Articles tagged with Dementia
A new study from the University of Chicago suggests that smoking may be linked to dementia through a previously unmapped route between the lungs and brain, involving pulmonary neuroendocrine cells and exosomes that disrupt iron balance in neurons.
A meta-analysis of millions of community-dwelling adults found that regular physical activity, less sedentary time, and appropriate nightly sleep (7-8 hours) were associated with a lower subsequent risk of dementia. Conversely, too little or too much sleep was linked to an increased risk, highlighting the importance of optimal sleep du...
The Dementia Trials Accelerator is revolutionizing dementia research by streamlining the recruitment process for clinical trials. With over 10,000 participants expected to be recruited by 2027, this initiative aims to accelerate diagnosis and treatment development for those affected by dementia.
Gladstone Institutes investigator Ryan Corces receives $750,000 to investigate unknown genetic variants contributing to Alzheimer's disease. He aims to identify new drivers and therapeutic targets using artificial intelligence and CRISPR tools.
A study by Concordia University found that individuals with hearing loss exhibit worse dual-task performance, including slower walking and less stable gait. Exercise and cognitive training can improve these outcomes, but the effects vary by sex and severity of hearing loss.
Scientists have found that the APOE4 gene variant causes hyperactivity in two regions of the hippocampus, an important memory center of the brain, even before middle age. In mice with the APOE4 gene, reducing Nell2 levels reverses neuronal changes and improves cognitive function.
A new study found that older people who forego necessary dental procedures due to financial barriers may experience heart failure, a heart attack, a stroke, or dementia. The researchers suggest that alleviating upstream factors such as financial constraints could prevent chronic disease.
The NIH grant will support the creation of a comprehensive long-term dataset on Hispanic and Latino brain aging, examining the factors that matter most for healthy cognitive aging. The study aims to understand how Alzheimer's disease, vascular injury, and other brain changes develop over time in Latino adults.
The NIH has renewed support for the USC-led AI4AD initiative, expanding its efforts to better classify Alzheimer's and related diseases, predict progression, and identify new treatment targets. The $12.6 million award will develop AI tools to uncover biological causes of Alzheimer's and improve disease diagnosis.
Researchers found that a novel compound can clear harmful protein from human neurons modeling frontotemporal dementia, preventing neuron death. Enhancing autophagy with the compound showed promise as a treatment strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers discovered subtle changes in the blood can reveal early signs of cognitive decline caused by chemicals produced by gut bacteria. A blood test may one day transform how we detect dementia, potentially identifying people at risk years before symptoms appear.
Research found that people who spend a higher proportion of their total physical activity doing vigorous activity have substantially lower risks of all eight serious health conditions. The benefits of vigorous activity remained even when the amount of time was modest.
Adults who engaged in extended durations of mentally passive sedentary behaviors had a higher risk of dementia. Replacing passive with mentally active sedentary behaviors was shown to reduce the risk of dementia onset in later life.
A new book by Swansea University researchers argues that attention impairments, rather than memory dysfunction, are a key aspect of dementia. The authors suggest that recognizing these changes could lead to earlier identification, improved diagnosis, and better care for those affected.
The Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study, led by USF researchers, aims to delay the onset of dementia through computerized brain training exercises. With over $50 million in federal grant funding, the trial has enrolled 7,600 older adults and is expected to conclude in January 2028.
A Finnish registry study found that severe infections, such as cystitis and bacterial disease, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The study examined nationwide health registry data and identified 29 diseases linked to dementia risk, including mental disorders, Parkinson's disease, and alcohol-related mental disorders.
A study of 10,978 participants found that cooking at home at least once a week is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Novice cooks with few culinary skills saw a 70% reduction in risk, while skilled cooks still benefited from regular meal prep
A multicenter randomized clinical trial found no significant differences in cognitive improvement between exercise, intensive pharmacological reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, or both in older adults. The study results challenge current recommendations on lifestyle modifications for dementia prevention.
A comprehensive protein atlas has been developed to understand the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases. By analyzing protein levels, modifications, and interactions across six major diseases, researchers identified alterations unique to and shared between diseases, as well as distinct subtypes within individual diseases.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that older people with a genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease who consume relatively large amounts of meat have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The study also shows that the type of meat is important, with a lower proportion of processed meat associated with a lower risk of de...
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that analyzing fine-scale patterns in brain waves during sleep can provide insights into brain health. The research suggests that sudden large spikes on EEG, known as kurtosis, are associated with a lower risk of dementia.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that high meat consumption is associated with better cognitive trajectories and lower dementia risk among individuals with the APOE 34/44 genotype. The finding contradicts previous expectations, highlighting potential clinical and public health relevance for this population.
Researchers found that measures of blood vessel health from routine blood pressure readings can identify adults at increased risk for dementia. Vascular aging patterns may provide meaningful insight into future dementia risk, and managing vascular health earlier in life may influence long-term brain health.
Researchers found that early adult drinking combined with stress leads to cognitive decline in middle age, with brains damaged beyond recovery. Heavy drinking rewires the brain's circuitry, impairing decision-making and increasing risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that patients with both conditions exhibited different neuropsychiatric symptoms, which could inform diagnosis and treatment plans. The study's findings may help clinicians better understand the complex disease course of patients with multiple disorders, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
A genetic mutation found in high-altitude animals may help regenerate myelin sheath and repair nerve damage in conditions like MS and cerebral paralysis. The mutation increases production of a metabolite that promotes myelin production and maturation.
Researchers at DZNE identified five particularly affected cell types in the motor cortex, which are equally susceptible to ALS and FTD. The study used molecular fingerprinting to analyze human tissue samples and found that excitatory cells are primarily affected by the disease.
Researchers at USC identified differences in early Alzheimer's disease-related brain changes across racial and ethnic groups, with Black and Hispanic participants showing higher levels of tau in key memory-related regions. The study highlights the need for more inclusive approaches to studying and diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.
A novel blood-based biomarker, p-tau217, can predict a woman's risk of developing dementia up to 25 years before symptoms appear. Higher levels of p-tau217 were strongly associated with future mild cognitive impairment and dementia among older, cognitively healthy women.
Researchers develop world's first DNA aptamer that binds to neurofilament light chain, a protein released into the blood with neurodegeneration. The aptamer, MN711, shows high affinity and specificity comparable to commercially available antibodies.
A new study models brain aging and resilience over the lifespan, uncovering individual factors that affect cognition and identifying potential biomarkers of healthy brain aging. Researchers are now incorporating diverse data, including social and lifestyle factors, to create a broader picture of the aging brain.
A new report finds that nearly nine in 10 primary care providers use standardized paper assessments, but are interested in adopting digital cognitive assessments. The surveys revealed key priorities for enabling broader adoption, including providing more support to clinicians.
A new study reveals how defective dopamine packaging in neurons triggers toxic processes, leading to Parkinson's disease symptoms. Researchers discovered that delivering energy via ATP can repair packaging and halt damage.
A global study synthesizes evidence on dementia inequities in Indigenous communities, highlighting their cultural strengths as neuroprotective resources. The authors recommend centering culture and community in brain health research to promote lifelong equity and strengths-based models of dementia care.
A novel quantitative imaging approach using PET and MRI can identify limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), a distinct neurodegenerative disorder resembling Alzheimer's disease. This framework may guide targeted diagnostic work-up and personalized care for dementia patients.
Researchers found that noninvasive measures of brain blood flow and oxygenation are associated with hallmark brain changes in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Higher values on these indicators were linked to lower levels of amyloid plaques and larger hippocampal volume, indicating a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that explains how exercise improves cognition by shoring up the brain's protective barrier. The study found that an exercise-induced liver protein strengthens the blood-brain barrier, reducing inflammation and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed blood-based biomarkers that can support accurate dementia diagnosis in diverse populations when integrated with cognitive and neuroimaging measures. The study demonstrated that key plasma biomarkers can reliably distinguish major dementia syndromes even in complex settings.
The new GSA video series highlights the KAER framework's four steps to improve timely detection of cognitive impairment and enhance dementia care. Clinicians share insights on implementing the framework, emphasizing the importance of early conversations and activated ecosystems of care.
Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found a strong association between bone lead concentrations and increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed data from over 30 years of follow-up and estimated cumulative lifetime exposure to lead using machine learning algorithms.
The Biggs Institute will focus on finding solutions to dementia through advanced research, therapies, and care. The new precision therapy center will be named after the donors.
A large prospective cohort study found that consuming 2-3 cups of caffeinated coffee daily or 1-2 cups of tea daily reduced dementia risk, slowed cognitive decline, and preserved cognitive function. Caffeine was identified as the active factor producing these neuroprotective results.
A study published in JAMA found that higher consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea is associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Moderate intake levels showed the most pronounced association, with better cognitive function also observed.
A 20-year follow-up study found that adults who completed cognitive speed training were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The study, which included 2,802 participants, showed a 25% reduced incidence of dementia in the speed-training group compared to the control arm.
Researchers discovered that collaborative care programs improve quality of life, reduce costs, and alleviate caregiver burden for dementia patients. Adding lecanemab to treatment increased healthcare costs but was offset by the savings from collaborative care.
Researchers developed BrainIAC, a robust AI foundation model that analyzes brain MRI datasets to identify key neurological health indicators. The tool outperformed conventional AI models in diverse tasks, including predicting dementia risk and detecting brain tumor mutations.
A new Canadian study found that people living with dementia are often excluded from research due to assumptions of incapacity and institutional processes. The study recommends standardized guidance for meaningful inclusion through rights-based approaches.
The supplement issue documents unprecedented progress in establishing dementia as a public health priority, with brain health and caregiving now core components of public health practice. The Healthy Brain Initiative and BOLD Act have built a robust framework prioritizing brain health.
The FENS Forum 2026 will be Europe's largest neuroscience congress, covering areas of basic to translational research. Journalists can register for free and attend symposia and poster sessions.
A study published in Cell identified a protein complex called CRL5SOCS4 that marks tau for degradation, suggesting strengthening this natural defense mechanism could represent a new therapeutic strategy. Higher expression of CRL5SOCS4 components made neurons more likely to survive despite the accumulation of tau protein.
Researchers at University College London discovered that Alzheimer's disease disrupts the brain's 'memory replay' process, leading to impaired navigation and memory loss. The study found that even when mice were resting, their brains replayed recent experiences in an altered pattern, which had consequences on memory tasks.
A new study from Lund University finds that modifiable risk factors like smoking and high blood pressure can damage brain blood vessels and increase dementia risk. Living a healthy lifestyle may help delay symptom onset in Alzheimer's disease.
Adverse experiences throughout life increase dementia and stroke risks, with depression as a mediating factor. Implementing life-course interventions addressing psychological trauma and mental health can reduce neurovascular disease burden.
Two U.S. healthcare systems, Tufts Medicine and University of Utah Health, will implement the DAC-SP Early Detection Blueprint across ten primary care sites to improve early detection of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The initiative aims to refine a replicable model for early detection that can be adopted nationwide.
The report projects a significant increase in dementia cases across Europe by 2050, with estimated numbers rising to 14.3 million in the EU27 and 19.9 million in EU and non-EU countries combined. Alzheimer Europe urges decision-makers to prioritize dementia research, healthcare infrastructure, and support for families and carers.
A new research project aims to develop an eye drop that can detect the fluorescent signal of a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. If successful, this low-cost and accessible screening tool could help identify patients in their earliest stages of the disease, enabling them to receive early treatment.
Researchers found no difference in neural activity between successful semantic and episodic retrieval, challenging long-standing research tradition. This overlap suggests that the whole brain is involved in different types of memory, potentially leading to new interventions for diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's.
A new set of guidelines provides veterinarians and pet owners with a clear approach to diagnose and monitor canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), also known as canine dementia. The guidelines outline key signs, diagnostic levels, and stages of disease severity to support care decisions.
Scientists at the University of Surrey have created ultra-sensitive nanofiber-based sensors that can harness power from gentle movements, enabling continuous and maintenance-free sensing. These breakthrough sensors have potential applications in sleep disorder monitoring and dementia care.