Articles tagged with Dementia
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
USC-led study finds that older women living in areas with high PM2.5 levels are 81% more at risk for global cognitive decline and 92% more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Exposure to air pollution particles may accelerate brain aging and promote Alzheimer's disease.
A breakthrough study by Dr. Xinglong Wang has linked ALS and dementias to TDP-43 toxicity in mitochondria, offering new hope for treatment. His team discovered a small-molecule peptide that can reverse symptoms of ALS in mice, paving the way for potential therapeutic approaches.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that delirium can accelerate dementia-related cognitive decline, with severe changes in memory observed among those with both conditions. The research highlights the importance of recognizing delirium in hospital settings to prevent brain injury and potentially delay or reduce dementia.
The new guidelines provide a revised conceptual model of VCI and its subtypes, aiming to clarify diagnosis and facilitate collaboration among researchers. The study's findings have the potential to speed up research in this vital area and bring much-needed help to people with vascular cognitive impairment.
Recent preclinical research suggests microinfarcts can induce prolonged dysfunction in brain areas estimated 12-times larger than the visible injury site, contributing to cognitive decline and dementia. The study used a mouse model to examine the effects of individual cortical microinfarcts on surrounding tissue function in vivo.
Delirium is an often-undiagnosed syndrome affecting nearly 18% of long-term care residents, characterized by disorganized thinking and attention deficits. Prevention strategies include avoiding non-essential surgery, maintaining hydration, and minimizing medication exposure.
Researchers found tablet use to be safe and engaging for nearly all patients with dementia, reducing symptoms of agitation. The tablets demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving mood and behavior, particularly among patients with milder forms of dementia.
Scientists have developed a new technique to examine blood vessels in the brain using 3D Image Analysis, allowing for greater understanding of how diseases like dementia, brain cancer, and stroke affect veins and capillaries. This innovative method could help identify early warning signs of these illnesses, potentially saving lives.
A study of 6.6 million people found that those living within 50 meters of a major road had a small increased risk of developing dementia, with up to 7-11% cases potentially attributed to traffic exposure. The study also found no link between traffic exposure and Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
A study of over 6.5 million Ontario residents found that those living within 50 meters of high-traffic roads had a seven percent higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to those further away. The risk increased with proximity, but not for Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
Researchers confirm the use of a simple sniff test as a supplementary tool for diagnosing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's dementia. The study found that combining the sniff test with a standard cognitive assessment significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, particularly in identifying people at high risk of worsening.
A 20-year study found that men taking a sauna 4-7 times a week were 66% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia. The study also showed a significant reduction in the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Rates of dementia and Alzheimer's disease are higher among older kidney transplant recipients than in the general population. Older patients with kidney failure who receive a kidney transplant are at increased risk of developing these conditions, which can threaten both their transplanted organ and survival.
A meta-analysis published in Neurology found that people with protein in their urine are 35% more likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia. Chronic kidney disease shares many risk factors with dementia, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that hip fracture risk is higher among those with Alzheimer's disease. Regular assessments of medications and targeted interventions such as exercise, home safety assessment and modification, and medication reviews are proposed as feasible approaches to reduce this risk.
A national cohort study found that patients using more than one health system had significantly higher rates of potentially unsafe medication prescribing compared to those using the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) only. The prevalence of such prescribing was particularly high among dual users, suggesting a need for improved coordin...
Research reveals women with dementia have fewer visits to the GP, receive less health monitoring, and take more potentially harmful medication than men. Women are at particular risk of staying on antipsychotic or sedative medication for longer due to fewer check-ups.
A new study finds that dementia rates are decreasing in the US, particularly among those with more years of education. However, three risk factors – diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity – are on the rise and could offset these gains.
A decline in dementia prevalence was reported in the US between 2000-2012, affecting an estimated 4-5 million older adults annually. The decline may be attributed to factors such as increased education levels and improved cardiovascular treatment, leading to a 24% reduction in dementia prevalence.
A randomized clinical trial found that long-term collaborative care and occupational therapy did not slow functional decline in persons with Alzheimer disease. The study suggests that new assistive devices, home modifications, and technologies are needed to support patients and families at home.
A randomized trial involving 180 Alzheimer's patients found that occupational therapy did not slow the loss of physical function, despite tailored to individual patient needs. The results underscore the burden on caregivers and highlight the need for additional support strategies, such as home modifications and assistive devices.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who use warfarin are two to three times more likely to develop dementia compared to those without atrial fibrillation. Erratic blood levels of warfarin contribute to the risk, suggesting that managing abnormal heart rhythm may also lower dementia risk.
Researchers found that brain training improves memory and mood in people with mild cognitive impairment, but not in those with dementia. A meta-analysis of 17 studies involving nearly 700 participants showed significant benefits for brain training in preventing cognitive decline.
A recent study published in JCI Journals reveals that immune cells, specifically perivascular macrophages, play a crucial role in the development of dementia in individuals with hypertension. The research suggests that targeting these cells may be a potential approach for preventing cognitive decline in high blood pressure patients.
Researchers found people with early Alzheimer's disease have different daily patterns of activity than those without the disease, spending less time in moderate-intensity activities. Customized interventions targeting morning physical activity may help improve sleep and slow cognitive decline.
A study found that complex referral criteria are contributing to delays in dementia diagnosis, with some clinics requiring multiple investigations. Alternative approaches, such as primary care-led processes and direct access to memory clinics, may speed up diagnosis while reducing pressure on GPs and specialists.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with thinking and memory problems who lack shrinkage in the hippocampus area of the brain are more likely to develop dementia with Lewy bodies. This finding could help doctors identify patients at risk for the disease and provide early treatment.
Claudia Satizabal, a Boston University researcher, has received an Alzheimer's Association research grant to investigate the impact of midlife obesity on brain aging and dementia. Her study aims to understand the mechanisms by which obesity increases the risk of dementia and AD.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that a lack of hippocampus shrinkage may indicate an increased risk of developing dementia with Lewy bodies. The study found that individuals with normal hippocampus volume were 5.8 times more likely to develop probable dementia with Lewy bodies than those with atrophy.
Researchers found that distinct tau aggregate conformations cause different pathological patterns in the brain, affecting specific regions and progressing at varying rates. This discovery has implications for developing targeted therapies and diagnosing dementias.
A novel approach to analyzing brain structure shape reveals structural asymmetries that vary among individuals, increasing with disease severity. This technique, BrainPrint, may predict disease progression and allow early detection of dementia.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that elderly people displaced by disasters may experience increased symptoms of dementia. Those who lost touch with neighbors and reported depression had the highest levels of cognitive decline.
A new telemedicine program offers specialized speech therapy for people with dementia-related language problems, significantly improving their ability to recall words they had lost. The Communication Bridge program uses a secure video-chat platform and home assignments like virtual flashcards to support language memory.
Boston University School of Medicine professor Sudha Seshadri has been awarded three grants totaling $20 million to study healthy brain aging, stroke, and dementia. Her research aims to identify biomarkers for AD and explore reversible lifestyle and vascular risk factors that contribute to dementia risk.
A new retrospective study found that men with prostate cancer treated with testosterone-lowering drugs are twice as likely to develop dementia within five years as those whose testosterone levels are not tampered with. The study used deidentified records from Stanford Medicine's clinical-research data warehouse and aggregated several f...
A new study found that androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer may be associated with an increased risk of dementia, particularly among older men. The study analyzed electronic medical records data and found a significant association between ADT use and dementia development.
A 24-year study found that sudden blood pressure drops are associated with a 15% increase in long-term dementia risk. Orthostatic hypotension was linked to brief episodes of reduced brain blood flow, potentially leading to detrimental effects on brain tissue.
A new study suggests that air pollution, vitamin D deficiency, and occupational exposure to certain pesticides may contribute to dementia risk. The research highlights the importance of addressing environmental factors in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.
A 13-year study found that nearly doubling ICU ventilation use among advanced-dementia patients did little to improve outcomes, raising concerns about late-life suffering and unnecessary care costs.
Researchers found that current testing procedures are only 77% accurate in predicting driving safety for people with dementia, highlighting the need for better tools to assess their ability to drive safely. Healthcare professionals should work closely with older adults and caregivers to determine when it's time to stop driving.
A 10-year study found that moderate to high caffeine consumption was linked to a 36% reduced risk of dementia. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,400 postmenopausal women and adjusted for various risk factors.
A new study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that most elderly individuals who suffer a hip fracture will not regain their pre-injury level of physical activity or independence. The likelihood of recovery was particularly low for those over 85, with dementia, or multiple comorbid conditions.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a set of guidelines for assessing vascular cognitive impairment, which can help determine the likelihood that cognitive decline was caused by vascular disease. The guidelines are based on pathological criteria and can be used to streamline research into dementia.
Screening for suicidal thoughts and behaviors decreases with patient age, especially in those over 85. Younger and middle-aged adults have higher rates of identified suicidal thoughts.
A University of East Anglia academic and experts argue that the premature mortality target sends a clear message that prioritizing younger groups over older ones is necessary. They propose redefining or abandoning this target to avoid ageism, saying it distracts from palliative care challenges for older people.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a way to detect alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to Parkinson's disease, in spinal fluid samples. The new test shows promise in identifying patients with Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia in early stages.
A recent study analyzing 12 peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies found a substantial benefit of late-in-life cognitive activities in reducing the incidence of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The bias analysis suggested that potential confounding factors may not account for the observed associations, lending support to a...
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a link between calcium supplement use and increased dementia risk in older women with cerebrovascular disease. Women who took calcium supplements were twice as likely to develop dementia, particularly those with white matter lesions.
A recent study published in JAMA found that the proportion of advanced dementia patients receiving feeding tubes decreased from 11.7% to 5.7% between 2000 and 2014. The decline was observed across both white and black patient groups, with significant racial disparities initially present.
A study published in JAMA found that the proportion of US nursing home residents with advanced dementia receiving feeding tubes decreased by approximately 50% between 2000 and 2014. Feeding tube use declined across racial groups, but remained higher among black residents.
The Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Core Center will support researchers and clinicians from three major universities in developing new treatments and understanding the causes of dementia. The center aims to provide training opportunities across many areas of research and facilitate collaboration among experts.
A review suggests that acupuncture improves subtle memory loss before dementia development, with potential benefits when combined with drug treatment. However, more rigorous clinical trials are required to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of brain training exercises found that speed of processing training can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. The study, which included 2,832 participants, showed a 48% reduction in dementia risk over 10 years with this specific exercise.
The University of Pennsylvania's Alzheimer's Disease Core Center has been awarded $8.8 million over five years from the National Institute on Aging to investigate Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The center will focus on recruiting, studying subjects with early-stage AD, and expanding its bioinformatics infrastructure.
Researchers have identified novel expression sites in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb of mouse brains where the C9orf72 gene is strongly expressed. This discovery provides an important resource for studying animal models of ALS and FTD, with hopes of developing new treatments and eventually cures.
Researchers found an association between low physical activity and a higher risk for dementia in older individuals, with regular exercise potentially leading to higher brain volumes and reduced dementia risk. The protective effect was strongest in people aged 75 and older.
Researchers have unveiled a new diagnostic tool that can identify Alzheimer's disease long before the onset of symptoms using a non-invasive eye scan. The tool, developed by Professor Melanie Campbell, uses polarized light to highlight amyloid protein deposits in the retina.
Researchers found a link between poor physical performance tests and increased dementia risk in people aged 90 and older. The study suggests that testing walking and standing balance may help predict dementia risk among the 'oldest-old'.
A recent study by University of Kentucky researchers found that nearly half of patients with early dementia or mild cognitive impairment reported positive scores on the Silver Lining Questionnaire, indicating improved personal relationships and increased appreciation for life. The results challenge the stereotype of depression and desp...
Researchers have identified the first case of Alzheimer's disease in an HIV-positive individual, challenging existing knowledge about dementia in people with HIV. The discovery highlights the need for timely diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease in this population.