Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study by the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that binge drinking in older adults is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Participants who reported binge drinking at least once a month were 62% more likely to experience significant declines in cognitive function and memory.
A German study found that focusing on high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, irregular heartbeat, and depression reduced the need for long-term care by 10% in women and 9.6% in men. The study also showed a decrease in death rates, with 2,112 expected deaths vs. 1,939 actual deaths.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a potential cause of HIV-associated dementia: reduced production of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mature BDNF), a protein essential for brain neuron health. This finding may lead to a therapeutic solution and provide a biomarker for risk assessment.
Researchers discovered that older honey bees effectively reverse brain aging when they take on nest responsibilities typically handled by younger bees. The study found changes in molecular structure of their brains, including the presence of proteins that can help protect against dementia.
Experts say lack of privacy, safety fears and ageism deny elderly care home residents the right to consensual sex. Formal policies are needed to address this, despite research showing residents want their sexual expression acknowledged.
A recent study found that almost 90% of older adults aged 65-96 were willing to undergo dementia screening, with refusal rates higher among those between 70-79 years old. The study's results suggest that age is the primary factor affecting willingness, with no significant impact from sex, race, or income level.
A new, user-friendly tool called the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor has been found to be a reliable and valid way to measure dementia symptoms. The study, published by Indiana University School of Medicine, shows that the monitor can detect changes in symptoms and distinguish between patients with varying levels of impairment.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that seniors who perceive themselves as older are five times more likely to meet dementia criteria on standard screening tests. The research highlights the significant impact of age attitude on mental functioning and clinical tools used in dementia diagnosis.
A new study found that people with mild cognitive impairment were nine times more likely to be slow walkers than moderate or fast walkers. The study used a new technique to detect changes in walking speed and found that fluctuations in walking speed were also associated with MCI.
Longitudinal studies suggest that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia by approximately 35-45%. Moderate drinking patterns may also offer cardiovascular benefits. However, further research is needed to understand the optimal pattern of drinking for protection against cognitive decline.
A large study suggests dementia incidence in middle-income countries is similar to higher-income countries, with education and literacy providing significant protection against the disease. Individuals with dementia face a nearly three-fold increased risk of dying compared to those without.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine reports that gastric feeding tubes may not prevent but rather increase the risk of pressure ulcers in people with advanced dementia. The analysis of thousands of nursing home patients found that those with a feeding tube were 2.27 times more likely to develop a stage II ulcer, and ...
A new study from the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University has found that individuals with dementia are more likely to die at home rather than in a nursing home. The majority of care for those with dementia is provided in the community by families, contradicting previous assumptions.
Research suggests that lifelong depression increases the risk of developing vascular dementia, while late-life depression may be an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease. A study of over 13,000 participants found a significant association between depressive symptoms in midlife and late life with increased risk of dementia.
A study of 13,535 individuals found that depressive symptoms in midlife and late life are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. Those with chronic depression during their lifetime had a two-fold increase in Alzheimer's disease risk, while those with depression in both midlife and late life had a three-fold increase in v...
The Regenstrief Institute's Aging Brain Care Program is launching a global initiative to provide collaborative dementia care. The program's tools and resources aim to reduce emergency room and hospital visits by up to 45%, improving the quality of care for those with dementia.
Researchers at UBC and VCH found that a senior's exercise program using resistance-training can improve executive cognitive functions, associative memory, and brain plasticity. The study suggests that resistance training can be an effective prevention strategy for dementia.
Researchers found a significant relationship between decreased CSF αβ 1-42 and clinical decline in participants with elevated CSF p-tau 181p, suggesting p-tau as an important marker of AD-associated degeneration. The study suggests that targeting tau may be crucial for therapy development.
A Mayo Clinic study found that therapeutic hypothermia, also known as body cooling, has reduced in-hospital deaths among sudden cardiac arrest patients. The research analyzed over 1 million patients and found mortality rates dropped from 69.6% to 57.8% between 2001 and 2009.
A new MRI technique uses computer modeling to predict the rate and physical path of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The study supports the idea that these diseases spread through the brain along specific neuronal pathways, similar to prion diseases.
Bilingualism has been shown to improve cognitive reserve and sustain better cognitive performance throughout the lifespan, potentially delaying dementia onset. Lifelong experience managing multiple languages reorganizes specific brain networks, creating a more effective basis for executive control.
Researchers found that many dementia patients' delusions have logical explanations and can be treated through behavioral therapy. The study suggests a better understanding of delusions can lead to more humane and compassionate treatment, considering the patient's context and circumstances.
A meta-analysis of 13 studies found a significant association between lower Aβ42: Aβ40 ratios and development of Alzheimer disease and dementia. The analysis suggests that measuring this ratio may have value in predicting the risk for later development of dementia or AD.
A study found that antipsychotic medication is associated with a modest and time-limited increased risk of heart attack among older patients treated for dementia. The risk was highest at the beginning of treatment, decreasing after the first month.
Researchers developed a computer program to track dementia spread in the human brain, predicting future cognitive declines. The model identifies neural sub-networks where misfolded proteins collect, altering normal brain function across affected areas.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's disease and other dementias spread within nerve networks by moving directly between connected neurons. The study used magnetic resonance imaging research to predict the course of dementias based on a nerve region's connectivity to a disease hot spot.