Articles tagged with Dementia
A recent study by McLean Hospital researchers highlights the need for better security and privacy measures in health apps designed for dementia patients. The paper found that many apps collect user-generated content without adequate protection, posing a risk to patients' sensitive information. Clinicians are urged to educate themselves...
A new simulation study shows that dementia can more than double the healthcare expenditure of aging individuals, with the majority of the financial burden falling on family members. The total average cost to care for a person with dementia was $321,000 over five years, compared to $137,280 without dementia.
A new study estimates that families of individuals with dementia incur $184,500 greater in lifetime care costs compared to those without dementia. Reducing symptoms by 10% can lower lifetime costs by $3,880 and $680, respectively.
Researchers detect granulins inside cells for the first time, suggesting a potential FTD treatment strategy by targeting lysosomal function. The discovery may have therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease as well.
Greater intraindividual reaction time variability was found to predict shorter survival times in older adults, independent of cognitive decline. The study used computerized reaction time tests to measure participants' responses and found that increased variability was associated with a higher risk of mortality.
A cohort of 861 adults aged 70-90 years showed that greater reaction time variation predicted all-cause mortality. The findings suggest that reaction time variability could be an independent marker for predicting shorter time to death, even when accounting for other risk factors.
A recent study found that 44% of nursing home residents with dementia were taking PIMs at admission, and many stopped or started these medications during their stay. The researchers suggest a person-centered approach to discontinuing PIMs, especially for frail older adults.
Researchers stopped FUS protein clumping using phosphorylation, a natural cellular process that increases protein charge and repels aggregation. The findings could have positive implications for treating ALS and dementia.
A large NIH-funded study found that middle-aged Americans with vascular health risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure are more likely to develop dementia later in life. The study analyzed data from 15,744 participants over 25 years and found a strong link between midlife vascular health and the risk of developing dementia.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure variability are more likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Home monitoring of blood pressure may be a useful tool for assessing future dementia risk.
Research by the University of Stirling found that hospital patients with dementia and other causes of confusion have inferior treatment outcomes and longer stays. This study is the first large population-based study to prove this, affecting over one-third of older hospital admissions.
A University of California San Diego study found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced mortality and greater chances of remaining cognitively healthy into older age. Among men and women aged 85+, individuals who consumed 'moderate to heavy' amounts of alcohol were twice as likely to be cognitively healthy than no...
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that individuals born in high stroke mortality states have a higher risk of developing dementia. Black participants had the highest risk, with cumulative 20-year dementia risks at age 65 being 30.13% compared to 21.8% for those not born in high stroke mortality states.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia has found that delirium after surgery is associated with a significant increase in dementia risk in elderly patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 patients and found that those who developed postoperative delirium were three times more likely to suffer permanen...
A five-year research programme is improving care for patients living with dementia in hospitals. Distractions during drug rounds can hinder treatment, but the involvement of family or carers can be hugely beneficial. The study's findings aim to create and implement specific care pathways that acknowledge differences in dementia present...
Researchers developed a new, non-invasive method called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. The technique accurately diagnosed the conditions with 90% accuracy in most cases.
A high proportion of former NFL players had neuropathological evidence of CTE, with 110 out of 111 players diagnosed. The study also found a link between CTE and previous football participation, with severe pathology more common among professional players.
Childhood dementia, an inherited disorder affecting brain metabolism, shows promise in treating with immunomodulators. Inflammation of the brain is a key feature, and drugs like fingolimod and teriflunomide have shown therapeutic effects in mouse models.
A new report models the impact of nine risk factors on dementia, including education, hearing loss, and smoking, and estimates that removing these factors could prevent 35% of all dementia cases. Increasing education in early life, reducing hearing loss, and stopping smoking are identified as key interventions.
A study of 13,864 participants found no convincing evidence linking PPI use to increased dementia risk. The research suggests that PPIs are safe for patients who require them for long-term treatment, and benefits may outweigh risks.
The first Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care identifies powerful tools to prevent dementia. Nonmedical interventions such as social contact and exercise can reduce the incidence of dementia by up to 20% in early life and 15% in late life, according to a new report.
A large-scale trial found that goal-oriented therapy significantly improves people's ability to engage in important daily tasks and maintain independence. The therapy, which involves setting and achieving individual goals, shows promising results for supporting individuals with early-stage dementia to live fulfilling lives.
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered two new genes that increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings build on previous research identifying 24 susceptibility genes and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease.
A large-scale trial found that person-centered activities combined with one hour of social interaction per week can improve the lives of people with dementia in care homes. The approach also saves money compared to standard care.
Researchers will use PET scans and MRI to detect harmful chemical build-up and measure brain structure, with a focus on 40-65 year olds. The project hopes to develop ways to intervene before irreversible damage is done.
A new clinical trial will assess the effectiveness of improvisational dance in improving gait and balance problems associated with cognitive impairment and memory loss, as well as reducing apathy and depression. The 12-week program will be divided into four groups, including dance with social engagement and dance only.
Researchers review three cases of delayed-onset PTSD in patients with dementia, highlighting the importance of recognizing early life trauma. Clinicians can differentiate between PTSD and BPSD by considering a patient's unique narrative and history of previous trauma.
A retrospective cohort study of over 40,000 TBI patients found a significant increase in dementia risk after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Those with mild TBI had a 1.6% diagnosis rate, while those with moderate-to-severe TBI had a 3.5% diagnosis rate, highlighting the increased risk in middle-aged individuals.
By 2040, over 1.2 million people will live with dementia in England and Wales, mainly due to longer lifespans. The incidence of new cases is declining, but overall prevalence is expected to rise substantially.
A study of over 40,000 Finnish adults with TBI found a significant link between TBI and dementia in working-age adults. The risk of dementia among TBI survivors remains high even years after the injury, suggesting that TBI may trigger a process leading to dementia.
A new study found that offering the New York University Caregiver Intervention (NYUCI) program to eligible Minnesota Medicaid enrollees could save $40.4 million over 15 years, with increased net savings of $52.2 million via video teleconferencing.
A new technology called Ambient Activity aims to treat the cause of dementia behaviors rather than just symptoms. The device uses personalized content such as photos, games, music, and more to engage patients and promote meaningful physical, mental, and social engagement.
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley found that dementia patients tend to die sooner when cared for by family members with depression or anxiety. The study tracked 176 patients and their caregiver mental health over several years, revealing a strong link between patient survival and caregiver well-being.
Research published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association finds that off-label antipsychotic medications increase mortality rates in elderly people with dementia. Non-drug interventions like behavior management and sensory stimulation show promise as effective alternatives.
The World Health Organization predicts 135.5 million dementia cases by 2050, yet all neurodegenerative diseases are incurable. This Special Focus issue addresses challenges and advancements in therapy.
Florida Atlantic University has received a $1 million grant to establish the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, which will focus on reducing risk of neurodegenerative diseases through personalized prevention plans. The center aims to identify individualized strategies to build a better brain as people age.
Research found no link between proton pump inhibitors and increased risk of dementia in people 75-years-old or older. However, frequent PPI use was associated with higher rates of depression, heart disease, and other health conditions. Regular PPI use also showed a decreased risk of cognitive decline.
A new guide, Ensuring a Smooth Journey, aims to make air travel simpler and less stressful for people with dementia. The guide provides step-by-step advice on navigating Brisbane Airport's terminals, including planning and preparing for trips, managing at the airport, and choosing seats.
Researchers at Scripps Florida and collaborators have won a $7.2 million grant to develop new RNA-based treatments for ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The project aims to create small-molecule drug candidates that target the root cause of these diseases.
A new study from Harvard Medical School suggests that RNA splicing errors, caused by a specific mutation in the C9ORF72 gene, may lead to the development of both Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The researchers found that toxic peptides produced by this mutation can prevent accurate assembly of the...
The new Dementia with Lewy Bodies Consortium will centralize research efforts and create a national, coordinated registry for clinical data. Researchers aim to find DLB biomarkers to improve diagnosis and treatment of patients with this disease.
Researchers discovered anthranilic acid as a circulating compound associated with the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study identified promising findings in new biological pathways and potential drug targets for prevention.
Dementia with Lewy bodies affects 1.4 million Americans, often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. The new guidelines provide detailed guidance for diagnosing and treating the condition, which includes symptoms like visual hallucinations and sleep difficulties.
New international guidelines aim to accurately diagnose dementia with Lewy bodies, a disorder that shares symptoms with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The guidelines focus on clinical features and diagnostic biomarkers to establish an accurate diagnosis and improve management of the complex disorder.
Researchers at UCSF found a significant association between chronic pain and faster declines in memory function and increased risk of dementia in older adults. The study suggests that chronic pain could be related to changes in the brain contributing to cognitive decline.
The IRIDIS app assesses physical aspects of design impacting on older people's quality of life, recommending changes such as lighting and colour contrast improvements. It provides a simple 20-minute assessment of home suitability for an older person.
Dr. Randy McIntosh's team developed the Virtual Brain Project, an integrated computer model of a fully functioning human brain to help detect dementia and brain diseases earlier. The platform allows for testing potential treatments before prescribing them to patients.
Researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University found that dual gait testing can predict dementia progression in seniors with mild cognitive impairment. The study showed that individuals with slower gait speeds while performing a cognitively demanding task are at higher risk of progressing to dementia.
Researchers discovered two brain proteins with unique functions in the development of dementia, leading to potential new treatments. The study used Drosophila fruit flies to examine the effects of these proteins on nerve cell survival and activation, revealing one form is linked to poor movement and another to greater neurodegeneration.
Regular physical activity can improve daily living and mobility in older adults with Alzheimer's, as well as reduce the risk of developing the disease. The study suggests that exercising may be a practical and accessible intervention for preventing and managing Alzheimer's disease.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients with Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and related conditions died 2-6 years earlier than the general population. The study used data from 1991 to 2010 and compared 461 patients with these diseases to 452 patients in the general population.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that patients with Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies died approximately two years earlier than the general population. The highest risk of death was seen among those with multiple system atrophy with parkinsonism, highlighting the need for tailored care and management strategies.
A new study has found that delayed treatment with anticoagulation therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation increases the risk of dementia. The study, conducted by researchers at Intermountain Medical Center, included over 76,000 patients and found a significant increase in dementia rates among those who received delayed treatment.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University developed a new tool to measure couples' communication in dementia. The Verbal and Nonverbal Interaction Scale-CR (VNIS-CR) tool evaluates social and unsociable behaviors, enabling caregivers to improve communication and mental health.
Researchers discovered brain structure changes in older adults without noticeable memory problems, using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test. These findings suggest that brain imaging may predict dementia years prior to diagnosis.
Researchers found combining Intermountain Mortality Risk Score (IMRS) with traditional CHA2DS2-VASc score improves identification of atrial fibrillation patients at higher risk of dementia. This study used data from nearly 75,000 AFib patients with no history of dementia.
The study found that personalized music playlists reduced the use of antipsychotic medications by 20.1% and antianxiety medications by 24.4%, while also reducing behavioral problems by 56.5%. These improvements were seen in nursing homes that implemented the MUSIC & MEMORY program, but not in similar homes that did not adopt the program.
Researchers discover progranulin's novel function as a chaperone for lysosomal protease cathepsin D, contributing to neuronal dysfunction in FTD. Progranulin knockout mice show impaired axonal regeneration after nerve injury, highlighting its importance in neurotrophic support.
Researchers found that low-dose cannabis can reverse cognitive decline in older mice by increasing nerve cell connections and reversing molecular signatures. This breakthrough opens the door to potential human clinical trials for treating age-related dementia.
A growing threat to health equity, dementia care disproportionately falls on women due to lack of affordable in-home care options. Working women face higher risk of career trajectory disruption and stress-related disability claims if not addressed.