Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
A new screening tool developed by Cleveland Clinic researchers can effectively detect mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer's disease, and other related dementias in older adults. The tool has been shown to identify 90% of patients with mild cognitive impairment, offering a potential solution for early detection and prevention.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield's Institute of Translational Neuroscience have discovered a novel way to block the transportation of mutant RNA and toxic repeat proteins that lead to the death of nerve cells in most common forms of motor neurone disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Using a peptide, they found tha...
A study by Nagoya University researchers identified three intestinal bacteria - Collinsella, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium - linked to dementia with Lewy bodies. These findings may help diagnose and treat the neurodegenerative disease, with potential therapeutic interventions targeting specific bacteria.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found a strong association between lifetime experiences of discrimination and the incidence of dementia. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,500 participants and discovered that individuals who reported experiencing more than two domains of discrimination had a greater risk o...
A new study found that adhering to seven cardiovascular and brain health factors, known as Life's Simple 7, can decrease dementia risk. Participants who scored higher on these factors had a lower risk of dementia, with each point increase resulting in a 6% decreased risk.
A study of 135,000 adults found that high cardiovascular health was associated with significantly increased life expectancy free of four major chronic diseases. The disease-free life expectancy was similar between low and other socioeconomic groups among participants with high cardiovascular health.
A study found that RNA methylation plays a pivotal role in TDP-43-related neurodegeneration in ALS. The researchers observed highly abundant RNA methylation in the end-stage tissues of patients with ALS. This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the disease, which is linked to environmental exposure.
A preliminary study by the American Academy of Neurology found that Black people with dementia are receiving dementia-related medications less often than white people. The study revealed significant disparities in access to treatments, with Black patients receiving fewer prescription types compared to their white counterparts.
Researchers found that gene therapy approach and small molecule treatment can calm the destructive cells of ALS by preserving upper motor neurons. Improving mitochondrial health also reduces astrocyte attack on diseased neurons, offering new hope for treating ALS.
A new study has identified a biomarker, placental growth factor (PlGF), which is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia due to vascular brain injury. Higher levels of PlGF in the bloodstream are linked to increased risk of cognitive decline and cerebral small vessel disease.
A novel ensemble learning model has achieved an accuracy of 96 percent in predicting mild cognitive impairment and dementia in older drivers. The two most influential driving variables are the right to left turn ratio and the number of hard braking events.
Researchers found 21 Alzheimer's disease-related genes associated with obesity, including those linked to neuro-inflammation and amyloid-beta protein deposition. Obesity in midlife and women is more closely linked to dementia risk than late life or men.
A study published in Neurology found that people who regularly use laxatives may have a 51% increased risk of developing dementia. Researchers also discovered that individuals using only osmotic laxatives had an even greater risk, with a 64% increase compared to those not using laxatives.
The ENIGMA Initiative aims to bridge knowledge gaps on brain aging factors in developing countries, particularly in India. The study will collect comprehensive data on risk and protective factors through clinical interviews, bloodwork, and brain MRI to identify universal and population-specific predictors of dementia.
Researchers found a significant link between chronic pain and dementia, with multisite chronic pain increasing the risk of neurocognitive abnormality by up to eight years.
Researchers at UTHSC are working on a project to find the first therapeutic intervention to prevent frontotemporal dementia or slow its progression in a mouse model linked with the condition. They aim to use DNAzymes to target pathological tau aggregates, which cause cognitive impairment and progressive neuropathological symptoms.
Experts warn that scrapping England's long term plan for cancer will lead to wide variations in access to effective treatments and quality of care. The current proposal jettisons decades of global consensus on the need for dedicated cancer plans.
A new study found that people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who took pioglitazone were less likely to develop dementia, with reduced risks of 16% and 54% among those with a history of ischemic heart disease or stroke. The benefit increased with longer drug use periods.
A large international study suggests that social and economic disadvantage may explain the higher risk of dementia in women. Women, particularly in low- to lower-middle income countries, have a higher likelihood of developing dementia due to factors such as limited education and occupational opportunities.
A study found that lower state-average educational quality was more common among Black individuals, associated with a higher dementia risk. Differential investment in high-quality education due to structural racism may contribute to these disparities.
A study of over 350 patients with small vessel stroke found that the medications were well-tolerated and safe, suggesting potential benefits in improving patient outcomes. The results indicate that cilostazol and isosorbide mononitrate may help reduce recurrent stroke, cognitive impairment, and improve quality of life.
A study conducted in Colombia found that online storytelling improved cognitive functions and boosted motivation among people with dementia. The program, adapted from the 'TimeSlips' method, increased appreciation for resilient capacities, leading to greater participation and agency.
The Alzheimer's Association redefines clinical meaningfulness, finding modest yet significant benefits from approved treatments that expand over time. Combination therapies are expected to provide more substantial benefits moving forward.
A research project from Edith Cowan University highlights the impact of excluding people with chronic diseases on tourism and proposes strategies for accessible travel. The industry can accommodate vulnerable travelers by implementing initiatives such as caregiver support, education, and technological advancements.
The work group reframed what is clinically meaningful to slow Alzheimer's disease progression, including the need for combination therapies and realistic expectations of benefits and risks. Slowing brain deterioration by four to six months in early stages may preserve function, leading to meaningful outcomes for patients and families.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found a correlation between traffic noise and the risk of developing tinnitus. The study, which analyzed data from 3.5 million Danes, suggests that exposure to high levels of traffic noise increases the risk of tinnitus by up to six percent.
People living with dementia are more likely to have cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage and receive less treatment, negatively affecting survival. Review authors provide pragmatic recommendations for clinicians treating cancer in patients with dementia.
A new study suggests that intensive blood pressure treatment may slow the accumulation of toxins in the brain's perivascular spaces, a dynamic area involved in brain clearance. This finding is significant for understanding the relationship between high blood pressure and cognitive decline.
Researchers discovered a strong association between loneliness, lack of social support, and various dementia risk factors. The study found that modifiable lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and smoking habits, can impact social isolation and ADRD risk.
A new study found that sleep medications increase the risk of dementia in white adults. However, the relationship between sleep medications and dementia risk varies by medication type and socio-economic status. The study suggests that patients with poor sleep should consider alternative solutions before taking medications.
An international task force led by UNIGE and HUG has developed a preventive protocol to address the growing number of people affected by Alzheimer's disease. The guidelines focus on four pillars: risk assessment, risk communication, risk reduction, and cognitive enhancement.
A study found that unintentional weight loss in people with Down syndrome coincides with brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, indicating it could be an early predictor. The researchers suggest that weight loss may be a useful tool for making an earlier diagnosis.
Research found that experiencing three or more concussions is linked with worsened brain function in later life. Participants who reported multiple concussions showed significant cognitive decline, particularly in attention and complex task completion.
A new study found that online forums provide a sense of community and hope for people with dementia, filling an important gap in their support after diagnosis. The forums allow users to share experiences and receive emotional support from others going through similar experiences, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation.
A recent large study suggests that being divorced or single increases the risk of dementia. However, researchers found a surprising result: having children reduced the risk of dementia by 60% among unmarried people.
A new study led by the University of California San Diego found that daily walking and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity significantly reduced the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia in senior women. With each additional 1,865 steps per day, the risk was lowered by 33%, while moderate-to-vigorous physical acti...
A Japanese study found that mandatory cognitive screening tests for older drivers led to a significant decrease in motor vehicle collisions. However, the policy also resulted in an increase in road injuries for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly among younger age subgroups.
A decade-long study found that a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and cognitive activity, slows memory decline in older adults. Participants with the APOE gene, associated with Alzheimer's disease, also experienced slower memory loss.
Researchers found that patients diagnosed with behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia may have a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which can be treated. The study discovered CSF-venous fistulas in nine patients, who had their symptoms reversed after surgical closure.
Researchers found that orienteering can improve spatial navigation and memory in healthy adults, suggesting it could be a useful intervention to prevent cognitive decline. The sport's unique combination of physical exercise and navigational skills may stimulate parts of the brain that are no longer needed due to modern conveniences.
Researchers found that mice exposed to WTCPM dust exhibit impaired spatial recognition and memory, as well as changes in genes related to immune-inflammatory responses. The study suggests a peripheral-brain immune inflammatory 'cross-talking' mechanism that may increase cognitive decline risk.
Researchers have developed a novel blood-based biomarker, brain-derived tau (BD-tau), that specifically measures non-phosphorylated tau originating from the brain. This breakthrough addresses an unmet need for a blood test that tracks neurodegenerative changes in Alzheimer's disease but not in other dementias.
Researchers developed HippoCamera, a new smartphone app that significantly improves memory recall by boosting attention to daily events. Users record videos and audio descriptions of everyday experiences, which are then replayed to reinforce memory consolidation.
A new study reveals that falls are nearly 50% among older Americans with dementia, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental and health-related risk factors. Key findings highlight the need for tailored screening and prevention interventions specifically designed for this high-risk population.
Researchers found that socially isolated older adults are at higher risk of developing dementia, with technology use shown to lower this risk. The studies suggest that relatively simple efforts to increase social support, such as texting and email use, may reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.
A new twin study by Karolinska Institutet suggests that the same genes may be behind both cardiometabolic diseases and dementia. The study found that individuals with multiple cardiometabolic conditions had a significantly increased risk of developing dementia.
Research published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates social isolation is common among older U.S. adults and increases their likelihood of developing dementia. Nearly one-quarter of participants were socially isolated, and being isolated was associated with a 28% higher risk of dementia over 9 years.
A new study found that older adults with moderate to severe hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia, but those using hearing aids have a lower risk. The study highlights the potential link between hearing loss and dementia, emphasizing the importance of improving hearing care access.
Researchers have discovered a possible cause of neurodegeneration in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease using fruit flies. The study found that an overabundance of the TOMM40 gene causes marked cell death in the retina, which corresponds to the level of protein produced by the gene.
A recent study found that middle-aged individuals with more psychological symptoms are at a higher risk of developing dementia later in life. The study, which included data from over 68,000 Finns, suggests that symptoms of depression, exhaustion, and nervousness can increase the risk of dementia even as early as age 45.
A new USC study found that the buildup of amyloid beta protein in the brain is not directly linked to Alzheimer's disease, but rather a general change associated with aging. Researchers discovered higher levels of soluble Aβ protein in healthy brains, while insoluble fibrillary amyloid was more closely tied to poor brain health.
A new AI model developed at USC accurately captures cognitive decline linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's much earlier than previous methods. The model analyzes MRI brain scans and detects subtle brain anatomy markers that correlate with cognitive decline, offering an unprecedented glimpse into human cognition.
Researchers examined associations between APOE ε2 and ε4 alleles, polygenic profiles, and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers. They found links between ε4 alleles with plasma and CSF Aβ42 and CSF tau, as well as differences in associations with tau and Aβ42.
MIT scientists use single-cell profiling to analyze the cellular function of brain cells affected by Alzheimer's disease, identifying five main areas of disruption. The study reveals specific molecular programs and gene regulation changes that could lead to valuable biomarkers and therapeutic interventions.
A 16-year longitudinal study found associations between DNA methylation-based measures and neuropsychologically-validated cognitive decline in midlife. The results suggest that these measures may serve as biomarkers for a molecular aging mechanism, potentially identifying individuals at risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can cause a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain and inflammation to brain tissue. The research identified Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) as a potential therapeutic target for protecting against NAFLD-induced brain dysfunction.
Researchers at Drexel University used GPT-3 to spot early signs of Alzheimer's in spontaneous speech, achieving 80% accuracy. The program analyzed word-use, sentence structure and meaning from transcripts to identify characteristic profiles of Alzheimer's speech.
Researchers identified six genes associated with dementia risk in people of African ancestry, differing from those found in European populations. The study highlights the need for increased representation of non-European ancestry groups in genetic research to address health disparities.
A digital detection of dementia study aims to evaluate the practical use of an AI tool for early identification of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study uses a passive digital marker and patient-reported outcomes survey, which have shown potential in detecting mild cognitive impairment and reducing healthcare costs.
A new study from Ohio State University found that middle-aged smokers are more likely to report memory loss and confusion compared to nonsmokers. Quitting smoking is associated with lower cognitive decline risk, even recently, suggesting quitting may have benefits for brain health.