Articles tagged with Dementia
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UCSF scientists have identified a cell population, known as von Economo neurons, that is selectively targeted by frontotemporal dementia. This discovery provides new insight into the early degenerative process of the disease and may lead to new strategies for treatment.
Researchers developed a three-hour workshop for healthcare providers to identify potentially unsafe drivers with dementia and encourage retirement from driving. The workshop resulted in a significant change in participants' willingness to ask patients about driving and document findings in the medical record.
Scientists at Cornell University have discovered a panel of 23 protein biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid that can identify patients living with Alzheimer's disease. The biomarkers, known as a 'fingerprint,' were validated through autopsy-proven tests and showed high sensitivity and accuracy.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University explores the changing roles and emotions of caregivers in the early stages of dementia care. Family members reported experiencing frustration, resentment, grief, and loss of intimacy while taking on new responsibilities, yet also showing increased protectiveness towards loved ones.
A multifaceted intervention improved quality of life for caregivers of people with dementia, reducing clinical depression and caregiver burden. The program showed significant benefits for Hispanic and white caregivers, while African American spouse caregivers also saw improvements in self-care.
Researchers found that intensive support programs for caregivers improved their quality of life, reducing depression and stress. Coordinated support systems also enhanced dementia patient care, with 64% meeting guidelines in the intervention group.
A tailored intervention addressing five areas of caregiving challenges improved quality of life and reduced clinical depression among caregivers. Hispanic and white participants saw the greatest benefits, while African-American spouse-caregivers also showed improvement in specific areas.
A psychosocial support program for Alzheimer's caregivers has been shown to delay nursing home placement by an average of 1.5 years, according to a long-term study published in Neurology. This delay can result in significant cost savings for families, estimated at over $100,000 annually.
A recent study found that individuals with higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in their blood had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. DHA is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish, which appears to affect dementia risk and proper functioning of the central nervous system.
A new dementia screening tool developed by Saint Louis University has been shown to detect mild cognitive problems in the elderly that were missed by the Mini Mental Status Examination. The tool, known as SLUMS, is more sensitive and can help clinicians identify patients with mild neurocognitive disorder on initial visit.
A new study suggests that dementia will become increasingly common as life expectancy rises, particularly among older women. The researchers found that a higher level of education was associated with only a slightly lower risk of dementia before death.
Researchers found a connection between celiac disease and cognitive decline in patients with documented symptoms. Three patients showed reversal of cognitive symptoms after gluten withdrawal, suggesting a potentially reversible form of cognitive impairment.
Penn researchers identify misfolded TDP-43 as common pathologic protein linking frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, leading to new avenues of research into the relationship between the two disorders. The discovery has significant implications for developing effective treatments for these lethal diseases.
A new study reveals a common pathological process between frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with misfolded protein TDP-43 identified as a key component. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of these devastating neurological diseases.
Accelerating weight loss before dementia onset is linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to a study of 449 healthy adults. Those who lost weight weighed about eight pounds less than those without the disease.
A long-term study found that elderly participants who developed mild dementia showed a doubling of their average weight loss rate one year prior to diagnosis. Researchers believe this link may be useful for detecting Alzheimer's disease earlier.
Researchers and clinicians discuss key issues in dementia diagnosis, including assessment tools and genetic research. The article highlights the importance of early and accurate diagnoses for treatment and progression, as new medications become available.
A four-year study found chronically high blood sugar associated with increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Women with elevated glycosylated hemoglobin were four times more likely to develop MCI or dementia than those with lower levels.
A University of Pittsburgh-led study found that caregiving interventions for dementia can also prevent complicated grief and depression after the loved one's death. The study, which followed 1,222 caregivers, showed that reducing caregiver burden, treating depression, and providing supportive psychosocial interventions can help caregiv...
A team of researchers has developed a simple technique to predict the late risk of dementia based on midlife risk factors, including systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol levels. The risk score predicts dementia well, particularly in individuals with high age, low education, and obesity.
Researchers developed an unobtrusive activity assessment system to track daily activity patterns of elderly individuals, detecting subtle changes that may indicate early signs of dementia. The study found significant differences in walking times and variability between healthy elders and those with mild cognitive impairment.
A prospective study found that higher estrogen levels in older men are associated with an increased risk of dementia. In contrast, testosterone levels were not linked to cognitive decline.
Researchers found that older adults with moderate to severe dementia can provide coherent and informative advice on topics like marriage, children, and church. The ability to offer advice is preserved even as memory and focus decline, suggesting that knowledge accumulated in younger years remains intact.
Mutations in the progranulin gene cause frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a group of brain disorders affecting personality and speech. The discovery reveals the mechanism that causes the disease and points to potential therapeutic approaches.
A study found that alterations in the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene contribute to dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a common neurodegenerative disease. Researchers sequenced DNA from autopsy samples and identified mutations in the GBA gene in nearly 40% of DLB patients.
Researchers discovered that women who develop dementia experience a decline in weight up to 10 years before memory loss. The study found that the brains of these women underwent changes before the onset of symptoms, potentially linked to postmenopausal hormonal changes or other factors.
Frontotemporal dementia is caused by defects in chromosome 17, specifically in the progranulin protein. Genetic analyses identified a shortage of progranulin in FTDU families, leading to brain cell death. This discovery offers new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for FTD and other brain diseases.
A recent study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine identifies a faulty enzyme, IDE, that breaks down beta-amyloid peptides. Boosting IDE activity may reverse beta-amyloid peptide accumulation and provide a new angle for preventing AD dementia.
A study found that external 'condom' catheters reduced the risk of urinary tract infections by 80% compared to indwelling catheters. The condom catheters were also associated with lower rates of discomfort and pain, making them a more comfortable option for patients.
A study found that REM sleep behavior disorder is a precursor to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Patients with RBD are at increased risk for developing these conditions, which can lead to serious consequences like brain hemorrhages and death.
A study by the American Academy of Periodontology reveals that chronic stress, depression, and elevated cortisol levels are potential risk indicators for periodontal disease in adults aged 50 and older. Short-term psychological stress was linked to elevated plaque levels, while long-term physical stress was associated with gingivitis.
Research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with better mental performance and reduced risk of dementia in older women. Women who reported drinking up to two or three drinks per day performed better on measures of global cognitive function, particularly in verbal skills.
A study of nearly 6,000 dementia patients and their caregivers found that younger, less educated, and more depressed caregivers were associated with higher levels of behavioral symptoms. Understanding the link between caregiver characteristics and patient behaviors may lead to more effective treatment options.
Research at Group Health Research Institute found that participants with higher physical function were three times less likely to develop dementia. Regular exercise may help stave off dementia by improving and maintaining physical conditioning, say researchers.
Research links lower physical performance scores to higher risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, in older adults. Those with better physical function tend to have slower cognitive decline and lower risk of developing dementia.
A randomized controlled trial found collaborative care management significantly reduced behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in patients with Alzheimer disease. Caregiver stress also improved after the intervention.
Researchers have mapped a link between the size of the hippocampus and progression to Alzheimer's dementia. The technique allows for subtle anatomical differences to be detected, which holds great promise for predicting cognitive decline and improving patient counseling.
Researchers studied brains of individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and found similar changes as those with Alzheimer's disease, including neurofibrillary tangles. The study suggests that existing tests need to be more sensitive to differentiate between underlying abnormalities.
A study of 1,271 elderly patients found that those with a history of stroke showed a more rapid decline in memory and cognitive abilities, particularly among men. The association was stronger in individuals without the APOE4 allele, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that each year of treatment reduced the risk of developing dementia by about 3 percent. Long-term hypertension can damage brain blood vessels, but this study suggests benefits for cognitive function with proper treatment.
A study published by Mayo Clinic researchers found that surgical ovary removal elevates the risk of dementia in younger women, possibly due to insufficient estrogen. Women who underwent the surgery at a younger age may be more susceptible to cognitive decline, highlighting the need for ongoing hormone replacement therapy.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers suggests that a commercially available antibiotic, ceftriaxone, may be effective in fighting dementia in HIV patients. The study found that ceftriaxone protected human neuronal cells from the effects of HIV proteins Tat and gp120.
Mild cognitive impairment affects 9% of those 70 to 79 and nearly 18% of those 80 to 89. Education years also impact risk: 25% for up to eight years, 14% for nine to 12 years, and 8.5% for greater than 16 years
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that cognitive impairment is common in ALS patients, affecting 30% of those studied. Nearly a quarter (23%) of these patients met criteria for dementia, with no significant differences in demographic or disease severity observed.
A pilot study found valproic acid slows cognitive decline in HIV-related dementia, with potential applications for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The treatment targets neuro-inflammation, a key factor in neurodegeneration.
A new study has identified a potential early warning system for Alzheimer's disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment. After 4-5 years of follow-up, researchers found that 42% of patients developed Alzheimer's disease and 15% developed other types of dementia.
A study suggests that Alzheimer's patients can recognize and appreciate music, with one patient singing old songs from her youth. The researchers believe a more musical environment could improve the lives of demented individuals, sparking interest from caregivers to share their experiences.
A comprehensive review of 29,000 individuals across 22 studies found that mentally stimulating leisure activities can significantly reduce dementia risk. Individuals with high brain reserve have a 46% decreased risk of dementia compared to those with low brain reserve.
A study found nearly 78% of test subjects had neurofibrillary tangles in the substantia nigra, linked to increased gait impairment. The relationship was independent of dementia status and only affected gait.
A large prospective study found that exercise reduces dementia risk by 30-40% in older adults. The study also highlights the importance of monitoring physician performance and addressing disparities in healthcare outcomes.
A six-year study of 1,740 Group Health members found that regular exercise reduced the risk of developing dementia by 30-40%. Exercise may improve brain function by boosting blood flow to areas used for memory, according to lead investigator Eric B. Larson.
A study of 1,740 adults aged 65+ found that regular exercise reduced the risk of dementia by 32%. The research followed participants for an average of 6.2 years and analyzed their physical activity levels in relation to cognitive function.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that regular exercise reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease by 30 to 40 percent. The study, which followed 1,750 adults aged 65 and older for six years, showed that exercising three or more times a week significantly reduced the risk of developing dementia.
A new UCSD laser technique allows researchers to precisely create and image blood clots in the brain in real time, shedding light on small strokes implicated in dementia. The study enables controlled observation of brain response to stroke, paving the way for potential prevention strategies.
Research suggests that structural brain imaging can identify high-risk individuals for developing dementia, even before cognitive symptoms appear. People with severe amygdalar or hippocampal atrophy have the highest risk of developing dementia.
A new case of dementia arises every seven seconds worldwide, with 60% of those affected living in developing countries. By 2040, rates are projected to rise by 71% in developing countries and 100% in developed countries.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that nursing home residents with moderate to severe dementia who received acetaminophen were more socially active than those who received a placebo. The medication increased their engagement with their environment, including watching TV and talking to themselves.
A recent study found that 90% of adults with Alzheimer's disease would allow a family member to enroll them in studies with mild to medium risks. Surrogate decision-making for more invasive procedures like gene transfers and brain tissue sampling was also widely accepted, but participants were less willing to participate themselves. Th...
A special issue of The Gerontologist investigates quality of life for people with dementia in assisted living and nursing homes. The research aims to enhance care and improve lives through the Alzheimer's Association Campaign for Quality Residential Care.
A meta-analysis of atypical antipsychotic drug trials found that patients randomized to these medications had a significantly increased risk of death compared to placebo, with an odds ratio of 1.54. This suggests that antipsychotic drugs should be used with caution in elderly patients with dementia.