Articles tagged with Dementia
A team of researchers has identified the atomic interactions that stabilize the liquid, yet condensed phase of FUS, a protein associated with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. Understanding these molecular interactions could lead to the development of therapeutics to prevent disease-associated aggregation.
Brain diseases now account for 10% of global disease burden, affecting 50 million worldwide. A new national brain health strategy in Norway aims to prevent and cope with these conditions through research, innovation and holistic care.
Researchers found that statin users had a 22% lower risk of all-cause death compared to non-users, as well as a 23% reduction in the risk of stroke. The protective effect was seen across various patient groups, including those with vascular dementia.
A study by University of Edinburgh scientists reveals that a protein called clusterin builds up in vital parts of neurons, disrupting brain cell connections and contributing to dementia symptoms. The findings shed light on the causes of Alzheimer's disease and will help accelerate the search for a treatment.
A new study by UC Berkeley psychologists links disrupted sleep in 50s and 60s to increased protein tangles in the aging brain, raising the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights the importance of sleep for maintaining a healthy brain into old age.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified LIMK1, a serine/threonine kinase, as a promising target for interventions against Alzheimer's disease. The enzyme is linked to the degradation of dendritic spines, which may play a role in dementia progression.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that strong anticholinergic medication daily for three years or more may increase the risk of dementia by nearly 50% among patients aged 55 and over. The research highlights the importance of carefully considering medication risks alongside benefits.
Researchers call for long-term randomized deprescribing trials to explore whether reducing or eliminating anticholinergic medication use can improve cholinergic neurotransmission and reduce dementia risk. If successful, this approach could be a more feasible intervention than increasing physical activity or controlling diabetes.
A large cohort study found a significant link between atrial fibrillation and an increased risk of dementia in elderly individuals, even those without a history of stroke. The study also showed that anticoagulant treatment may help mitigate this risk.
The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) will continue to support the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dementia through its second phase. The new study, CAN-THUMBS UP, aims to identify individuals at risk of dementia and provide combination interventions to prevent progression.
A longitudinal study found that a food for special medical purposes containing Fortasyn Connect can benefit patients with mild cognitive impairment who are at high risk of progressing to the dementia stage of AD. The product showed significant worsening in memory performance and executive functions in those without intervention, while ...
The Hastings Center is conducting groundbreaking research on dementia and end-of-life choices, examining the ethical implications of living with dementia. The study aims to identify areas where further research or policymaking is needed to improve the experiences of those affected by dementia.
A study found that patients taking antihypertensive drugs had a decreased risk of developing dementia, with calcium channel blockers showing the most significant association. The study analyzed data from over 12,000 patients and suggested that these medications may help delay or reduce dementia onset.
A new study by the University of Chichester explores the impact of behavioural changes in dementia on care home relationships. The findings highlight the need for better training and support to help professional caregivers understand and address these changes.
A six-month pilot study assesses the effectiveness of a telephone-based care program for homebound seniors with dementia, aiming to reduce caregiver burden and prevent hospitalization. The program uses a modified Care Consultation Intervention, which involves assessments and action plans to support unmet needs.
Researchers found that specific financial skills declined with age and at the earliest stages of mild memory impairment. As amyloid plaques buildup increases, a person's ability to understand and apply basic financial concepts declines, making financial management falters more likely.
A study published in JNeurosci reports that dysfunctional neurons in the hippocampus of adult mice modeling dementia can be repaired and reconnected to distant parts of the brain. The findings suggest potential new treatments for cognitive decline in the elderly.
The Radio Me project uses AI to adapt and personalize live radio, providing personalized reminders, information, and music for people with dementia. The system aims to improve quality of life and reduce hospital admissions by up to 30%.
This observational study found that statin use was associated with a modestly reduced risk of long-term dementia after a concussion in older adults. The analysis examined nearly 29,000 adults and found that the risk of dementia was substantial, but statin use helped mitigate this risk.
A large observational study found that rapid weight change and cardiometabolic risk factors significantly increase dementia risk in older adults. Continuous weight control and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are recommended for preventing dementia development.
Researchers found that older adults who regularly participate in word and number puzzles have improved brain function, particularly in attention, reasoning, and memory. The study suggests that engaging with these puzzles can lead to cognitive improvements equivalent to a decade younger in age.
Many Americans in their 50s and early 60s worry about declining brain health, taking supplements or doing puzzles to stave off brain decline. However, few have talked with their doctors about evidence-based ways to prevent memory loss, potentially missing out on proven strategies.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified average brain changes linked to Alzheimer's disease that occur 3-10 years before symptoms appear. Researchers found subtle cognitive test score changes and protein increases in cerebrospinal fluid an average of 34.4 years before cognitive impairment onset.
Scientists have discovered that patients with a rare form of dementia called Primary Progressive Aphasia show abnormalities in brain function despite structurally normal MRI scans. Functional defects were found in regions not yet showing structural damage on MRI, suggesting an early-detection method for neurodegeneration.
Researchers at the University of Kent found that virtual reality helped patients recall old memories, providing positive mental stimulation. The study also showed improved social interaction between patients and their caregivers, as well as a boost in mood and motivation.
Researchers determined that atrial fibrillation is independently associated with age-related and dementia changes. Longitudinal analysis showed increases in subclinical cerebral infarctions, sulcal size, ventricular size, and white matter hyperintensity volume in people with Afib.
A new study at Northwestern University found that teaching happiness skills to dementia caregivers reduces their depression, anxiety, and improves physical health. The intervention, called LEAF, increased feelings of happiness and positivity among caregivers after six weeks.
The Dementia Friendly Hospital Initiative targets comprehensive training for all hospital staff to improve quality and safety for patients with dementia. The program aims to lower rates for in-hospital injuries, length of stay, and 30-day readmissions.
A new form of dementia, Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), has been characterized by researchers. LATE affects multiple areas of cognition and its progression is more gradual than Alzheimer's disease. Further research into LATE may lead to the development of disease-specific drugs.
A newly recognized brain disorder called Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE) has been defined with recommended diagnostic criteria. LATE is characterized by cognitive impairment and hippocampal sclerosis, similar to Alzheimer's disease, but progresses more gradually.
Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE) is a newly-defined brain disorder resembling Alzheimer's disease but caused by misfolded TDP-43 protein. It affects 25% of individuals over 85 years old, causing gradual cognitive decline and impacting daily life.
A small study found that cilostazol and isosorbide mononitrate treatments were safe for patients with strokes caused by damaged small blood vessels. The drugs may help improve blood vessel function and potentially reduce the risk of stroke and vascular dementia.
A specially designed mobile game, Sea Hero Quest, can detect people at risk of Alzheimer's by analyzing their spatial navigation skills. Researchers found that those with a high genetic risk, like the APOE4 gene, performed worse on the game, highlighting a potential early detection method.
Researchers found a critical structure within TDP-43 that causes nerve cell death in ALS and FTD. Modifying this structure could lead to new therapies for these devastating diseases.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Center discovered aberrant RNA processing in ALS and FTD patients, led by Dr. Rita Sattler's team finding ADAR2 mislocalization affects disease pathways, potentially leading to neuronal loss and neurodegeneration.
A commonly used blood pressure medication has shown potential in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and dementia. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that felodipine induced autophagy in mice with Huntington's disease and zebrafish models of dementia.
A new study found that nearly half of dementia cases in low- to middle-income countries, such as China and India, could be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors like education, hearing loss, and obesity. Improving childhood education and health outcomes throughout life may lead to significant reductions in dementia rates.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that low scam awareness in older adults may be an early sign of impending mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The researchers observed a significant association between low scam awareness and Alzheimer disease pathology in the brain.
Researchers found a strong correlation between abnormal proteins and criminal behavior in dementia sufferers, especially those with frontotemporal dementia. The study of 220 deceased patients showed that 42% of FTD patients committed repeated crimes, compared to 15% of Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers found that the most common genetic cause of ALS, C9orf72 mutation, leads to toxic dipeptide repeat polypeptides (DPRs) disrupting nucleolar assembly. Longer DPRs are more toxic to cells, highlighting a potential prognostic value for ALS patients.
St. Jude scientists discover that ULK1 and ULK2 break down stress granules, which build up toxic proteins that kill muscle and brain cells in diseases including IBM, ALS, and FTD. Boosting these enzymes could help treat the conditions.
Researchers develop QC-01-175, a molecular tool that clears abnormal tau protein from human neurons, providing a new approach for studying disease progression and potential therapeutic benefits. The findings suggest targeted protein degradation technology can be used to transform a protein binder into a functional molecule with pharmac...
A new state-of-the-art sleep unit has opened at the University of East Anglia, pioneering research will investigate the link between sleep and dementia. The unit aims to determine whether treating sleep disturbances early on could help slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
A study found a link between fewer reproductive years and an increased risk of dementia in women. Women with shorter total reproductive years had a higher risk of developing dementia, particularly those who started menstruating later or went through menopause earlier.
Researchers at OHSU test video chat to stave off dementia in seniors, showing promise in improved cognitive tests. Social isolation is a major problem for seniors, and this study aims to identify healthy but isolated individuals and see if regular conversation can prevent age-related cognitive decline.
A robot-guided video game has been developed to get older adults learning and working together, staving off dementia. The game's goal is to encourage physical movement and social interaction, addressing isolation a key contributor to dementia progression.
A new study found that controlling high blood pressure in mid-life patients with atrial fibrillation can reduce dementia risk by up to 15%. The study analyzed data from over 196,000 patients and found that lowering systolic blood pressure to 120-129 mmHg was associated with lower dementia risk.
Dementia caregivers want robots to support positive moments and alleviate emotional stress through tasks like answering repeated questions, managing daily schedules, and providing reminders. The researchers are now building high-tech prototypes based on the initial low-tech prototypes designed by caregivers.
A new study found that catheter ablation significantly reduces the risk of dementia and stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and carotid arterial disease compared to medication treatment. Researchers identified 5,786 patients and found that ablation made a significant difference in those with both conditions.
Chronic periodontitis may increase the risk of developing dementia by 6%, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The research suggests that preventing and treating periodontitis could lead to a reduced risk of dementia.
Dorothee Dormann's work reveals similarities in ALS and FTD pathogenesis, highlighting the role of protein FUS in disease progression. Her research aims to identify molecular targets for therapy and explore common mechanisms with other neurodegenerative diseases.
A large study of over 8,200 adults found no association between midlife diet quality and later risk of dementia. The study followed participants for nearly 25 years, but repeated assessments of diet quality during midlife didn't show any significant link to subsequent risk for dementia.
Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered that an existing therapy used to treat Alzheimer's disease may also be effective for patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a type of dementia that destroys language. The study found that individuals with PPA exhibit the same loss of cholinergic neurons and axons in the fo...
FAU's Dementia Prevention Initiative aims to identify novel biomarkers and peripheral predictors of disease, enabling personalized evaluation and prevention plans. The $3 million grant will enable researchers to follow patients for three years, share data with other investigators, and provide training.
A study of 800 Swedish women found that those with high levels of mental activities like reading, singing, and gardening were 46% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Women who were physically active also had a reduced risk of developing dementia, with a 52-56% lower risk compared to inactive participants.
A Swedish study of 800 women found that those with a high level of mental and physical activities had a lower risk of developing dementia. Mental activities included reading, playing instruments, singing in a choir, and gardening, while physical activity ranged from light walking to regular intense exercise.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology developed a computer game for dementia carers, offering immersive scenarios to build knowledge and skills. The game is freely available online, providing a hands-on approach to train caregivers in dealing with the challenges of dementia care.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that insufficient sleep is associated with changes in DNA methylation in gene regulatory elements related to the nervous system development pathway. This indicates a potential link between chronic sleep deprivation and long-term health risks.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that education does not play a significant role in when the disease starts or how fast it progresses. Researchers found an association between higher education and better thinking and memory skills at the start of the study, but this did not translate to slower cognitive decline.
A large UK population-based study found no association between the antidepressant trazodone and a reduced risk of dementia. Researchers analyzed data from over 15 million patients and compared them with users of other antidepressants, but found higher incidence rates among trazodone users.