Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
Two new studies suggest that late-life dementia is a complex disease resulting from multiple processes, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular brain injury, and Lewy body disease. Higher levels of leptin may also be linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to the findings.
A new study published in JAMA found that tarenflurbil, a drug intended to reduce amyloid-β levels, showed no benefit in slowing cognitive decline or improving daily activities in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The researchers concluded that interventions targeting amyloid have not yet been shown to alter the course of AD.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that higher leptin levels are associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. The study suggests that leptin may have beneficial effects on brain development and function, potentially opening pathways for preventive and therapeutic interventions.
A study found that individuals with higher leptin levels had a reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Higher leptin levels were also associated with increased total cerebral brain volume.
A new imaging test has detected early Alzheimer's disease in older adults, which is likely to progress into symptomatic Alzheimer's disease. The test uses Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) to bind to beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, identifying individuals who are at risk of developing dementia.
A new study found that cancer patients with dementia have a lower survival rate than those without dementia, even after controlling for age, tumor type, and stage. Patients with mild cognitive impairment can still live independently for nearly four and a half years, while those with moderate to severe dementia have an average survival ...
A study of 15,000 elderly individuals in 11 low- and middle-income countries found dementia to be the largest contributor to disability, followed by stroke, limb impairment, and depression. Chronic diseases, including those of the brain and mind, pose significant challenges for carers and society.
The ACT study focuses on finding ways to delay or prevent dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Recent findings highlight the role of vascular disease and controlling high blood pressure in reducing the risk of late-life dementia.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that dementia is often associated with mixed pathological changes, including Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. The researchers estimated that drugs targeting specific pathologies may have limited impact on the overall burden of dementia.
A package of continuing care is essential for managing dementia in LMICs, comprising diagnosis, regular needs assessments, physical health checks, and carer support. The authors highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms.
A recent study published in Neurology reveals that nearly 42% of participants with frontotemporal dementia had some family history, while only 10% were affected by an autosomal dominant gene. The study also found that behavioral problems are more likely to be hereditary than language problems.
A study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older patients with dementia are diagnosed with flu less frequently, have shorter hospital stays, but a higher rate of death. The study highlights the need for refined guidelines on flu immunization and treatment in this vulnerable population.
Palliative care is crucial for dementia patients as they often suffer from untreated pain and symptoms due to their inability to report their condition. The need for improved symptom management, emotional support, and family support has been emphasized by experts.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dementia is a terminal illness characterized by uncomfortable symptoms and high mortality rates. The research highlights the need for improved palliative care in nursing homes to reduce physical suffering and enhance communication with family members.
Researchers found that declines in visuospatial skills and cognitive abilities can occur years before clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest that conventional methods for diagnosing the disease may not be sensitive to early manifestations of the condition.
A systematic review found that post-stroke dementia rates varied greatly, but were closely related to stroke characteristics and complications. The authors suggest that optimum acute stroke care and secondary prevention measures could reduce the burden of dementia. Further studies are needed to identify independent predictive factors.
A new study from UAB researchers suggests that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who struggle with financial management skills may be at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that MCI patients who declined in financial capacity over a year were more likely to progress to Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered a link between declining financial skills and the development of Alzheimer's disease. Participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who showed poorer money management abilities were more likely to progress to dementia.
A new study reveals that communication problems and misunderstandings are the primary causes of physical strain in dementia care. Effective communication techniques, such as explaining instructions with different words and using body language, can help reduce this strain.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that those with more difficulties performing daily activities are at increased risk for progressing quickly to dementia. Functional impairment at baseline was the only factor associated with conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology emphasizes the need to address mental health issues due to work-related stress and increasing economic troubles. The prevalence of mental disorders is expected to rise, affecting millions worldwide.
Research by the Universities of Exeter and Queensland shows that membership of social groups has a positive impact on health and well-being. Studies have found that people who maintain valued group memberships recover more positively after a stroke, are happier in care homes, and experience improved mental health.
A new study found that healthy older brains are similar in size to those of younger individuals, contrary to previous findings. The research tested participants without neurological problems and used MRI scans to measure brain areas. Cognitive decline was measured by drops in performance on certain tests.
British scientists have discovered two new genes associated with Alzheimer's disease, CLU and PICALM. These findings provide valuable new leads in the race to find treatments and possibly cures for the common form of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that HIV subtype D is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of developing dementia. The study found that nearly all (89%) patients infected with subtype D developed dementia, whereas only about 24% of those infected with subtype A showed signs of the condition.
A recent national survey found that physicians inaccurately believed in the FDA approval status of 22 drug-indication pairs, including lorazepam for chronic anxiety and quetiapine for dementia with agitation. The study highlights the need for better methods to inform physicians about the level of evidence supporting off-label drug use.
A study mapping brain activity networks in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) patients reveals distinct changes in communication between brain areas. AD patients show more random network organization, while FTLD patients display a more ordered structure, challenging the understanding of these diseases.
A large multicentre study has confirmed that a combination of proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid can reliably identify patients with early symptoms of dementia who will later develop full-blown Alzheimer's disease. The findings may lead to new medicines and point-of-care diagnostics.
Elderly individuals with a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish, and high levels of physical activity had a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with slower cognitive decline but not decreased dementia risk.
A four-decade study of 9,844 participants found that high cholesterol levels in midlife significantly increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia later in life. Borderline elevated cholesterol levels also raise risk for late-life vascular dementia.
A study published in Neurology found that engaging in brain-exercising activities such as reading and playing card games can delay the onset of rapid memory loss in people with dementia. Participants who engaged in more activities experienced a slower decline in cognitive function.
Researchers created a fly model to study Parkinson's-associated dementia, finding that sleep loss caused long-lasting cognitive impairments. Curcumin blocked this effect, restoring normal learning abilities in genetically modified flies.
Elevated levels of ECE-2 enzyme are linked to reduced blood flow in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that drugs blocking endothelin-1 may also benefit Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers found that centrally-acting ACE inhibitors, which cross the blood-brain barrier, may reduce inflammation and cognitive decline in patients with hypertension. These medications showed a significant association with lower rates of mental decline, particularly those taking drugs like captropril and lisinopril.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found an inverse association between fish consumption and dementia prevalence in older adults across 7 middle- to low-income countries. Higher fish consumption was linked to a lower risk of dementia, contradicting previous findings from industrialized countries.
Research shows a significant increase in people with Alzheimer's and dementia among the 'oldest old', aged 90+, in Europe. The prevalence of dementia standardized on the Italian population was 22.9%, with higher rates in women, increasing with advancing age.
A study found that elderly individuals with growing white matter changes were more likely to develop persistent cognitive impairment and dementia. Researchers followed 49 participants for an average of 9.5 years, tracking brain scans and thinking skills tests.
A large US study found that moderate alcohol intake decreases the risk of dementia in older adults, with a 37% reduction in risk for those who drank 8-14 drinks per week. However, heavy drinking was associated with faster rates of cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia.
Two studies found a strong association between PTSD and increased Alzheimer's risk, but moderate alcohol consumption was shown to lower this risk. Adults also had limited knowledge about the relationship between heart health and brain health.
A doctor's positive attitude to Alzheimer's diagnosis and their personal relationships with support services are powerful enablers for early diagnosis. However, barriers include differing health priorities, fear of damaging the doctor-patient relationship, and difficulties in referring patients to support services. GPs need education o...
A Mayo Clinic study has developed a framework for MRI-based differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and Lewy body disease. The 'STructural Abnormality iNDex' or STAND-Map framework predicts an accurate pathological diagnosis 75 to 80 percent of the time.
Most cognitive tests are ineffective in distinguishing between Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, with only two tests - Emotional Recognition Task and Delayed Story Recall - showing promise. Researchers emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, combining multiple measures for accurate identification.
Despite significant research efforts, no effective way to prevent or treat delirium has been identified. The study found that only 13 randomized controlled studies on promising drugs were conducted from 1966 to 2008, and none of them were effective in preventing or treating delirium.
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients exhibit a selective impairment in learning from reward, but not from negative outcomes. Treatment with dopamine agonists improves learning from positive outcomes, but impairs learning from negative outcomes.
Adult day care can help alleviate caregiver stress by lifting responsibility for a few hours, promoting sleep and well-being in those cared for. The study will assess the impact of day care on caregivers' health and stress levels over three years with 180 participants.
A new study presents PET scan results that can accurately diagnose specific types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, in the early stages. This can lead to targeted treatments and improved care outcomes for over 5 million newly diagnosed patients each year.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that watching a video of a patient with advanced dementia can help elderly patients plan for end-of-life care. Participants who watched the video were more likely to choose comfort care and felt it was helpful in their decision-making process.
A Queen's University study found that cholinesterase inhibitors can cause slowed heart rates, fainting episodes, and increased risks of permanent pacemaker implants and hip fractures in patients with dementia. The study suggests that people at high risk should reassess their medication regimen.
A new study reveals that memory loss is the only reliable factor for predicting dementia risk in elderly individuals, contradicting previous test results. The study's findings highlight the need for continuous adjustments in dementia detection tools as older generations exhibit improved performance on standardized psychological tests.
A new study found that older people with lower BMI scores are 79% more likely to develop dementia than those with higher BMI scores. Those who lost weight rapidly over eight years were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia, especially if they started out overweight or obese.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center discovered a strong relationship between atrial fibrillation and the development of Alzheimer's disease in a study of over 37,000 patients. Patients with atrial fibrillation were 44% more likely to develop dementia than those without, with younger patients facing higher risks.
A new risk index has been developed to predict the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease in people aged 65 and older. The 15-point scale identifies individuals at high risk, who are more likely to develop dementia within six years, and highlights surprising factors such as being underweight or having had coronary bypass surgery.
Research found that lower levels of alpha-beta peptide 1-42, tau, and phosphorylated tau 181 in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline among individuals with mild dementia. The study suggests that these biomarkers may be useful as entry criteria for clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies.
Researchers have discovered protein aggregates in Sanfilippo syndrome type B that are similar to neurofibrillary tangles found in Alzheimer's disease. This finding suggests that new dementia treatments may also benefit patients with this rare genetic disorder, offering hope for improved treatment options.
Researchers found that heavy NSAID use increased the risk of dementia by 66% among study participants. Despite initial findings suggesting a potential preventive effect, this new study indicates that NSAIDs only delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 individuals and followed them for 12 years.
Researchers studied 2,736 participants over 12 years and found a 66% higher risk of dementia among heavy NSAID users. The study suggests that earlier findings suggesting NSAIDs prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease may have been due to younger age groups.
Researchers identify specific brain regions affected by each disease, suggesting a common disease process among all forms of neurodegeneration. The discovery could lead to earlier diagnoses and novel treatment-monitoring strategies.
A study found that severe hypoglycemic episodes are associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Patients who experienced multiple episodes had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia, with a cumulative effect sizeable.
A recent study by Mount Sinai faculty suggests that a gene associated with type-2 diabetes decreases in Alzheimer's disease dementia cases. The research found that promoting PGC-1 content in brain cells attenuates hyperglycemic-mediated β-amyloid production, linking type-2 diabetic metabolic defects to increasing dementia.
A new study led by the University of Leicester has found that people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have a lower risk of progressing to dementia than previously thought. The research suggests that only 5% of people with MCI develop dementia, contradicting previous estimates of up to 15% per year.