Articles tagged with Dementia
A new study found no association between leisure activities at age 56 and dementia risk over 18 years, but found that stopping participation may be an early sign of dementia. People who took part in more leisure activities at older ages were less likely to develop dementia.
Scientists developed a new epigenetic clock specifically for the human brain, which is more accurate than previous models. The clock predicts biological age from DNA samples and may help understand accelerated ageing in the brain, potentially associated with brain diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
A new mapping tool for analyzing tissue damage seen on MRI brain scans accurately detects early signs of cognitive decline, correlating with worsening dementia and other brain-damaging conditions. The tool offers a standardized method for calculating the volume and location of white matter lesions in the brain.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that people doing hard physical work have a 55-per cent higher risk of developing dementia. Despite previous findings suggesting physical activity reduces dementia risk, this study highlights the importance of 'good' form of physical activity.
Researchers developed a technique to detect TDP-43 in cerebrospinal fluid, identifying it in 97% of ALS cases and 45% of FTD cases. The test may help develop new treatments for the diseases by detecting protein accumulation early.
Researchers found that elderly Japanese men and women who produce equol display lower levels of white matter lesions in the brain. Equol production was associated with reduced white matter lesion volumes, but not amyloid-beta deposits.
Researchers found that rural individuals with Alzheimer's disease had lower healthcare use and shorter survival rates compared to urban counterparts. The study also highlighted disparities in care access, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these gaps.
Research led by Swansea University discovered that ghrelin blocks brain cell formation and is linked to Parkinson's dementia. The study found the UAG form of ghrelin reduces nerve cell formation and impairs memory.
A new study found that dementia prevention strategies can be cost-effective and cost-saving, reducing dementia rates by 8.5% and saving £1.86 billion each year in England. The interventions included nicotine gum, medication for high blood pressure, and hearing aids.
A new study found that regular social engagement is related to better microstructural integrity of brain gray matter in older adults. Greater social engagement activates specific brain regions needed for recognizing familiar faces and emotions.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals a significant rise in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease cases and mortality rates in Japan between 2005 and 2014. The incidence rate increased by an average of 6.4% per year, with the most prominent increase seen among individuals over 70 years old.
Non-invasive ventilation use increased nine-fold between 2000 and 2017, but data on its effectiveness for cancer and dementia patients is lacking. The therapy may prolong suffering for patients near the end of life.
A large-scale study found significant associations between air pollution and an increased risk of hospital admissions for several neurological disorders. The research analyzed data from over 63 million US adults and linked fine particulate pollution with higher rates of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other dementias.
Researchers from University of Sheffield and Manchester investigate link between heart disease and vascular dementia, testing a drug used to treat arthritis as a potential therapy. The study aims to identify a new treatment for vascular dementia, which affects 15% of all dementia cases.
A study found that people with severe apathy are 80% more likely to develop dementia than those with low apathy. Greater apathy was also associated with worse cognitive scores, highlighting its potential as an early sign of the disease.
Researchers investigated exposure to general anesthesia versus regional anesthesia in elective surgery and found no long-term link to dementia. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society study followed 7,499 individuals aged 66+ for up to 5 years.
Researchers at UC Davis School of Medicine and UTHealth will study the role of incidental white matter lesions in dementia among diverse people with cognitive complaints. The team aims to develop a 'risk profile' that identifies the likelihood of WML-related cognitive impairment and dementia over five to 10 years.
A new online programme will improve and personalize care for people with dementia in care homes, which were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme aims to support care staff and residents through peer networking and solution sharing.
A new study found that catheter ablation reduces the incidence of dementia by nearly a third in patients with atrial fibrillation. Successful ablation is associated with a lower risk of dementia, while failure may not contribute to this outcome.
A Cleveland Clinic researcher has been awarded a grant to identify biomarkers for predicting dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease. The five-year project aims to develop a predictive model using imaging, blood, and genetics data to identify individuals at risk of developing dementia as their disease progresses.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University aim to create quicker diagnostic tests for dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia using non-traditional tissue samples. The new method could enable doctors to diagnose patients earlier and more easily, improving patient care.
A recent study by Edith Cowan University found that 94% of Australian dementia caregivers are sleep-deprived, which can lead to negative physical and psychological outcomes. Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, were common among participants.
A study of Latino caregivers found that poorer cognitive performance at a single testing point was associated with impairments in daily activities seven years later. The study suggests maintaining cognitive health in middle-age and older adulthood is crucial for independence.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed the Brain Age Index (BAI), a model that estimates brain aging through sleep data and electrical measurements during sleep. The BAI showed promise as a marker of dementia, correlating with neuropsychiatric scores from standard cognitive assessments.
A six-year study found metformin slowed cognitive decline and reduced dementia risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe the medication may also benefit those at risk of cognitive decline without diabetes. The study suggests a potential repurposing of metformin to prevent cognitive decline in older people.
A large observational study suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes are 36% more likely to develop vascular dementia and 9% more likely to be diagnosed with non-vascular dementia compared to their diabetes-free counterparts. The risk of Alzheimer's disease is not higher in those with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that actively using two languages enhances cognitive reserve and delays the onset of symptoms associated with cognitive decline and dementia. The study suggests that bilingualism is an important predictor of delay in the onset of mild cognitive impairment, a preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease.
A new meta-analysis of global evidence found that people with PTSD are up to twice as likely to develop dementia later in life. The study analyzed data from over 1.6 million people and found a significant association between PTSD and increased dementia risk, which may be related to hypervigilance and social withdrawal.
The NIH has augmented the Health and Aging Brain Among Latino Elders (HABLE) Study to include additional biomarkers, including positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, to better understand Alzheimer's disease in Mexican Americans. The study will help identify health disparities and potential treatments for the condition.
A new program will continue dementia surveillance and invigorate the brain donation program using FHS participants' cognitive assessments and brain imaging. The program aims to identify genetic and biomarker factors related to Alzheimer's disease and develop strategies to preserve cognition.
Scientists have discovered a potential effective treatment for Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) using Ursodeoxycholic Acid, an already approved liver medication. The drug has been shown to increase protective proteins in neurons and prevent cell death, offering new hope for patients.
The Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) aims to build upon existing home and community-based social supports to enable people with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias to remain independent in their communities. People with ADRD and their caregivers will receive coaching, training, and support services.
Researchers found that older people without cognitive problems who experience a fall may have already begun neurodegeneration leading to Alzheimer's dementia. The study suggests that falls in this population are linked to brain changes that can be prevented with environmental modifications.
A new study suggests that lifestyle improvements can lessen cognitive decline in older adults by improving their lifestyles and boosting cognition. The results indicate that brain neuroplasticity can be retained through targeted interventions, enabling individuals to bounce back from decline.
The National Institute on Aging has funded four new exploratory Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers to broaden current research initiatives with underrepresented populations. These centers will prioritize rural communities and focus on specific scientific areas such as vascular risk factors and disparities in the Deep South region.
A large observational study found that both overall alcohol consumption and alcohol-induced loss of consciousness are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The study of over 131,000 adults suggests that limiting or avoiding heavy drinking may be beneficial for preventing cognitive decline.
Researchers found that Medin protein deposits reduce blood vessel elasticity in aging brains, contributing to vascular dementia. These deposits also cause sluggish vessel expansion, affecting blood flow and oxygen supply.
A pre-clinical study suggests that an investigational drug reduces the buildup of toxic poly(GR) proteins and TDP-43 clumps, which contribute to neurological decline in patients with ALS and FTD. The study found that treatment with a pipeline drug reduced neurodegeneration in mouse models.
A University of Houston researcher is investigating the adverse effects of mixing cholinesterase inhibitors and antimuscarinics in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to evaluate drug interactions and their effects on severe adverse events, ultimately improving the quality of medication use in dementia care.
Older caregivers of newly diagnosed dementia patients experience a 30% increase in depressive symptoms, which persists over two years. This is significantly higher than those without a partner diagnosis, with an additional 27-33% increase depending on the length of caregiving time.
Researchers at Newcastle University propose a new theory that links hearing loss to dementia, suggesting that the auditory system's impact on brain function may trigger Alzheimer's disease. The study identifies key aspects of this connection, including memory centers and cognitive impairment.
A new study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in US men and women increased over two decades. The analysis controlled for learning effects when repeating the same test, revealing a trend reversal compared to previous studies.
A new study found that robotic support pets for older adults and people with dementia acquire bacteria over time, posing a risk of illness. However, a simple cleaning procedure involving anti-bacterial products and wipes can effectively reduce microbial loads to safe levels.
Researchers have identified a new form of dementia, LATE disease, which shares symptoms with Alzheimer's but is caused by different brain processes. The study provides criteria to differentiate between frontotemporal dementia and LATE disease, offering hope for future therapy development.
A new study finds that dementia may be the underlying cause of nearly three times more deaths in the US than previously thought. The study estimates that 13.6% of deaths are attributable to dementia, which is 2.7 times more than the 5.0% of death certificates that indicate dementia as an underlying cause of death.
A new dementia education program has shown significant improvements in dementia knowledge and attitudes among primary school students. The intergenerational program brings together children and older adults, promoting empathy and understanding.
A new study found that nearly three-quarters of older adults with dementia have filled prescriptions for medicines not designed for dementia, posing special risks. Antidepressants, opioids, and other drugs were commonly prescribed, often without addressing the underlying issues, and may even worsen cognitive symptoms.
A new diagnostic definition for Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD) has been established, allowing researchers to better characterise the condition and its prognosis. The criteria also hold promise for strengthening research into dementia by identifying patients for trials.
Baycrest researchers are studying the effects of COVID-19 and social isolation on cognitive health, finding a potential link between respiratory symptoms and decreased oxygen to the brain. The study aims to identify factors predicting dementia development in older adults.
A new study proves that the McKee CTE staging scheme accurately represents the progression of tau pathology in CTE, correlating with clinical dementia and age at death. Researchers found five brain regions with increasing p-tau pathology that conform to CTE stage, age, and years of football play.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who experience a sudden drop in systolic blood pressure when standing up may be at higher risk of developing dementia years later. The study also showed that controlling these blood pressure drops could be a promising way to help preserve people's thinking and memory skills as they age.
The Dementia Friendly Church programme has had a significant impact, improving interactions between church attendees and people with dementia. The project involves making practical changes to church layouts, worship, and hospitality to create 'friendly spaces' for those living with dementia.
Researchers have identified measurable Alzheimer's risk factors in adolescents and young adults, emphasizing the need for early interventions targeting heart health and education. Studies found that high blood pressure, diabetes, and poor educational quality are associated with worse late-life cognition, particularly in African Americans.
A new report from the Lancet Commission identifies 12 modifiable risk factors that can delay or prevent 40% of dementia cases. These include reducing excessive alcohol intake, limiting air pollution, and promoting physical activity throughout life.
Experts identify 12 modifiable risk factors that can be targeted throughout life to delay or prevent dementia. The report highlights the potential for preventive measures to reduce dementia risk, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A study of 8,275 participants found that those with severe gum disease had twice the risk for mild cognitive impairment or dementia. People with minimal tooth loss and mild gum disease were no more likely to develop thinking problems than those with no dental issues.
A phase 3 trial found pimavanserin to be effective in reducing psychotic symptoms in people with dementia, regardless of underlying dementia subtype or severity. The treatment works differently than other antipsychotics, showing promise for improving the lives of those affected by psychosis.
Two studies indicate that WTC responders are at risk for developing dementia, with reduced gray matter thickness in the brain consistent with neurodegenerative conditions. Researchers found protein changes in blood consistent with Alzheimer's disease in responders with PTSD and mild cognitive impairment.
Research reveals flu vaccinations can reduce Alzheimer's incidence by up to 17%, with pneumococcal vaccination showing a similar protective effect. Vaccination also found to reduce mortality in people with dementia.
Research finds concussion associated with increased risk of developing ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, dementia and Parkinson's disease. Concussions upsets brain function and blood flow, potentially leading to long-term consequences.