Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
Researchers propose that elevated pulse pressure in blood traveling to the brain can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular dysfunction, leading to brain damage and cognitive decline. The study suggests reducing elevated pulse pressure could prove synergistic with other therapeutic approaches to treat dementia.
Research links inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to a doubled risk of developing dementia, with diagnoses occurring 7 years earlier. The study suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria and chronic inflammation may contribute to cognitive decline.
A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of dementia, with women facing a 39% increased risk. The study suggests that weight management could play a significant role in reducing this risk.
New Zealand centenarians exhibit low rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, depression, and hypertension. Socially active participants showed similar patterns across age groups, while exercise improved health without significant effects on ageing.
The Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging will continue to follow and document risk factors for cognitive and brain aging in 1,600 male twins. The study aims to identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.
A study found that an undergraduate service-learning course using music and filmmaking helped students connect with people with dementia, share unique stories, and process new experiences. The creative approach has the potential to humanize dementia and motivate a new generation of healthcare professionals.
A new UCL-led study found that repetitive negative thinking is linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that psychological tools like mindfulness or meditation may help reduce dementia risk.
The new app, called neureka, uses brain games and self-reflection challenges to collect data on mental health and dementia research. It aims to identify modifiable risk factors for disorders of the mind and capture complex datasets to develop individualized understanding of brain health.
A $2.6M NIH award will examine how sex differences impact cognitive impairment and dementia, with a focus on the brain vascular system. The project aims to uncover personalized molecular targets for therapy and improve treatment of dementia.
Researchers have developed an antibody that can accurately detect and quantify toxic amyloid-beta oligomers, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could lead to improved diagnostic methods and ultimately help monitor the progression of the disease.
NUI Galway research shows that taking blood pressure medications can reduce the risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment by 7%, and cognitive decline also by 7% over a four-year period. The study highlights the critical importance of controlling blood pressure in maintaining brain health, combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Researchers found that individuals with higher cardiovascular risk burdens experienced faster declines in episodic memory and working memory, as well as smaller hippocampal volumes. Maintaining heart health may be key to preventing cognitive decline, according to the study's findings.
A study of 7,000 adults aged 65 found that those with dementia and poor vision experience significant limitations in self-care, mobility, and household activities. The research highlights the need for better support systems to address these challenges.
An undergraduate course curriculum combined music, filmmaking, and reflective writing to help students connect with people living with dementia. More than half of the students continued engaging with participants after the course, highlighting the potential of arts and music courses in shaping perceptions about dementia.
A study of 2,800 people aged 50 and older found that low intake of flavonoid-rich foods was linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Consuming more berries, apples, and tea may help prevent the condition, with even small amounts providing benefits.
A team of Emory scientists compared the most common inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia with spinocerebellar ataxia type 36. They discovered that protein products can poison cells in one disease but not the other, providing new insights into their pathological mechanisms.
A new review study found that three tests - amyloid PET, FDG-PET, and MRI - are highly accurate in distinguishing between Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia. These tests show promise in improving diagnosis, but more study is needed for standardization.
Systematic reviews evaluate cognitive tests for Alzheimer's disease, biomarkers for neuropathologic Alzheimer disease, and prescription drugs for cognitive dysfunction. The findings suggest that certain brief cognitive tests are highly sensitive for distinguishing clinical Alzheimer-type dementia from normal cognition.
A new tool measures quality of life in people with dementia by assessing five key domains: physical health, mood, memory, living situation, and ability to do fun activities. The tool reveals that living situation is the most important contributor to quality of life, followed by the ability to engage in fun activities.
Researchers found that telehealth services using videoconferences can save travel time, equip families with strategies to promote independence, and reduce costs for non-pharmacologic interventions. The study provides evidence-based information and skills to support people with dementia and their care partners.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that combining highly processed meats with starches and snacks like cookies and cakes may raise the risk of dementia. Researchers found that people with dementia were more likely to eat these foods together, while those without dementia had a greater variety of healthier food options.
A new online calculator predicts the risk of death and long-term care admission for patients with dementia based on simple questions at diagnosis. The study found that older age, male sex, and organ failure are key predictors of mortality and institutionalization.
An observational study of 1,000 older women found a significant association between visual impairment and an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that addressing visual impairment could be an important prevention strategy for reducing dementia risk.
A study at Karolinska Institutet found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of dementia. The researchers also found that cardiovascular disease plays a key role in this association, and that reducing emissions can help mitigate the risk.
An observational study of 2,900 older residents found that long-term air pollution exposure increases the risk of developing dementia. Cardiovascular disease may contribute to this association by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, leading to neurodegenerative changes.
A large study published in Neurology found that taking a low-dose aspirin daily does not reduce the risk of thinking and memory problems caused by mild cognitive impairment or probable Alzheimer's disease. The study involved 19,114 participants and was supported by various funding sources.
A standardized dementia test has been adapted for use in seven Indian languages, enabling accurate diagnosis and mild cognitive impairment detection. The study found high diagnostic accuracy, making it a valuable tool for future cross-national research studies.
A growing body of evidence suggests that antioxidant treatment in acute ischemic stroke may delay the onset of Alzheimer's dementia. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of AD, and antioxidants have shown promise in animal models and some clinical trials.
Research from the University of Cambridge found a link between inflammation and protein build-up in various types of dementia. The study suggests that neuroinflammation is a common factor across different neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.
A study by Hiroshima University found that financial literacy is key to understanding existing legal and social services for people with dementia. Financially literate individuals are more aware of systems like adult guardianship and civil trust, which can help prevent misuses of power and ensure continued economic participation.
A blood test measuring phosphorylated tau 181 (pTau181) shows promise in detecting Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The test's accuracy surpasses existing methods, offering a potential solution for early diagnosis and treatment.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that declines in both memory and gait speed are associated with an increased risk of dementia in adults 60 and older. The observational meta-analysis included six studies with over 8,700 participants from the US and Europe.
A new study by UCL researchers has found a link between iron accumulation in the brain and cognitive decline in people with Parkinson's disease. The study used advanced MRI techniques to detect iron deposits in different brain regions, revealing associations with poor memory and thinking scores.
The number of people with dementia in Europe is estimated to almost double by 2050, from 7.9 million to 14.3 million, according to a new report by Alzheimer Europe. The prevalence of dementia has decreased in recent years, but this trend is expected to reverse unless better treatments and prevention strategies are developed.
A University of South Florida study suggests beta-arrestin-2 can lead to increased accumulation of neurotoxic tau tangles in the brain, causing forms of dementia. The researchers found that oligomerized beta-arrestin-2 disrupts protective clearance processes, leading to disease-causing tau buildup.
Researchers found that bilingual individuals had a shorter conversion time from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease than monolinguals. Despite this, bilinguals still experienced a faster decline once diagnosed with the disease.
Higher ratios of very-long-chain to long-chain ceramides were associated with reduced dementia and Alzheimer's disease risks, suggesting a potential role for plasma ceramides as biomarkers. Elevated ceramide ratios may also have protective effects against dementia, while altered lipid metabolism is linked to its development.
Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm to predict dementia onset using electronic medical records, showing similar accuracy to invasive tests. The method could help identify patients at risk earlier, allowing for prevention and better quality of life.
A recent study found that taller young men may be less likely to develop dementia later in life. The research adjusted for factors such as education and intelligence, suggesting an association between height and reduced dementia risk.
Michigan State University research found that optimistic partners contribute to their spouses' health, staving off cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Couples who share healthy habits and positive memories together experience improved well-being.
A global initiative aims to harness digital data and wearable technologies to detect neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The project, backed by Bill Gates and £100m investment goal, will develop 'fingerprints' of disease that can be detected early.
Physically active older adults experience reduced risks of early death, breast and prostate cancer, fractures, and dementia. Physical activity also promotes healthier ageing trajectories, better quality of life, and improved cognitive functioning.
A recent study published in Geriatrics & Gerontology International found that cancer patients with dementia were less likely to achieve a good death compared to those without. The study's authors emphasize the importance of enhancing end-of-life care discussions and improving symptom management for these patients.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's carrying APOE4 variant experience faster cognitive decline and more severe dementia. Targeting APOE may reduce dementia risk in Parkinson's patients.
A multicenter study has identified a new biomarker for vascular dementia, lipocalin 2 protein, found in cerebrospinal fluid. The protein's presence can discriminate between vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study suggests that people who consume higher amounts of the antioxidant flavonol are less likely to develop Alzheimer's dementia. The research, which followed 921 participants for six years, found that those with higher flavonol intake had a 48% lower risk of developing the disease.
A new study explores the connection between early high blood pressure and increased risk of dementia. Researchers are using advanced brain imaging techniques to examine cerebral blood flow, cognitive function, and brain structure in midlife individuals with elevated blood pressure.
Assistant Professor Søren Grubb has discovered precapillary sphincters in mice, which regulate the resistance between arterioles and capillaries. The findings suggest a potential link to diseases like migraine, Alzheimer's, and vascular dementia, which are associated with blood vessel defects.
A new study found that Asian people with dementia are less likely to receive anti-dementia drugs and take them for shorter periods than white peers. Black people with dementia prescribed antipsychotic drugs take them for longer, potentially putting them at greater risk of harm.
Researchers found no depression or anxiety from dementia screening in older adults. The study also showed that screening did not reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Dementia screening provides awareness for patients and families to take action, including advance care planning.
A class of antibiotics called aminoglycosides has been found to be effective in treating frontotemporal dementia by fixing a genetic mutation that prevents the production of progranulin protein. Researchers discovered two specific antibiotics, Gentamicin and G418, which were able to recover up to 50-60% of progranulin protein levels.
A study found that Italian and English speakers with primary progressive aphasia experience different speech and reading difficulties due to their native languages. Italian speakers tend to produce simpler sentences but struggle with pronunciation, whereas English speakers have more trouble pronouncing words.
A physically and mentally active lifestyle can slow FTD symptoms by providing cognitive resilience to brain degeneration. Research participants with dominant genetic mutations showed slower functional decline in the most active group compared to the least active group.
Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid have identified brain biomarkers for detecting Alzheimer's disease. A study found that patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment who develop dementia show increased and then decreased synchronization in brain regions, indicating cortical network dysfunction.
A new study by McGill University researchers found that APOEε4 carriers have greater levels of tau tangles in memory centers, even after controlling for amyloid plaques. The study provides evidence that the gene's risk of dementia is related to both hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer's disease.
A large study of over 1 million women found that obesity in midlife increases the risk of dementia later in life, while poor diet and lack of exercise are not. The study also revealed short-term associations between these factors and dementia risk may be due to early symptoms of dementia.
A new AI-powered computer model has been developed to identify early signs of dementia, potentially improving diagnosis rates in the UK. The model, created by a collaboration between astrophysicists and medical researchers, can analyze patient records to predict 70% of dementia cases before a formal diagnosis.
A team of scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital has developed an algorithm to estimate dementia risk using EHRs, predicting new diagnoses up to eight years in advance. The tool uses machine learning and NLP to analyze clinical terms and estimate patient risk.
A new tool developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and the Netherlands predicts a person's survival probability after dementia diagnosis over three years. The tool provides clear tables for primary care physicians and specialist clinics to estimate post-diagnosis life expectancy based on easily identifiable factors.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that amyloid beta and tau proteins work together to hamper key genes responsible for brain messaging in people with Alzheimer's disease. This damage can be reversed by reducing the presence of tau proteins, according to the study.