Articles tagged with Dementia
Research confirms adult ADHD significantly increases risk of developing degenerative dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a common cause of dementia in older adults. The study, published in the European Journal of Neurology, found 48% of patients with DLB had previously suffered from adult ADHD.
A large proportion of Medicare expenditures for nursing home residents with advanced dementia is spent on aggressive treatments that may be avoidable and of limited clinical benefit. Strategies that promote palliative care may reduce costs at the end of life by shifting from aggressive to comfort care approaches.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a gene variant that appears to protect against frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) in high-risk individuals with progranulin mutations. The study found that carrying two copies of the protective TMEM106B allele delays or prevents FTLD onset, suggesting it may increase progranulin levels.
A new study finds that the proportion of nursing home residents with dementia benefiting from Medicare hospice care nearly tripled between 1999 and 2006, with duration of care more than doubling. This trend has implications for policymakers seeking to control Medicare costs while preserving access to essential end-of-life care.
A study of 1,130 older adults found that high levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) were associated with a decreased risk of both probable and possible Alzheimer's disease. Higher plasma HDL cholesterol was also linked to lower risks despite other factors.
A study of 614 vineyard workers in South West France found a link between long-term pesticide exposure and declining cognitive abilities, including lower scores on memory and recall tests. The researchers suggest that higher risks of dementia may be associated with pesticide exposure.
Researchers found a 26% decreased risk of dementia for women taking hormone therapy only at midlife, while late-life use increased risk by 48%. Midlife and late-life use had similar dementia risks for women not on hormone therapy.
A new study has uncovered the role of Sortilin in regulating Progranulin levels in neurons, which may hold promise for treating frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research found that Sortilin-mediated PGRN endocytosis is a key pathway underlying FTLD-TDP pathophysiology.
Mayo Clinic researchers discovered a connection between two proteins, progranulin and sortilin, which may lead to new treatment options for frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The study found strong associations between genetic variants in the same region of chromosome 1 and plasma progranulin levels.
A study of 90 patients with bullous pemphigoid found that nearly half had at least one neurologic disease, including cerebrovascular disease and dementia. The condition was often diagnosed after the neurologic disease, suggesting a potential predisposition.
A national survey found that palliative care for patients with dementia has increased, but gaps in coverage and inadequate insurance coverage remain. Interdisciplinary teams, community partnerships, and education are critical strategies for successful palliative care and reducing caregiver burden.
A new study suggests that mid-life cholesterol levels may not be linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease, but large decreases in cholesterol in old age could be a better predictor. After 32 years, women with the greatest decline in cholesterol were more than twice as likely to develop dementia.
A new study published in Neurology found that middle age women whose cholesterol levels decline are at a 2.5 times greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia than those whose cholesterol stayed the same or increased over time.
A new screening test, Sweet 16, can detect dementia in elderly patients more rapidly, providing an alternative to the Mini-Mental State Examination. The tool has been shown to accurately characterize mental status without influencing patient education or sociodemographic factors.
Researchers at King's College London found a correlation between VGLUT1 protein levels and cognition scores in individuals with and without dementia. Preserving VGLUT1 artificially after a stroke may reduce the risk of developing vascular dementia.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association recommends prioritizing palliative care over life expectancy when determining hospice eligibility for advanced dementia patients. The study found that a clinical tool assessing mortality risk can improve accuracy and expand access to hospice services.
Dr. Charles DeCarli, an international leader in neuroimaging, has received the 2010 J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine for his groundbreaking research on imaging of the aging brain and its connection to vascular diseases.
A large cohort study found that heavy smoking in middle age was associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, suggests that smoking may affect the development of dementia through both vascular and neurodegenerative pathways.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that heavy smoking in midlife is associated with a 157% increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and a 172% increased risk of vascular dementia. Vascular dementia is caused by conditions affecting the blood supply to the brain.
A new study reveals that 70-year-olds born in 1930 performed better in cognitive tests than their predecessors born in 1901-02. The study attributed the improvement to better pre- and neonatal care, nutrition, education, and access to advanced technology. Despite this, memory problems remained a predictor of dementia risk.
A study published in Neurology found that walking at least 72 blocks per week can increase gray matter volume and reduce cognitive impairment. Regular exercise in midlife may improve brain health and thinking abilities in later life.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease who developed symptoms earlier in life had a shorter survival time, averaging 16 years from symptom onset. Those with psychotic symptoms or dementia were also at higher risk of early death.
Researchers developed a questionnaire that relies on friends and family to evaluate cognitive changes, which corresponded with biomarker results more consistently than traditional cognitive tests. The Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) tool provides a brief and low-cost alternative for identifying individuals who need follow-up evaluations.
Researchers found that patients with occupations requiring high verbal skills had greater tissue loss on the right side of the brain, while those with low verbal skills had greater loss on the left. This effect was most pronounced in the temporal lobes of the brain.
The World Alzheimer Report 2010 estimates that dementia costs $604 billion globally, with the problem set to accelerate in coming years. The report urges governments worldwide to take immediate action to address the social and health consequences of dementia.
A study published in Neurology found that mild memory changes are caused by brain lesions associated with Alzheimer's and other dementias, contradicting the long-held notion that age is a primary factor. The study involved over 350 participants and showed a rapid decline in cognitive function in the last four to five years of life.
Researchers found that NGP 555 selectively targets gamma secretase, reducing Aβ42 and amyloid pathology in a transgenic mouse model. Chronic administration led to significant reduction in diffuse and neuritic plaques without GI side effects.
A Mayo Clinic study found that mild cognitive impairment was 1.5 times higher in men than women, affecting 16% of individuals aged 70-89 without dementia. The study highlights the need for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention to address the growing prevalence of dementia.
A new study published in Neurology shows that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is 1.5 times higher in men compared to women. MCI often leads to Alzheimer's disease and the study found nearly 14% of participants had MCI, with men being more likely to experience it.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh are studying proteins to understand how they clump together with age, a process linked to several conditions. The goal is to design drugs to prevent this aggregation, which causes brain plaques in Alzheimer's and cloudy vision in cataracts.
A pivotal study finds a strong association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an increased risk of dementia in veterans. The research, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that PTSD may be an early marker of dementia or contribute to cognitive impairment.
A new study has identified three factors linked to cognitive deficits in type 2 diabetes: high blood pressure, balance issues, and poor health reports. These factors contribute to weaker memory and slower cognitive processing in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers discovered that mentally stimulating activities like crossword puzzles and reading may slow initial cognitive decline but accelerate dementia progression in older age. People with more active lifestyles tend to experience faster declines once diagnosed with dementia.
A home-based intervention targeting modifiable stressors improved outcomes for patients with dementia and their caregivers at 4 months, but not at 9 months. The COPE program boosted functionality, reduced caregiver burden, and enhanced well-being.
Studies confirm a region of chromosome 9 is associated with an increased risk of ALS across multiple populations. Genetic variations identified in the Finnish population contribute to familial and sporadic cases, suggesting a strong genetic link. The study provides new insights into the causes of ALS.
A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that memantine showed significant benefits for patients with mild to moderate dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), with improvements in global clinical status and behavioral symptoms. However, no significant differences were found in patients with Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD).
Research from the University of Gothenburg found a link between middle age stress and late-life dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. Women who reported repeated periods of stress in middle age were 65% more likely to develop dementia.
High plasma beta-amyloid levels are associated with faster cognitive decline, even in those without dementia. Cognitive decline was more pronounced in memory domains than other areas.
Researchers aim to improve nurses' assessment skills to better detect delirium in patients with dementia, reducing drug treatments and improving outcomes. The five-year project will integrate electronic medical records and provide decision-making support to encourage evidence-based practices.
A recent study found that REM sleep behavior disorder can be an early warning sign of dementia or Parkinson's disease, with some patients experiencing symptoms for up to 50 years before diagnosis. The research suggests that the brain may be actively affected by these disorders for an extended period.
A review analyzing previous research found delirium in older patients increases risk of death, dementia, and institutionalization. The study controlled for age, illnesses, and severity, confirming the association independent of these factors.
A study of 872 individuals found that more education reduces dementia risk by improving brain coping mechanisms. Individuals with higher education levels exhibited similar brain pathology but better compensation for dementia effects.
Researchers find vascular disease in the brain causes dementia in diabetics, while Alzheimer's-related plaque is more common in nondiabetics. A new blood test may be more accurate for predicting Alzheimer's disease in nondiabetics.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is leading a nationwide NIH-funded investigation to identify risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, with a focus on vascular risk factors and ethnic differences. The $26 million study will examine thousands of patients using detailed neurocognitive testing and brain imaging.
A Mayo Clinic study found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who experience depression or apathy are at a higher risk of developing dementia. Researchers identified biomarkers for MCI progression, highlighting the importance of evaluating patients for neuropsychiatric symptoms.
A study found that antibiotics prolong survival but do not improve comfort for patients with terminal dementia and pneumonia. Aggressive treatment can cause greater discomfort, suggesting a need to balance survival and comfort goals.
A recent study published in Archives of Neurology found that consuming more vitamin E through the diet is associated with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 5,400 participants and found that those who consumed the most vitamin E had a 25% lower risk of developing dementia.
A study by Dr. David J. Llewellyn found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of substantial general cognitive decline and new problems with mental flexibility. The research involved over 850 older adults, showing that those with severe vitamin D deficiencies were 60% more likely to experience cognitive decline.
A study found that depressive symptoms barely increase before diagnosis and remain stable after diagnosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest depression may be a contributing factor to the disease rather than an early sign.
A new study published in Neurology shows that having depression may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life by nearly 70%. The study examined data from over 900 people with an average age of 79 and found that those with depressive symptoms were more likely to develop dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
Research shows that women who are physically active at any age have lower risk of cognitive impairment, but teenage physical activity is most important. Regular physical activity from an early age can minimize the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
Research confirms a strong association between abdominal fat and increased risk of dementia, with visceral fat component showing the strongest link. The study's findings suggest that central obesity may be a key mechanism underlying the link between obesity and cognitive decline.
Researchers found that patients with semantic dementia have difficulty identifying individual flavours and assessing the appropriateness of particular flavour combinations. This suggests a 'pan-modal' deficiency of knowledge in semantic dementia, affecting not just words but also common experiences like flavours.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that spouses of dementia sufferers have a significantly increased risk of developing dementia themselves. The risk is six times higher for those whose spouse develops dementia, particularly men.
A 12-year study has found that spouses who care for partners with dementia are six times more likely to develop the condition themselves. The increased risk is comparable to a well-studied gene variant associated with Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study found that family caregivers with dementia experience a wide range of stressors, including behavior issues and financial strain. While existing interventions focus on specific stressors, research suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient, highlighting the need for personalized interventions.
The NFL is supporting the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy's (CSTE) research on long-term effects of head trauma in athletes. The $1 million gift will fund clinical research to develop early detection methods and prevent treatment for CTE, a degenerative brain disease associated with dementia.
A study found that individuals with Alzheimer's disease experience lean mass loss, which is associated with decreased brain volume and cognitive performance. This loss of muscle mass may be an early indicator of the progression of dementia, highlighting its potential as a sensitive measure for changes in body composition.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a guideline to help determine when people with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia should stop driving. The guideline recommends doctors use the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale to identify individuals at increased risk of unsafe driving. Caregivers and family members can als...
Research on individuals with impaired decision-making capacity, such as dementia patients, is crucial for developing future treatments. However, current guidelines are often arbitrary and prioritize individual interests over the well-being of these groups.