Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
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.
Research suggests that reproductive factors, including number of children, miscarriages, age at first menstrual period, and reproductive period, may contribute to dementia risk in women. Women who had three or more children were found to have a lower risk of dementia, while those with earlier onset of menstruation or shorter reproducti...
The study found significant rates of depression, hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular disease among sexual minority older adults, contributing to the level of dementia. The prevalence of dementia increases with age, even in 'oldest old', and survival time for people with dementia is six years regardless of age.
The recommendations aim to improve timely and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease by emphasizing a multidisciplinary evaluation approach. The guidelines also focus on compassionate communication with patients and caregivers, and establishing a structured assessment process.
Researchers at Tohoku University found that whole-brain low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy improved cognitive dysfunction in mice with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The treatment was shown to enhance blood vessel formation, nerve cell regeneration, and protein expression without serious side effects.
A new machine-learning model has shown promising signs of being able to predict undiagnosed dementia in primary care, with an accuracy of 84%. This could significantly reduce the number of those living with undiagnosed dementia in the UK from around 50% to 8%.
A recent study found that a substantial majority of older adults with probable dementia in the US are either undiagnosed or unaware of their diagnosis. Factors such as lower education levels, attending medical visits alone, and fewer functional impairments were linked to this lack of awareness.
Researchers have discovered a specific brain neuron with a central role in learning and improving memory formation. The study found that activating this brain cell improved memory function, while overactivating it led to impaired learning and memory.
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with changes to brain structure similar to those seen in early-stage dementia. The study suggests that screening for OSA and treating it could help prevent dementia in older adults.
Researchers have discovered a possible treatment approach for cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), the most common cause of dementia and stroke in older adults. Studies with rats showed that treating SVD can reverse changes in blood vessels in the brain associated with the condition, as well as prevent damage to brain cells.
Researchers found that stabilizing dysfunctional endothelial cells with approved drugs reverses cellular dysfunction in a rat model of cerebral small vessel disease. The study suggests a potential new treatment for vascular dementia, which is a major cause of cognitive disability in the elderly.
A review highlights the importance of early detection, community-based supports, and caregiver education in caring for seniors with dementia. These interventions have been shown to delay admission to long-term care facilities and reduce caregiver stress.
Researchers are exploring the benefits of brain training and lifestyle interventions to prevent dementia. Studies show that mentally stimulating careers and hobbies can lower cognitive decline risk. A combined diet and exercise intervention may also improve memory and thinking skills, while protecting against brain damage.
A study of over 1.23 million Medicare beneficiaries found a significant association between gout and increased risk of dementia in the elderly. Gout was linked to a 17-20% higher risk of dementia, with the risk being highest in older age groups, females, and people with comorbidities.
Researchers found that patients with high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing dementia and show early signs of brain damage on MRI scans. These changes can be detected before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention to prevent further deterioration.
Research from the Whitehall II study found that 50-year-olds with systolic blood pressure above 130mmHg have a 45% greater risk of developing dementia. This association was not seen at ages 60 and 70, suggesting a link between midlife hypertension and brain health.
Researchers at Temple University Health System have discovered a way to reverse memory deficits and tau pathology in mice with dementia. By administering a drug that blocks leukotriene formation, they were able to improve spatial learning and working memory in treated animals.
Researchers from Kumamoto University analyzed over 107 Alzheimer's patients and found that face-saving responses are a common communication pattern in the disease. The study suggests that these responses may indicate conflicted feelings about questions that patients cannot answer correctly.
A study of Japanese adults aged 60 found that short and long daily sleep durations were risk factors for dementia and premature death. Participants with optimal sleep duration (5-6.9 hours) had a lower risk of dementia and death compared to those with shorter or longer sleep durations.
A new study from the University of Surrey has developed AI-powered technology to monitor the wellbeing of people with dementia. This innovative system uses IoT devices installed in homes to detect potential health issues early on, preventing hospital admissions and improving care outcomes.
Researchers found that proxies more accurately predict length of life left and are less likely to agree to burdensome treatments for residents believed to have less than 6 months left. This discovery was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine.
Researchers from the University of Würzburg have discovered a new role for stress granules in the formation and elimination of these structures. The study found that ZFAND1 protein is necessary for normal clearance of stress granules, which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD if not properly eliminated.
A new study published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing found that people with dementia are more likely to wander and become lost, resulting in potentially life-threatening outcomes. The researchers recommend implementing a 'Silver Alert' system, similar to Amber Alerts for missing children, to minimize this risk.
A large-scale study has identified three new genes linked to the risk of Alzheimer's disease, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying the condition. The findings, published in Translational Psychiatry, are based on genetic data from over 300,000 people and could pave the way for new approaches to treating the disease.
Research from University College London reveals that older adults with fewer financial resources are more likely to develop dementia. The study analyzed data from over 6000 adults and found a significant link between socioeconomic factors and dementia incidence.
Machine learning has detected small vessel disease, a common cause of stroke and dementia, in CT scans more accurately than current methods. The software can identify and measure the severity of SVD, enabling clinicians to administer better treatments and predict patients' likelihood of developing dementia.
A study published in The BMJ found that a moderate to high intensity exercise program improved physical fitness in individuals with mild to moderate dementia. However, the program did not slow cognitive decline or improve daily activities. Researchers suggest exploring other forms of exercise and considering potential negative effects ...
A nationally representative sample of older English adults found that wealth in late life is associated with increased dementia risk. The study suggests that individuals with fewer financial resources are at higher risk for dementia.
Researchers found that inheriting a variation in the PM20D1 gene increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, making it an excellent candidate for clinical prevention trials. The study highlights the importance of international scientific collaboration and multidisciplinary research to tackle complex diseases like dementia.
A simple visual screening tool, VAT, shows increased predictive value for dementia risk when combined with MMSE score declines. The tool may help identify older adults at increased risk of developing dementia.
Research from Intermountain Medical Center reveals that carotid artery disease and atrial fibrillation significantly increase a patient's chances of developing dementia due to restricted blood flow to the brain. The study stresses the need for physicians to monitor and screen patients for both diseases, especially those with risk factors.
Researchers found changes in hippocampal neurons early after alpha-synuclein aggregates appear, suggesting potential therapeutic treatments to halt or reverse cognitive impairments. The study suggests defects in pre- and post-synaptic functions, indicating plasticity in the neurons.
The study found that good relationships, social engagement, and everyday functioning are linked to better quality of life for people with dementia. Factors such as poor mental or physical health, agitation, and unmet needs are associated with lower quality of life.
Researchers identified new combinations of risk factors linked to increased dementia risk, including age, marital status, lower BMI, and less sleep at mid-life. The study suggests that modifiable risk factors may be targeted for prevention and early intervention.
Researchers found that TDP-43 and DISC1 protein clusters disrupt dendritic local translation, leading to abnormal cell function and behavior. The study provides a new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that nursing home residents with advanced dementia who undergo surgical repair for hip fractures have a lower mortality rate compared to those managed with palliative care. These patients also experience less pain and fewer pressure ulcers.
A study of over 350,000 US veterans found that even mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) without a loss of consciousness were associated with increased dementia risk. The risk was also elevated for patients with moderate to severe TBIs.
The study found that nearly 4.7 million adults had Alzheimer's in 2010, expected to grow to 13.8 million by 2050. The researchers emphasize the importance of conversations about gun ownership with families and physicians, balancing safety concerns with individual rights.
Researchers tracked over 350,000 veterans and found a significant link between concussion and dementia, with concussion alone doubling the risk. The study suggests that traumatic brain injury may hasten neurodegenerative conditions by inducing or accelerating abnormal protein accumulation.
A recent study sheds light on the role of inflammation in dementia and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that inflammation is a major cause rather than just a consequence. The research found that many genes linked to dementia regulate susceptibility and response to inflammatory damage.
A new smart home prototype named DRESS helps people with dementia dress themselves through automated assistance, enabling them to maintain independence and dignity. The system uses sensors, image recognition, and guided assistance to track progress during the dressing process.
Research suggests a link between moderate to severe mid-life anxiety and later life dementia, with potential benefits from non-pharmacological therapies such as mindfulness and meditation. The findings support previous evidence of mental illness being associated with dementia in older age.
Researchers found that music activates the salience network of the brain, which remains relatively functioning in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that personalized music programs may be an alternative route for communicating with patients who have lost contact with their environment.
A new study found that long-term use of anticholinergic antidepressants and medications for bladder conditions increases the risk of dementia. The research analyzed over 40,000 patients and compared them to 283,933 people without dementia.
A UK study found a link between long-term use of certain anticholinergic drugs and an increased risk of dementia in patients over 45. The study suggests that clinicians should avoid prescribing these drugs to older patients due to potential cognitive effects.
A large study has found that anticholinergic drugs, commonly prescribed for depression and incontinence, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed over 27 million prescriptions and found a significant link between the use of these medications and dementia diagnosis.
A new guide from QUT's Dementia Centre aims to prepare those who care for people with dementia to cope during natural disasters. The Preparing for a Natural Disaster Guide highlights the increased risks faced by carers of people with dementia, including exacerbated symptoms and potential harm.
Researchers linked cognitive function levels to crash risk in older drivers without dementia, finding lower cognitive function increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes. Depression also increased the risk for these drivers.
A UCL-led study found that hospitals are more likely to diagnose dementia in patients who have been admitted for another reason. However, missed diagnoses persist, with one-third of people with dementia discharged without recognition, highlighting the need for better record-sharing and culturally appropriate assessments.
A recent study indicates that dementia is being diagnosed later in life and lived for a shorter period, with possible contributing factors such as reduced stroke risk and increased vaccination rates. Researchers suggest other causes, including lower pollution levels and better nutrition, may also play a role.
San Diego County has received a $1.3 million NIH grant to advance Alzheimer's research, aiming to find a treatment or cure for the disease. The funding will support a team of scientists in identifying prototype drugs that can bind to and modulate TREM2, a gene known to correlate with increased risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's.
A new computer programme assesses whole brain deterioration and predicts cognitive function after stroke up to ten times more accurately than current methods. The 'brain health index' can quantify visible brain injury from cerebral small vessel disease and brain atrophy, giving early warning of risk of future cognitive decline.
A new study by LMU researchers reveals that the aggregation of FUS protein is a central component of ALS and FTD. In healthy nerve cells, FUS is transported into the nucleus where it regulates DNA and RNA processing, but in neurons affected by ALS and FTD, its transport is compromised, leading to cytoplasmic aggregation.
A Portland State University research team published an interactive diagram and web-based presentation in Frontiers in Neurology, revealing the complex nature of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The causal-loop diagram shows how specific variables interact to influence concussion recovery.
A new study found that higher levels of education during childhood significantly decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older African Americans. This association is particularly strong for those who grew up in low-income rural areas.
The anthology explores dementia-associated apathy research, neural system effects on late-life depression, and adopting new models of care. It also proposes solutions to accelerate change in science, practice, training, and public policy.
A USC study found that individuals with a college education have a lower risk of developing dementia and living with it for longer periods. The research suggests that targeting chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes may delay dementia onset but ultimately increase the number of people living with dementia at older ages.
A new study led by University of Arizona cognitive scientist Aneta Kielar found that people with primary progressive aphasia, a rare dementia, can recruit intact areas of the brain to decipher sentences. This brain compensation offers hope for developing targeted treatments for PPA.
A nationwide study of 2.8 million people over 36 years found that sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of developing both dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The risk of dementia increased with the number and severity of injuries, even a single mild TBI.
A large study found a significant link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and dementia, with the risk increasing by 24% in individuals with TBI history. The study also found that the severity and number of TBIs were associated with increased dementia risk.