Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
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.
Two studies found that moderate-intensity physical activity did not improve cognitive function, while oral supplementation with nutrients had no significant effect on cognitive decline. However, participants over 80 or with poor baseline physical performance showed better changes in executive function composite scores.
Experts claim number of people with dementia in some Western European countries is stabilizing. The findings suggest a decrease in prevalence and incidence of dementia across specific age groups.
Studies show that changes in moral behavior, not memory loss, cause loved ones to say the patient isn't 'the same person' anymore. Moral faculties form core of individual identity perception, according to researchers.
Researchers discovered TDP-43 normally prevents unwanted RNA stretches from being used by nerve cells. When TDP-43 accumulates, it malfunctions, leading to a cascade of events that kills brain or spinal cord cells.
African-American participants showed a significant decline in dementia incidence rates from 1992 to 2011 compared to a stable rate among Yoruba individuals in Nigeria. The study suggests that medication for cardiovascular conditions may contribute to the decline.
A recent study found that older adults who followed the MIND diet more rigorously showed equivalent cognitive abilities to those 7.5 years younger, suggesting a potential delay of dementia's onset. The MIND diet emphasizes brain-healthy food groups and limits unhealthy foods, with berries being a key component.
Cholinesterase inhibitors used to treat dementia can lead to significant weight loss in older adults. Clinicians should monitor patients for weight loss and consider discontinuing these medications if necessary, according to a new study.
A recent study found that dementia patients and caregivers prefer increased funding for caregiving support and resources over research for an Alzheimer's cure. The majority of respondents ranked financial resources for respite care, long-term care support, and advocacy as top priorities.
A study found that medical students who visited an art museum with people with dementia showed improved attitudes towards the disease. The experience helped students understand how patients and caregivers maintain relationships despite diagnosis.
Ralph A. Nixon, a renowned neuroscientist, received the prestigious Zaven Khachaturian Award for his groundbreaking research on early brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. His work has helped scientists better understand the process of Alzheimer's development and progression.
Researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center presented new findings on Alzheimer's disease treatment at the 2015 Alzheimer's Association Conference. The studies focused on the development of monoclonal antibodies that can recognize oligomeric tau and Aβ, as well as pathological structures in Parkinson's disease human brains. Additionall...
Researchers at Einstein College of Medicine presented multiple studies on risk factors and predictors of aMCI and dementia in older adults, including the impact of perceived stress, diet, and coping mechanisms. The findings suggest that early detection of cognitive decline is crucial for implementing effective preventive interventions.
Dr. Li Gan receives the Inge Grundke-Iqbal Award for her influential research on progranulin and amyloid accumulation in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Her work may protect against brain changes associated with the disease.
The Alzheimer's Association honored four leading scientists, including Alison Goate, Bengt Winblad, John Hodges, and Ian McKeith, for their groundbreaking research on Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The recognition aims to accelerate the global effort to eliminate Alzheimer's and advance research towards new treatments.
The Alzheimer's Association recognized MetLife Foundation and GHR Foundation for their significant investments in Alzheimer's research and public information programs. These foundations have supported over $32 million in research initiatives, including prevention studies and innovative approaches to Alzheimer's care.
A study of approximately 500 older adults found that two-thirds who screened positive for cognitive impairment refused diagnostic assessment. Living alone was a significant factor, as well as negative preconceptions about dementia stigma.
Researchers found that high blood pressure at a younger age can affect cognitive performance many years later. Participants with high blood pressure scored more poorly on tests of attention and executive function, highlighting the importance of managing factors that impact brain aging.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that Alzheimer's disease causes different changes in the brain, or pathologies, in African-Americans compared to white Americans of European descent. African-Americans were more likely to have mixed pathologies and blood vessel disease in their brains.
A nationwide study found that people with diabetes and high rates of complications are more likely to develop dementia as they age. Better blood sugar control is crucial for preventing the onset of dementia.
A study analyzing health insurance data found that long-term treatment with pioglitazone significantly decreases the risk of developing dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes. The medication lowers the risk by approximately half compared to non-diabetics, with a notable protective effect against Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by Indiana University researchers finds that the Aging Brain Care Medical Home program reduces depressive symptoms in two-thirds of patients and caregiver stress by 50%.
A Cochrane Review found a lack of conclusive evidence on how to care for patients with dementia who suffer from hip fractures. The review highlights the need for better research into post-operative care strategies, particularly in hospital settings and the community.
Research suggests that clear and strong environmental stimulation can lower apathy levels in nursing home residents with dementia. Apathy is a common neurobehavioral symptom in dementia, affecting up to 90% of older adults, and can lead to faster cognitive decline and caregiver burnout.
A study published in Neurology found that people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer's disease have abnormal levels of lysosomal proteins in their blood. These proteins, found in tiny nerve cell-derived blood particles called exosomes, may serve as biomarkers for early treatment and prevention.
A new study found that calcineurin inhibitor-based medications used by organ transplant recipients significantly lower the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease compared to national data. The research suggests that this treatment strategy may offer a protective effect against the development and progression of Alzheimer's.
Researchers have successfully created mice that mimic the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), two devastating neurodegenerative disorders. The mice exhibit key hallmarks of the diseases, including toxic RNA clusters and TDP-43 protein inclusions.
Two studies analyze amyloid prevalence among adults of varying ages and its association with cognitive impairment. The findings indicate that key risk factors for Alzheimer's disease are also risk factors for amyloid positivity in cognitively normal persons.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a mouse model exhibiting neuropathological and behavioral features associated with C9ORF72 mutation. The study suggests a link between the repeat expansion in C9ORF72 and TDP-43 pathology, potentially leading to therapeutic agents targeting RNA foci and c9RAN proteins.
Researchers found that a medical marijuana pill was safe and well-tolerated, but did not show significant improvement in behavioral symptoms of dementia. The study suggests further research is needed to test the effectiveness of higher doses.
A study of 855 Gothenburg men born in 1913 found that factors such as not smoking, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and a strong socio-economic standard contributed to their longevity. Additionally, correlations with maternal longevity and robust working capacity were also identified.
A study published in Neurology found that individuals with higher occupational levels, such as professionals and engineers, lived up to three years longer than those with lower-level occupations. This suggests that mentally demanding jobs may help protect the brain from the effects of frontotemporal dementia.
A new study found that people with more challenging jobs may live up to three years longer than those with less skilled jobs after developing frontotemporal dementia. The cognitive reserve theory suggests that higher occupational levels build connections in the brain, creating a buffer against disease.
A new tool has been developed to improve dementia care for south Asian people, addressing cultural barriers to diagnosis. The adapted BEMI-C tool takes into account sensitivities that can act as barriers to effective diagnosis and treatment.
A study of over 2.4 million Danish citizens found that depression, type 2 diabetes, or both are associated with a higher risk of dementia. Individuals diagnosed with depression or type 2 diabetes alone have an increased risk, while those with both conditions experience the greatest increase in risk.
A study published in BMJ Open found that the UK's research funding for dementia and stroke is still too low, with cancer receiving nearly two-thirds of the £856 million allocated. The social care costs of dementia outweigh those of other conditions, highlighting the need for increased investment in these areas.
Research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests that being underweight in middle age is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. In contrast, obese middle-aged individuals are nearly 30% less likely to develop dementia than those of a healthy weight, contradicting previous research findings.
NTU scientists have discovered a new treatment for dementia using deep brain stimulation, which can form new brain cells and improve memory retention. The research found that stimulating the front part of the brain led to increased brain cell growth, reducing anxiety and depression, and promoting improved learning.
A new study by University of York researchers has identified novel steps in dementia progression, potentially leading to targeted therapies. The research focuses on the protein CHMP2B and its impact on synapses, which can cause overgrowth and contribute to cognitive decline.
A new diet, MIND, shows reduced risk of Alzheimer's by 35-53% in participants who adhered moderately well, with benefits from brain-healthy food groups and limits on unhealthy foods. Long-term consistent adherence is crucial for optimal protection.
A new study finds that antipsychotic drugs may increase the risk of death in dementia patients, particularly those taking higher doses. Researchers analyzed nearly 91,000 veterans and found a higher mortality risk among those taking these medications compared to those not taking them.
Researchers from the UPV/EHU have developed a novel speech-based system to detect early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The Automatic Spontaneous Speech Analysis (ASSA) technique measures various parameters, including pauses and speech patterns, to help diagnose the disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a new scoring system to identify individuals at high risk of developing dementia. The study found that variables such as age, diabetes, heart health risk factors, slow gate, depression, and anxiety disorders are key contributors to the risk score.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that a novel therapeutic approach using an existing drug reverses hyperactivity in the brain of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a condition that increases risk for Alzheimer's dementia. The therapy, calmed hyperactivity in the brain and improved memory performance.
A new report from Michigan Medicine and Johns Hopkins University concludes that non-drug approaches, such as caregiver training, work better and carry fewer risks than behavior-calming drugs for Alzheimer patients. The DICE framework provides a tailored approach to address behavioral issues in dementia patients.
A Vanderbilt University study associates poor heart function with an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Participants with decreased cardiac index were two to three times more likely to develop significant memory loss over a follow-up period.
A new review finds that people with mild cognitive impairment are 65% more likely to develop dementia if they have diabetes and over twice as likely if they have psychiatric symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise may help prevent dementia.
A new study published in CMAJ reports that the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) is effective in assessing cognitive impairment in multicultural populations where English may not be the primary language. The tool has been shown to identify cognitive impairment and rule it out with strong psychometric properties, makin...
A survey of 2500 Dutch doctors found that 86% would consider helping a patient to die under certain circumstances. Attitudes towards euthanasia and assisted suicide varied by condition, with most willing to help patients with cancer or other physical diseases, but fewer for those with mental illnesses.
A new biomarker in the blood has been identified that can predict the risk of developing dementia, allowing for more precise risk evaluation and earlier prevention efforts. The study involved 76,000 people and revealed a link between low levels of apolipoprotein E and increased dementia risk.
A Stanford study found that antibody-producing immune cells called B cells play a key role in the delayed onset of dementia after stroke. The presence of these cells, which are normally found only in the blood, can be linked to cognitive decline and memory loss in stroke patients.
The Mayo Clinic has established a new program dedicated to finding answers and treatments for Lewy body dementia, a deadly disease causing progressive decline in mental and physical abilities. The program builds on previous research discoveries, including a genetic risk factor and severe sleep disorder linked to the disease.
A large study links taking commonly used medications with anticholinergic effects to a significantly increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. People taking certain medications at high doses or for longer periods are estimated to be at greater risk for developing dementia.
A USC study reveals that the brain's protective blood barrier becomes leaky with age, starting at the hippocampus, a critical learning and memory center. The findings suggest that brain scans may be able to detect changes in blood vessels before they cause irreversible damage leading to dementia.
A new study suggests that depression and behavior changes can occur in people with Alzheimer's disease even before they experience memory problems. Researchers analyzed data from 2,416 participants and found that those who developed dementia were more likely to develop depression sooner than those without dementia.
A recent study published in Neurology found that depression and behavioral changes often occur before memory decline in people with Alzheimer's. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,400 participants and found that those who developed dementia were more likely to exhibit mood swings, including depression and delusions.
Researchers found that insulin nasal spray improved short-term verbal and visual information retention in adults with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's. The study also showed significant benefits for those carrying the APOE-e4 gene, a risk factor for Alzheimer's.
Belgian researchers used patient-derived stem cells to model frontotemporal dementia, a condition that affects about half of dementia cases before age 60. The study found a targetable defect in the Wnt signaling pathway, which can be corrected with genetic therapy or compounds inhibiting this pathway.
Researchers found that less than half of UK prescriptions for antipsychotics were issued for main licensed conditions, with many prescribed to older adults for anxiety and dementia. This misuse increases the risk of side effects in this age group.
A study of 414 people with severe dementia and their carers found that depression was more prevalent in community-dwelling individuals (37%) compared to those in care homes (23%). The research suggests that better support for carers could help identify and cope with depressive symptoms in dementia patients.