Articles tagged with Dementia
Researchers propose Spherical Brain Mapping (SBM) to detect Alzheimer's disease, achieving 91% accuracy in differential diagnosis. The framework projects three-dimensional MR brain images onto two-dimensional maps, revealing statistical characteristics of tissue, and can be visually assessed for diagnosis.
A study published in the Journal of Neurology found that brain scans of dementia patients with coprophagia showed significant neurodegeneration, particularly in the medial temporal lobe and amygdala. The researchers also noted that behavioral modifications and antipsychotic medication were effective in treating the behavior.
Researchers propose an out-of-control immune system as a common cause of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. The theory suggests that prolonged activation of the innate immune system leads to brain cell death, contributing to the decline in these diseases.
Research found chronic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) accelerates vascular aging in humans, leading to increased cardiovascular disease, vascular dementia, and renal failure. PPIs like esomeprazole are widely used but not approved for long-term use.
A new study of over 10,000 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and those without found that AF patients treated with warfarin had higher rates of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. The study suggests that the efficacy of therapy is strongly associated with dementia risk.
Research from the University of East Anglia found that eating family-style meals, playing music, and engaging in multisensory exercise can boost nutrition, hydration, and quality of life among people with dementia. The study assessed 56 interventions aimed at improving food or drink intake among over 2,200 people with dementia.
Researchers found that smaller, more interconnected social networks are associated with early signs of cognitive decline. Participants with mild cognitive impairment or dementia had a higher proportion of relatives in their networks and less socialization with friends and neighbors.
A long-term study of 3325 adults aged 55 and over found that depression symptoms that steadily increase in older age are more strongly linked to dementia than any other types of depression. The study suggests that increasing depressive symptoms may indicate the early stages of dementia.
A new study has found a link between rosacea and an increased risk of dementia, with the highest risks seen in older patients. The study published in Annals of Neurology suggests that treating rosacea may also modify patients' risk of developing dementia.
Researchers created a mouse model that closely replicates the symptoms and gene expression patterns of ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The model allows scientists to understand how the C9orf72 gene mutation causes paralysis and dementia, and potentially develop treatments.
Researchers at McGill University find that the combination of amyloid and tau proteins causes brain damage in cognitively intact individuals, offering new insights into Alzheimer's disease progression. The study's findings suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting both proteins may be effective in preventing or stabilizing AD.
A new study from Indiana University reveals that nearly half of all long-stay nursing home residents are sent to the Emergency Department over a year, despite their cognitive status. The study's findings highlight the need for strategies to avoid unnecessary transfers and deliver patient-centered care in long-term care facilities.
A 20-year study found a significant drop in dementia incidence among men in the UK, driven by reduced risk factors such as smoking and improved vascular health. The study suggests that targeted public health measures may help prevent future increases in dementia cases, contradicting global projections of a looming 'dementia tsunami'.
A 71-year-old HIV-positive man was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease through a PET scan showing amyloid deposition in the brain. This finding suggests that some older HIV-positive patients may be misdiagnosed with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and highlights the need for accurate diagnosis to guide treatment.
The Alzheimer's Association has developed recommendations for patient care milestones, including workforce development, timely diagnosis, education, and care guideline measures. Caregiver support strategies include culturally sensitive training, enabling caregivers to balance care with their own well-being, and addressing housing needs.
A new study finds that person-centered dementia care can be effectively provided by an engaged low-cost workforce of care coordinator assistants. These assistants, with limited education, are trained to conduct home visits and support caregivers, extending primary care to older adults' homes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered a new gene, FOXF2, linked to ischemic stroke caused by small vessel disease in the brain. The study suggests that unraveling the mechanisms of small vessel disease could lead to better treatments for this major cause of stroke and dementia.
The University of Stirling has developed an innovative activity toolkit to support people living with dementia. The 'gardens' themed kit provides a group activity pack to prompt conversation and reminiscence, aiming to bring benefits such as constructive conversations, social connections, and engagement with personal histories.
A new Parkinson's disease study has found significant variability in brain signaling that could serve as a predictive marker for identifying patients at highest risk of dementia. Measuring brain signal variability may help identify the best patients to include in trials of new neuroprotective drugs.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published by the International Association for Dental Research reveals an association between tooth loss and reduced cognitive function in adults. Individuals with less than 20 teeth were found to be at a 20% higher risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia compared to those with more teeth.
A study analyzing data on over 1,100 aging adults found that combinations of brain pathologies drive dementia, rather than a single condition. The research suggests that maintaining healthy blood pressure may be key to preventing dementia.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that transitions in care for older adults with dementia are linked to medication errors, hospital readmissions, and increased risk of death. Receiving coordinated care and a long-term care plan can help reduce unnecessary transitions.
A recent study found that antipsychotic drug use is associated with higher mortality among all Parkinson's disease patients, not just those with dementia. The researchers compared records of over 15,000 patients and found a significant increase in mortality rates among those who took antipsychotics.
A recent study published in Molecular Brain reveals that dementia risk is higher in women due to changes in proteins present in the brain. The research found that degenerative protein modifications were more pronounced in women than men, particularly in the myelin basic protein.
A comprehensive report by internationally leading researchers calls for concerted efforts to reduce the burden of dementia. The report advocates for public governmental agencies to form large multinational partnerships with academic centers and pharmaceutical companies to deploy capital resources and share risk.
A European-funded study found that a nutritional drink can help conserve memory and reduce brain shrinkage in people with prodromal Alzheimer's disease. While the primary endpoint was not met, significant differences were observed for hippocampal and whole-brain atrophy, as well as improvements in CDR Sum of Boxes and episodic memory.
Researchers have discovered that amyloid protein build-up is greater on the left side of the brain, where language processing occurs, in individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). This study provides new insights into the disease process and offers hope for early diagnosis and treatment.
A NYU Nursing researcher developed the Dementia Symptom Management at Home (DSM-H) Program to enhance home healthcare providers' knowledge and confidence in caring for people with dementia. The program improved pain, depression, and neuropsychiatric symptom knowledge and attitudes among clinicians.
A new biomarker of brain inflammation in early-stage Alzheimer's disease has been identified, indicating that microglia-mediated inflammation may demarcate the transition from preclinical to full dementia. The TREM2 protein fragment in cerebrospinal fluid levels closely mirror microglia activity during the course of the disease.
A new study indicates that people who perceive dementia symptoms as an illness feel more negative than those who see them as part of the aging process. The research found that those with an illness label experienced lower mood, emotional consequences, and a loss of confidence.
A new study found that people without cardiovascular disease in their 80s are more likely to develop dementia. Researchers also discovered a link between low levels of artery-clogging calcium deposits and a lower risk of dementia.
Researchers have developed a targeted substance that blocks the pathogenic function of an Alzheimer's enzyme in cells, reducing toxic β amyloid peptide production. This selective inhibition may lead to effective treatment without severe side effects, offering hope for Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers found a high risk of developing dementia after intracerebral hemorrhage, with 20% of patients developing dementia within one year. Risk factors included location of brain bleed, older age, and history of previous stroke.
A new project led by University of Plymouth aims to investigate the impact of dementia on farming businesses, families, and communities. The research will focus on providing specialist care networks for those affected, with a goal of improving quality of life for people with dementia in rural areas.
A large German health insurer study found that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults. The study included over 218,000 individuals and found that regular PPI users had a 44% higher risk of developing dementia compared to non-users.
A new study found no change in epilepsy incidence among younger patients over the past 40 years, while an increase was observed among older patients. This suggests that progress in preventing new cases of epilepsy has not been made, particularly among the elderly population.
Scientists identify protein interference with nucleocytoplasmic transport as essential for causing ALS and FTD. Toxic dipeptide repeat proteins translate from repeat-containing RNA disrupt normal cellular function.
Researchers have devised several lipid-based diets aimed at slowing down progression and relieving symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. These diets, such as the Fortasyn diet enriched with fish oil, have been shown to increase density of muscarinic receptors and cholinergic synapses in the hippocampus.
A landmark study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association found significant variation in dementia incidence among six ethnic and racial groups. Researchers discovered that blacks and American Indians/Alaska Natives had the highest rates, while Asian Americans had the lowest.
A new study based on the Framingham Heart Study data reveals a progressive decline in dementia incidence over nearly 40 years, with a 20% reduction per decade since the 1970s. The decline was more pronounced in persons with high school education and above, suggesting the importance of effective prevention strategies.
A study published by The BMJ found no direct association between benzodiazepine use and dementia, but suggests a possible link in those with low or moderate use. Healthcare providers are still advised to avoid benzodiazepines in older adults due to potential adverse health outcomes.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that moderate seafood consumption was associated with less Alzheimer's disease pathology, including lower amyloid plaques and tangles. Seafood intake was only linked to reduced harm when individuals had a specific genetic profile, highlighting the need for personalized nutrition advice.
Researchers found that older adults with dementia and diabetes have a significantly higher risk for death than those with just dementia. Smoking also increases mortality risk in this population. However, high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol do not seem to increase the risk of death.
Regular functional exercise improves balance and reduces dependence in people with dementia, a progressive illness leading to gradual reduction in cognitive and physical function. The study found that high-intensity exercise programs can lead to an improved quality of life for individuals suffering from dementia.
Researchers developed an algorithm to predict five-year dementia risk from UK patient records, identifying 930,395 patients. The Dementia Risk Score could help rule out low-risk patients and aid primary care clinicians.
A study led by University of Exeter researchers found that people with early-stage dementia who attended weekly self-management group sessions showed improved independence, social support and confidence in managing daily life. The groups fostered a sense of community among participants.
A recent review and meta-analysis of published studies found that diabetes, coronary heart disease, and congestive heart failure may increase the risk of premature death in individuals with dementia. Hospitalized men with dementia were also more likely to experience early death compared to female counterparts.
Two studies by the University of Exeter Medical School shed light on how two parts of the brain's navigation system malfunction in dementia, leading to loss of orientation. The findings suggest that fine navigational detail is not correctly represented in patients with dementia.
A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that people with Parkinson's who took the oral drug rivastigmine were 45% less likely to fall and steadier when walking. This breakthrough treatment has the potential to improve quality of life for millions worldwide.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology reveals that TDP-43's normal function involves pathologic aggregation, and mutations tilt the balance toward aggregation. The research discovered a region of the protein that promotes its association with membranes, increasing aggregation propensity.
Researchers found elevated concentrations of synaptic soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers in early-stage AD patients compared to controls. The study suggests that therapies targeting synaptic Aβ oligomers may be more effective than anti-amyloid therapies in preventing or delaying AD-related dementia.
A new study by USC researchers found that people with high anxiety levels have a 48% higher risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from the Swedish Adoption Twin Study of Aging and found that chronic anxiety is linked to damage in the brain, including the hippocampus and frontal cortex.
Researchers discovered four linguistic factors indicative of dementia: semantic impairment, acoustic impairment, syntactic impairment, and information impairment. The automated technology provides an objective diagnostic rating for dementia, surpassing the current initial assessment tool used by healthcare professionals.
Research published in BMJ Open found that moderate drinking (2-3 units daily) is associated with a lower risk of death among people with early stage Alzheimer's disease. The study analyzed data from 321 participants and found that those who drank moderately had a 77% lowered risk of death compared to those who drank little or no alcohol.
A large-scale national study on people with dementia in residential aged care found that participants experienced low levels of activity participation and pessimistic attitudes from staff and families. The study suggests improving leisure activities could enhance quality of life for those with dementia living in long-term care.
NYU Langone will launch the NYU Caregiver Integrated Support and Services Access Program (CISSAP) to offer counseling, support, and services to New York City caregivers. The program aims to improve quality of life and reduce caregiver burden for those caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against screening older community-living adults for cognitive impairment if they are asymptomatic. However, physicians should investigate patients or their family members expressing concern about possible memory loss.
Research suggests that low levels of BRCA1 protein in the brain may contribute to dementia. The study found that adding amyloid beta to neurons lowers levels of BRCA1, increasing DNA damage and cognitive decline. Further research is needed to determine whether BRCA1 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating dementia.
Researchers discovered unique gene variants that protect against neurodegenerative diseases in older adults, preserving their valuable contributions to society. These protective genes are present in Africa and evolved to help preserve elderly wisdom and cultural knowledge.
A new UCL study of 77,045 dementia patients across the UK found that those from more affluent areas are 27% more likely to be prescribed anti-dementia drugs. This inequality was not seen in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales.