Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.