Articles tagged with Dementia
New research reveals that microglia in the brain take up more glucose than previously thought, leading to altered PET scan images. This finding has significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and developing new diagnostic tools.
Researchers found an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease is an oxidation-antioxidant imbalance in the blood. Oxidative markers increase up to five years before the onset of the disease, suggesting a potential avenue for prevention through antioxidant intake.
Researchers found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing preclinical dementia, which can progress to full-blown dementia. The study also suggests that controlling blood glucose levels may be key to preventing cognitive decline.
The Baycrest-developed Cogniciti Brain Health Assessment is as accurate as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in identifying problems with memory and attention, but outperforms MoCA in detecting subtle cognitive decline. The self-administered online assessment can provide important information for clinical assessment of memory an...
Scientists at DZNE and UMG identified three microRNAs in the blood that correlate with mental fitness and cognitive decline. The biomarker is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease within two years, offering potential targets for therapy and early warning signs.
A UCL-led research team has identified an anti-viral gene that increases the risk of both Alzheimer's disease and severe Covid-19. The study found that a specific variant of the OAS1 gene amplifies inflammation in the brain, highlighting the importance of the immune system in both conditions.
A new study found that toxic fatty acids produced by astrocytes can trigger cell death in damaged neurons, which may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma and Alzheimer's. Blocking the production of these fatty acids in mice preserved 75% of neurons, suggesting a promising target for treatment.
A study by University of South Florida Health researchers suggests that fenchol, a natural compound in basil, can help reduce neurotoxic amyloid-beta in the brain. Fenchol stimulates FFAR2 signaling, reducing senescent neuronal cells and increasing Aβ degradation.
Researchers will investigate hidden signs of brain damage in REM behavior disorder, aiming to identify biomarkers that predict impending neurological disease. The goal is to delay the onset or prevent dementia or Parkinsonism through clinical trials.
The Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity aims to address significant disparities in the Asian community's relationship with heart health and mental health. The center will focus on cardiometabolic disease and mental health research to inform practice and policy at local, regional, and national levels.
Researchers found that individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure at ages 35-44 had smaller brain volumes and a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal blood pressure. The study suggests that controlling or delaying the onset of hypertension in young adulthood may reduce the risk of dementia.
Researchers found that early accumulation of tau proteins in the brain, measured by PET scanner, is more effective at predicting memory impairment than other biomarkers. The study suggests that tau PET should be recommended for clinical prognostic assessment of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
The Buck Institute has been awarded a $14.3 million grant from the NIH to study cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, as a driver of Alzheimer's disease and other age-related dementias. Researchers will investigate new mechanisms that can be developed into interventions to treat patients.
A large UK study found that menopausal hormone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The research, which included over 118,000 women, showed that hormone therapy relieves symptoms experienced during menopause and may even have a slightly decreased risk of dementia in certain cases.
A large UK study found no overall associations between menopausal hormone therapy and risk of dementia, regardless of hormone type or duration. However, oestrogen-progestogen therapy may slightly increase risk in women with Alzheimer's disease, particularly for long-term use.
A large study of over 88,000 participants found that addressing key risk factors such as smoking, diet, and blood pressure can lower dementia risk in those with type 2 diabetes. The study also showed improvements in cognitive function and brain structure with greater adherence to treatment targets.
A new study led by UCSF indicates that depression in early adulthood can increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. The research found that moderate or high depressive symptoms were associated with a 73% higher odds of cognitive impairment among older participants.
The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry publishes a special issue to strengthen the rights and voices of older people worldwide. The issue aims to reduce the burden of ageism, mentalism and ableism, which currently permeates virtually every aspect of older persons' lives.
Researchers have developed a potential blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease using atomic force microscopy technology. The test analyzes protein fibers made up of beta-amyloid peptides and tau proteins, which accumulate in patients' blood cells, indicating the stage of the disease.
A new study suggests that traumatic experiences like sexual assault are associated with indicators of cerebrovascular risk, potentially leading to dementia and stroke. Women who experienced trauma had greater white matter hyperintensities, a marker for brain small vessel disease.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital are testing a novel light therapy to slow Alzheimer's debilitating effects, aiming to improve both cognition and sleep. The treatment involves flashing pulses of light designed to enhance electrical brain waves and reset the sleep-wake cycle.
Researchers studied mice with Alzheimer's disease and found that pain sensitivity is maintained throughout the disease progression. Females are more sensitive to pain, while males experience greater emotional distress, highlighting age- and sex-specific responses to pain in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found a higher MIND diet score associated with better memory and thinking skills, independently of Alzheimer's disease pathology. The diet may contribute to cognitive resilience in the elderly, with potential benefits for brain health.
Patients with dementia presenting with shortness of breath were less likely to be tested for pulmonary embolism compared to those without dementia. Clinical signs and risk factors, such as elevated heart rate, were also evaluated differently in patients with dementia.
A study of over 2,000 European retirees found that internet usage after retirement is associated with better cognitive scores. Specifically, female retirees who regularly surfed the internet recalled more words on a word recall test compared to their non-internet-using counterparts.
A pioneering EEG test has shown high effectiveness in detecting small changes in brain waves associated with memory recall. The passive test could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving patient outcomes.
A new algorithm uses amyloid PET scans to gauge brain levels of Alzheimer's protein and estimate when symptoms will arise. By analyzing age and single scan data, the algorithm yields an estimate of how far a person has progressed toward dementia.
Researchers identified 99 saliva metabolites related to energy synthesis, digestion, growth, and cell health, with 21 metabolites differing between young and elderly individuals. Age-linked salivary metabolites reflect biological aging, including a 1.96-fold increase in ATP production in the elderly.
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and diabetes-related eye disease are independently associated with an increased risk of dementia. In contrast, glaucoma was not linked to Alzheimer's disease but was associated with a higher risk of vascular dementia.
A new study published in PNAS has identified 33 metabolic compounds associated with dementia, which could aid in diagnosis and treatment. The researchers found that levels of these metabolites differed significantly between patients with dementia and healthy elderly individuals.
Rates of aortic valve replacement among individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias increased over time, driven by TAVR. Mortality rates after aortic valve replacement declined in this patient population.
The National Institute on Aging has expanded its network of cutting-edge Alzheimer's disease and related dementias centers, with two new centers in North Carolina and Texas. The Duke/University of North Carolina ADRC will focus on understanding age-related changes across the lifespan and identifying disparities in dementia among differ...
A study led by Ruixue Zhaoyang found that frequent and pleasant social interactions can boost cognitive performance in older adults. Participants who reported more social interactions had better cognitive performance on the same day and for days following.
A large Swedish study found a link between ADHD and dementia across generations. Parents of individuals with ADHD had a 34% higher risk of dementia compared to those without ADHD, while grandparents had a 10% increased risk.
A new study highlights significant disparities in dementia care availability by gender, race, ethnicity, education level, and family structure. The findings emphasize the importance of family caregivers, with those having available spouse or adult child support being less likely to move into nursing homes.
A study from Denmark found that long-term exposure to road traffic and railway noise is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. The researchers estimate that up to 1,216 cases of dementia in 2017 could be attributed to these noise exposures.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified two distinct patterns of alpha-synuclein accumulations in the olfactory bulb, associated with differing disease types of dementia with Lewy bodies. These findings support the classification of the disease into two distinct forms, one progressing to the amygdala and another to th...
Researchers created tiny human midbrain-like organoids that mimic the major pathological features of Parkinson's disease. These organoids enable scientists to study how the human brain develops and communicates, providing insights into the progression of the disease and potential new treatments.
A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.
Research found a strong correlation between Aβ42 peptide levels in companion dog brains and cognitive decline, supporting the use of dogs as models for Alzheimer's disease. The study's results demonstrate the potential of canine cognitive dysfunction as a tool for understanding human aging and age-related diseases.
A recent study found that fine particle pollution, specifically PM2.5, may contribute to the disproportionate number of African American women affected by dementia. Despite adjusting for various risk factors, Black women still had double the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to white women.
Researchers created Community ASAP to help locate missing people with dementia, engaging community citizens as volunteers. The app aims to address the lack of alerts for this population, which has a high risk of wandering and experiencing serious injury or death within 24 hours.
The Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center will receive funding to accelerate research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The center aims to develop individualized treatment approaches for individuals with aging-associated brain disorders.
The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation has provided NeuroVision Imaging Inc. with additional funding to accelerate the development of a novel blood-based lab test that can predict dementia before clinical onset. This technology has the potential to make diagnostic testing more practical, less invasive and less costly.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with lower scores on a dementia risk test may have lower thinking skills, more brain changes, and a higher risk of cognitive impairment. The study also showed associations between high scores on the test and poor memory function and markers of brain shrinkage in men.
Research suggests that people with mentally stimulating jobs have a lower risk of dementia in old age compared to those with non-stimulating jobs. Cognitive stimulation is associated with lower levels of proteins that may prevent brain cells from forming new connections.
A new study from King's College London found that exercise and poor nutrition can influence the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The research suggests that altered neurogenesis in the brain could potentially represent an early biomarker for both conditions.
Research finds widespread pain associated with a heightened risk of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. People with widespread pain were 43% more likely to have any type of dementia and 47% more likely to have Alzheimer's disease compared to those without widespread pain.
Researchers discovered that skin fibroblasts from FTD patients exhibit pathological RNA foci, p62 protein-containing vesicles, and defective energy metabolism, which could lead to the development of novel biomarkers and treatments. These findings may also be useful in testing drug effects on FTD patients.
Scientists discovered beige fat cells mediate subcutaneous fat's brain protection and provide anti-inflammatory effects. Beige fat transplantation restored cognitive function in obese mice with dementia-like behavior.
The National Institute on Aging's $280 million investment in small businesses has advanced research on care interventions, diagnostic tools, and therapies for Alzheimer's disease. This funding has enabled the commercialization of technologies such as ActivePERS and PrecivityAD, which aim to improve care and diagnosis.
The University of North Florida will lead a six-site study using computerized cognitive training to improve cognition and potentially prevent dementia. The five-year study aims to recruit 1001 participants from the Jacksonville area, with a focus on African American and Hispanic populations.
A recent study discovered that brain cells cannot maintain the myelin sheath in the absence of the TDP-43 protein. Restoring cholesterol levels has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases associated with TDP-43. The research found that oligodendrocytes, responsible for producing myelin, have def...
Researchers from the University of Washington identified a strong link between fine particulate air pollution and an increased risk of dementia. A 1 microgram per cubic meter difference in PM2.5 pollution was associated with a 16% greater incidence of dementia, highlighting the potential neurodegenerative effects of air pollution.
Researchers at City of Hope developed a powerful miniature brain platform to study the causes of Alzheimer's disease and test dementia drugs in development. They used human stem cell technology to model sporadic Alzheimer's disease, finding that exposure to serum from blood can induce multiple symptoms.
A new study has found that harmful body fat can increase the risk of dementia and stroke, with grey matter atrophy being a key indicator. The research used genetic data from over 336,000 individuals to establish a link between obesity and declining brain health.
The NIH has launched Outreach Pro, an online tool designed to improve recruitment of underrepresented populations in Alzheimer's clinical trials. The platform provides customizable participant recruitment communications and culturally appropriate outreach materials.
Researchers estimate global dementia cases will nearly triple to 152 million by 2050 due to a combination of factors, including aging population growth and increasing risk factors like obesity and heart health issues. The highest increase is projected in eastern sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Reducing fine particulates and traffic-related pollutants in the air may lower dementia risk by 14-26% and slow cognitive decline. Studies found that older women living in cleaner areas experienced fewer cases of dementia and slower brain function deterioration.
Researchers recreated damage seen in a widely studied form of frontotemporal dementia by growing special types of cerebral organoids. The study found that the mutated tau protein triggers the death of specific class of neurons, which can be prevented with an experimental drug.