope to identify risk factors and protective measures to reduce disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis among Black Americans.
A commonly used cognitive screening tool, MoCA, is found to be inaccurately assessing cognitive impairment in ethnically and linguistically diverse older adults. The study's findings underscore the importance of considering cultural factors when evaluating cognitive performance in traditionally underserved communities.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have received an NIH grant to create predictive models for Alzheimer's disease using brain MRIs and clinical data. The goal is to enable earlier detection of the condition, ideally two years before onset of symptoms.
A UC Irvine-led study finds that increased staffing improves outcomes for all patients, but disparities persist between high- and low-dementia facilities. Specialized training and a secure environment are critical to meeting the unique challenges of dementia care.
Scientists at the University of Bath have found that the gene Angiogenin plays an important role in the development of nerve cells. In its mutated form, it causes stem cells to persist in their original state longer than they should, resulting in neurodevelopmental defects.
A major new study has found a significant link between hearing loss and the development of dementia. People with severe hearing loss are at a higher risk, with a 20% increased likelihood of developing dementia compared to those with normal hearing.
A large study of over 573,000 people found that hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of dementia, particularly among those not using hearing aids. The study suggests that hearing aid use may help prevent or delay the onset and progression of dementia.
A study of 8,000 participants found that negative wealth shock was associated with accelerated cognitive decline and elevated risks of dementia among middle-aged and older U.S. adults. The findings suggest a potential link between financial hardship and cognitive aging.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology identified 15 risk factors for young-onset dementia, including genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and health issues. By targeting these modifiable risk factors, it may be possible to reduce the risk of young-onset dementia.
Researchers found that baseline amyloid burden and brain health are stronger predictors of Alzheimer's progression than age alone. The study also showed that individuals with higher amyloid levels developed dementia two years earlier than those without.
A study by McGill University researchers found that people with symptomatic H. pylori infection have an 11% higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest a potential role for the bacterium in the development of the disease, opening avenues for future research and possible prevention strategies.
A pilot pragmatic clinical trial found daily-delivered meals lowered nursing home placement risk among people with self-reported dementia. Although not statistically significant, the feasibility of this intervention warrants further exploration in a larger trial.
A digital training program improved the lives of people with dementia in UK care homes, reducing sedative medication and increasing social interactions. The iWHELD programme delivered personalized care and encouraged meaningful connections, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System discovered that tau proteins damage brain cells by warping their nuclei, altering gene function and increasing tau production. This finding could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.
A new study found that people with Alzheimer's dementia who were treated with lipid-lowering statins showed slower cognitive decline compared to those not treated. The researchers emphasize caution due to the observational nature of the study and initial concerns about statins' effects on patients with dementia.
The study aims to refine and validate a set of remote-testing methods called R-CARE Toolbox to assess older adults with dementia in diverse populations. Participants will undergo comprehensive assessments both in-person and remotely, followed by follow-up assessments at 18 and 36 months.
Zarbio and Georgia State University scientists propose a framework for understanding Alzheimer's disease, linking molecular mechanisms, beta-amyloid biomarkers, and diagnosis. The Amyloid Degradation Toxicity Hypothesis resolves long-standing paradoxes in AD research.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with very irregular sleep patterns may have a higher risk of developing dementia. Researchers analyzed data from over 88,000 participants and found that those with the most irregular sleep were 53% more likely to develop dementia than those with regular sleep.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science found that smoking causes brain shrinkage and increases the risk of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Quitting smoking can prevent further loss of brain tissue, but stopping does not restore the brain to its original size.
A study found that saliva biomarkers sTNFR2 and sIgA can effectively detect pain in people with dementia, providing an alternative to invasive methods. The researchers discovered a decrease in sTNFR2 levels and an increase in sIgA in patients with dementia compared to a control group.
Researchers found that a rare genetic mutation in the APOE gene, known as the Christchurch mutation, may prevent Alzheimer's dementia by severing the link between amyloid and tau accumulation. This discovery offers new hope for preventing the disease.
A protein called TAF15 forms amyloid filaments in brain cells, affecting frontal and temporal lobes. This discovery identifies a potential target for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for frontotemporal dementia.
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found significant improvements in sleep efficiency and psycho-behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Light therapy also alleviated depression and reduced patient agitation and caregiver burden.
Researchers have identified a new protein, TAF15, associated with frontotemporal dementia, a rare and debilitating condition. The discovery provides a potential therapeutic target for diagnostic tests and treatments, offering hope for patients and families affected by the disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that Veterans experiencing housing instability are 53% more likely to receive an Alzheimer's disease or dementia diagnosis. The study included over 44,000 participants and tracked their health outcomes from 2011 to 2019.
A new study by University of Arizona psychologists investigated the possible scenarios leading to waning memory in older people. The researchers found that the hippocampus contributes to the difficulty in learning new environments and locations in some older adults.
Researchers found that misfolded prion proteins can trigger the clumping of TDP-43 in nerve cells, leading to reduced splicing activity and altered protein expression. This study reveals a new mechanism of how disease-associated prion proteins affect physiological signaling pathways through cross-seeding.
A new paper reveals that media coverage of Bruce Willis' condition was inaccurate, with journalists misrepresenting the relationship between aphasia and frontotemporal degeneration. The disease was often described as if it were a separate disorder from aphasia, when in fact aphasia is a symptom of frontotemporal degeneration.
Research found a significant linear relationship between age of coronary heart disease onset and dementia, highlighting the detrimental influence of premature cardiovascular events on brain health. Adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease at a young age may be at increased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascu...
Research reveals that people with high conscientiousness and extraversion traits are less likely to receive a dementia diagnosis, unlike those with neuroticism and negative affect. The study analyzed data from over 44,000 individuals and found no link between personality traits and actual brain pathology.
A study will examine the cognitive function of older adults who were exposed to measles during childhood, shedding light on potential long-term benefits of routine childhood vaccinations. The research aims to better understand how childhood experiences shape health and well-being across the life course.
A new study found that very high levels of HDL-C, known as 'good cholesterol', are associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults. Researchers observed a 27% higher risk of dementia among participants with very high HDL-C levels compared to those with optimal levels.
Researchers have discovered a bidirectional interaction between amyloid-beta protein and sulfatides that may play a key role in the development of Alzheimer
A recent study found that older adults with dementia who are transferred to another hospital are less likely to receive intensive care or medical procedures within the first two days of transfer. This highlights the need for closer patient and family involvement in determining whether transfer provides optimal care.
A two-year study found that participants who received personalized coaching experienced a modest boost in cognitive testing, measuring a 74% improvement over the non-intervention group. Additionally, improvements were noted between the two groups in measurements of risk factors and quality of life.
Researchers at UCSF and Kaiser Permanente Washington found that participants who received personalized coaching experienced a 74% improvement in cognitive testing compared to non-intervention participants. The study also showed improvements in risk factors and quality of life, with modest but significant increases in cognitive function.
A study found that Black patients undergo medical imaging for cognitive impairment years later than white and Hispanic patients, with significantly lower rates of MRI testing. This delay can lead to earlier stages of disease diagnosis and reduced treatment options.
Researchers linked hearing loss to microstructural differences in auditory areas of the temporal lobe and frontal cortex. The study suggests that compensatory brain changes may lead to increased dementia risk, and interventions like subtitles or speech-to-text apps could protect against this.
A recent study of 7,000 older US residents found that food insecurity was associated with a higher risk of dementia, as well as poorer memory function and accelerated memory decline. The researchers suggest that addressing food insecurity may have benefits for brain health.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 can leave a lasting impact on older adults living in nursing homes, causing them to need more help with daily activities and experience a decline in brain function. The study found that those who tested positive for COVID had effects that lasted up to nine months.
Cambridge scientists have grown small blood vessel models in the lab and identified a drug target to prevent vascular dementia and stroke. The study found that disrupting the scaffolding that supports these vessels can cause them to leak, leading to conditions such as SVD.
A UTHealth Houston researcher is leading a large-scale implementation trial to address disparities in palliative care for Parkinson's disease and related dementia patients. The study aims to reduce low-value and unequal care, improve end-of-life care, and promote health equity.
A four-year blood-pressure intervention significantly reduced the risk of developing dementia among adults with high blood pressure, compared to those who received usual care. The study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure to less than 80 mm Hg reduced dementia risk.
Dr. Sabine Krabbe is investigating the function of the brain's emotion center in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which often co-occur with depression and anxiety. Her research aims to find common mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for patients.
Researchers have identified a crucial biological trigger of Huntington's disease, finding that methylation converts an important protein into waste. By targeting this process, they may develop effective therapies for other neurodegenerative diseases.
Earlier onset of atrial fibrillation is associated with an elevated risk of subsequent all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. Monitoring cognitive function among patients with atrial fibrillation, especially those younger than 65 years at diagnosis, is crucial.
Yabing Chen has received two NIH grants totaling over $5 million to investigate vascular diseases and their link to dementia. Her research focuses on Runx2, a master transcription factor involved in both bone formation and calcification of arteries.
A Berlin researcher is investigating biophysical phenomena relevant to brain diseases through a €1.5M European Research Council grant. The goal is to understand the behavior of aberrant protein inclusions in neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study published in Nutrients found that daily strawberry consumption can improve cognitive performance and reduce depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. The research, led by Professor Robert Krikorian, suggests that strawberries contain antioxidants and micronutrients that may help mitigate the risk of dementia.
Researchers found that cognitive decline quickened by 50% in the first year of the pandemic, with factors like loneliness, depression, and decreased exercise contributing to the impact. The study suggests that lockdowns had a lasting effect on brain health in people aged 50+, raising concerns about increased risk of dementia.
A 32-year study of 820 adults found high blood pressure variability in late life increased dementia risk, but had little effect on midlife risk. The results suggest blood pressure variability may be a key indicator of dementia risk in older age.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that a 1% reduction in deep sleep per year for people over 60 increases dementia risk by 27%. The research suggests that maintaining or enhancing deep sleep could stave off dementia.
A new study finds that dementia incidence started to increase in England and Wales after 2008, leading to a projected increase of 40% by 2040. The number of people with dementia may reach 1.7 million, twice the current estimate of one million.
Terminating metformin treatment was associated with higher risk of developing dementia in a large cohort of adults. The study of 41,000 participants found that early metformin cessation was linked to increased dementia incidence compared to continued use.
Researchers found that higher triglyceride levels were associated with a lower risk of developing dementia, with every doubling of levels reducing the risk by 18%. Higher triglycerides also linked to slower cognitive decline over time.
Two new studies suggest that of the 8 million Americans who have MCI, more than 90% don’t know it. Early diagnosis is key to delaying onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that detection of MCI was poorer in those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other health issues.
A new study reveals that living near major roads is associated with a higher incidence of dementia and alterations in brain structure due to air pollution. The research, conducted in China and the UK, analyzed data from 460,901 participants over 12.8 years.
A Cornell University-led study has separated the role of the hippocampus in two functions of memory, which are crucial for associating time, place, and past experiences with future actions. The breakthrough has significant implications for treating memory and learning issues found in Alzheimer's disease and dementia.