Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 ...
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 cross-racial study of 1.87 million US veterans found significant differences in dementia incidence across five racial groups, with Hispanic and Black veterans at highest risk. Rates were significantly higher for Hispanics (99%) and Blacks (55%), while Asian veterans showed a 24% increase compared to whites.
A study of 118 PPA autopsies found five diseases causing language impairments, each impacting a distinct part of the language network. The findings can inform targeted interventions and treatment approaches for patients with PPA.
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.
A new IU training program will focus on social and behavioral science training in Alzheimer's disease, leveraging IU's strengths in aging research infrastructure. The five-year T32 grant aims to grow the pipeline of scientists tackling complex clinical issues.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have identified a novel mechanism by which tau protein causes neurons to die, which can be altered pharmacologically. This discovery provides a new framework for studying vertebrate models of tauopathy and eventually clinical trials.
A healthy lifestyle is associated with longer life expectancies and reduced time spent living with Alzheimer's. For women and men with a healthy lifestyle, 10.8% (2.6 years) of the remaining years were lived with Alzheimer's, compared to 19.3% (4.1 years).
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that frontotemporal dementia patients with extrapyramidal symptoms have significant brainstem atrophy and reduced metabolism, facilitating differential diagnostics for FTD. This can help distinguish between FTD and other diseases causing extrapyramidal symptoms.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that the Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) program successfully reduced the proportion of patients who needed admission to a specialized inpatient unit by 60%. This suggests that VBM is highly effective for managing severe neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia without p...
A new study reveals that firearm retailers and law enforcement agencies in Colorado and Washington support providing temporary, voluntary firearm storage options. The concept aims to increase safety by limiting access to firearms during times of crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or Alzheimer's disease. However, concerns about civil lia...
A study by University of Gothenburg researchers has identified two biomarkers that can distinguish between patients with subcortical small-vessel disease, Alzheimer's disease, and mixed dementia. The discovery opens up new possibilities for diagnosis, treatment, and medication development.
A study of 273,240 women found that life events influencing estrogen levels may be linked to a higher risk of dementia. Ever having been pregnant or having had an abortion was associated with a lower risk, while early or late menopause increased the risk.
A new study found that vitamin K2 supplementation improved spatial memory, learning ability, and reduced evidence of cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety in rats. The researchers suggest that vitamin K may help preserve cognitive functions by affecting biological pathways involving inflammation and antioxidant activity.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that certain reproductive events, such as shorter estrogen exposure, may be associated with increased dementia risk in women. However, the association between the number of children and dementia risk was similar for women and men, suggesting social and behavioral factors may play a role.
Research finds that late-onset alcohol abuse may be a presenting symptom of dementia, particularly in patients with frontotemporal dementia. The study identified that up to 7% of patients with frontotemporal dementia started abusing alcohol late in life, and 5% did so as the first symptom of the disease.
Researchers have discovered a significant association between acute kidney injury and an increased risk of developing dementia in patients hospitalized with AKI. Early detection and monitoring may lead to improved outcomes for this high-risk population.
A study of 3.5 million Medicare decedents found the percentage of dementia diagnoses at end-of-life increased from 35% in 2004 to 47% in 2017. This rise may be attributed to heightened awareness and changes in billing practices.
A new study reveals that nearly half of all older adults now die with a dementia diagnosis listed on their medical record, a 36% increase from two decades ago. This rise may be attributed to better public awareness, more detailed medical records, and Medicare billing practices, rather than an actual increase in the condition.
Researchers developed a novel delirium severity score to assess its impact on patient outcomes. The DEL-S score is associated with longer hospital stays, increased costs, and mortality in older patients with delirium.
A new wireless implant has the potential to treat neuropathic pain resistant to medical therapy, offering a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. The device uses bioelectronic therapy to stimulate peripheral nerves from within blood vessels, providing precise placement and predictable outcomes.
A study published in Nature found that people raised in rural areas outperform those from cities, particularly grid-pattern streets, in navigating spatial environments. This suggests that the simplicity of rural street networks influences navigational abilities.
Researchers found that high levels of both amyloid and tau proteins impair memory functions, but only when amyloid burden is also high. The study suggests that anti-amyloid therapies may be beneficial in reducing memory impairment in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Daily physical activity has been associated with a lower risk of disabling dementia among Japanese adults. Researchers found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was inversely related to the risk of developing severe cognitive decline.
Mayo Clinic researchers propose a novel computational model that links Alzheimer's disease symptoms to brain anatomy, revealing a complex relationship between mental processing and brain function. The model uses machine learning to analyze patient brain imaging data and compresses complex brain anatomy into a conceptual framework.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement finds that timely treatment can help avoid additional disability and health impacts in people with pre-existing disabilities or dementia. The statement also highlights the need for increased awareness of potential biases and improved patient-centered care.
This year's Experimental Biology 2022 meeting features groundbreaking studies on COVID-19 vaccine-associated symptoms in non-menstruating people, a plant compound showing promise for alleviating food allergies, and the potential of omega-3s to boost immunotherapy's cancer-fighting power. Researchers also explore the safety of using CBD...
Researchers have identified a blood biomarker called glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) that may uniquely aid prediction of dementia in Mexican Americans. The study analyzed 745 participants over four years, finding that higher levels of GFAP predicted increased risk of developing dementia.
A new study finds that clinics supporting patients throughout the entire FIT process improve return rates and reduce colorectal cancer-related illness. Additionally, a telephone survey for dementia detection shows promise as a low-cost diagnostic tool, especially in primary care settings.