Articles tagged with Dementia
Researchers developed new diagnostic criteria that consider a woman's sex when evaluating verbal memory performance, leading to improved diagnosis accuracy and potentially detecting cognitive impairment earlier. This could result in better study designs for clinical trials and more accurate studies on disease progression.
A new study led by a University of Miami neurologist found that sleep disturbances among Hispanics may increase their risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Insomnia and prolonged sleep duration were linked to declines in memory, executive function, and processing speed, which can precede the onset of dementia.
The National Institute on Aging announced winners of its Eureka competition, which aims to spur technological innovations in dementia care. MapHabit took first place with a mobile app helping people with dementia follow simple commands and receive feedback from caregivers.
A new $2.8 million grant will support a preclinical efficacy study of MW150, a potential treatment for dementia. The drug targets dysregulated brain inflammation driven by p38-MAPK, which is also linked to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.
A $4 million grant will study the impact of an easy-to-use online platform called WeCareAdvisor on managing dementia symptoms and caregiver distress. The platform provides education, daily tips, and a systematic approach for describing strategies to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms.
A monthly phone call from a care team navigator can suppress depression and improve quality of life for dementia caregivers. The 12-month study found a significant decrease in caregiver depression and a notable increase in patient quality of life.
An observational study of 3,021 adults aged 72 and older found that alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia in those without mild cognitive impairment. However, among those with MCI, drinking more than 14 drinks per week was linked to the highest risk of dementia
A Regenstrief Institute research scientist is testing a novel mobile app designed to improve care for people with Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to determine if the Brain CareNotes app can manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, leading to improved quality of life for patients and caregivers.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that people with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia have unique walking patterns that signal subtle differences between the two conditions. Analyzing step length variability and step time asymmetry can accurately identify 60% of all dementia subtypes.
A commonly used Alzheimer's treatment, donepezil, significantly increases the risk of hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that can cause kidney damage. The study found a two-fold higher risk of hospitalization with donepezil compared to other cholinesterase inhibitors.
A new MRI analysis technique using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) helped predict thinking problems and dementia related to small vessel disease. Participants with the most brain damage were more likely to develop these conditions, and the scan accurately predicted three-fourths of dementia cases.
Researchers found that people with mild cognitive impairment may have different brain changes depending on the type of dementia they have. The study suggests that these changes could potentially be used to track early changes in Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease.
Researchers at Brown University and Hebrew SeniorLife will create a collaborative research incubator to support trials aimed at improving care for people living with dementia. The grant will fund up to 40 pilot projects that test non-drug, care-based interventions.
Researchers have identified a novel biomarker for dementia, IGFBP-2, which is associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Elevated circulating levels of IGFBP-2 significantly improved dementia risk classification when added to traditional risk factors.
A stepwise approach to assessing dementia risk in primary care uses a single question on subjective memory loss, followed by cognitive function tests. This method predicts incident dementia over seven years with high accuracy.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with newly diagnosed hearing loss who receive hearing aids have a lower risk of developing dementia, depression, and fall-related injuries compared to those who do not. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 115,000 Medicare beneficiaries, a...
A study of 114,862 older adults found that using hearing aids was linked to lower risks of Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, and injurious falls. The risk of these conditions was 18-13% lower for those who used hearing aids compared to those who did not.
Research linking migraines to increased risk of dementia highlights the importance of early detection and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease. Migraines were identified as a mid-life risk factor for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, in a study of 679 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older.
Researchers at Imperial College London visualized protein 'tangles' associated with dementia in patients who suffered a single head injury, showing collective likelihood of tau tangles and nerve damage. The study may accelerate treatment development by enabling medics to monitor tau protein levels.
Researchers found that nearly all dementia diagnoses were made by non-specialist physicians, leading to missed opportunities for more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. The study highlights the need for better training and tools for primary care doctors to diagnose dementia subtypes.
A new study from the European Society of Cardiology reveals that heart failure patients have a high likelihood of developing dementia-type brain lesions, similar to those found in stroke patients. The study also suggests a link between heart failure and an increased risk for dementia.
A new study found that married people are less likely to develop dementia as they age, whereas divorced individuals are twice as likely to experience the condition. The research analyzed data from over 15,000 respondents and suggests that marital status is an important social risk factor for dementia.
Research found that social and executive brain functions are essential for successful language processing, even in individuals with dementia. Patients with frontotemporal dementia performed poorly on language tests despite showing no speech impairment, highlighting the importance of non-language brain regions.
Caregivers of people with dementia experience significant sleep loss, estimated at 2.5-3.5 hours per week, affecting both their mental and physical health. Simple interventions such as morning sunlight, regular bedtime routines, and moderate exercise can improve caregivers' sleep quality.
A new study found that people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who have a heart attack are less likely to receive evidence-based treatment. Despite this, researchers emphasize that MCI does not necessarily mean reduced benefit from treatment and that patients should still receive care when indicated.
Researchers say increasing evidence suggests age-related diseases, rather than age itself, may be the key cause of cognitive decline. This shift in thinking highlights the importance of addressing bodily changes that lead to diseases like dementia.
Changes in blood pressure in early adulthood have been linked to markers of poorer brain health in later life, according to a UCL-led research study. Higher blood pressure at midlife and faster rises in blood pressure between ages 36 and 43 were associated with smaller brain volumes.
Researchers analyzed data from 27,000 Canadian nursing home residents with advanced dementia and found significant differences in end-of-life care between men and women. Men were less likely to receive invasive procedures, physical restraints, and antibiotic therapy in the last 30 days of life compared to women.
A team of researchers led by Brittany Dugger will study donated post-mortem brain tissues from diverse individuals with Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican heritage to define the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease in Hispanic cohorts. The goal is to develop specific disease profiles and improve prevention and treatment.
Researchers have found that abnormal blood pressure in middle and late life significantly increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout life may be a key factor in reducing this risk.
A comprehensive dementia care program staffed by nurse practitioners significantly reduced patients' behavioral problems and depression, as well as lower the distress of caregivers. The study's findings suggest that such programs are a promising approach toward improving the psychological health of patients and caregivers.
Researchers found that midlife hypertension sustained into late life and a pattern of midlife hypertension followed by late-life low blood pressure are associated with increased dementia risk. The study included nearly 4,800 participants and found that these patterns were linked to increased risk of mild cognitive impairment.
A study found that older adults with moderately severe dementia living at home have worse health and more symptoms than those in residential care or nursing facilities. The research highlights the need for better understanding and addressing geriatric palliative care needs of people with dementia wherever they live.
A new study found that good cardiovascular health at age 50 is associated with a lower risk of dementia later in life. Researchers used the Life Simple 7 cardiovascular health score as a tool for preventing dementia, and their findings support public health policies to improve midlife cardiovascular health.
The 5-year $50-million strategy aims to overcome challenges with measures like research funding and ageism stigma reduction. Canada needs to learn from provinces and other countries to ensure the strategy's success.
A new study found that dietary phosphatidylcholine intake was associated with a 28% lower risk of dementia in men. The study also showed enhanced cognitive performance in those with the highest intake of choline.
A new study found that FDG-PET scans are a better indicator of cognitive performance when compared to PET scans that detect amyloid protein. This suggests that FDG-PET is more precise in clinical studies and may be available for routine use at modest costs.
Researchers found that older adults with moderately severe dementia living at home have more chronic conditions, pain, and anxiety than those in nursing homes. However, they also reported higher rates of falls, depression, and poor health. The study emphasizes the importance of improving home-based medical care for these patients.
A study of 180 deceased football players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) investigated the association between brain white matter pathologic changes, cerebrovascular disease, and dementia. The findings suggest that brain damage in deceased football players is linked to increased risk of dementia.
The University of North Carolina Health Care has received a five-year, $3.75 million grant to provide geriatrics training throughout North Carolina. The program aims to improve health outcomes for older adults by increasing rates of advance care planning and reducing chronic opioid use.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that increased social contact at age 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life. Social engagement may help develop cognitive reserve and reduce the risk of dementia.
The study reveals that Tau controls Fyn nanoclustering in dendrites, leading to altered nerve signals and synapse dysfunction. Single molecule imaging provides unprecedented insights into the organisation of key proteins in living brain cells.
A recent study published in Neurology found that both low and high levels of hemoglobin are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The study involved over 12,000 participants and followed them for an average of 12 years, revealing a significant link between hemoglobin levels and dementia risk.
A population-based study in Taiwan found hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of dementia, particularly among those aged 45-64. Coexisting conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease also contributed to the dementia risk.
A $47 million grant will incorporate advanced brain imaging into the Alzheimer's Association's U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER) clinical trial. The study aims to determine whether lifestyle changes can protect memory in people at risk of developing dementia.
A 15-year study of 4582 Chinese adults found evidence of faster cognitive decline in those who consistently ate more than 50 grams of chili a day. Memory decline was even more significant if the chili lovers were slim.
A Japanese study finds that hearing loss in older people is associated with restricted outdoor activities, anxiety, and memory loss. The condition also leads to communication barriers, stress, and cognitive decline.
Research found that ATG7 is related to the onset of frontotemporal dementia and Lou Gehrig's disease. The study showed that activating autophagy through ATG7 can improve neurodegenerative symptoms in fruit flies, suggesting a potential treatment for neuro-degenerative diseases.
A new study found apathy affects nearly half of people with dementia, distinct from depression, and linked to more severe dementia. Researchers highlight the need for effective treatments and improved care through personalized social interaction and staff training.
A new study found that older patients with dementia received significantly less transitional care than those without dementia, including inadequate patient education and poor communication between healthcare teams. Researchers are calling for system-level changes to prioritize the needs of dementia patients and their caregivers.
A new study found that people who wear a hearing aid for age-related hearing problems maintain better brain function over time. The research suggests that wearing a hearing aid may mitigate the risk of dementia, with benefits seen in measures assessing working memory and attention.
A new study found that living a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of dementia for individuals with a high genetic risk. The research, published in JAMA, analyzed data from over 196,000 adults and discovered that adhering to a healthy lifestyle, regardless of genetic risk, was associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
A large observational study found that a favorable lifestyle was associated with lower dementia risk, independent of genetic risk. The study followed over 196,000 adults and found that both unhealthy lifestyles and high genetic risk were linked to higher dementia risk.
A study of 1,600 older adults found a strong association between accumulated cognitive and social activities and a slower rate of memory loss. The research suggests that individuals with higher cognitive reserve may be less likely to develop dementia, providing new insights into the prevention and treatment of this disease.
A UCL study finds that a programme of therapy and coping strategies for people caring for family members with dementia successfully improves their mental health. The START programme has been shown to be cost-effective in improving the wellbeing of both carers and those they care for, with patient-related costs being significantly lower.
A recent study found that metformin use was associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia in African American patients with type 2 diabetes. The study included data from over 73,000 male veterans and showed modest to no association between metformin and lower risk for dementia in white patients.
The Cleveland Alzheimer's Disease Research Center will accelerate research for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, supporting a wide range of studies and educating scientists and the public on dementia causes and treatment.
An observational study found caregiver depression associated with more emergency department visits for patients with dementia, including a 0.7 increase in visits per person-year. Caregivers with depression had higher rates of ED use (1.5 vs. 0.8 visits) compared to those without depression.
Research suggests that older adults who experience cognitive impairment, dementia, or delirium after a hip fracture are more likely to experience functional decline and disability. Despite this, some older adults can recover and regain mobility after surgery.
The OU Health Sciences Center has been awarded a $3.75 million federal grant to enhance dementia care in Oklahoma. The program aims to educate the workforce and create dementia-friendly health systems through partnerships with primary care clinics, nursing homes, and community organizations.