Articles tagged with Dementia
A Finnish twin study found that individuals with lower education are more susceptible to the negative effects of cardiovascular risk factors on late-life cognition. The study suggests that higher education can act as a cognitive reserve, helping to mitigate dementia risk.
A study found a three-fold increase in dementia risk among lonely Americans younger than 80 who didn't carry the APOE ε4 allele. Loneliness was associated with poorer executive function and changes in brain structure indicating vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study found that using personal assistant applications on smartphones can significantly improve memory in older adults with dementia. The researchers trained participants to use the technology to receive reminders about daily events and activities, resulting in improved memory performance.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that reducing air pollution exposure can slow cognitive decline in older women, with benefits seen across various demographics. The research followed 2,232 women for up to 20 years, revealing a significant association between improved air quality and reduced cognitive decline.
A large study of British adults found that having two or more chronic conditions in middle age increases the risk of dementia later in life. The study, published by The BMJ, highlights the importance of prevention and management of chronic diseases over adulthood to mitigate adverse outcomes.
University of Kentucky researchers found enhanced ApoE proteins in dementia patients without the APOE ε4 allele. The correlation between dementia diagnosis and ApoE peptides was stronger than that seen for Tau, Aβ, or α-Synuclein, suggesting an active disease-driving role for ApoE.
A new study reveals that bilateral oophorectomy may increase a woman's risk for dementia, with a 55% higher risk from age 65 years onward compared to men. Estrogen levels are suspected to play a key role in this association.
A UMass Amherst study found associations between oral contraceptive use and certain tubal ligation methods with lower levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), a biomarker for ovarian aging. This may suggest an increased risk for early menopause in women who have used oral contraceptives or undergone specific types of tubal ligation.
Dorothee Dormann and Rosa Rademakers are collaborating on a research project to understand the causes of frontotemporal dementia, a group of brain disorders affecting the frontal and temporal lobes. The researchers aim to identify the role of the FUS protein in this disease and its interactions with other proteins.
A national survey of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 found that most support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, including safety counseling and background checks. The study highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address risks in their homes, particularly for those living with children or experiencing cognitive decline.
Researchers at University of California San Francisco have catalogued over 40 previously unknown cell types in the human brain's blood vessels. These findings connect hemorrhagic stroke with novel immune cells, offering new targets for therapies.
Researchers found that non-mutated Apolipoprotein E was strongly enriched in dementia patients' brains, correlating with dementia diagnosis. Even those without the disease-driving APOE ε4 allele showed significant levels of ApoE peptides.
A new study found that people with dementia who see the same GP consistently have lower rates of health complications and fewer emergency hospital admissions. They are also less likely to develop delirium and incontinence, and receive safer prescribing.
A UCLA-led study found that aducanumab's ancillary care services, such as MRIs and neurologist visits, account for nearly 20% of total Medicare costs. The estimated annual spending on the drug could increase Medicare premiums.
A new study found that staff assumptions about minoritized groups contribute to variability in nursing home care for residents with advanced dementia. Remedies include addressing staff biases, increasing funding, and standardizing advance-care planning.
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, researchers found increased health service use and higher death rates among adults with dementia and Parkinson disease. The study examined changes in these populations compared to older adults without neurodegenerative diseases.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association found that 12 to 14 intervention sessions can improve cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. The optimal dose was determined by analyzing data from the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial, taking into account individual characteristics su...
Researchers at University of Arizona Health Sciences discovered a potential treatment to reduce post-stroke dementia risk by targeting the immune response to dead brain tissue. Cyclodextrin, an FDA-approved ingredient, was found to reduce inflammation and accumulate less cholesterol in the brain.
A successful intervention combining education and workflow increased primary care screenings for geriatric conditions, improving attitudes towards older adults. The program leveraged teamwork to integrate these important screenings into care delivery, resulting in significantly higher screening rates.
Researchers at West Virginia University are investigating the link between chronic stress and Alzheimer's disease using animal models. They aim to understand how xanthine oxidase may sabotage brain blood vessels in Alzheimer's patients, and explore whether a medication can block this pathway to keep the brain healthy.
Researchers have discovered that heart disease causes early brain dysfunction, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of dementia. A combination of heart disease and a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's Disease also trebles the amount of beta-amyloid protein in the brain.
A study published in Neuron found that inflammatory markers are elevated even before dementia symptoms appear, suggesting a potential role in neuroprotection. The researchers discovered two proteins linked to a damage control program, which may support the development of new drugs for early detection and treatment.
A state-wide Massachusetts infection control program, implemented in 360 nursing homes, reduced COVID-19 infections among vulnerable residents, including those with dementia. Cohorting residents and proper adherence to infection control guidelines were key factors in this reduction.
A new study found that reducing air pollution can lower dementia risk among older women by decreasing their likelihood of developing dementia. The benefits were consistent despite differences among participants in age, geographic area, socioeconomic background, and other factors.
A recent study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that regular exercise enhances the connections between neurons in older adults, maintaining healthy cognition. The research, led by Kaitlin Casaletto and William Honer, suggests that physical activity may help boost synaptic functioning and safeguard against dementia.
A study found that cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil increase the risk of overactive bladder in people with dementia. Galantamine and rivastigmine were not associated with this increased risk.
The number of adults living with dementia worldwide is expected to nearly triple from an estimated 57 million in 2019 to 153 million in 2050 due to population growth and aging. Improvements in global education access are projected to reduce dementia prevalence, but obesity, high blood sugar, and smoking are expected to increase cases.
A large-scale new study found that frailty was a strong risk factor for dementia, even among people at high genetic risk, and that it can be modified through a healthy lifestyle. Over 10 years, dementia was detected in 1,762 participants, with those who were frail before diagnosis having a much higher risk.
A new clinical trial is enrolling young people with rare genetic mutations that cause early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study will test gantenerumab to prevent the buildup of toxic protein amyloid beta, which can slow or stop the disease.
The Arizona Alzheimer's Disease Research Center has received a $15.7 million NIH grant to support its efforts in advancing Alzheimer's disease research and care in Arizona. The grant will focus on establishing the role of promising blood tests in Alzheimer's research, clinical trials, and clinical care.
A study of 62,000 adults aged 65+ found that increased physical activity, including light-intensity levels, lowered dementia risk. Regular physical activity may help prevent or delay dementia onset in older age.
Researchers found that a combination of light exercise, connecting with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies reduces memory decline in adults between 65-89. The study's machine learning model analyzed 33 activities, showing increased impact with age.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that artificial intelligence can predict which people attending memory clinics will develop dementia within two years with 92% accuracy. The machine learning algorithm analyzed data from over 15,300 patients and identified around eight per cent of dementia diagnoses as being made in error.
Two Canadian-led brain research teams will receive funding to develop and validate new measures of dementia care and outcomes, addressing existing measurement gaps. The projects aim to improve care practices and desired outcomes for individuals with dementia, in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association and Brain Canada.
A new study has made an Alzheimer's disease biomarker test available to all Canadians, enabling doctors to accurately diagnose the disease even when mild symptoms are present. The test aims to improve care and support for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and their families.
Dr. Mario Masellis' international team is receiving $320,198 in funding to examine the interplay between genetic, demographic, and cardiovascular factors on dementia risk. The project aims to improve management and prevention of dementia, ultimately reducing its impact worldwide.
A Geisinger study found that adults with rare genetic causes of mental health disorders are more likely to have chronic illnesses like diabetes and dementia. The research also discovered that these individuals had twice as many annual emergency room visits compared to a control group without the genetic conditions.
Researchers have determined the molecular structure of TDP-43 aggregates extracted from human brains, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. The discovery may lead to the development of targeted therapies and diagnostic tests.
A study of 3,000 adults with cataracts found that those who underwent cataract removal had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who didn't. The findings suggest a potential protective effect of cataract surgery on cognitive health.
Researchers found that subjects who underwent cataract surgery had a nearly 30% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. The results persisted for at least a decade after surgery and were associated with lower risk of Alzheimer disease dementia specifically.
Katherine Tucker, a renowned nutritionist, has been awarded the top honor at UMass Lowell for her exceptional teaching, research, and service to the university. She will deliver the annual Distinguished University Professor Lecture and continue to lead her research team in establishing long-term interventions for diverse populations.
A new study developed by researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that a simple, self-administered test can identify early signs of dementia sooner than the most commonly used office-based standard cognitive test. The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE test) accurately identified patients with mil...
The study, published in Nature Aging, found that sildenafil reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease by 69% compared to non-users. Sildenafil also shows promise in treating the disease by increasing brain cell growth and decreasing hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins.
A study at Karolinska Institutet found that individuals with a resting heart rate of 80 beats per minute or higher had a 55% higher risk of dementia. The association remained significant after adjusting for other cardiovascular diseases, suggesting a potential link between elevated heart rate and cognitive decline.
People with mild dementia struggle to understand speech in both quiet and acoustically challenging situations. Effective communication strategies include speaking clearly and slowly, reducing background noise, and providing contextual information.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine showed that a fast-tracked stroke drug, 3K3A-APC, protected mice from injury to the brain's white matter, a leading cause of dementia. The drug may also be effective in slowing down progression of cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that participants with moderate dementia performed better in cluttered environments, while those with mild and severe dementia showed no significant difference. The study suggests that adapting physical environments to suit individual needs may be more effective than de-cluttering in supporting people with dementia.
Researchers found that people with brain buildup but no dementia had normal tau protein, while those who developed plaques or tangles also had a different-handed form of tau. This suggests that a slowdown in autophagy, the process of clearing spent proteins, may be underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have made a breakthrough in reversing memory deficits and slowing disease progression in female mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that activating a specific receptor was effective in treating females, who make up two-thirds of diagnosed cases.
Experts warn that proposed UK law changes could lead to increased financial abuse of older people, particularly those with dementia. Healthcare professionals are called upon to play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals through training and support.
Research found that people who rated their sleep as poor also felt older and had a more negative perception of their ageing. This study suggests that addressing sleep difficulties could promote a better perception of ageing and have other health benefits.
A new study shows that older adults with mild dementia can improve their daily task completion using digital voice recorder apps and reminder apps. Greater usage of these apps is associated with better memory and greater improvements in activities of daily living.
A new research study reveals the emotional responses and coping strategies employed by family members of former athletes living with neurodegenerative disease. The study sheds light on the challenges faced by these families, who are often under immense strain, and calls for further support and care.
A study of healthy individuals aged 50-74 found that coffee and tea consumption was associated with reduced rates of stroke and dementia. People who drank 2-3 cups of coffee and 2-3 cups of tea daily had a 32% lower risk of stroke and a 28% lower risk of dementia compared to those who consumed none.
New research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2021 found that daily low-dose aspirin did not affect the risk of dementia or mental decline among adults with type 2 diabetes. The study included over 15,000 participants and tracked them for nearly nine years.
The University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has received a five-year grant renewal to discover and validate biomarkers for vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. The program, which aims to develop a toolbox of biomarkers, will increase to 200 participants and focus on inclusivity and diversity.
A new study found that people who consumed an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, and tea or coffee had a lower risk of developing dementia. The research showed that each one-point increase in dietary inflammatory score was associated with a 21% increase in dementia risk.
A recent Rutgers University study found that receiving a new diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias leads to decreased formal and informal social engagement. This can be particularly concerning for disadvantaged populations with limited resources. The study highlights the need for practitioners and policymakers to consi...
Researchers at Newcastle University have found that increased levels of ceramides and alpha-synuclein protein in extracellular vesicles could help diagnose Lewy body dementia and test treatment effectiveness. The findings may lead to a more accurate diagnosis for the over 100,000 people affected by the disease.
Researchers identified a gene family called MEF2 that controls a genetic program promoting resistance to cognitive decline. Enriching activities appear to activate MEF2, which may help prevent age-related dementia.