Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's disease develops by replicating aggregates in individual brain regions, rather than spreading them. The study used human data and PET scans to track the aggregation of tau protein, a key player in the disease.
A collaboration led by Scripps Research Institute successfully treated C9 ALS/FTD in mice using a novel RNA-hunting compound that recruits the cell's own virus fighter. The compound eliminated 70% of toxic protein fragments and removed most hallmarks of the disease from patient-derived nerve cells.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that working-age people living with dementia experience insufficient guidance and counselling. This results in premature retirement and loss of social contacts, leading to feelings of anxiety, exhaustion, and shame.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that robotic pet cats improved mood scores and cognitive function in adults with mild to moderate dementia. The intervention involved 12 visits with the robotic cat, where participants interacted with it and reported positive emotions.
A new study has shown that a commonly prescribed antidepressant for agitation in people with dementia is no more effective than a placebo and may even increase mortality. The research found no improvement in agitation symptoms among those taking mirtazapine, a drug previously thought to be beneficial.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have developed lab-grown mini brains that can mimic the development of motor neurone disease and frontotemporal dementia. The models, grown for up to 340 days, provide valuable insights into early stages of these devastating conditions.
A new study found that retired male elite rugby union players aged 50+ who suffered three or more rugby-related concussions during their career have no worse average cognitive function than those with no, one, or two concussions. However, over-75s with a history of multiple concussions showed significantly worse cognitive function on a...
A multi-year study found that both short and long sleepers experience greater cognitive decline than those who slept a moderate amount. Researchers separated out the effects of poor sleep and Alzheimer's disease on cognition, suggesting a middle range or 'sweet spot' for total sleep time where cognitive performance is stable over time....
A pilot study found improvements in memory, motor function, and processing skills in healthy individuals after receiving transcranial photobiomodulation therapy. The therapy, involving infrared light, has the potential to alleviate nerve cell damage and reduce symptoms of dementia.
Microglia play a vital support role in maintaining blood vessels in the brain, regulating blood flow and capillary diameter. This discovery may lead to new therapies for diseases affecting small brain vessels, such as Alzheimer's and stroke.
Michel Goedert's research focuses on protein aggregates in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, providing deep insights into disease development. His work is essential for finding new treatments, as evidenced by his discovery of gene mutations leading to dementia.
Researchers identify key neurons and signaling pathway regulating female activity before ovulation. Discoveries could lead to new treatments for menopause that sidestep estrogen and reactivates the circuit with CRISPRa technology.
A special collection of articles reviews the application of photobiomodulation therapy for dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other brain conditions. The therapy has been shown to promote microcirculation, cellular proliferation, and regeneration, reducing pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.