Articles tagged with 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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...
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 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.