Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
A new study reveals how defective dopamine packaging in neurons triggers toxic processes, leading to Parkinson's disease symptoms. Researchers discovered that delivering energy via ATP can repair packaging and halt damage.
A global study synthesizes evidence on dementia inequities in Indigenous communities, highlighting their cultural strengths as neuroprotective resources. The authors recommend centering culture and community in brain health research to promote lifelong equity and strengths-based models of dementia care.
A novel quantitative imaging approach using PET and MRI can identify limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), a distinct neurodegenerative disorder resembling Alzheimer's disease. This framework may guide targeted diagnostic work-up and personalized care for dementia patients.
Researchers found that noninvasive measures of brain blood flow and oxygenation are associated with hallmark brain changes in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Higher values on these indicators were linked to lower levels of amyloid plaques and larger hippocampal volume, indicating a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that explains how exercise improves cognition by shoring up the brain's protective barrier. The study found that an exercise-induced liver protein strengthens the blood-brain barrier, reducing inflammation and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have identified astrocytes as a promising cellular target for Alzheimer's therapy. Senescent astrocytes, which lose functional capacity, are found in Alzheimer's patients' brains, leading to neuronal damage and inflammation. The study opens an avenue for therapeutic strategies like senolytic drugs.
Researchers developed blood-based biomarkers that can support accurate dementia diagnosis in diverse populations when integrated with cognitive and neuroimaging measures. The study demonstrated that key plasma biomarkers can reliably distinguish major dementia syndromes even in complex settings.
The Biggs Institute will focus on finding solutions to dementia through advanced research, therapies, and care. The new precision therapy center will be named after the donors.
The new GSA video series highlights the KAER framework's four steps to improve timely detection of cognitive impairment and enhance dementia care. Clinicians share insights on implementing the framework, emphasizing the importance of early conversations and activated ecosystems of care.
Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found a strong association between bone lead concentrations and increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed data from over 30 years of follow-up and estimated cumulative lifetime exposure to lead using machine learning algorithms.
A 20-year follow-up study found that adults who completed cognitive speed training were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The study, which included 2,802 participants, showed a 25% reduced incidence of dementia in the speed-training group compared to the control arm.
A large prospective cohort study found that consuming 2-3 cups of caffeinated coffee daily or 1-2 cups of tea daily reduced dementia risk, slowed cognitive decline, and preserved cognitive function. Caffeine was identified as the active factor producing these neuroprotective results.
A study published in JAMA found that higher consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea is associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Moderate intake levels showed the most pronounced association, with better cognitive function also observed.
A new Canadian study found that people living with dementia are often excluded from research due to assumptions of incapacity and institutional processes. The study recommends standardized guidance for meaningful inclusion through rights-based approaches.
Researchers discovered that collaborative care programs improve quality of life, reduce costs, and alleviate caregiver burden for dementia patients. Adding lecanemab to treatment increased healthcare costs but was offset by the savings from collaborative care.
Researchers developed BrainIAC, a robust AI foundation model that analyzes brain MRI datasets to identify key neurological health indicators. The tool outperformed conventional AI models in diverse tasks, including predicting dementia risk and detecting brain tumor mutations.
The supplement issue documents unprecedented progress in establishing dementia as a public health priority, with brain health and caregiving now core components of public health practice. The Healthy Brain Initiative and BOLD Act have built a robust framework prioritizing brain health.
The FENS Forum 2026 will be Europe's largest neuroscience congress, covering areas of basic to translational research. Journalists can register for free and attend symposia and poster sessions.
A study published in Cell identified a protein complex called CRL5SOCS4 that marks tau for degradation, suggesting strengthening this natural defense mechanism could represent a new therapeutic strategy. Higher expression of CRL5SOCS4 components made neurons more likely to survive despite the accumulation of tau protein.
Researchers at University College London discovered that Alzheimer's disease disrupts the brain's 'memory replay' process, leading to impaired navigation and memory loss. The study found that even when mice were resting, their brains replayed recent experiences in an altered pattern, which had consequences on memory tasks.
A new study from Lund University finds that modifiable risk factors like smoking and high blood pressure can damage brain blood vessels and increase dementia risk. Living a healthy lifestyle may help delay symptom onset in Alzheimer's disease.
Adverse experiences throughout life increase dementia and stroke risks, with depression as a mediating factor. Implementing life-course interventions addressing psychological trauma and mental health can reduce neurovascular disease burden.
Two U.S. healthcare systems, Tufts Medicine and University of Utah Health, will implement the DAC-SP Early Detection Blueprint across ten primary care sites to improve early detection of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The initiative aims to refine a replicable model for early detection that can be adopted nationwide.
The report projects a significant increase in dementia cases across Europe by 2050, with estimated numbers rising to 14.3 million in the EU27 and 19.9 million in EU and non-EU countries combined. Alzheimer Europe urges decision-makers to prioritize dementia research, healthcare infrastructure, and support for families and carers.
A new research project aims to develop an eye drop that can detect the fluorescent signal of a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. If successful, this low-cost and accessible screening tool could help identify patients in their earliest stages of the disease, enabling them to receive early treatment.
Researchers found no difference in neural activity between successful semantic and episodic retrieval, challenging long-standing research tradition. This overlap suggests that the whole brain is involved in different types of memory, potentially leading to new interventions for diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's.
A new set of guidelines provides veterinarians and pet owners with a clear approach to diagnose and monitor canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), also known as canine dementia. The guidelines outline key signs, diagnostic levels, and stages of disease severity to support care decisions.
Scientists at the University of Surrey have created ultra-sensitive nanofiber-based sensors that can harness power from gentle movements, enabling continuous and maintenance-free sensing. These breakthrough sensors have potential applications in sleep disorder monitoring and dementia care.
A new study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found a causal link between high body mass index (BMI) and dementia. High blood pressure was identified as a driving factor behind the increased risk. Researchers suggest that preventing or treating obesity and high blood pressure could help reduce dementia risk.
A national panel of experts has issued 56 recommendations to reduce dementia risk, focusing on hearing loss, social isolation, and high blood pressure. The Nottingham Consensus provides clear, actionable guidance for policymakers to improve brain health and address health inequalities.
Developed by Mass General Brigham researchers, the autonomous AI system achieves high accuracy in detecting cognitive impairment using routine clinical documentation. The system includes five specialized agents that critique each other and refine their reasoning, just like clinicians would in a case conference.
A large McGill University study found that incretin-based therapies have protective benefits for the brain. DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with a 23-per-cent lower dementia risk compared to sulfonylureas. Longer-term studies will be needed to confirm these results.
Research reveals a significant increase in antipsychotic use among adults 65 and older with dementia, despite limited proven effectiveness and serious risks. The study suggests that long-term prescribing is on the rise, particularly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Research highlights overlooked social mechanisms connecting oral health, eating and speaking difficulties, and cognitive decline. A six-year longitudinal study found poor oral health is a strong predictor of weight loss in older adults.
Research finds that nearly one in four Medicare beneficiaries with dementia are prescribed potentially harmful medications linked to falls, confusion, and hospitalization. Despite declines in prescribing rates, high levels of inappropriate prescribing persist among older adults with cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that close to half of all dementia cases would not arise without the APOE gene's influence, and potentially more than 90% of Alzheimer's disease cases are linked to variants in this single gene. The study highlights the APOE gene as a powerful target for drug development.
Researchers found that children and young adult cancer survivors age faster and experience accelerated cognitive decline due to treatment effects. The study suggests that quitting smoking, exercising, and improving nutrition can help reverse these aging changes.
A groundbreaking study demonstrates that Alzheimer's disease biomarkers can be accurately detected using simple finger-prick blood samples collected at home. The research, led by Banner Health and the University of Exeter Medical School, successfully tested 337 participants and proved the accuracy of this accessible testing approach.
A study published in Neurology found that people with weaker and more fragmented circadian rhythms, as well as those who experience a later peak of activity, have an elevated risk of dementia. The study involved over 2,000 participants and followed them for three years to track the development of dementia.
A comprehensive review of prior research found no evidence that menopause hormone therapy increases or decreases dementia risk in post-menopausal women. The study included data from over 1 million participants and analyzed the impact on mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, with no significant association found.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found that older adults who lived through Hurricane Harvey had a 3% elevated risk of dying within 1 year. Mortality risk was highest among those with chronic health conditions like Alzheimer's disease, and Black and Hispanic/Latino populations experienced higher mortality risks than other groups.
A new study published in Neurology found an association between high-fat dairy products and a reduced risk of dementia. Researchers analyzed data from 27,670 people in Sweden and found that those who ate more high-fat cheese had a 13% lower risk of developing dementia.
A large international study of 220,947 participants found that concurrent physical frailty and depression significantly increase the risk of dementia. The interaction between these two factors contributes approximately 17% to the overall risk, while individual associations were found for frailty (2.5 times higher risk) and depression (...
Researchers have identified the Foxf2 gene as a key factor in cerebral small vessel disease, leading to impaired blood flow and increased risk of stroke and dementia. A new therapy targeting the impaired function of small cerebral vessels has shown promise in restoring vascular health.
A new study suggests that midlife depression is driven by a small cluster of specific symptoms, rather than depression overall. The six symptoms are loss of self-confidence, difficulty coping with problems, and poor concentration, which can lead to reduced social engagement and decreased cognitive reserve.
A new multicenter study led by Mayo Clinic researchers has established a practical definition for rapidly progressive dementia (RPD), a rare but devastating form of cognitive decline. The findings may help clinicians recognize and treat RPD earlier, enabling researchers to work from a shared framework when studying the condition.
Research by Li-Mei Chen finds that digital tools provide measurable benefits for caregivers and persons living with dementia, improving self-efficacy, emotional well-being, and social connectedness. However, equity gaps remain due to limited access to culturally adapted and inclusive technologies.
Researchers developed an AI tool to identify patients with undiagnosed Alzheimer's disease using electronic health records, addressing underdiagnosis and healthcare inequities. The model achieved sensitivity rates of 77-81% across diverse populations, promoting fairness while maintaining high accuracy.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a deep learning model that detects and evaluates Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) using EEG brainwave analysis. The model achieved over 90% accuracy in distinguishing individuals with dementia from cognitively normal participants.
The UT Health San Antonio Center for Brain Health brings together expertise in dozens of disorders, emphasizing education, family support and community connection. The center is part of ongoing national research initiatives, including a study on ALS and HEALEY ALS Platform Trial.
A new dual-action program combines arts sessions for people with dementia with wellbeing sessions for their carers, helping families rediscover connection and confidence. The program was co-designed with those affected by dementia and has been shown to promote social interaction and reduce isolation.
A study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that older, unpaid caregivers who used the internet more often felt less lonely and coped better with stress. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,957 participants ages 65 and older, and discovered a buffering effect: internet use reduced loneliness in caregivers with health issues.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich uncovered a mechanism that protects nerve cells from premature cell death, known as ferroptosis. A single mutation in the GPX4 gene disrupts its function, leading to severe neurodegeneration in children with early-onset dementia.
Researchers found that those who received the shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia over seven years compared to those who did not receive it. The vaccine was also shown to slow disease progression in those already diagnosed with dementia.
The USC Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute is leading the charge against Alzheimer’s with advances in blood tests and treatments. Researchers aim to develop effective preventive therapies within the next decade.
Researchers are investigating training caregivers on ear acupressure to help alleviate chronic pain in people with dementia. The one-year initiative aims to recruit 30-40 participants, plus caregivers, and assess the feasibility and acceptability of this non-pharmacological technique.
A new meta-analysis published in Aging-US found a significant association between hospitalization for infections and the risk of developing dementia. Adults hospitalized with infections were at an increased risk of all-cause dementia, especially after a single infection-related hospitalization, which can speed up cognitive decline.
Researchers at Newcastle University have led the way in redefining Dementia with Lewy bodies as a distinct cause of dementia. Their work has improved outcomes and offered hope to those affected, thanks to breakthroughs in disease mechanisms, stem-cell models, blood-based tests, and personalized therapies.
Researchers have identified a new immune process that clears toxic amyloid plaques and delays cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The 'Fc fragment' of the monoclonal antibody Lecanemab activates microglia, the brain's immune cells, to remove plaques more efficiently.
Researchers identified biological markers of inflammation, liver stress, and early damage to brain cells in young adults with obesity. Low blood levels of choline, essential for liver health and long-term brain function, were also found. These findings suggest that metabolic stress and inflammation may begin far earlier than expected.