Articles tagged with Dementia
A long-term study found that older homeless people are at a high risk of dying, with a median age of death of 64.6 years old. The study also found that people who first became homeless at age 50 or later were about 60 percent more likely to die than those who had become homeless earlier in life.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that a 20-minute non-invasive treatment regimen can improve both short-term and long-term memory in individuals 65 years and older. The treatment involves electrical brain stimulation delivered through scalp electrodes, and its effects were observed to last at least one month.
Researchers are investigating whether COVID-19 contributes to the development of cognitive decline that may lead to dementia. The study will analyze data from over 500 participants, including those with Parkinson's disease and related disorders, to determine if there is a connection between COVID-19 infection and neurocognitive decline.
New research reveals that tau protein can self-assemble to form an envelope around microtubules, compacting them and affecting how other proteins attach. This novel behavior may play a regulatory role in healthy brain tissue, bringing us closer to understanding its connection to disease.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a new pathway that could help prevent Alzheimer's dementia. Increasing the clearance of waste products in the brain by ramping up a genetic quirk known as readthrough may be effective for other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease.
A recent study has identified the tau protein's involvement in normal learning and memory processes in the healthy brain. The researchers used proximity labelling to map out all proteins that interact with tau and found that it interacts with enzymes controlling vesicles and cell surface receptors for neurotransmitters.
A study led by University College London found that poor heart health at age 36 predicts a higher brain age later in life, with men having older brains than women of the same age. The research used machine learning to estimate brain age from MRI scans and found an association between brain age and increased brain shrinkage over time.
Researchers at UC San Diego have received a $1.3 million grant to study the role of misfolded tau proteins in causing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. The team aims to develop new tools for understanding and treating these diseases, which affect nearly 6 million people worldwide.
A research team has been awarded $10 million to develop a collaborative care model to prevent Alzheimer's disease and other dementias among delirium survivors. The study aims to improve cognitive recovery and quality of life for patients after emergency surgery.
Researchers at HKUMed & CityU discover that transcorneal electrical stimulation can alleviate depression-like symptoms and improve cognitive function in animal models. The technique also induced the expression of genes involved in brain cell growth, offering a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found a link between atrial cardiopathy and dementia in older adults, with those having the condition at a higher risk of developing dementia over time. The study suggests that subtle changes in the left atrium may be an independent risk factor for dementia, even after controlling for other vascular risk factors.
Researchers found a strong association between atrial cardiopathy and dementia in a study of over 15,000 participants. The study revealed that even those without atrial fibrillation or stroke were at higher risk for dementia, highlighting the need to better understand the mechanisms behind this link.
A meta-analysis found that leisure activities overall were linked to a reduced risk of dementia. Mental activities like reading or watching TV had the greatest impact, followed by physical activities such as walking or sports.
A new study from North Carolina State University explores the connection between hearing loss and dementia in geriatric dogs. The study found that as hearing deteriorated, dogs' ability to perform tasks declined significantly. Cognitive scores related to vitality and companionship were also negatively impacted.
Researchers at UNH will develop and test social assistive robots to aid in the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in their own homes. The robots will be equipped with smart home devices, artificial intelligence, and wearables to track patients' activity levels and health management.
A new study found that rural Americans with early-onset Alzheimer's are less likely to be seen by specialists and receive essential tests, which can impact diagnosis, symptom management, and disease progression. This disparity puts rural patients at a disadvantage and overburdens primary care providers.
Researchers found that 41% of schizophrenia patients met the criteria for frontotemporal dementia, a condition characterized by personality changes and behavioral alterations. The study suggests that targeting specific brain regions and neural structures may lead to improved treatment outcomes for this subgroup.
A 60-year study found that building mental resilience through education, socializing, and exercise can reduce dementia risk even among those with low childhood cognition or genetic predisposition. Participants with higher cognitive reserve index and reading ability showed slower cognitive decline.
Research reveals that physical activity has a noticeable effect on almost all brain regions, with higher intensity and duration increasing brain volume and cortical thickness. The hippocampus, a key memory center, benefits most from physical activity, which can help counteract age-related loss of brain matter.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that sustained low wages during working years are associated with significantly faster memory decline in older age. Low-wage earners experienced approximately one excess year of cognitive aging per a 10-year period compared to those who never earned low wages.
Researchers found that microscopic blood vessel disease in the brain's white matter is associated with worse cognitive function and memory deficits in individuals with Alzheimer's. Lifestyle changes such as reducing hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and inactivity may help prevent or slow disease progression.
A new study introduces a novel epigenetic predictor, PCBrainAge, that captures aging heterogeneity across multiple brain regions. The tool demonstrates stronger associations with AD dementia and pathologic AD compared to existing age predictors.
Researchers found a rapid decline in sense of smell predicts cognitive impairment, including dementia and smaller brain areas, in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The study suggests using smell tests as an early screening tool to identify high-risk patients.
Scientists at the Allen Institute are creating a detailed atlas of brain cells in Alzheimer's disease, shedding light on the cellular roots of the condition. The massive dataset from over 1.2 million neurons could lead to new therapies to slow or halt disease progression.
Researchers have created a nanobody that can penetrate tough brain cell coatings and disrupt alpha-synuclein clumps, which contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The nanobody, PFFNB2, shows promise in preventing disease progression in live mouse brains.
A new study published in Neurology found that engaging in household chores, regular exercise, and frequent social visits may lower the risk of dementia. Participants who engaged in these activities had a 35%, 21%, and 15% lower risk of dementia compared to those who were less active.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who eat the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods like soft drinks and sugary snacks may have a higher risk of developing dementia than those who eat the lowest amounts. Replacing ultra-processed foods with unprocessed or minimally processed options can lower this risk.
A new study published in Neurology found that greater mental activities are associated with greater thinking speed reserve for both men and women. However, the study also revealed a significant difference in the effects of physical activity on cognitive reserve between men and women.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego launch nationwide clinical trial to investigate benfotiamine as a metabolic treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease. The trial aims to determine the effectiveness of high doses of benfotiamine in benefiting people with mild AD or mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers analyzed data from wearable activity monitors on nearly 600 participants to identify changes in movement patterns that may predict cognitive decline. The study found significant differences in activity during waking hours and afternoons, with fragmented activity being a key indicator of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheime...
A new study suggests that a unique gene variant supporting cognitive health in older humans may have first emerged to protect against infectious pathogens like gonorrhea. This variant, linked to CD33, allows brain immune cells to break down damaged brain cells and amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
A team of researchers has used advanced techniques to identify immature hippocampal neurons in significant numbers throughout the human lifespan. The findings resolve a long-running controversy over adult neurogenesis and provide insights into brain plasticity, memory, mood, behavior, and brain disorders.
A Colombian woman lived dementia-free for three decades due to a rare genetic mutation, providing valuable insights into the pathology of dementia. Her brain showed distinct patterns of abnormal tau protein aggregation, which may impact treatment and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Research from the University of Georgia suggests that a diet rich in bright-colored fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in lutein and zeaxanthin, can help prevent visual and cognitive loss in women. This is due to the antioxidant properties of these carotenoids, which have been shown to improve central nervous system degener...
A new Baycrest study found that individuals with no dementia risk factors have similar brain health as people who are 10 to 20 years younger. Lifestyle factors such as managing diabetes, addressing hearing loss, and quitting smoking can reduce cognitive decline by up to three years of aging.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are at a higher risk of developing dementia. The study, which analyzed 30 years of Swedish patient registry records, also found that those with liver disease and cardiovascular conditions had an even greater risk.
The study found that engaging in physical activity reduced the decline in global and domain-specific cognitive function over time, particularly in women. The researchers recommend highlighting the benefits of physical activity to promote brain health and encourage patients to participate. Dr. Geda and Dr. Krell-Roesch are joint recipie...
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a low-cost ultrasound imaging method to study the relationship between Alzheimer's disease and the brain's vascular system. The technique, which provides high-resolution images of animal microvasculature, may aid in early detection of the disease.
Research at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified plasma biomarkers Tau-PT217 and Tau-PT181 as predictors of postoperative delirium. High preoperative concentrations of these biomarkers are associated with increased risk, suggesting a potential early warning sign for patients.
A Baycrest study found that expert knowledge helps memorize new information by providing a mental organizational structure. Experts grouped birds based on specific features, while non-experts relied on superficial characteristics like color. This structure supports memory and may mitigate age-related decline.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that older people with hypothyroidism may be at increased risk of developing dementia. Those taking thyroid hormone replacement medication had a three-fold higher risk. The association was strongest in people over 65 with hypothyroidism.
A Flinders University study reveals how a protein called tau transforms into a disease state, providing hope for preventing this process and reducing toxic effects on brain cells. The researchers identified 'master sites' in tau that govern subsequent modifications, leading to a similar state seen in Alzheimer's patients.
The Nutrition for Dementia Prevention Working Group recommends improving clinical nutrition trials by considering biomarkers, genetic testing, and microbiome analysis. The group suggests utilizing a wider variety of study designs and more personalized approaches to guide future research.
Researchers at National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology found that p62 selectively degrades toxic tau species, preventing neurodegenerative disorders. The study demonstrates the pivotal role of p62 in suppressing abnormal protein aggregates using mouse models of dementia.
New research suggests that stalling improvements in cardiovascular diseases since 2010 could lead to significant economic costs. The study finds that reduced cardiovascular disease rates would result in £13 billion NHS healthcare costs, £1.5 billion social care costs, and £32 billion lost QALYs between 2020-2029.
A study found that men exhibiting mild behavioural impairment symptoms are at risk of faster cognitive decline compared to women. Researchers identified key behavioral changes, such as apathy and false beliefs, which may help identify people at higher risk of developing dementia.
A recent study published in Open Heart found that heart failure is discussed less frequently in public discourse than conditions like cancer and dementia, with 'heart failure' mentioned just 0.28 times per million words in UK parliamentary debates between 1945 and early 2021.
The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging launches Brain Health PRO, a digital educational program offering interactive modules to improve physical and mental health. The program aims to reduce dementia risk by focusing on modifiable domains such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
A long-term study has found a connection between abdominal aortic calcification and late-life dementia risk. Researchers discovered that women with medium to high levels of AAC were twice as likely to be hospitalized or die from late-life dementia.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 76,373 participants found a significant association between visual impairment and cognitive decline in older adults. The study highlights the need for further research on the effectiveness of treating sight problems to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.
A new cross-disciplinary paper from Edith Cowan University suggests that tourism can provide real health benefits for those with mental health issues or conditions. Lead researcher Dr. Jun Wen found various aspects of going on holiday, such as social meals and physical activity, could have a positive impact on dementia patients.
Researchers are developing a health scorecard to predict dementia risk using brain scans, genetics, and biomarkers. The study will analyze diverse populations between ages 65-90, providing insights into contributing factors like diabetes or hypertension that can be addressed to modify the risk.
Researchers developed AI models that can accurately diagnose dementia by considering multiple conditions and data sources. The models outperformed experts in a comparative study, offering hope for improved patient care.
Researchers developed a semi-ecological approach combining behavioral assessment and brain imaging to assess disinhibition in frontotemporal degeneration. The study found that compulsivity and social disinhibition are key components of the symptom, which can be distinguished using neuroanatomical correlates.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that individuals with at least two cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, double their risk of developing dementia. The study suggests that prevention of these diseases could be a strategy for reducing dementia risk.
A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that poor sleep among African Americans is associated with lower cognitive function, including attention and executive function. The study suggests that improving sleep health may support prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC suggests that willingness to give away money may be linked to the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. Participants who gave more money scored significantly lower on cognitive tests known to be sensitive to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that healthy choices, such as no smoking, high leisure-time exercise, and adequate sleep, are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, intakes of certain polyphenols, commonly found in tea and other foods, may also play a role in protecting brain health among Black participants.
Researchers developed an evidence-based app to support caregivers in managing complex medication regimens for individuals with dementia. The Helping the Helpers app leverages virtual component and participatory co-design with caregivers to address significant caregiver burden, stress, and potential mistakes.
Researchers found brain changes from LATE may be 40% in older adults and 50% in people with Alzheimer's. The study analyzed over 6,000 brains and included data from international cohorts, providing insight into the prevalence of this form of dementia.