Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study found that older adults with dementia visit emergency departments at higher rates, are admitted to hospitals more often, and have a higher death rate after ED visits compared to those without dementia. The study also highlights the need for better care in fast-paced emergency departments.
Elderly individuals living in UK care homes are at high risk of dehydration due to conditions like dementia, diabetes, and kidney problems. Research finds dehydration is associated with poor health outcomes, including disability and death.
A study published in Neurology found that raloxifene, an estrogen-like drug, had no demonstrated benefit on memory and thinking skills for women with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that the drug may not be effective as a treatment for this condition.
Researchers at Temple University Health System have identified a regulatory enzyme defect in Down syndrome that also malfunctions in Alzheimer's disease, leading to the formation of toxic amyloid plaques in the brain. This discovery could lead to the development of a targeted therapy to mitigate dementia in Down syndrome.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that the average total cost for deceased patients with dementia was $287,038 in the last five years of life, significantly higher than those who died from other causes. Out-of-pocket spending for dementia patients was 81% higher.
Young adults with genetically increased Alzheimer's risk show altered activation patterns in the entorhinal cortex, a key region for spatial navigation. This alteration may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's dementia in the long term.
Researchers found that antipsychotic prescriptions for seniors increased with age after 65, with nearly half of those over 80 using the drugs in excess of 120 days. The study highlights concerns about safety and calls for alternative treatments.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center analyzed data from 8,846 individuals over 50 years old with celiac disease, finding no increased risk of dementia before or after diagnosis. However, a small increase in vascular dementia was observed in patients with celiac disease.
A University of Copenhagen study reveals that an immune gene, Interferon-beta, may prevent Parkinson's disease and dementia. IFNβ-gene therapy successfully prevented neuronal death in experimental models.
Ryohei Yasuda, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience Scientific Director, has received a $4.8 million NIH Pioneer Award to support his lab's high-risk, high-reward projects in biochemical signaling and mental disorders like dementia and autism.
Scientists tracked proteins from the C9orf72 gene, finding a specific protein helps transport essential proteins into motor neuron cells' nuclei. Misplacement of this protein can lead to cell death in diseases like ALS and FTD.
Patients taking benzodiazepines for psychiatric conditions face increased risk of dementia and death due to the class of drugs' potential negative effects. Alternative therapies like anti-depressants are recommended for safer and more effective treatment.
Dr. Sharon K. Inouye has received the 2015 M. Powell Lawton Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her significant contributions to gerontology. Her work focuses on delirium prevention and treatment, and she has developed evidence-based interventions such as the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), which has been sho...
Katie Maslow, MSW, of the Institute of Medicine, has been chosen as the 2015 recipient of the Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging. She will receive the award for her innovative programs that demonstrate excellence in translating research into practical application or policy.
Researchers repurposed salsalate to reverse tau-related dysfunction in an animal model of frontotemporal dementia, effectively lowering tau levels and rescuing memory impairments.
A study of 2176 cognitively normal participants found that those with multiple chronic conditions were 38% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Preventing chronic diseases may help maintain mental health in aging adults.
Researchers investigate remote conditioning, a technique that uses blood pressure cuffs to restrict blood flow to limbs and activate natural protective mechanisms in the brain, potentially reducing dementia symptoms. The approach has shown promise in improving white matter health and may help prevent dementia.
A recent study by Dr. Sylvie Belleville and her team has identified typical patterns of brain progression towards Alzheimer's disease, revealing a complex path characterized by periods of stability followed by accelerated decline. The study suggests that rapid memory decline is a key indicator of risk, allowing for earlier treatment.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that people with low vitamin D levels experience rapid cognitive decline over time compared to those with adequate levels. Researchers recommend daily vitamin D supplements for individuals 60-plus due to the association between low vitamin D and faster cognitive decline.
A study of nearly 400 participants aged 76+ found that low vitamin D levels accelerate cognitive decline and increase dementia risk. Individuals with dark skin or insufficiency were disproportionately affected.
A study found that vitamin D insufficiency was associated with a faster decline in cognitive functions among older adults. The research, published in JAMA Neurology, revealed that African American and Hispanic individuals were more likely to have vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Participants with inadequate vitamin D levels exper...
A study of 350,000 patients with type 2 diabetes found those with poor blood sugar control have a 50% higher risk of being admitted to hospital for dementia compared to those with good control. Improved blood sugar control may prevent many cases of dementia in these patients.
A new study found that people with type 2 diabetes have double the risk of developing dementia and exhibit higher levels of tau protein in the spinal fluid. Diabetes was also associated with reduced cortical thickness, suggesting a potential link to brain cell death.
Researchers emphasize the need to improve brain imaging accuracy for dementia diagnosis and progression prediction. MRI scans and PET scans show promise, but current methods are not sensitive or accurate enough for widespread adoption.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who develop dementia experience a decline in awareness of their memory problems two to three years before the disease onset. The study also identified several dementia-related brain changes associated with this decline.