Articles tagged with Dementia
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.
Researchers have identified enigmatic protein aggregates in the brains of dementia patients with frontotemporal dementia and ALS. These aggregates are likely damaging and may be a target for therapy, as they are thought to contribute to disease progression.
Researchers have identified a key step in the Alzheimer's disease pathway that can be interrupted using green tea and red wine extracts. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, offers potential new targets for developing drugs to treat the disease.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that exercising regularly earlier in life can significantly lower the risk of developing dementia later in life. Researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 adults and found a strong association between midlife fitness levels and reduced risk of all-cause dementia. Additio...
A Chinese study of nearly 6,000 people found that passive smoking significantly increases the risk of severe dementia syndromes. The research also found associations between ETS exposure and cognitive impairment in never-smokers, former and current smokers.
Depression in Medicare recipients over 65 is associated with prevalent mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and increased dementia risk. The study found that depression was related to higher MCI and dementia risks, as well as progression from MCI to dementia.
Researchers developed a new MRI method to predict the ratio of tau and beta-amyloid proteins in cerebrospinal fluid, achieving 75% accuracy in identifying correct diagnoses. The method could be used as a screening tool and help monitor biomarkers over time in clinical trials.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that a protein disposal system issue is the root cause of both ALS and FTD. Delivering parkin genes to neurons can slow down disease progression. The study challenges dogma on TDP-43 accumulation in cytoplasm, suggesting it's not always bad.
A recent study found that older patients hospitalized with critical illness are at increased risk of developing dementia. The study, published in Critical Care, identified infection, neurological dysfunction, and acute renal failure as independent risk factors for dementia diagnosis.
A new study found that even small strokes can harm neural tissue and alter behavior in rats. Blocking tiny blood vessels in the brain can lead to micro-lesions reminiscent of those seen in dementia patients. The FDA-approved drug memantine showed promise in mitigating these effects.
A new study suggests that rapid law enforcement notification and detailed public information can improve recovery rates for drivers with dementia. The research team recommends that Silver Alert-type programs prioritize the cognitive status of drivers and provide more detailed information to facilitate rescue efforts.
A new study reveals that mini-strokes result in prolonged periods of brain damage and cognitive impairment, with neurons being lost due to delayed processes. The research suggests a longer therapeutic window to protect cells after these tiny strokes, potentially extending to days and weeks after the initial injury.
Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a toxic cellular process by which a protein deficiency leads to dementia. The study found that elevated levels of defective sortilin mRNA disrupts mRNA splicing, resulting in the generation of a defective protein that deprives neurons of progranulin's protective effects.
A study found that an active lifestyle can preserve gray matter in older adults' brains, reducing the burden of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that a combination of lifestyle choices, including aerobic physical activities, may alleviate brain aging.
The Indianapolis Discovery Network for Dementia's collaborative approach combines human interaction with technology to improve dementia care. The network has developed innovative tools, such as the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale and the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor, which are now in worldwide use.
Researchers at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine presented a study demonstrating IRX4204's ability to alleviate cognitive decline in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. The compound also prevents neuropathological features associated with abnormal tau processing, a common feature of Parkinson's disease with dementia.
Researchers developed a method to differentiate patients with Alzheimer's disease from those with other types of dementia using biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid. The study analyzed five proteins and found that they could accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease, as well as distinguish it from Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.
A study has found a key difference between brains of people with Alzheimer's disease and those who are cognitively normal but have brain plaques. Researchers detected smaller molecules of amyloid beta called oligomers, which were more closely correlated with dementia symptoms.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found a strong association between poor physical performance and increased dementia risk in individuals aged 90 and older. The study revealed that even modest declines in physical performance were associated with higher dementia odds, particularly gait slowing and grip strength.
Researchers found that people with dementia received an anti-psychotic at a rate of 15.3%, compared to the national audit's 10.5%. A multi-disciplinary approach to care can reduce or withdraw low-dose anti-psychotics for more than 60% of patients. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness.
UC Irvine's Program in Geriatrics has been awarded a three-year, $1 million grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging to implement a new federal initiative combating elder abuse. The program will test promising community-based practices to prevent the abuse of people with dementia, with the goal of reducing this complex and interrela...
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discover how a protein deficiency contributes to neurodegenerative disease frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Progranulin prevents microglia from becoming hyperactive, leading to inflammation that destroys neurons and causes debilitating symptoms.
A comparative analysis of elderly individuals found that benzodiazepine use was associated with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia. The study recommends limiting prescriptions to periods of a few weeks and ensuring proper use to mitigate potential adverse effects.
A medical record review study found that a correct diagnosis of sporadic Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease was often delayed due to misdiagnoses, with an average of 3.8 misdiagnoses per patient. The study suggests that improving early and accurate diagnosis is valuable for public health reasons.
The American Academy of Neurology has released a new guideline to help doctors diagnose Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and always fatal brain disorder. The guideline suggests that the 14-3-3 protein test can be useful in reducing uncertainty when the probability of the disease is between 20% and 90%.
A consensus document developed by leading Alzheimer's researchers, advocates, and clinicians provides prioritized goals for the nation's healthcare system. The plan aims to advance understanding of the disease, develop effective treatments, and integrate healthcare and social services.
A five-year randomized controlled trial of 2854 elderly patients found no significant difference between ginkgo biloba extract and placebo in preventing Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. No significant difference was also observed in mortality or stroke rates between the groups. The results confirm previous findings from a US-based study.
A new study found that people with high levels of inflammation-linked protein are less likely to develop dementia and have relatives who avoid the disease. Higher protein levels were associated with a lower risk for dementia in parents and siblings, suggesting a possible genetic link.
Dr. Bruce L. Miller will receive the 2012 Gene D. Cohen Research Award for his work on dementia diagnosis and treatment. The award recognizes his seminal contributions to understanding the relationship between brain function and behavior in older adults.
Ann Kolanowski, a renowned expert in gerontological nursing research, has been awarded the 2012 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award. Her work focuses on developing theory-based non-pharmacological interventions for behavioral symptoms in persons with dementia and delirium.
Cornelia Beck, PhD, RN, FAAN, has been recognized with the 2012 M. Powell Lawton Award for her groundbreaking work in gerontology, focusing on non-drug interventions to improve care for persons with dementia. Her research has demonstrated the retention of ability to perform daily activities and improved outcomes.
Consuming cocoa flavanol-rich products daily may improve memory and cognition in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers found significant improvements in cognitive scores, insulin resistance, blood pressure, and oxidative stress for those drinking high and intermediate levels of flavanols.
A study published in the journal Brain found that episodes of delirium increase the risk of developing new dementia eight-fold in older patients. Delirium also worsens the severity of dementia and accelerates cognitive decline in those already diagnosed with dementia.
Researchers found that a specific type of yogic meditation, Kirtan Kriya Meditation, reduced inflammation and stress levels in dementia caregivers. This 12-minute daily practice for eight weeks led to changes in 68 genes related to inflammation, resulting in improved well-being.
Experts from NYU Langone Medical Center will present research on non-invasive evaluation of tau targeted immunotherapy, physician intention to screen for dementia, and remission of pre-mild cognitive impairment. These studies aim to improve diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.