Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
Research found that lung disease, including restrictive and obstructive conditions, is associated with a greater risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that low lung function was linked to an increased risk of dementia.
A study in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association notes that elderly gun owners with dementia are at a high risk of suicide and accidental shootings. The authors argue that public policy, such as red flag laws, can help mitigate this risk by removing firearms from patients with cognitive impairment.
Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to assess white matter health and found that individuals who went on to experience cognitive decline had significantly more signs of damage. The study predicted cognitive decline with 89% accuracy, rising to 95% when focusing on specific brain areas.
A study found that a training programme for caregivers in care homes improves the lives of residents with dementia, reducing agitation and hospital admissions. The programme, known as WHELD, cost £660 per resident to achieve significant improvements, saving up to £4,000 per home.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology reveals that adults with Down syndrome are more likely to die from dementia, highlighting the importance of studying disease progression and potential treatments for this population. The study, which included 211 adults, found that 70% of those who died had dementia.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that most people living with dementia also have at least one additional chronic health condition. The study, led by Professor Linda Clare, highlights the need for better care planning and support to deal with multiple conditions in a more integrated way.
Breakdowns in brain's blood vessels linked to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention through biomarkers, exercise, and targeted treatments. Age-related loss of brain lymphatic function also plays a role in neurodegeneration.
A recent study published by the American Society of Nephrology found a strong link between acute kidney injury and an increased risk of developing dementia. Patients with acute kidney injury had a 7.0% vs. 2.3% chance of developing dementia, highlighting the potential long-term cognitive consequences of AKI.
Researchers from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University Center for Aging Research develop IN-PEACE to improve dementia care and reduce caregiver stress through state-of-the-art symptom management. The initiative provides support by nurses and social workers to both patients and their family caregivers.
Two UTA social work professors, Noelle Fields and Ling Xu, have received a $459,994 NIH grant to develop an intervention program for African American dementia caregivers. The SCP Plus program aims to reduce caregiver burden and stress while increasing the well-being of caregivers.
A £2.7 million study is developing a person-centred package of care in GP surgeries, focusing on the introduction of one dementia expert to link to the rest of the patient's clinical team. The programme aims to improve the experience of care and promote positive mental and physical wellbeing.
A University of Bath team has biochemically characterised the protein produced by the C9orf72 gene, revealing it to be a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that regulates molecules called RABs. This understanding is crucial in developing treatments and potentially a cure for neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTD.
A new study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggests a causal link between herpes viruses and Alzheimer's disease, with antiviral drugs drastically reducing the risk of senile dementia in patients with severe herpes infections.
A large study published in The BMJ found that pre-eclampsia is associated with an increased risk of later dementia, particularly vascular dementia. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia were more than three times as likely to develop vascular dementia compared to those without the condition.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh has identified arterial stiffness as a key risk factor for dementia in older adults. The researchers found that individuals with high arterial stiffness readings were 60% more likely to develop dementia over a 15-year period.
A team of scientists discovered that spontaneous genetic errors in brain cells could lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. These 'somatic mutations' are thought to arise during embryonic development, contributing to the roots of dementia in people without a family history.
Researchers used goal attainment scaling to help people with dementia and their caregivers set personalized health goals. The study found that 84% of goals were non-medical, focusing on improving the person's quality of life and reducing caregiver stress.
A study published in Neurology found that people with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, are at a faster rate of decline in thinking and memory skills and a higher risk of dementia. Taking anticoagulants to prevent clots may decrease the risk of dementia.
A new AI algorithm can accurately predict cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, enabling early intervention and prevention strategies. The algorithm learns from MRI, genetics, and clinical data to identify individuals at risk, potentially delaying or preventing the onset of Alzheimer's.
A recent study found that people with both diabetes and dementia are 67% more likely to die after experiencing dangerously low blood sugar. The researchers call for strategies to prevent and reduce hypoglycaemia in older adults with these conditions, prioritizing continuous glucose monitoring devices.
Researchers tracked over 12,000 participants to estimate the lifetime risk of dementia, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Preventive strategies could delay onset and reduce lifetime risk by 20-50% in theory, particularly for those aged 85+.
Researchers found that hospitalization, critical illness, and major infection are associated with reduced brain volume in regions vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. Critical illness was also linked to inflammation in the brain and systemic inflammation.
A new grant from the National Institute on Aging aims to boost Latino researchers studying Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The San Diego Resource Center for Advancing Alzheimer's Research in Minority Seniors will provide mentorship, data, and intellectual resources to support emerging scholars.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have devised a strategy to 'go after' the cause of Alzheimer's disease, targeting toxic protein oligomers. This breakthrough could lead to new drug development and treatment options for dementia.
Researchers analyzed data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to study the relationship between sexual behavior, function, and cognition. The study found that nearly half of men with dementia were sexually active, as well as 18% of women.
A study found associations between air pollution and dementia diagnoses in London patients, with higher NO2 and PM2.5 levels linked to a 40% increased risk of dementia. The study's findings suggest that traffic-related air pollution may contribute to neurodegeneration, particularly for Alzheimer's disease.
A large clinical trial found that daily low-dose aspirin did not prolong healthy, independent living in older adults without previous cardiovascular events. Aspirin was associated with a significantly increased risk of bleeding and an increase in cancer deaths, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and brain.
A new system using computer avatars detects dementia with high accuracy by analyzing speech and language patterns of elderly individuals. The technology has the potential to encourage early diagnosis through daily conversations with avatars.
A US study found that 59% of partnered men and 51% of women with dementia lived at home were sexually active. However, many faced unaddressed sexual function problems and lacked clear medical guidance. The study aimed to provide normative evidence for informing decisions about sex for people with dementia.
A randomized controlled trial shows that a behavioral treatment, Behavioral Activation, can reduce the risk of future memory loss by increasing social, cognitive, and/or physical activity. The study found an 88% reduction in cognitive decline compared to the control group.
A nationwide health claims analysis from Korea found smoking increases dementia risk, while quitting reduces it by up to 32%. Long-term quitters had a 14% lower risk of dementia compared to continual smokers, while never smokers had an 18% reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease.
A Danish study has estimated 10-year absolute risk of dementia by age, sex and common APOE gene variation, identifying high-risk individuals who may benefit from early preventive interventions. The research found that a combination of these factors could lead to a 7-24% risk of developing dementia by age 80.
A large-scale study has found that people who have had a stroke are around twice as likely to develop dementia. The study analyzed data from 3.2 million people and found that having a stroke significantly increases the risk of dementia, with recent strokes more than doubling the risk.
Carol Whitlatch, PhD, FGSA, has been recognized with the 2018 M. Powell Lawton Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her groundbreaking research on dementia care and caregiving.
Margaret Gatz, a renowned expert in clinical geropsychology, has been awarded the GSA's 2018 Distinguished Career Contribution to Gerontology Award. Her pioneering work includes the world's largest twin study of dementia and extensive research on age-related changes in depressive symptoms.
Patients with high blood pressure are at increased risk of developing dementia within five years, yet cognitive function is not routinely measured. A clock drawing test was found to be more effective in detecting cognitive impairment than the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in adults with high blood pressure.
A study published in Cell describes the discovery of a molecular link between aging and two major genetic causes of neurodegenerative diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The findings reveal possible new targets for treatment and highlight the need for a better understanding of the biology of...
A study of 6,626 French adults aged 65+ found that those with optimal levels in six cardiovascular metrics (nonsmoking, weight, diet, physical activity, cholesterol, and blood pressure) had a lower risk for dementia. Each additional metric at the recommended level was associated with a lower risk for cognitive decline.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that rogue RNA-binding proteins, including TDP-43, FUS, and hnRNP A1, accumulate in the brains of patients with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. This discovery suggests a common disease mechanism between inherited and sporadic forms of both diseases.
The Hastings Center report explores advanced care directives for dementia patients, childhood obesity, and patient demands for specific healthcare providers or racial/ethnic backgrounds. Competent individuals should have control over life-sustaining treatments, while environmental factors contribute to childhood obesity.
A new study analyzes fatalities among people with dementia in long-term care homes, revealing that nearly half of deaths were caused by physical contact. The study also found that evenings and weekends are the most vulnerable times for incidents to occur, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent these events.
A new study reveals that older adults who initiate hemodialysis for kidney failure are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that age, Black race, female sex, and institutionalization were the strongest risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A study of over 350,000 patients found elderly kidney disease patients on dialysis have a substantially higher risk of dementia than healthy community-dwelling older adults. The study calls for more monitoring and prevention measures to address this pressing issue.
A significant link was discovered between age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with these eye conditions were at a 40-50% greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to similar individuals without these conditions.
Researchers assessed 21 professional athletes on neuropsychological measures, executive function, and advanced brain imaging. The study found mild cognitive impairment but no statistically significant impairment compared to non-contact sport controls.
A three-part study of 22 retired pro football and hockey players found no increase in the rate of early-onset dementia or cognitive decline. Standard neuropsychological tests and brain imaging scans showed minimal differences between groups, contradicting previous concerns about CTE.
A new UCL-led study found that dementia diagnosis rates are 25% higher among black women and 28% higher among black men compared to white counterparts. Researchers suggest that inequalities in care, stigma, and cultural background may contribute to these disparities.
New research suggests that non-drug approaches should be prioritised in treating agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease, ranking assessment and management of underlying causes as the top treatment. Non-pharmacological treatments such as person-centred care and tailored activity programmes are also recommended for managing symptom...
A study by the University at Buffalo found that nearly 92% of caregivers with dementia experience poor sleep quality, waking up frequently and sleeping less than six hours per night. This can lead to depression, weight gain, heart disease, and premature death.
A new study finds that long term abstinence from alcohol and heavy drinking are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The researchers found that every 7 unit a week increase in consumption was associated with a 17% increase in dementia risk among those drinking above 14 units a week.
A new e-learning programme trained care home staff to increase social interaction from two minutes a day to ten, improving resident wellbeing and staff attitudes. The programme, called WHELD, uses simple measures such as talking to residents about their interests and involving them in decisions around their care.
A new study finds contact sports associated with an increased risk of Lewy Body Disease (LBD), which can cause Parkinson's disease and dementia. LBD was linked to problems with movement, cognition, depression, sleep, and visual hallucinations, independent of CTE pathology.
New research highlights the importance of targeted clinical trials to address the shortage, with 142 active trials worldwide and only 29 disease-modifying therapies in phase 2 or 3 development. The study suggests that considering biomarkers and risk factors can increase the power per patient screened to detect potential treatments.
The SPRINT MIND Study found significant reductions in the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and combined risk of MCI plus all-cause dementia through intensive blood pressure control. This study provides the strongest evidence to date on reducing MCI and dementia risk through cardiovascular disease treatment.
Researchers emphasize need for more targeted trials to detect potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease, citing only 42 active trials on disease-modifying therapies. The study also identifies promising compounds and approaches to target amyloid and tau proteins, as well as repositioning existing drugs.
A new study found that middle-aged individuals with orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, are at a greater risk of developing dementia and stroke decades later. Those with orthostatic hypotension had a 54% higher risk of dementia and twice the risk of ischemic stroke compared to those without it.
A new study highlights the need for effective treatments for non-cognitive symptoms of dementia, such as agitation and behavioral changes. Researchers found that synthetic cannabinoid treatment, like nabilone, may be an effective option for treating agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that opioid-based painkillers increased side effects such as personality changes and sedation by tripling in people with dementia. The study suggests that people with dementia produce more natural opioids, making them sensitive to painkillers.
A virtual reality learning program is being used to prepare high school students to interact with older adults with Alzheimer's disease. The program aims to increase empathy and reduce negative attitudes towards people with dementia.
The new National Strategy for Recruitment and Participation in Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Research aims to increase enrollment of underrepresented groups, including African Americans. The strategy focuses on local outreach, awareness, and incentives to facilitate participation and addresses physical, fiscal, and psychological barriers.