Articles tagged with Dementia
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 found that pre-stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, significantly influence future stroke and dementia risk. After one year post-stroke, survivors retain a high risk of recurrent strokes or dementia for at least five years.
Researchers found a significant association between delirium and long-term cognitive decline in older surgical patients. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that delirium may serve as a marker for seniors with poor cognitive reserve.
A new $13 million study will revisit patients first screened between the 1960s and 1980s to evaluate how early life risk factors affected brain health and dementia risk. Researchers aim to explore racial and ethnic differences in dementia rates and risk factors.
Research found no association between traumatic brain injury and dementia or Alzheimer disease, but increased risk of Parkinson's disease, progression of parkinsonism, and microinfarcts were observed. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 participants with a history of traumatic brain injury.
Researchers found that an FDA-approved cancer drug increased brain dopamine and reduced toxic proteins linked to Parkinson's disease progression. The study showed significant signs of benefit for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, including improved cognitive and motor functions.
Researchers found poor standing balance and 4-meter walk test performances strongly associated with late-age dementia. The study suggests that impaired physical performance may be an early sign of developing late-age dementia.
Researchers developed a mouse model that mimics human Alzheimer's disease, showing that beta-amyloid accumulation is insufficient to trigger tau clumping alone. The study suggests combination therapy targeting both processes may be effective in preventing the disease.
Researchers from Rush University Medical Center found that diseased blood vessels in the brain may contribute more significantly to Alzheimer's disease dementia than previously believed. The study analyzed medical and pathologic data on 1,143 older individuals and found an association between worsening brain vessel diseases and higher ...
Scientists from the University of Sheffield have discovered a novel function of the C9orf72 protein, which is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The study found that the C9orf72 protein regulates the initiation of autophagy, a vital process for nerve cell survival.
A study of patients who died at VA hospitals found that family-reported end-of-life care was significantly better for those with cancer or dementia than for those with other serious illnesses. Increasing access to palliative care may improve quality of end-of-life care for patients dying of heart, lung, and kidney diseases.
The study found that families reported better quality of end-of-life care for patients with cancer or dementia compared to those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiopulmonary failure, or frailty. Palliative care consultations, do-not-resuscitate orders, and setting of death were associated with improved quality of care.
A new study investigates the effects of early dementia screening on family members of older adults, exploring potential benefits and harms. The EFECT study aims to inform optimal care for at-risk individuals and impact the lives of caregivers, measuring knowledge, caregiver preparedness, and mental health outcomes.
Researchers found that people with probable dementia who had not been diagnosed were more likely to engage in potentially dangerous activities. Healthcare practitioners can better address safety concerns by asking older adults about their activities.
Research at University of Plymouth investigates potential therapy for dementia with Lewy bodies, a condition caused by alpha-synuclein protein deposits in nerve cells. The project aims to understand mitochondrial damage and its impact on DLB, potentially leading to new treatments.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that larger hematoma size and location are associated with an increased risk of dementia after intracerebral hemorrhage. The research also identified educational level, mood symptoms, and white matter disease as risk factors for delayed post-ICH dementia.
A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with probable dementia but without a diagnosis are more likely to perform potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving and managing finances. This suggests that early diagnosis can help address safety concerns and plan for the future.
A new study found that video consultation technology brings together nursing home staff and hospital-based clinical experts to manage behavioral challenges associated with dementia. The program, Project ECHO-AGE, resulted in significant reductions in the use of physical restraints and antipsychotic medication among patients.
A Johns Hopkins study found that undiagnosed dementia patients are nearly twice as likely to engage in potentially unsafe activities, such as driving and cooking. Those without a diagnosis, however, were less frequently engaging in these activities compared to those with possible or no dementia.
Researchers found progranulin levels in cerebrospinal fluid differ from those in blood, challenging its use as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery sheds new light on the biological processes underlying Alzheimer's and other common neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study found that genetic modifications, such as differential gene expression and alternative splicing, contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. The research identifies specific genes implicated in the disease, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
A study of over 20,000 patients with heart failure found that flu vaccination was associated with a 35% lower risk of developing dementia. Those who received the flu vaccine more than three times had a 55% lower risk. The researchers suggest that vaccination may reduce inflammation and prevent brain damage