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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 27, 2023
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
A study of 10,000 Australians found that engaging in frequent adult literacy activities and active mental pursuits was associated with lower dementia risk over 10 years. In contrast, social outings did not show a significant association.
The new Clinical Research Unit will investigate autoantibodies' role in neurological disorders, focusing on diagnosis and treatment. Researchers expect innovative therapies for patients with previously suspected diseases.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has developed an AI algorithm that can accurately count brain lesions on MRI scans in seconds. This tool helps neuroradiologists evaluate patients' brain diseases at earlier stages and identify the most significant lesions associated with stroke and small-vessel disease.
This survey study found that all types of visually impairing eye conditions are associated with increased dementia risk. Prioritizing vision health may be crucial for maintaining cognitive function in older adults.
A recent study published in Neurology found that social isolation is associated with lower brain volume, particularly in areas affected by dementia. The researchers suggest that interventions to improve social connection may help prevent brain atrophy and dementia.
The 'Fastball' test, a non-invasive EEG assessment, shows promise in detecting Alzheimer's disease earlier with a high success rate and minimal user interaction. With the new £1.5m funding, researchers aim to scale up testing and develop the technology for wider NHS rollout.
Research found that older adults with fluctuating cholesterol and triglyceride levels have a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias compared to those with steady levels. The study identified a link between variations in total cholesterol and triglycerides and an increased risk of dementia.
A recent study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found that people who were more physically active had better cognitive function, but this benefit was reduced for those with short sleeps. The research suggests that getting sufficient sleep is essential to reap the full cognitive benefits of physical activity.
Early hallucinations in Parkinson's disease patients are linked to faster cognitive decline. A study published in Nature Mental Health found that those with early hallucinations experience more rapid cognitive decline over the next five years. The researchers hope to develop neurotechnology methods for early detection and treatment.
The expert panel's recommendations aim to improve early detection of mild cognitive impairment in primary care, benefiting patients and caregivers. The work group advocates for the routine use of brief cognitive assessments to identify patients in need of full cognitive examination.
Adults without dementia exhibit age-dependent brain structure volumes and changes, clarifying the aging brain's normal distributions. These findings contribute to understanding age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
A large Danish study found that use of menopausal hormone therapy is associated with an increased rate of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study revealed a significant increase in dementia risk among women who received treatment at the age of 55 years or younger, even for short-term users.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that slower gait speeds in older dogs are linked to increased cognitive decline and dementia. The study measured gait speed on and off leash in senior dogs and found a significant correlation between walking speed and cognitive performance.
Research presented at ACNAP 2023 found that women with atrial fibrillation progress more rapidly to cognitive impairment and dementia compared to men. The study analyzed data from over 43,000 participants and revealed a three-fold increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in women with the condition.
Researchers establish a direct link between Covid-19 and Alzheimer's disease, attributing the connection to RAS overactivation caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. This dysfunction leads to increased b-amyloid protein accumulation, impairing brain cell synaptic connections and cognitive functions.
A study found that social isolation is associated with a decrease in hippocampal volume, poorer cognitive performance, and an increased risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's dementia. Conversely, maintaining a healthy social network can help preserve brain structure and function.
A new study published in Sleep Health found that habitual daytime napping is associated with a larger total brain volume, a marker of good brain health linked to lower risk of dementia and other diseases. The research team used Mendelian randomisation to establish a causal link between napping and brain health.
Researchers found a significant correlation between vitreous humor biomarkers and pathologically confirmed cases of Alzheimer's disease and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Biomarkers in the vitreous humor may serve as a proxy for neuropathological disease, offering potential early diagnosis and prognostication.
Researchers suggest that multifactorial prediction models could enhance dementia risk estimation. Current dementia risk scores are found to have limited clinical utility for estimating 10-year dementia risk.
An Australian interview study suggests that advance research directives (ARD) can facilitate informed consent for people with dementia. The study also highlights the importance of family members as proxy decision-makers. In another article, a competency framework is proposed to improve health research ethics education.
Researchers found that reduced brain wave strength is linked to cognitive dysfunction in PD patients, suggesting EEG as a diagnostic tool. The study aims to improve diagnosis and develop targeted therapies for cognitive symptoms.
Researchers from UTEP School of Pharmacy are exploring a new treatment for vascular dementia using the NIH grant to study the biological triggers behind the condition and test the effectiveness of candidate drug ZT-1a. The treatment aims to prevent cognitive impairments in dementia patients.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that a 5-year increase in muscle fat stored in the thigh muscle is associated with faster cognitive decline. The research suggests that muscle adiposity plays a unique role in cognitive decline, distinct from other types of fat or muscle characteristics.
A UC Irvine-led study found that nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias receive better care when they make up the majority of the population. However, most facilities accommodate a diverse range of residents, highlighting the need for enhanced staff training.
Defective myelin promotes disease-related changes in Alzheimer's by accelerating amyloid plaque deposition and overwhelming immune cells. Slowing down age-related myelin damage could lead to new therapies and prevent or slow down the disease.
Researchers found that women with higher-quality cardiovascular fat during midlife had stronger long-term memory and lower inflammation, while those with lower-quality fat had worsening working memory. The study suggests that taking care of heart health during menopause may protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.
Researchers identified mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs targeted by stress granule proteins, which accumulate AD-associated gene transcripts in these structures. SGs may play a key role in regulating AD development through the impairment of protein neurohomeostasis.
A new study in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease examines the effects of environmental enrichment on AD symptom progression and pathology. The researchers found that living in an enriched environment improved several measures of metabolism and reduced individual behaviors, which became more similar and rigid as the disease progressed.
A recent study of 30,465 adults without a history of heart attack or dementia found that those who experienced an MI had a faster rate of decline in global cognition, memory, and executive function compared to those without an MI. The study suggests that preventing heart attacks may be crucial for maintaining long-term brain health.
A study by Japanese researchers identifies the involvement of angiotensin II-AT1 and prostaglandin E2-EP1 systems in high-salt-induced hypertension and emotional/cognitive impairment, offering potential therapeutic targets for dementia prevention.
Researchers found that isosorbide mononitrate and cilostazol can safely improve debilitating outcomes after lacunar stroke. The two drugs were even more effective when used in combination, with participants showing significant improvements in thinking and memory skills, as well as quality of life.
A recent study published in Diabetologia found an association between prediabetes and developing dementia in later life. The risk of dementia increases the earlier a person develops type 2 diabetes. Preventing progression from prediabetic state to diabetes diagnosis will lead to a substantial reduction in future dementia cases.