Articles tagged with Dementia
A new study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found a causal link between high body mass index (BMI) and dementia. High blood pressure was identified as a driving factor behind the increased risk. Researchers suggest that preventing or treating obesity and high blood pressure could help reduce dementia risk.
A national panel of experts has issued 56 recommendations to reduce dementia risk, focusing on hearing loss, social isolation, and high blood pressure. The Nottingham Consensus provides clear, actionable guidance for policymakers to improve brain health and address health inequalities.
Developed by Mass General Brigham researchers, the autonomous AI system achieves high accuracy in detecting cognitive impairment using routine clinical documentation. The system includes five specialized agents that critique each other and refine their reasoning, just like clinicians would in a case conference.
A large McGill University study found that incretin-based therapies have protective benefits for the brain. DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with a 23-per-cent lower dementia risk compared to sulfonylureas. Longer-term studies will be needed to confirm these results.
Research reveals a significant increase in antipsychotic use among adults 65 and older with dementia, despite limited proven effectiveness and serious risks. The study suggests that long-term prescribing is on the rise, particularly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Research highlights overlooked social mechanisms connecting oral health, eating and speaking difficulties, and cognitive decline. A six-year longitudinal study found poor oral health is a strong predictor of weight loss in older adults.
Research finds that nearly one in four Medicare beneficiaries with dementia are prescribed potentially harmful medications linked to falls, confusion, and hospitalization. Despite declines in prescribing rates, high levels of inappropriate prescribing persist among older adults with cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that close to half of all dementia cases would not arise without the APOE gene's influence, and potentially more than 90% of Alzheimer's disease cases are linked to variants in this single gene. The study highlights the APOE gene as a powerful target for drug development.
Researchers found that children and young adult cancer survivors age faster and experience accelerated cognitive decline due to treatment effects. The study suggests that quitting smoking, exercising, and improving nutrition can help reverse these aging changes.
A groundbreaking study demonstrates that Alzheimer's disease biomarkers can be accurately detected using simple finger-prick blood samples collected at home. The research, led by Banner Health and the University of Exeter Medical School, successfully tested 337 participants and proved the accuracy of this accessible testing approach.
A study published in Neurology found that people with weaker and more fragmented circadian rhythms, as well as those who experience a later peak of activity, have an elevated risk of dementia. The study involved over 2,000 participants and followed them for three years to track the development of dementia.
A comprehensive review of prior research found no evidence that menopause hormone therapy increases or decreases dementia risk in post-menopausal women. The study included data from over 1 million participants and analyzed the impact on mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, with no significant association found.
A new study published in Neurology found an association between high-fat dairy products and a reduced risk of dementia. Researchers analyzed data from 27,670 people in Sweden and found that those who ate more high-fat cheese had a 13% lower risk of developing dementia.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found that older adults who lived through Hurricane Harvey had a 3% elevated risk of dying within 1 year. Mortality risk was highest among those with chronic health conditions like Alzheimer's disease, and Black and Hispanic/Latino populations experienced higher mortality risks than other groups.
Researchers have identified the Foxf2 gene as a key factor in cerebral small vessel disease, leading to impaired blood flow and increased risk of stroke and dementia. A new therapy targeting the impaired function of small cerebral vessels has shown promise in restoring vascular health.
A large international study of 220,947 participants found that concurrent physical frailty and depression significantly increase the risk of dementia. The interaction between these two factors contributes approximately 17% to the overall risk, while individual associations were found for frailty (2.5 times higher risk) and depression (...
Research by Li-Mei Chen finds that digital tools provide measurable benefits for caregivers and persons living with dementia, improving self-efficacy, emotional well-being, and social connectedness. However, equity gaps remain due to limited access to culturally adapted and inclusive technologies.
A new study suggests that midlife depression is driven by a small cluster of specific symptoms, rather than depression overall. The six symptoms are loss of self-confidence, difficulty coping with problems, and poor concentration, which can lead to reduced social engagement and decreased cognitive reserve.
A new multicenter study led by Mayo Clinic researchers has established a practical definition for rapidly progressive dementia (RPD), a rare but devastating form of cognitive decline. The findings may help clinicians recognize and treat RPD earlier, enabling researchers to work from a shared framework when studying the condition.
Researchers developed an AI tool to identify patients with undiagnosed Alzheimer's disease using electronic health records, addressing underdiagnosis and healthcare inequities. The model achieved sensitivity rates of 77-81% across diverse populations, promoting fairness while maintaining high accuracy.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a deep learning model that detects and evaluates Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) using EEG brainwave analysis. The model achieved over 90% accuracy in distinguishing individuals with dementia from cognitively normal participants.
A new dual-action program combines arts sessions for people with dementia with wellbeing sessions for their carers, helping families rediscover connection and confidence. The program was co-designed with those affected by dementia and has been shown to promote social interaction and reduce isolation.
The UT Health San Antonio Center for Brain Health brings together expertise in dozens of disorders, emphasizing education, family support and community connection. The center is part of ongoing national research initiatives, including a study on ALS and HEALEY ALS Platform Trial.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich uncovered a mechanism that protects nerve cells from premature cell death, known as ferroptosis. A single mutation in the GPX4 gene disrupts its function, leading to severe neurodegeneration in children with early-onset dementia.
A study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that older, unpaid caregivers who used the internet more often felt less lonely and coped better with stress. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,957 participants ages 65 and older, and discovered a buffering effect: internet use reduced loneliness in caregivers with health issues.
Researchers found that those who received the shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia over seven years compared to those who did not receive it. The vaccine was also shown to slow disease progression in those already diagnosed with dementia.
Researchers are investigating training caregivers on ear acupressure to help alleviate chronic pain in people with dementia. The one-year initiative aims to recruit 30-40 participants, plus caregivers, and assess the feasibility and acceptability of this non-pharmacological technique.
The USC Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute is leading the charge against Alzheimer’s with advances in blood tests and treatments. Researchers aim to develop effective preventive therapies within the next decade.
A new meta-analysis published in Aging-US found a significant association between hospitalization for infections and the risk of developing dementia. Adults hospitalized with infections were at an increased risk of all-cause dementia, especially after a single infection-related hospitalization, which can speed up cognitive decline.
Researchers at Newcastle University have led the way in redefining Dementia with Lewy bodies as a distinct cause of dementia. Their work has improved outcomes and offered hope to those affected, thanks to breakthroughs in disease mechanisms, stem-cell models, blood-based tests, and personalized therapies.
Researchers have identified a new immune process that clears toxic amyloid plaques and delays cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The 'Fc fragment' of the monoclonal antibody Lecanemab activates microglia, the brain's immune cells, to remove plaques more efficiently.
Researchers identified biological markers of inflammation, liver stress, and early damage to brain cells in young adults with obesity. Low blood levels of choline, essential for liver health and long-term brain function, were also found. These findings suggest that metabolic stress and inflammation may begin far earlier than expected.
Researchers found that higher muscle mass combined with a lower visceral fat to muscle ratio tracks with a younger brain age. Building muscle and reducing visceral fat are actionable goals for improving brain health. The study used whole-body MRI and AI algorithms to quantify muscle volume, fat tissue, and brain age.
A cross-sectional study found that US population faces significant challenges with nervous system disorders, impacting 180.3 million people, mainly due to stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathy, and migraine conditions.
A new study by UC San Francisco combines genetic risk with cardiovascular disease risk factors to predict who is more likely to develop dementia. The expanded view may help those worried about dementia, as lifestyle changes and improved control of illnesses can reduce brain damage and potentially delay or prevent symptoms.
A recent study found that TDP-43 protein levels in blood may indicate presence of LATE dementia, a cause often linked to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers hope this discovery could lead to development of simple blood test to diagnose LATE during life.
Adults with higher levels of physical activity during midlife and late life have a lower risk of all-cause and Alzheimer's disease dementia. This cohort study, part of the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort, found similar reductions in risk across different age groups.
A new study has identified three existing medications that could potentially prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease. The shingles vaccine is the most promising candidate, showing a strong safety record and reducing dementia risk by 16%. Repurposing medicines from other conditions offers a quicker and safer route to potential new treatments.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by targeting muscle protein Cathepsin B. The study found that increasing Ctsb in muscle tissue may offer protection against the effects of AD and promote brain cell growth, restoring protein balance and rebalancing brain activity.
A new study by Duke-NUS reveals that almost all community-dwelling older adults with advanced dementia experience at least one potentially burdensome intervention in their last year of life. The study highlights the need for new strategies to support families and reduce unnecessary interventions at the end of life.
The UT Health San Antonio Center for Brain Health is a $100 million facility that brings together clinical care, diagnostics and research under one roof. The center will redefine treatment of conditions including Alzheimer's, dementia, stroke and Parkinson's with multidisciplinary care teams.
A new study has found that people with lower incomes and from historically underrepresented groups are more likely to have modifiable risk factors for dementia. Improving access to vision care and reducing social isolation could potentially mitigate some of these risks, particularly in those living below the poverty line
A Baycrest study found that subtle features of speech timing, such as pauses and fillers, are linked to executive function and predict cognitive decline. The research uses artificial intelligence to analyze natural speech patterns for early detection of dementia.
Researchers found a link between platelet aggregation and Alzheimer's biomarkers in midlife, suggesting a potential early warning sign. The study analyzed 382 participants and found that stronger platelet clumping was associated with higher levels of amyloid and tau proteins.
A new study found that middle-aged people with higher levels of cardiac troponin I in their blood were more likely to develop dementia in later life. The study also found that damage to the brain seen in people with dementia accumulates slowly over decades before symptoms develop.
Research found a strong link between living in deprived areas and poorer cognitive performance, with damage to brain small blood vessels and modifiable lifestyle factors contributing to the effect. Lifestyle habits such as exercise and sleep management also play a crucial role in dementia prevention.
A new study found that faster biological aging measured by DNA-based epigenetic clocks is associated with greater cognitive decline and higher risk of mild cognitive impairment in Hispanic/Latino adults. The study highlights the potential of epigenetic clocks to track changes in brain health over time.
A study of 12,490 dementia cases found significant variations in survival times among early onset dementia patients by clinical subtype. The study revealed that those with frontotemporal dementia or Lewy body dementia had the shortest survival time, while Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment had longer average survival...
Researchers pinpointed the source of free radicals in non-neuronal brain cells that may fuel dementia. Blocking this site lowers brain inflammation and protects neurons, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative disorders.
A study found that following steps to improve cardiovascular health can reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia among people with Type 2 diabetes. Maintaining optimal cardiovascular health may protect brain health even for individuals with a high genetic risk for dementia.
A new Northwestern University study reveals how a key disease protein, TDP-43, drives overactive nerve cells in ALS and FTD. The findings highlight a promising new drug that can fix this error and restore balance to neurons.
Researchers at UTA are exploring how guided cognitive training can improve brain performance, particularly in navigation and memory. The study found that functional brain changes support behavioral differences, rather than increased brain volume.
A novel digital health program, WECARE 2.0, has been shown to enhance the physical and mental well-being of Chinese American dementia caregivers. Participants reported improved caregiving skills, reduced stress, and increased social support through user-friendly culturally-tailored interventions.
A new study by USC researchers reveals that short-term 'dynamic instability' in blood pressure is linked to loss of brain tissue and nerve cell injury in older adults. This phenomenon, where blood pressure fluctuates wildly from one heartbeat to the next, may be a key risk factor for brain shrinkage and neurodegeneration.
A new $2.9 million grant refines the LifeBio Memory app to enhance reminiscence therapy for dementia care, expanding to multiple languages and cultural contexts. The research aims to improve quality of life and relationships for both older adults and caregivers, using storytelling technology to reduce loneliness and depression.
A small study found that five volunteers with late-onset Alzheimer's disease showed significant improvements in cognitive tests and decreased biomarker tau proteins after two years of receiving 40Hz light and sound stimulation. This suggests that the therapy may slow cognitive decline and have direct biological impacts on Alzheimer's p...
A new study analyzed images of dementia in Finnish newspapers, finding a narrow and negative picture. The majority depicted people with dementia as elderly and frail, perpetuating stereotypes. Images also frequently used emotionally charged visual metaphors, such as puzzle pieces and trees shedding leaves.
A study found that problems with the brain's glymphatic system, which clears out toxins and waste materials, may contribute to dementia. The research suggests improving glymphatic function through sleep optimization, repurposed medicines, or treating cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure.
Researchers developed a computational tool to identify genetic vulnerabilities in memory-making brain cells linked to Alzheimer's. The 'seismic' algorithm integrates genetic data with single-cell RNA sequencing, revealing a detailed picture of affected cell types and their genetic programs.
A Monash University study of over 10,800 older people found that listening to music or playing music can reduce dementia risk. Always listening to music was associated with a 39% reduced risk, while playing an instrument led to a 35% decrease in dementia risk