Articles tagged with Dementia
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.
Research suggests that removing ovaries before menopause may lead to increased risks of cognitive decline and movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Women who underwent surgery at a younger age were found to be more likely to develop dementia and Parkinsonism.
A study found that women with dementia start losing weight up to 20 years before diagnosis, due to reduced appetite and motivation. Men with dementia do not experience significant weight loss in the years leading up to diagnosis.
The HIV/AIDS virus affects adult neural progenitor cells in the brain, preventing them from dividing and contributing to neurodegeneration. The protein gp120 causes both brain injury and prevents its repair, highlighting a potential target for new therapies.
Scientists have linked a genetic disorder to mutations in the TREX1 gene, which may also be relevant to common health problems like diabetes and vascular dementia. The discovery could accelerate efforts to understand and treat retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy, a rare condition that causes vision loss and mini-strokes.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that simvastatin is associated with a lower incidence of dementia and Parkinson's disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 700,000 simvastatin users and more than 50,000 atorvastatin users to confirm the benefits of simvastatin on these conditions.
Researchers have identified a new gene mutation in the progranulin gene associated with frontotemporal dementia. The mutation leads to a loss of protein production, which can cause brain cell death. This discovery provides new insights into the disease and may lead to the development of new therapies.
A new study found that most people with dementia have a combination of Alzheimer's disease and other chronic diseases in their brains. The researchers suggest that controlling blood cholesterol levels and hypertension may help prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, potentially reducing the risk of dementia.
A simple test combines medical history, cognitive testing, and physical examination to predict dementia risk within six years. The 14-point index is accurate in predicting dementia with 87 percent accuracy.
A new study found that both newer atypical and older conventional antipsychotics are associated with increased mortality in older adults with dementia. The risk appears to be highest for conventional antipsychotics.
University of Leeds scientists have found a link between reduced oxygen in the brain and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that even after full recovery from stroke, patients may still be vulnerable to the build-up of toxic chemicals that cause the disease.
A study found that people with dementia with Lewy bodies displayed passive personality changes, such as apathy and repetitive behaviors, more frequently than those with Alzheimer's. These changes can occur years before cognitive symptoms, enabling earlier diagnosis and potentially disease-modifying treatments.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that consuming up to one drink a day can slow the development of dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The participants, aged 65-84, who consumed wine had an 85% slower rate of progression compared to those who never drank.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a correlation between violent rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and eventual onset of parkinsonism or dementia. Patients with the disorder may be exhibiting early signs of an evolving neurodegenerative disease caused by abnormal synuclein protein clumps.
Researchers found that improving communication and patient involvement led to significant weight gain among Alzheimer's patients, who also displayed improved intellectual abilities. The study aimed to measure weight changes in patients with moderate and severe dementia.
Researchers found a link between taking centrally active ACE inhibitors and lower rates of mental decline, with a 50% lower decline in test results compared to other high blood pressure pills. The study suggests that these drugs may slow cognitive decline by reducing inflammation in the brain.
Research presented at the American Academy of Neurology's meeting found that women using estrogen hormone therapy before age 65 had a nearly 50% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The study followed over 7,000 healthy women aged 65-79 for an average of five years.
Research suggests that elderly people exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk of developing dementia. The study found that those with high lifetime exposure were approximately 30% more likely to develop dementia than those with no exposure. High exposure was defined as more than 30 years of exposure to secondhand smoke.
A new mouse model of HIV-related dementia shows that green tea extract EGCG reduces neurotoxicity of proteins secreted by HIV. The study suggests a potential natural compound for preventing and treating the devastating disease.
Researchers found that men with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) had a higher rate of vasectomy than those without the condition. PPA is a neurological disease causing language problems, while frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects personality and behavior. The study suggests a possible link between vasectomy and increased risk of thes...
A recent study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that individuals experiencing loneliness are at a significantly increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted over four years, analyzed data from 823 older adults and revealed that loneliness was associated with a 51% increased risk of developi...
A study of 823 individuals with an average age of 80 found that loneliness was associated with a 51% increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that loneliness may contribute to the risk of dementia through mechanisms other than Alzheimer's disease pathology.
A Johns Hopkins study found that 31% of HIV-positive patients in Uganda had HIV dementia, a rate that challenges Alzheimer's and stroke dementia globally. The condition is treatable and potentially reversible with antiretroviral medication.
A study found that providing regular acupressure treatment sessions twice a day for five days a week significantly reduced verbal and physical attacks, wandering, and agitation levels in dementia patients. The benefits were seen after four weeks of treatment, but agitation levels rose again once the treatment ended.
A special section of The Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences explores the relationship between delirium and dementia, finding potential biomarkers for delirium and a link between anesthesia and long-term delirium. Delirium is a common complication in older adults, affecting over 4 million individuals in the US each year.
Researchers explore relationship between delirium and dementia, finding potential biomarkers, neuroimaging techniques, and cognitive reserve factors. Delirium can be a major expense to healthcare systems, but interventions can decrease its incidence.
A Canadian study found that bilingual individuals experience a delay in the onset of dementia symptoms by approximately four years compared to monolingual individuals. This delay was observed after considering potential influencers such as cultural differences, education, and occupation.
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.
A new study found that frontotemporal dementia (FTD) devastates Von Economo neurons (VENs), a unique brain cell type involved in social behavior and emotion. VEN loss is selective to FTD, unlike Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.