Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
A Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine study found that a fish oil compound protected brain cells from inflammation and cell death in rats exposed to high levels of alcohol. This finding could support the use of fish oil as a potential preventive measure for alcohol-related dementia.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that resveratrol improved learning and memory ability in rats with vascular dementia. The compound also reduced malonyldialdehyde levels and increased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels, indicating a potential therapeutic effect.
A systematic review of 12 studies confirms a positive impact on cognitive function associated with higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet. However, results for mild cognitive impairment are inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research.
A large-scale study of 1 million patients found that high-dose statin use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing dementia. The protective effect of statins remained consistent across different age, gender, and cardiovascular risk subgroups.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF uncovered a molecular process causing neurons to degenerate, a hallmark of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. The study used human stem cells with genetic mutations, allowing for the comparison of diseased and healthy neurons.
Patients with dementia have a higher rate of urinary and fecal incontinence diagnoses, which can affect treatment decisions. The study analyzed data from 54,816 people with dementia and found that those with both dementia and incontinence were more likely to receive medications and indwelling catheters.
A Canadian sculptor's artistic abilities remained intact despite advanced vascular dementia, according to a new study. The artist, Mary Hecht, was able to draw spur-of-the-moment and detailed sketches from memory, showcasing cognitive reserve in the brain.
Researchers created the first risk score predicting 10-year dementia risk for type 2 diabetes patients based on medical history and electronic health records. The Diabetes-Specific Dementia Risk Score assigns a value to eight predictive factors, including microvascular disease and diabetic foot.
A new scoring system developed by researchers allows clinicians to predict the risk of dementia in older people with type 2 diabetes. The scores are based on six health complications, education, and age, accurately predicting patients' risk of developing dementia.
A study found that only half of the identified ethical issues in dementia care were addressed in national clinical practice guidelines. Four critical issues, including advance directives and coercive medication, were consistently overlooked. The authors emphasize the importance of addressing these issues to improve patient care and pro...
Researchers developed a new test to identify early-onset dementia in individuals aged 40-65 using face recognition tests, distinguishing between name and facial recognition. The study found significant differences in brain tissue loss between those with and without dementia, providing valuable insights into cognitive impairment.
Researchers found nine risk factors, most associated with adolescence, account for most cases of young-onset dementia. These include alcohol intoxication, stroke, depression, and low cognitive function at conscription.
Researchers developed a test to measure the ability to recognize and name famous people, finding that those with early onset dementia performed significantly worse on the test. The study also found correlations between brain tissue loss and difficulty in recalling names or faces.
Researchers have discovered that L-3-n-butylphthalide can improve cognitive function and protect nerve cells in animal models of vascular dementia. The compound has been shown to activate the Akt kinase pathway, suggesting its potential as a new treatment option for vascular dementia.
A study of over 2,000 patients aged 65+ found a strong association between higher blood sugar levels and increased dementia risk. Higher glucose levels were linked to a 40% increased risk in people with diabetes.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that anemia is associated with a nearly 41% higher risk of developing dementia. People with anemia at the start of the study were more likely to develop dementia over 11 years.
Research published in BMJ Open suggests that ACE inhibitors slow cognitive decline typical of dementia, even boosting brain power in patients. Compared to those not taking these drugs, patients on ACE inhibitors experienced marginally slower rates of cognitive decline.
A recent study found that over 90% of dementia cases in China are undiagnosed, with a high level of undiagnosed dementia in rural areas. The study highlights the need for improved mental health education targeting high-risk populations to increase diagnosis rates.
Researchers found that ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 promoted and prolonged the proliferation of neural stem cells in rats with vascular dementia. The treatment significantly improved learning and memory in these animals.
A meta-analysis of Chinese herbal medicines for vascular dementia found that these treatments appear to be safer and more effective than control measures. The studies suggest that Chinese herbal medicine has good potential in the clinic for treating vascular dementia.
A study found that many family caregivers of older adults with dementia are willing to consider stopping cancer screening, which can reduce patient burden, healthcare costs, and family caregiver distress. Caregivers are most open to discussions when focusing on quality of life and burdens and benefits for the person with dementia.
Experts from NYU Langone Medical Center will present new research on advanced treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. The Comprehensive Center on Brain Aging is devoted to research and clinical advances toward the treatment and cure of all neurodegenerative diseases.
New data presents promising evidence for novel therapies targeting hippocampal neurogenesis and adrenergic receptors in Alzheimer's patients. Computerized cognitive tests show potential in improving attention and memory in Parkinson's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy Bodies.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found that caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia can benefit from tailored interventions. The factors contributing to caregiver burden include direct impact on their lives, feelings of guilt, frustration, or embarrassment.
New research suggests that dementia prevalence in the UK has fallen from 8.3% in 1991 to 6.5% in 2011, a reduction of 24.1%. This decline is attributed to lower rates among women and no change in prevalence among men.
Researchers at Neuroscience Research Australia discovered that the orbitofrontal cortex plays a key role in linking emotion and memories in frontotemporal dementia patients. This finding explains why FTD patients struggle to recall emotionally charged events, highlighting new potential for diagnostic tools.
A recent Penn study found a significant association between cerebrovascular disease and dementia, particularly in younger patients with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest that early management of vascular risk factors and healthy lifestyles may delay or prevent the onset of dementia due to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
A new University of South Florida study explores the relationship between caregiver sleep and heart disease, testing an innovative night monitoring system to improve sleep quality and overall health. The research seeks to determine if better sleep can lower the risk of heart disease in caregivers caring for people with dementia.
A recent UCLA-led study highlights the crucial role nurse practitioners play in treating chronic geriatric conditions. Nurse practitioners were found to improve the satisfaction of quality indicators for patients with falls, urinary incontinence, dementia, and depression when co-managed with primary care physicians.
A creative storytelling program called TimeSlips helps medical students see people with dementia as fully-fledged individuals, rather than just diagnoses. The program, which encourages participants to use their imagination and share stories in poem form, leads to significant improvements in student attitudes towards dementia patients.
A new web-based intervention, Family-Health Information Management System (Family-HIMS), aims to enhance caregiving management for dementia patients and their Hispanic caregivers. The system will be designed and tested with English- and Spanish-speaking family caregivers to address unique needs and stressors.
Researchers from U-M and Johns Hopkins will create a web-based tool called WeCare to track, understand, and treat behavioral symptoms of dementia. The goal is to improve caregiver skills and provide tailored strategies for in-home care, aiming to reduce stress and burden on families.
A study of 783 older adults with diabetes found a two-fold increased risk for dementia among those experiencing hypoglycemia events. Clinically significant hypoglycemia was also associated with a greater risk for subsequent severe hypoglycemic events.
Researchers found hospitalization for severe hypoglycemia doubled dementia risk, while dementia patients experienced twice as likely severe hypoglycemic events. Cognitive impairment may lead to poor diabetes management and worse health.
China experiences a significant increase in Alzheimer's cases from 1.93m in 1990 to 5.69m in 2010, highlighting the need for improved awareness and resources to tackle this growing public health issue. The study suggests that global estimates of Alzheimer's disease may need revision upwards by at least 5 million cases, or almost 20%.
A new study found that exposure to general anaesthesia may increase the risk of dementia in elderly patients by 35%. The research analyzed data from a prospective population-based cohort and found that participants who received general anaesthetics were more likely to develop dementia. This increased risk was significant even after adj...
Researchers found that caregivers experience lower care-related stressors and more positive events when their dementia patients attend adult day services. This reduces anger and decreases the impact of non-care stressors on depressive symptoms, demonstrating a buffering effect of adult day services on caregiver well-being.
A study published in Neurology found that individuals with skin cancer had a nearly 80% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest physical activity and biological factors as possible explanations for this link.
Researchers used low doses of leukemia drug nilotinib to clear toxic proteins from mouse brains affected with Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The treatment improved movement and functionality in treated mice compared to untreated ones, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for these diseases.
Recent research on TBI in the elderly highlights the need for specialized diagnostic tools and treatments due to unique characteristics of older brains. Studies have found associations between lifetime TBI and dementia risk, as well as differences in cognitive function and medical history between those with dementia and a history of TBI.
Researchers studied over 900 patients with dementia and found that receiving general anesthesia for procedures after age 45 is not a risk factor for developing dementia. The study's findings provide reassurance for elderly patients undergoing surgery.
A Swedish study published in Neurology suggests a decline in the risk of developing dementia over the past 20 years. The study, which analyzed data from the SNAC-K study on aging and health, found that improvements in cardiovascular disease prevention may have contributed to this decrease.
Researchers are enrolling 4,000 participants in a 5-year trial to determine whether routine dementia screening reduces individual and societal burdens. The study aims to provide critical data on the effectiveness of routine screening for adults aged 65 and older.
A new study estimates that dementia care costs are comparable to those of heart disease and cancer, with annual costs ranging from $159-$215 billion. The majority of these costs are due to long-term daily care and supervision provided by families and nursing homes.
A UCLA brain-imaging tool has helped identify early signs of cognitive decline and stroke risk in individuals without dementia symptoms. The study used a brain scan to measure amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.
The monetary cost of dementia in the US is estimated to range from $157 billion to $215 billion annually, surpassing both heart disease and cancer. The majority of costs are associated with institutional and home-based long-term care, rather than medical services.
A new study found that heart disease risk scores may be more useful in predicting future decline in cognitive abilities, or memory and thinking, than a dementia risk score. The study involved 7,830 participants and showed stronger links between heart disease risk and cognitive decline.
Researchers identify C9orf72 mutation as cause of ALS and FTD, finding it creates an RNA sponge that soaks up Pur alpha protein, leading to neurodegeneration. The study provides insight into the disease mechanism and suggests a potential therapeutic strategy targeting the toxic RNA or its interaction with Pur alpha.
Studies found that individuals with dementia and TBI may have distinct clinical characteristics, such as higher fluency and verbal memory scores. Additionally, elderly patients with TBI are at higher risk of premature death due to underlying health conditions or complications after injury.
A Norwegian study found that patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at Parkinson's disease diagnosis have a higher risk of developing early dementia. The study, which included 182 patients with PD, showed that more than 25% of those with MCI developed dementia within three years.
A Mayo Clinic study found that men with dementia with Lewy bodies are five times more likely to have rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, which can appear decades before a diagnosis. The study suggests that screening for this sleep disorder could improve diagnosis and treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies.
A new eLearning resource provides guidance on supporting individuals with dementia in addressing intimacy, sexualities, and sexual behaviors. The tool aims to increase awareness and promote proactive approaches among healthcare professionals.
Researchers developed a novel multimodal imaging approach to detect frontotemporal degeneration, showing improved diagnostic specificity and accuracy. The method integrates measures of white matter and grey matter, enabling the screening of patients for clinical trials.
The ACEmobile app uses the latest version of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) to provide a sensitive, reliable, and secure dementia assessment tool. The app will be made available free of charge via iTunes and Google Play, allowing clinicians around the world to access accurate diagnoses and aid in earlier treatment.
Research reveals that age-related dementia may begin with neurons' inability to dispose of unwanted proteins, leading to their accumulation. This decline in protein disposal mechanisms contributes to the development and progression of dementia, making it a promising area for novel therapies.
A shortage of TDP-43 protein leads to muscle wasting, stunted nerve cells, and vascular dysfunction in ALS and FTD patients. The study found that the loss of function plays a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.
A new analysis found that combining spaced retrieval and Montessori-based activities can improve nutrition, increase body mass index, and reduce depressive symptoms in dementia patients. The study suggests that clinicians consider using this intervention for individuals with poor nutrition and signs of depression.
A new study published in Neurology found no correlation between antioxidant intake and risk of developing stroke or dementia. The study suggests that individual antioxidants and food sources may be more important than total antioxidant levels in reducing the risk of these conditions.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered an abnormal protein C9RANT that accumulates in the brains of patients with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The findings provide a potentially new therapeutic target and biomarker to confirm diagnosis of these diseases.
Researchers have identified a novel abnormal protein, C9RANT, that builds up in the brains of patients with ALS and FTD due to genetic abnormalities. Detecting C9RANT in cerebrospinal fluid may provide a valuable diagnostic tool for these diseases.