Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that brain cell loss in the hippocampus area precedes Alzheimer's disease. People with smaller hippocampal volumes and higher rates of shrinkage were two to four times more likely to develop dementia.
A study found that person-centered care and dementia-care mapping reduce agitation in people with dementia, but no significant improvements in quality of life or neuropsychotic symptoms. Person-centered approaches are more cost-effective and can be easily implemented in residential care homes.
Studies show metabolic syndrome and obesity linked to increased risk of cognitive impairment, dementia in both men and women. Research also reveals unique associations between body mass index, weight changes, and dementia risk.
Researchers developed a blood test to measure progranulin levels, predicting the risk of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in patients. A shortage of progranulin leads to brain cell death, causing FTD, and this test can detect it before symptoms appear.
Innovative 'smart' sensing systems could help 700,000 UK dementia sufferers live independently at home with improved safety and control. The systems, developed at the University of Bath, provide voice-prompts and can switch lights or appliances on and off to eliminate potential dangers.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that people whose parents have Alzheimer's disease or dementia perform worse on formal memory testing. The study also identified a strong genetic link between ApoE ε4 gene and the transmission of Alzheimer's disease risk between generations.
A recent study found that individuals with parents diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia may experience low verbal and visual memory performances in middle age. The study suggests that the ApoEe4 gene plays a role in the transmission of Alzheimer's risk between generations.
A twin study found that getting diabetes before 65 significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. The study also suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle during adulthood can reduce this risk.
A study of 506 older adults found that those who were socially active, outgoing, and calm had a 50% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who were isolated and prone to distress. Lifestyle factors can be modified to reduce dementia risk, offering hopeful news for those nearing retirement age.
A recent study revealed that despite universal health care in the UK, older adults are less willing to undergo dementia screening due to perceived societal stigma. In contrast, Americans show greater acceptance of early detection methods.
Patients with diabetes and dementia show different brain injury patterns compared to those without diabetes. Diabetes treatment affects the type and extent of brain damage in dementia patients.
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology found a significant long-term risk of mortality among Alzheimer's patients prescribed antipsychotic medication. The DART-AD study revealed a substantial increase in mortality rates compared to those receiving a placebo, with survival rates at 2 years differing by as much as 30%.
New research published in Lancet Neurology reveals that antipsychotic medication nearly doubles the risk of death among Alzheimer's patients over a three-year period. The study found significant increases in mortality rates for patients taking antipsychotics compared to those given oral placebos.
A study published in Neurology found that people with REM sleep behavior disorder have an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Parkinson's. The five-year risk was estimated to be 18%, while the 10-year and 12-year risks were 41% and 52%, respectively.
A review of nine clinical trials found that cholinesterase inhibitors significantly reduced behavioral symptoms like aggression, wandering, and paranoia in Alzheimer's disease patients. The medications are safe and produce no major side effects, making them a potential alternative to antipsychotic drugs.
Severe Alzheimer disease requires frequent monitoring by healthcare professionals to enhance quality of life. An evidence-based approach is included in the Canadian Medical Association Journal's dementia series, providing recommendations for patient care.
Research suggests that light-to-moderate drinking can promote cytoprotective cellular mechanisms, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Moderate alcohol exposure has also been shown to activate anti-inflammatory processes and promote neuronal survival pathways.
A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial found no significant difference in the rate of dementia among participants using Ginkgo biloba or a placebo. The study, which included over 1,500 elderly volunteers, also showed that Ginkgo biloba had no effect on the progression to dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
A large clinical trial found that ginkgo biloba has no effect on the onset of dementia or development of Alzheimer's disease. The study tested 120 milligrams of ginkgo twice daily versus placebo in 3,069 participants and showed that it had no impact on cognitive decline or mortality.
A large multicenter trial led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that Ginkgo biloba extract did not reduce the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease in either healthy elderly individuals or those with mild cognitive impairment. The study, which involved over 3,000 participants, also showed no impact on coronary ...
A recent Indiana University study reveals that 25% of family caregivers of Alzheimer's patients visit the emergency room or are hospitalized every six months. The study emphasizes the need for a broader definition of patient to include both the individual with dementia and their caregiver.
Scientists found that higher education may delay cognitive decline in individuals with brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential 'cognitive reserve' benefit.
Researchers developed an AI coaching system called COACH to assist older adults with moderate dementia in performing daily activities. The system uses computer vision and artificial intelligence techniques to deliver personalized reminders, resulting in increased independence for participants.
Researchers discovered that using Valproic Acid as a treatment in early stages of Alzheimer's disease reverses memory deficits, reduces plaque formation and prevents brain cell death, according to a new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.
Comprehensive guidelines for dementia management have been developed to support both patients and primary caregivers. The approach emphasizes a team-based care model that prioritizes patient-centered care and evidence-based recommendations.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are investigating the biological causes of FTLD, a group of dementias affecting the frontal and temporal lobes. They plan to study the role of genes in regulating tau and progranulin levels in the brain, with hopes of finding future therapies.
Research funded by the Wellcome Trust suggests that inflammation in the brain resulting from infection or injury may accelerate the progress of dementia. Systemic inflammation can cause changes in memory and learning, leading to accelerated progression of dementia.
A home-based physical activity program improved cognitive function in adults with memory problems, compared to those who did not participate. The study found that exercise delayed recall and reduced Clinical Dementia Rating scores in participants.
Research highlights the potential benefits of antihypertensive treatment on cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease. Studies show that treating high blood pressure may reduce the incidence of dementia and slow cognitive decline in older adults. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A recent Australian study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that moderate exercise can significantly improve cognitive function in older adults at risk. Participants who walked for 2 and a half hours a week showed better delayed recall, lower Clinical Dementia Rating Scores, and improved memory problems.
A study published in Neurology found that mental skills start declining years before death, with perceptual speed slowing down nearly 15 years before passing, and verbal abilities deteriorating around 6.5 years prior to death.
Researchers discovered compounds that interact with tau protein in three specific ways, which could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. These compounds may bind to tau filaments, inhibit filament formation, or drive tau protein to form filaments.
Researchers found that intra-individual variability in cognitive function improves dementia prediction beyond individual test scores. The Einstein Aging Study evaluated 897 individuals, identifying 61 cases of dementia, and showed that within-person variability across multiple tests predicts future dementia.
A study examining testing models to predict and diagnose new cases of dementia found that within-person variability on neuropsychological tests is linked to the development of dementia. The research, published in JAMA, suggests that this variability may be an independent predictor of dementia development.
A study found that older adult dementia caregivers have significantly worse sleep patterns than non-caregivers, with less total sleep time and increased daytime sleepiness. Caregivers also reported lower subjective sleep quality and higher depressive symptom scores.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that caregivers of spouses with dementia report sadness, loneliness, and a lack of positive emotions. The research analyzed data from 391 caregivers and 226 non-caregivers, revealing that 25% of caregivers suffered from depression compared to 5% of non-caregivers.
A study published in Neurology found that physical frailty is associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology in both people with and without dementia. The researchers found that participants with high levels of AD pathology had approximately twice the level of frailty compared to those with low levels.
A Swedish study found that living with a spouse or partner in midlife reduces the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The study showed that people living alone ran twice the risk and widows/widowers faced the greatest risk of developing dementia.
Bernardino Ghetti, a renowned Indiana University Alzheimer's disease researcher, has been awarded the Henry M. Wisniewski Award for his lifetime contributions to Alzheimer's research and understanding of dementia mechanisms.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that people at high risk for dementia who took cholesterol-lowering statins were half as likely to develop dementia. The five-year study involved older Mexican-Americans with metabolic conditions and showed a significant reduction in dementia risk.
A study published in Neurology found that statin users were about half as likely to develop dementia as non-users. Researchers analyzed data from 1,674 Mexican Americans over 60 years old and found a significant association between statin use and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Researchers found that angiotensin receptor blockers significantly decrease the occurrence and progression of dementia in patients with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk. Patients taking ARBs also showed a lower chance of developing delirium, nursing home admissions, or death.
Research suggests dementia prevalence in developing world is closer to developed countries' rates, with potential for improved health and social care systems.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that dementia prevalence in less developed countries may be significantly higher than initially estimated. The study used a unique diagnostic method to assess dementia cases in 15 sites across 11 countries, revealing higher prevalence rates compared to conventional criteria.
A large study of 5837 middle-aged civil servants found that coronary heart disease is associated with impaired cognitive performance, particularly for men. The study suggests that preventive measures such as smoking cessation and physical exercise can help mitigate this effect.
Researchers found a significant association between mild memory impairment and impaired central auditory processing. Individuals with mild memory impairment showed lower scores on central auditory processing tests, indicating difficulty managing competing signals.
A recent study found that people with higher physical fitness levels had larger brains compared to those with lower fitness, suggesting exercise may preserve brain function and reduce cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's disease. The study also revealed no relationship between fitness and brain changes in healthy individuals.
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.
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.
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.
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.