Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming more red meat is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Replacing red meat with plant-based protein sources like nuts and legumes may reduce this risk.
A Rutgers University study of over 100,000 older adults found that adults with ADHD are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. The research suggests that ADHD treatment may help mitigate this risk, particularly with psychostimulant medications.
A new method using deep learning can provide as much information from brain images taken with CT as images captured with MRI, enhancing diagnostic support for conditions like dementia and other brain disorders. The software has been trained on 1,117 people and shows promise in diagnosing normal pressure hydrocephalus.
A large cohort study found a significant association between adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the risk of dementia. The study followed 109,000 individuals born between 1933 and 1952 and found that ADHD was associated with an increased risk of dementia.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health finds that adults with Down syndrome are more consistently enrolled in Medicaid and utilize more healthcare services than people without developmental disabilities. However, racial disparities exist, with White individuals having greater access to care.
The study reveals that dementia significantly affects an older adult's long-term care and financial status, with incremental changes being substantial. Family care availability should be considered in assessing the effects of dementia on caregivers' lives.
A new study finds that short and long-term blood pressure fluctuations increase the risk of dementia and vascular problems in older people. Higher systolic BP variations are also linked with stiffening of the arteries, a key factor in heart disease.
People with dementia experience a rapid rise in unpaid and paid home care, and major erosion of net worth. Family members face significant demands, providing an average of 45 hours of care per month.
A new trial combining an Alzheimer's medication with two other drugs may amplify its effects and arrest disease progression. The trial, funded by a $150M grant, will recruit 900 participants with early-onset Alzheimer's.
A clinical trial led by Western Sydney University's NICM Health Research Institute has revealed that Sailuotong, a novel herbal extract, shows promise as a potential treatment for mild cognitive impairment. The study found improvements in memory and executive function in participants taking SLT compared to those on a placebo.
A study using virtual reality led by UCL researchers found people with early Alzheimer's consistently overestimated turns and showed increased variability in sense of direction. These specific impairments were not observed in healthy older participants or those with mild cognitive impairment.
A new study found that people with subjective memory decline who also exhibit minor test deficits are more likely to progress to mild cognitive impairment. Participants who showed no signs of problems on standard tests had a lower risk of developing the condition.
A new study analyzing English primary care records found that hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and low HDL cholesterol confer a higher risk of dementia in South Asian and Black people compared to White individuals. The results suggest tailored dementia prevention efforts should be targeted towards minority ethnic groups.
The UK Biobank study found that racial minority status increased dementia risk by 24%, with socio-economic status attenuating this effect. Lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, physical activity, and sleep were identified as crucial in reducing racial and socio-economic disparities in dementia.
A University of Minnesota Medical School professor is receiving a $4.39 million grant to study atrial myopathy, a heart condition associated with increased risk of dementia and vascular brain injury. The project aims to characterize the progression of atrial myopathy and its relationship to dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers discovered a non-invasive eye exam that can detect early signs of cognitive decline and cerebral small vessel disease, a major contributor to vascular dementia. The study found connections between altered retinal blood flow and changes in brain structure associated with the condition.
A new study has identified two main pathways involved in Alzheimer's disease, with one acting through amyloid and tau proteins and the other based on immune system reactions. The research also found that certain genes have opposite effects in men and women, suggesting a need for further investigation.
Dr. Qihui Zhou aims to investigate the role of immune cells in ALS and FTD with a focus on the C9orf72 gene mutation, potentially leading to better treatments.
A large cohort study found that both high and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are associated with a small increased risk of dementia. The study included over 184,000 participants and followed them for an average of nine years.
A new intervention for caregivers has been shown to reduce elder mistreatment of older adults with chronic illness, including dementia. The Comprehensive Older Adult and Caregiver Help (COACH) program provides personalized support to caregivers, reducing mistreatment rates from 22.5% to 0%.
A new NIH grant will survey healthcare workers caring for people with dementia, gathering data to inform better care and policy. The study aims to understand workforce shortages, payment policies, and regulation, with a focus on direct care workers often overlooked.
A significant breakthrough sheds light on Parkinson's disease mechanisms, revealing that mitochondrial DNA damage triggers the spread of debilitating symptoms. The researchers' findings offer promising potential for innovative treatments and diagnostics.
A study published in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy suggests a possible association between chronic stress and an increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted on 44,447 individuals between 18-65 years old, found that those with chronic stress or depression had a higher risk of d...
A special supplement presents insights on neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, affecting 55 million people worldwide. Researchers explore novel molecular pathways and therapeutic approaches, such as acupuncture therapy, to alleviate the burden of brain disorders.
Researchers have discovered a peptide that stabilizes the normal structure of alpha-synuclein protein, preventing misfolding and toxic clumps. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic developments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers found dementia prevalence among people with ID to be 6.44%, with modifiable risk factors identified as hypertension, depression, stroke, age, severity of ID, duration of education, and traumatic brain injury. These findings can inform better screening and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Researchers propose that cerebrospinal fluid leaks could contribute to the link between traumatic brain injury and dementia. The hypothesis suggests that treating these leaks could mitigate dementia symptoms in some patients with a history of TBI. Further research is needed to confirm this potential association.
A new three-year grant will provide specialized dementia services and supports to underserved communities in Broward County. The project aims to improve quality of life for individuals living with or at risk of Alzheimer's disease, as well as their family caregivers.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.