Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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...
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.
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.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that adults with both diabetes and major depression are more than twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with diabetes alone. The study, led by Dr. Wayne Katon, suggests that major depression doubles the risk of dementia in adults with diabetes.
The event promotes positive attitudes on ageing, using new technologies to improve elderly independence and wellbeing. Events include 'Improving everyday life' and 'Dementia: Don't fear it', discussing loneliness, dementia, and ageism.
Researchers are developing new assessment tools in British Sign Language (BSL) to identify dementia among Deaf people, who often face unique challenges in accessing care and support. The study aims to improve early diagnosis and provide tailored services for this underserved population.
The study found that dementia incidence rates increase exponentially with age in both men and women past age 90. Researchers estimate that the number of Americans aged 90 and older will reach 8.7 million by 2050, making dementia a significant public health concern.
A study found that nearly four in 10 TIA and minor stroke patients exhibit deficits in executive functions, including speed of mental processing and abstraction. Researchers emphasize the importance of using specific measures to detect cognitive impairment in these patients.
A study of 2,929 individuals aged 65+ found that hospitalization for acute or critical illness was associated with lower cognitive scores and higher dementia risk. Noncritical illness hospitalizations had a 40% higher risk of dementia compared to never-hospitalized participants.
A University of Michigan study found that untreated visual disorders in the elderly are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Early treatment of these problems may delay the onset of dementia, but many elderly individuals lack adequate vision coverage.
A study by Brown University researchers highlights the need for better decision-making in end-of-life care, particularly for hospitalized nursing home residents with advanced dementia. The study found that feeding tubes are used variably among hospitals, with larger or for-profit hospitals using them more frequently.
Advanced dementia patients are more likely to receive feeding tubes at larger, for-profit hospitals. Research found a higher rate of feeding tube insertion in these hospitals compared to others.
A study of 990 older adults found that hypertension predicts dementia progression in those with executive function deficits, but not in those with memory dysfunction. Control of hypertension may decrease the projected rate of dementia progression by half.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that cognitive decline, regardless of dementia diagnosis, may increase the risk of stroke. The researchers found that men who scored lower on a mental test measuring planning and executive function were three times more likely to experience a stroke or brain infarction.
Researchers developed two step-by-step training programmes to help dementia patients regain eating skills. The study showed that both methods reduced feeding difficulty and improved nutritional assessment compared to no intervention, offering a promising approach to addressing nutritional problems in older adults with dementia.
A study in Brazil found that heavy alcohol use among the elderly is associated with more memory and cognitive problems than mild-to-moderate drinking, particularly among women. The study also revealed that older adults continue to drink throughout their lives.
Research found that patients with Alzheimer's were 4.6 times more likely to have mental lapses than those without the disease. Cognitive fluctuations include excessive daytime sleepiness, staring into space, and disorganized or illogical thinking.
A study found that people with three or four of the following symptoms are more likely to have Alzheimer's disease: feeling drowsy, disorganized thinking, staring into space, and lethargy. Those with mental lapses also had more severe symptoms and poorer cognitive performance than those without lapses.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are associated with a significant decrease in Alzheimer's disease and dementia occurrence. Patients taking ARBs had up to a 50% lower chance of developing dementia compared to those on other medications.
Researchers found a link between a specific gene variation and slower memory decline, as well as a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggested that this protective association may be due to the gene's role in lipid metabolism.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that high blood pressure is associated with white matter abnormalities in the brain, which can lead to dementia. Women who had hypertension at age 65 were more likely to develop dementia eight years later.
Research from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study finds elevated blood pressure increases white matter lesions, a known risk factor for dementia. Maintaining normal blood pressure may help prevent brain damage and associated cognitive decline.
A recent study found that nursing home residents with the highest antipsychotic prescribing rates are more likely to receive the medication, with 16.4% of those without a clinical indication for therapy receiving it. The study suggests that organizational culture may play a role in encouraging high prescribing rates.
The use of atypical antipsychotics among elderly patients with dementia decreased significantly following FDA advisory in 2005. This decline resulted from a 34% yearly increase in antipsychotic mentions before the warning, followed by a 19% decrease in dementia-specific mentions after the warning was issued.
Two studies found moderate physical activity in midlife reduces risk of mild cognitive impairment. A six-month high-intensity aerobic exercise program improves cognitive function in individuals with the condition. Moderate exercise is associated with a 39% reduction in odds of developing mild cognitive impairment.
A new study found that healthy older adults with subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) are 4.5 times more likely to progress to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia than those without SCI. Over a seven-year period, 54% of SCI individuals showed further cognitive decline, compared to 15% of non-SCI individuals.
A recent study published in JAMA found that Ginkgo biloba supplementation did not slow the rate of cognitive decline in older adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 participants and found no evidence of an effect on global cognitive change or specific cognitive domains.
A recent study found that people with Alzheimer's disease were less likely to develop cancer, while those with cancer were less likely to develop Alzheimer's. The study suggested that these two conditions may be linked, offering potential avenues for new treatments and a better understanding of both diseases.
Researchers identify ineffective communication strategies that can worsen problem behaviors in family members with dementia. Effective communication, on the other hand, can resolve misunderstandings and reduce distress. The study aims to develop empirically derived communication interventions for caregivers targeting both problems.