Articles tagged with Dementia
The National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD) at IU School of Medicine has been renewed with a $30 million NIA grant over five years. The repository supports research on causes, early detection, and therapeutic development for Alzheimer's and other dementias.
A new online calculator can predict an individual's risk of dementia in the next five years by assessing factors such as age, physical activity, diet, and stress. The tool, developed by Canadian researchers, aims to empower individuals to modify their lifestyle and reduce their risk.
A study by University of Bath researchers found that augmented reality prompts with a 'ghosthand' are more effective for older adults, leading to faster completion and increased confidence. The study highlights the need for designers to prioritize inclusivity and usability in AR applications to cater to this growing demographic.
A three-year study found significant changes in brain connectivity in older adults with subjective cognitive decline, which may predict dementia. The study suggests that brain alterations underlie the experience of decline and could emerge before cognitive assessments detect a deficit.
A new study found that statin therapy is not associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly trial and found no significant difference in the incidence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment between statin users and non-...
A two-year study will explore the health benefits of older people adhering to a Mediterranean diet and undertaking daily walking. Early pilots show improved memory and thinking in participants who followed the MedWalk intervention.
A third of Americans employ unregulated caregivers for older adults and those with dementia, highlighting gaps in access to care. Gray market caregivers often lack training and screening, increasing potential for exploitation or abuse.
Researchers found no protection against Parkinson's and Lewy body dementias when reducing tau protein in brain neurons. Instead, the study highlights distinct roles of tau in these diseases compared to Alzheimer's, where reducing endogenous tau levels is protective.
Studies of people with RA show a decline in dementia risk over time, from 12.7% to 6.2% between the 1980s and 2000s. Heart failure risks also decrease, with no excess risk seen in 2000s compared to general population.
A systematic review of 501 chatbot apps found that none performed well on all testing criteria, with linguistic biases and usability challenges. The apps' limited program content made it hard to have extended or varied conversations between users and chatbots.
Research found that lipophilic statins double the risk of developing dementia in patients with mild cognitive impairment. PET scans revealed a decline in brain metabolism, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex.
Researchers at the University of Bradford say naked mole rats' long lifespan and resistance to cancer could lead to new treatments for degenerative diseases like cancer and dementia. The animals' unique DNA repair mechanism may provide insights into preventing these conditions, with potential applications in humans.
A large-scale brain epigenetics study has identified 84 new genes linked to dementia, providing new insights into the disease. The study found that epigenetic changes in the brain can be consistently distinguished from those without the disease, with over 70% accuracy.
A novel tau protein conformation, cis P-tau, is a toxic early driver of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Silencing of this protein through immunotherapy has been shown to prevent disease pathology and memory loss in preclinical models.
A personalized soundscape using AcustiCare can help individuals with dementia by providing clues about time of day and place. The system refines the sounds to reinforce time and space, improving sleep quality, reducing agitation and distress, and decreasing stress on caregivers.
A study of over 700,000 TBI patients found that those with sleep disorders had a 25% higher risk of developing dementia. The risk was similar for male and female patients, highlighting the importance of targeted awareness about sleep disorders in TBI patients.
A national panel of experts recommends recognizing seven major modifiable risk factors for dementia and taking steps to lower risk through medication, lifestyle changes, and interventions. By controlling vascular risk factors, people can preserve cognitive function and reduce heart attack and stroke risk.
A new international study has identified a drug that can halt the progression of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in sportspeople who sustain repeated head injuries. The treatment was successfully tested in animal models and shows promise for preventing neurological problems associated with CTE, which affects cognition and behavior.
A study published in Nature Communications has identified a single biomarker, neurofilament light chain (NfL), that can accurately reveal underlying neurodegeneration in people with cognitive issues. NfL levels in blood were found to be higher across all neurodegenerative disorders compared to those with no cognitive problems.
Researchers found that patients with dementia and especially Alzheimer's are three times more likely to die from COVID-19. The risk is six times greater for those over 80. Chronic inflammatory conditions or defective immune responses may contribute to the increased vulnerability of these patients.
Researchers found that people with low blood sugar events had a 75% greater risk of developing dementia, while those with high blood sugar events had more than twice the risk. People experiencing both types of events faced the greatest risk, with an incidence rate of 98.5 cases for every 1,000 person-years
Researchers found that disturbances in cholesterol catabolism are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The study also suggests that bile acid synthesis may impact brain signaling pathways, leading to sex-specific effects on dementia progression. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A study found that the Tsimane indigenous people have slower brain atrophy than Westerners, suggesting their physically active lifestyle and high-fiber diet may hold the key to slowing down aging. The researchers enrolled 746 Tsimane adults in their study and compared their brain volumes with those in three industrialized populations.
Research suggests that spending moderate amounts of time watching television during midlife is associated with greater cognitive decline and lower brain volume. This could be due to prolonged sedentary behavior affecting brain health, which may impact overall well-being in later life.
Researchers found that adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors can significantly lower dementia risk for those at higher risk due to a family history of dementia. Participants who followed more healthy behaviors had lower rates of familial dementia and were less likely to develop dementia overall.
The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation and The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration recommend adopting best practices in designing exploratory trials, including rigorous statistical analyses and biomarker selection. These recommendations aim to reduce costs and improve patient engagement in clinical trials.
A study of over half a million people found that certain mid-life cardiovascular risk factors are associated with dementia in both men and women. However, the relationship between blood pressure and dementia risk varies by sex, with higher blood pressure linked to increased risk in women.
A large study of plasma proteins and dementia found abnormal blood levels of dozens of proteins up to five years earlier may predict dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. High levels of one protein, SVEP1, are linked to the disease process.
A new study found that individuals experiencing pre-loss grief symptoms can adjust, but certain factors such as gender and caregiving burden exacerbate the experience. The research documented a significant correlation between dementia patients' family members and severe pre-loss grief.
People with dementia have twice the risk for developing COVID-19, with high hospitalization rates and mortality. Alzheimer Europe urges governments to prioritize these groups in vaccination campaigns to prevent further harm.
Researchers found that people with reduced kidney function have an increased risk of developing dementia, with those with moderate chronic kidney disease having a 71% higher risk. The study highlights the importance of identifying and treating cases of kidney disease to reduce the risk of dementia.
A large observational study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found a clear link between poor kidney function and increased risk of dementia. The study of over 325,000 individuals suggested that an eGFR score of 30-59ml/min was associated with a 71% increased risk of dementia.
A study analyzed 121 published studies on virtual and in-person cognitive assessments for diagnosing dementia or mild cognitive impairment. The analysis found good reliability and accuracy of virtual assessments for diagnosing dementia, but identified barriers to implementing cognitive assessments for older adults.
A new algorithm developed by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland uses blood biomarker measurements to aid in early diagnosis and differentiation between types of dementia. This innovation aims to provide precise diagnoses, enabling targeted treatment and improving patient outcomes.
A new study published in Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research found that older people with vision loss are more likely to suffer mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia. The research examined World Health Organisation data on over 32,000 people and found a significant correlation between vision loss and increased risk o...
Using naturalistic driving data, researchers developed random forests models that accurately predicted mild cognitive impairment and dementia with 88% accuracy. The study identified age, trip patterns, and braking events as key predictors of the conditions.
A recent study examined the association between age at diabetes onset and subsequent dementia risk. The research found that younger individuals with type 2 diabetes were more likely to develop dementia compared to those who developed diabetes at an older age.
A new study used autopsy data to evaluate the AT(N) framework, a standard tool for assessing Alzheimer's risk. The researchers found that even in the highest-risk group, a third of individuals did not develop dementia, highlighting the complexity of Alzheimer's disease and the need for additional biomarkers.
A pilot program in five Australian nursing homes shows personalized music selections reduce resident agitation and staff stress levels, leading to improved wellbeing and reduced medication use.
A new UCLA study finds that a one-time injection of an experimental stem cell therapy can repair brain damage and improve memory function in mice with conditions that replicate human strokes and dementia. The therapy, developed from glial cells, stimulates the brain's own repair processes and enhances neural connections.
A study published in JAMA Network Open explores the experiences of individuals with young-onset dementia and their partners, highlighting the importance of open communication and mutual problem-solving. The research team developed a couples-based framework to describe coping patterns, which can inform new interventions and increase qua...
A recent Baycrest study found that engaging in household chores is associated with greater brain volume and improved cognitive health in older adults. Household activities such as tidying, meal preparation, and yard work may contribute to these benefits by promoting neural connections and reducing sedentary behavior.
Research suggests that social and economic conditions in neighborhoods can affect brain health, with people living in disadvantaged areas showing faster decline on cognitive tests and more brain shrinkage on scans. The study's findings may indicate the earliest stages of dementia and highlight the importance of monitoring for early signs.
Researchers have found that treatments to reduce levels of hydrogen sulfide in the brain may help ward off damage caused by the gas, which is involved in blocking key brain cell gateways. The study shows that H2S disrupts normal brain functioning and can lead to nerve cell death.
A recent study has discovered a profound loss of ability to experience pleasure in people with early-onset dementia, known as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Grey matter deterioration in the 'pleasure system' of the brain was found, distinct from those implicated in depression or apathy.
A new study found that positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea reduces Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia risk. Researchers analyzed Medicare claims of over 50,000 Medicare beneficiaries ages 65+, finding a significant association between PAP use and lower dementia risk.
The University of South Florida has received a five-year, $44.4 million NIH grant to conduct the largest primary prevention trial of computer-based cognitive training for preventing mild cognitive impairment and dementias like Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The study aims to test whether this type of training can reduce the risk ...
A new study published in Neurology found that losing function in both senses may put individuals at greater risk of dementia and cognitive decline years later. Researchers analyzed data from 6,520 people between the ages of 58 and 101, finding that those with both hearing and vision impairments were twice as likely to develop dementia.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have demonstrated a new approach to gene therapy that may help repair damage caused by neurodegenerative conditions like glaucoma and dementia. The study, published in Science Advances, shows promise for treating chronic degenerative diseases.
A study led by Georgia State University researchers found that residents with dementia in assisted living facilities benefit from being included in activities and having caregivers meet them where they are. This approach improves quality of life for individuals with varying types of dementia and levels of functional ability.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that COVID-19 patients with dementia were more likely to experience delirium and confusion compared to those without dementia. While dementia itself was not a primary driver of mortality, other factors such as age and comorbidities played a significant role.
Research published in British Journal of Ophthalmology found that normal-tension glaucoma is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and possibly dementia. The study suggests that the disease pathways for normal-tension glaucoma may be similar to those for dementia.
Researchers at Flinders University in Australia have found a link between normal-tension glaucoma and cognitive impairment, with patients having this type of glaucoma being more than twice as likely to develop dementia. The study suggests that normal-tension glaucoma may share similar neurodegenerative pathways with dementia.
Researchers have discovered 12 genetic regions linked to lacunar strokes, which can lead to long-term disability and dementia. The study provides new hope for preventing and treating this devastating type of stroke.
Research suggests non-drug therapies like exercise and social interactions may reduce symptoms of depression in people with dementia. These interventions are found to be as or more effective than drugs in treating depression, suggesting a shift towards 'social' prescribing.
Researchers evaluated the association between a recent dementia diagnosis and suicide attempt among older adults. The study found that individuals with dementia were at a higher risk of attempting suicide compared to those without the condition.
Persistent midlife loneliness is linked to a higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease, while transient loneliness may actually reduce the risk. Researchers found that recovering from loneliness after 18 years may also lead to lower risk of dementia onset.
A large proportion of dementia deaths in England and Wales may be due to socioeconomic deprivation, according to new research. The team found that socioeconomic deprivation was associated with younger age at death and poorer access to accurate diagnosis.
A study of 500,000 participants found that eating 25g of processed meat daily was associated with a 44% increased risk of developing dementia. In contrast, consuming 50g of unprocessed red meat daily was linked to a 19% lower risk of the disease.
Primary care professionals can identify and monitor risk factors early to prevent cognitive decline. The American Heart Association recommends addressing 13 key factors to optimize brain health, including Life's Simple 7 lifestyle targets.