Articles tagged with Dementia
Dr. Greg Sachs is conducting a two-year pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating an outpatient palliative care program for patients with dementia into primary care practices. The goal is to provide improved symptom management, enhanced family support, and assistance with difficult decision making.
Researchers found that a higher MMSE score threshold of 27 can more effectively detect dementia in highly educated older adults. This new criterion may facilitate early detection and timely treatment of the disease.
Researchers have identified a new form of fatal dementia in 16 Americans, with 10 victims already deceased, characterized by brain damage caused by misfolded protein accumulation, differing from known CJD, prompting genetic and environmental investigation
High blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of dementia, highlighting the potential benefits of antihypertensive treatment. Treatment of hypertension may be a key factor in preventing cognitive decline and dementia.
Research from the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) found that reducing blood pressure can lead to a significant reduction in dementia risk. The study, which included over 3,300 participants, showed that antihypertensive treatment was associated with a 13% lower incidence of dementia.
Research found that women over age 90 are nearly twice as likely to have dementia as men of the same age group. The study also showed that the likelihood of having dementia doubled every five years for women, but not for men. Additionally, women with higher education were found to be 45% less likely to develop dementia.
Researchers analyzed data from the 90+ Study, finding that 45% of women over 90 had dementia, compared to 28% of men. The study highlights concerns about healthcare resources for the growing 'oldest old' population.
A new screening tool, Everyday Cognition (ECog), evaluates basic mental functioning in everyday activities, revealing potential cognitive impairment. The ECog helps clinicians identify individuals at risk for developing dementia, enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention.
A study published in Neurology found that children with lower IQs are more likely to develop vascular dementia later in life. The research compared the cognitive abilities of 173 people who developed dementia to those who did not, and found a significant link between low childhood IQ and an increased risk of vascular dementia.
Researchers at Rutgers University discovered a protein that suppresses cell division in brain cells, effectively 'putting the brakes' on Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that when this brake fails, dementia results.
The Australian Dementia Research report recommends increasing funding for dementia research three-fold to $36 million to keep pace with rising treatment and care costs. By 2030, dementia's projected healthcare cost is expected to reach $8.2 billion, with the number of people with dementia set to double to over 460,000.
Researchers used molecular imaging to monitor Alzheimer's disease progression, identifying those at risk and assessing therapy effectiveness. The study found that beta-amyloid imaging can detect AD earlier and distinguish it from other dementias.
A study found that bright lighting reduced cognitive deterioration by 5% and improved functional limitations by 53%. Melatonin also improved sleep and reduced depressive symptoms. The combination of light and melatonin had a positive effect on mood, while individual use of melatonin was associated with adverse effects.
Researchers found that short-term use of antipsychotics in older adults with dementia increases the risk of hospitalization or death. Atypical and conventional antipsychotics both carry a significant risk of serious adverse events, with the former being three times more likely to cause harm than the latter.
International experts call for improved end-of-life care for older people with dementia, citing a need for timely and accurate communication, avoiding aggressive treatments, and promoting multi-disciplinary care. High-quality specialist palliative care services are essential for those dying from end-stage dementia.
Research found obesity increases dementia risk by 80%, while being underweight also poses a significant threat. The study, published in Obesity Reviews, analyzed data from over 37,000 people and estimated that 12% of dementia risk can be attributed to obesity.
A systematic review of 10 studies found a consistent relationship between obesity and an increased risk for dementia, with baseline obesity increasing the risk by 80% on average. Preventing or treating obesity at a younger age could reduce the number of dementia patients by up to 20%.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with shorter arms and legs may be at a higher risk for developing dementia later in life. The association between short limbs and dementia risk may be due to poor nutrition in early life, affecting limb growth.
A study published in Neurology found that long-term use of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research analyzed data from over 49,000 veterans and showed that people who used ibuprofen for more than five years were 40% less likely to develop dementia.
Researchers found that older adults with dementia and incontinence taking both medications experienced a 50% faster decline in function, from requiring limited assistance to complete dependence. The study highlights the potential risks of combining anticholinergic agents for incontinence and cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia.
Research finds Pin1, previously thought to help with Alzheimer's, actually worsens frontotemporal dementia due to specific tau mutations. This study suggests alternative therapeutic approaches and proper animal models are needed.
Research found people with high cholesterol levels between 249-500mg are 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those with low cholesterol levels under 198mg. High mid-life cholesterol also increased the risk of vascular dementia regardless of other factors.
A study of 2,050 people aged 70-89 found that 15% had mild cognitive impairment, with men being one-and-a-half times more likely to experience it. The study's findings suggest a delayed progression to dementia in men and potentially faster development in women.
A Swedish study found that women who consumed wine regularly had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who drank beer or liquor. The study, which followed 1,458 women over 34 years, suggests that moderate wine consumption may have protective effects against dementia.
Researchers studied 917 older Catholic nuns and found that depressive symptoms did not increase before diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease. Instead, those with more symptoms were more likely to develop the condition, implying depression may be a risk factor for dementia.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with a history of depression are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those without one. The risk was particularly high for individuals who experienced depression before age 60, with nearly four times greater likelihood of developing the condition.
A new study finds that depression is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, rather than an early sign of its underlying pathology. The research, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, found no increase in depressive symptoms before the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
A study analyzing brain tissue of volunteers found that small vessel disease accounted for 33% of dementia risk, while Alzheimer's treatments remain investigational. Researchers suggest reducing hypertension and diabetes as effective ways to mitigate this risk.
An autopsy study of 3,400 individuals found that small vessel damage accounts for 33% of dementia risk, surpassing Alzheimer's and Lewy Body diseases. This discovery underscores the importance of controlling hypertension and diabetes to protect brain health.
A study of 6,583 people found that those with larger stomachs in their 40s were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia by age 70. Abdominal obesity was associated with a higher risk of dementia regardless of weight status or existing health conditions.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that people with larger stomachs in their 40s have a higher risk of dementia by age 70. The study showed that abdominal obesity in midlife is a strong predictor of dementia risk.
Researchers estimated that one in six women and one in ten men will develop Alzheimer's disease in their lifetime, with a higher lifetime risk for women due to greater lifespan expectancy. The study also found that more than one in three people will experience stroke or dementia by age 80.
Research findings suggest that growth hormone does not enhance athletic performance, while universal MRSA screening is associated with significant disease reduction. Additionally, cognitive impairment affecting 22% of older adults exists without dementia, and current colonoscopy guidelines may predict false positives for advanced polyps.
Researchers used PET imaging with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to classify different types of dementia, achieving over 94% accuracy. The study suggests that early diagnosis using FDG-PET may improve prognosis for patients with mild cognitive impairment and other forms of dementia.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis found that patients and their caregivers experience a sense of relief upon receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis, rather than increased anxiety. The study suggests that providing an early diagnosis can allow individuals to make plans for the future, including treatment and preparing for ...
A three-year study found that taking ginkgo biloba extract did not clearly reduce the risk of developing memory problems. However, people who reliably took the supplement had a lower risk of mild memory issues compared to those on placebo.
A study of 214 residents found that nearly two-thirds received antibiotics during their stay, with most prescriptions given in the final weeks of life. The excessive use of antibiotics raises concerns about individual treatment burden and the development of antimicrobial resistance in nursing homes.
A comprehensive study published in Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that nearly 70% of Americans with dementia receive antibiotic medications, particularly in the final stages of their disease. The researchers warn that this practice poses a significant public health risk due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that donepezil improved measures of executive function in patients with CADASIL vascular dementia, but not their cognitive scores. The drug showed therapeutic potential for this specific population.
A new study found that cognitive impairment is decreasing among people aged 70 and older, with better education and financial status being significant contributors. The decline in cognitive impairment may be attributed to improved cardiovascular health, as risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking were more prevalent in the 1990s.
Patients with primary progressive aphasia are more likely to have a history of learning disabilities, suggesting an underlying susceptibility to language network difficulties. The study highlights the potential for learning disabilities to be underestimated among affected individuals and their families.
A new study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University found that individuals with early Alzheimer's disease experience more accidents and perform poorly on road tests compared to drivers without cognitive impairment. However, some individuals with very mild dementia can continue to drive safely for extended periods.
A four-year study found that walking and moderate exercise significantly lowered the risk of developing vascular dementia in people over 65. Participants who exerted more energy through physical activities like walking, gardening, or house work had a 27% lower risk compared to those with less energy expenditure.
Primary care physicians should prioritize identifying dementia red flags over routine screenings for individuals without symptoms, according to a commentary published in JAMA. Dementia red flags include medication issues, multiple hospitalizations, and agitation, which can help identify high-risk patients who require diagnostic testing.
Researchers examined the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The study found no significant reduction in the rate of progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, suggesting that these drugs may not be beneficial for patients with MCI.
A diet high in fish, omega-3 oils, and fruits/vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. The study found a 60% lower risk for those consuming omega-3 rich oils, while a 30% lower risk was seen for those eating fruits and veggies daily.
A PET scan significantly improves the accuracy of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) by measuring brain sugar uptake. The study found that FDG-PET scans correctly diagnosed FTD and Alzheimer's in almost 90% of cases, increasing accuracy by 14%.
A new study found that approximately 13.9 percent of the population aged 71 and older have some form of dementia, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause. The prevalence of dementia increased dramatically with age, from five percent of those aged 71 to 79 to 37.4 percent of those age 90 and older.
A study published in Neurology found that people with more years of education lose their memory at a faster rate before a dementia diagnosis. The researchers discovered that higher levels of education delay the onset of dementia but accelerate memory decline once it begins.
A study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that people with higher education levels lose their memory faster after a dementia diagnosis. The accelerated decline in memory was observed to be 4 percent faster for each additional year of education.
A USC Davis School of Gerontology study found that caregivers showed few negative mental or physical health effects, contrary to myths about caregiving. The research analyzed ethnic differences among caregivers tending to people with dementia and found unique health risks for African-American caregivers.
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine and Regenstrief Institute advocate for collaborative dementia care model that extends beyond primary care doctor's office into patients' homes and communities.
A study published in JADA found that tooth loss is linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. Researchers proposed several possible reasons for the association, including periodontal disease and early-life nutritional deficiencies.
First-degree relatives of patients with Parkinson's disease are at increased risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment, particularly those with younger age of onset. The study suggests shared familial susceptibility factors may be driving this association.
A study published in Neurology found that individuals with lower levels of education are at a higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Those with higher levels of education had an 80-percent lower risk, possibly due to a greater cognitive reserve.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered that loss of progranulin gene causes errant splicing of a protein that disrupts normal functioning of neurons. Accumulation of toxic TDP-43 proteins is found in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia.
Researchers propose a new way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in its earliest stages, allowing for earlier treatment and potential prevention through vaccines or targeted drug therapies. The new guidelines focus on advanced brain imaging techniques and biomarkers, enabling early detection of the disease.
Research found a significant association between decreased platelet count and the development of HIV-associated dementia. Platelet decline was linked to a two-fold increased risk of dementia within six to 12 months after baseline values.
Researchers found an antidepressant (citalopram) may perform as well as a commonly-prescribed antipsychotic (risperidone) in reducing psychosis and agitation in patients with dementia. The study also showed citalopram was associated with significantly lower adverse side effects.
A recent study published in Neurology found that smokers are 50% more likely to develop dementia than nonsmokers or past smokers. The study suggests that smoking increases the risk of dementia through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, which can damage cells in blood vessels and lead to hardening of the arteries.