Articles tagged with 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
A world-first study from the University of South Australia found a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of dementia and stroke. The study analyzed data from 294,514 participants and found that up to 17% of dementia cases might have been avoided by boosting vitamin D levels.
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.
A mass survey of Japanese citizens aged 50-89 years found that sagittal spinal balance measurement can detect cognitive decline. The study discovered associations between anteriorization of the spine and lower cognitive function in both males and females, with greater risks detected in cases of SVA ≥ 70mm regardless of age.
Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic decedents with dementia used less hospice but more emergency department and inpatient services. They incurred higher Medicare inpatient expenditures, with a 60% increase compared to white decedents.
Research published in Neurology found that social isolation is associated with lower brain volume in areas related to learning and thinking, and a higher risk of dementia. Socially isolated individuals were 26% more likely to develop dementia than those with no social isolation.
A recent study found that shingles is not associated with an increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed data from Danish medical registries and found that people with shingles had a 7% lower risk of dementia compared to those without the disease.
A large-scale study found that having multiple heart-related conditions significantly increases dementia risk, even for those with high genetic risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 200,000 people and discovered widespread brain damage among those with more than one cardiometabolic condition.
A large-scale study has found that social isolation is directly associated with changes in brain structures involved in memory and learning, making it a clear risk factor for dementia. Socially isolated individuals have a 26% increased likelihood of developing dementia compared to those with regular social connections.
A new study by Baycrest and Western University suggests that older adults may benefit more from natural speech than previously thought. They found that for engaging stories, older adults performed similarly to younger adults in noisy settings, but struggled with disconnected sentences.
A new study reveals racial and socioeconomic inequalities in the prescribing of oral anticoagulants to reduce stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation. Patients from black and other ethnic minorities, as well as those living in deprived areas, are less likely to receive medication.
Researchers will track changes in the blood-brain barrier, neurovascular function, and cognition in over 850 participants with genetic variants at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study aims to improve understanding of the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and identify effective interventions.
A new study shows that hospice patients with dementia receive excellent care and have their anxiety and sadness managed more often than those without dementia. However, the Medicare hospice model's limitations can lead to gaps in care, leaving patients with dementia at risk of disenrollment.
A recent study at UC San Francisco discovered that fragmented tau protein in diseased neurons could be a new target for existing drugs, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's. The researchers found that measuring the fragments in cerebrospinal fluid may help distinguish between different forms of dementia.
The JNM Molecular Imaging of Neurodegeneration Supplement provides an overview of molecular imaging techniques in neurodegenerative disorders. The supplement aims to improve early and differential diagnosis, as well as stratify and monitor therapy in these disorders.
Researchers are assessing cognitive decline in aging Latinos, exploring the long-term impact of COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease on brain function and impairment. The study will gather data to develop real-world therapies and potentially lessen the disease burden of dementia affecting Latinos.
A decade-long effort to reduce medication risks for nursing home residents with dementia has shown some positive results, but also unintended consequences. Fewer people are receiving antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs, which can raise the risk of falling or dying, but more are receiving alternative behavior-changing medications with ...
A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals that dementia diagnoses are often accompanied by significant increases in healthcare costs. The research found that the average Medicare spending jumped by 150% after a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia.
Research found that people with European ancestry who followed a healthier lifestyle had a lower risk of developing dementia, even those with the highest genetic risk. The study also showed similar patterns for African American participants, but more research is needed due to smaller sample sizes.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a key molecular mechanism behind memory linking and identified an FDA-approved drug that can restore this brain function in middle-aged mice. The study suggests a potential early intervention for dementia and strengthening human memory in middle age.
A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition Journal has established a strong link between sarcopenic obesity and dementia in elderly patients. The research found that individuals with sarcopenic obesity were more likely to experience cognitive impairment and dementia compared to those without muscle loss or obesity.
A new international study has identified the most critical vascular risk factors for dementia, highlighting the importance of controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. The research, led by Professor Emer McGrath, found that individuals with these conditions are four times more likely to develop dementia than those without them.
A randomized controlled trial found that consuming cranberries for 12 weeks improved participants' memory of everyday events and neural functioning. The study also showed a significant decrease in LDL or 'bad' cholesterol levels, contributing to improved vascular health and brain perfusion.
A new study finds that age-specific risk factors for dementia differ across various age groups. People around age 55 are more likely to develop dementia if they have diabetes or high blood pressure, while those in their 70s with a history of stroke and diabetes are at higher risk. The study's findings suggest that using age-specific ri...
Researchers aim to develop an audio health library to enhance communication during triadic visits. The study will analyze primary care visits and conduct user-design sessions to refine the system.
A new study reveals massive variations in hospice medication prescriptions, with treatment agency being the primary factor. Patients in agencies with high prescription rates were up to 50 times more likely to receive benzodiazepines or antipsychotics.
Researchers suggest a novel neuroimaging technique can unveil Alzheimer's disease secrets and predict symptom risk. The 'neuromelanin-sensitive MRI' method provides insights into the brain's noradrenergic system, linked to aggressive behavior and cognitive decline.
Researchers discovered a strong link between subjective cognitive impairments and elevated beta-amyloid protein levels, indicating early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that combining these two factors can help identify individuals at risk for developing dementia.
A new study published in Neurology found that people hospitalized for major traumatic brain injury (TBI) may have a higher risk of developing dementia. After adjusting for other relevant dementia risk factors, researchers found a 1.5 times greater risk of dementia among those with major TBI compared to those without.
A University of Cincinnati study found that adding blueberries to middle-aged diets may lower the chances of developing late-life dementia. The researchers discovered that blueberries' high level of micronutrients and antioxidants helped improve cognitive function and metabolic function.
A study of over 8 million adults in England found significant increases in neuropsychiatric illnesses after hospitalization for COVID-19 or other severe acute respiratory infections. Risks were similar for both conditions.
Researchers assessed modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer disease and related dementias in the US population, finding significant differences by sex, race, and ethnicity. The study highlights the importance of addressing these disparities to prevent cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a new mechanism that appears to reverse the build-up of aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By stressing cells, they found that protein misfolding was eliminated, potentially allowing for the refolding of correctly folded proteins.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found that policy changes reduced the share of patients receiving hospice care for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The changes also slowed growth in hospice care use by these patients.
A new study found that half of older adults with both hearing and vision impairment have serious cognitive decline, compared to 28% with only vision impairment. The study highlights the importance of considering sensory impairments in identifying those at risk for cognitive decline.
Researchers presented studies on reducing medication errors, improving hospital mobility, and predicting mortality risk in older adults with dementia. The EQUiPPED study showed a significant decrease in potentially inappropriate medication prescribing, while the Comparative Effectiveness study found improvements in delirium scores and ...
A study published in Neurology found that people with higher levels of antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin in their blood were less likely to develop dementia. The study associated a 7% decrease in risk of dementia with every standard deviation increase in lutein and zeaxanthin levels.
Researchers discovered a novel mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene that causes severe Lewy body pathology, revealing distinct mechanisms of neurodegeneration. The E83Q mutation influences alpha-synuclein's structure and aggregation properties, leading to increased pathology formation and toxicity.
Researchers found that seven hours of sleep per night is associated with improved cognitive performance, better mental health, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Disrupted slow-wave sleep may contribute to cognitive decline and memory consolidation issues.
A Boston University study found that living in areas with more greenery may boost cognitive function, particularly in middle-aged women. The research suggests that exposure to greenspace could improve processing speed and attention, as well as reduce depression, a risk factor for dementia.
Researchers found that people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias who live in the community experience similar symptom burdens to those in nursing homes. The study suggests that palliative care interventions could ease symptom burden and improve quality of life for patients and caregivers.
A new microsimulation model projects that the Japanese population will live longer and experience a decrease in years spent living with dementia. However, older women with less than a high school education are more likely to be affected by both dementia and frailty.
A study led by Richard Isaacson found that individualized, multi-domain interventions improved cognition and reduced Alzheimer's risk in both men and women. Women demonstrated greater improvements in certain risk scores and biomarkers compared to men.
A new Cochrane Review paper reveals that talk therapy can alleviate depression and improve quality of life for people with dementia. The study found that psychological interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), are effective in reducing symptoms of depression and improving wellbeing.
Researchers at Einstein Aging Study are investigating how social forces contribute to inequalities in cognitive health, particularly among Black and Hispanic Americans. The new grant will enable the tracking of over 700 Bronx adults with mobile technology to measure cognition directly as they engage in everyday activities.
Researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have identified 33 genes associated with Alzheimer's disease, doubling the known list. This discovery adds 42 new genetic variants to the existing gene list, shedding light on emerging pathways of Alzheimer's biology and potential treatment targets.
A new study finds that people with faster accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia or vascular dementia compared to those with stable risk factors. Researchers suggest earlier interventions could be effective in preventing further memory decline.
Researchers found plasma neurofilament light levels were elevated in all types of frontotemporal dementia, and in people who had mutations but hadn't shown symptoms yet. Higher levels of the protein were associated with greater disease severity and increased just before symptom onset.
Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia are at a higher risk of developing new-onset dementia compared to those with other types of pneumonia, according to a recent study. The median time interval between infection and dementia diagnosis was 182 days for COVID-19 patients.