Articles tagged with Dementia
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.
A study found that second-generation antipsychotics increase the risk of death in elderly Alzheimer's patients. Alternative treatments, such as behavioral interventions and antidepressants, have proven effective in some cases.
The inaugural issue of Alzheimer's & Dementia focuses on the link between a high-folate diet and lower Alzheimer's disease risk, with studies showing a 55% reduction in risk for older adults. The journal will publish quarterly, offering valuable resources for professionals in the field.
A study found that midlife obesity is significantly associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease later in life. High systolic blood pressure, high total cholesterol levels, and clustering of these vascular risk factors also contribute to this risk.
A new study published in Neurobiology of Aging reveals that a computer analysis of the EEG can accurately predict healthy individuals in their 60s and 70s who will develop dementia over the next 7-10 years. The test was found to be almost 95% accurate in identifying those at risk of cognitive decline.
Regular leisure-time physical activity in midlife can lower the odds of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease by 50-60%. The study found that individuals with genetic susceptibility to AD who engaged in regular physical activity experienced more pronounced effects against developing the condition.
Researchers find that HIV in the temporal lobe mutates rapidly, triggering an immune response that causes dementia. The study suggests targeting infected white blood cells could lead to new treatments for HIV-related brain damage, affecting up to 15% of infected individuals worldwide.
A study published in Neurology found that people who lost approximately one unit of BMI per year had a 35% greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers also found a similar relationship between changes in BMI and rate of cognitive decline, which is the clinical hallmark of AD.
A study found that HIV-infected macrophages travel to the temporal lobe, causing inflammation and damaging memories. Researchers hope to develop drugs targeting these cells to prevent HIV-associated dementia.
Researchers found that patients with late-onset dementia had lower cerebral blood flow and more brain damage compared to healthy young individuals. The study suggests that decreased blood flow may cause some types of dementia.
Researchers studied over 13,000 people from five diverse sites to investigate dementia incidence. The study found no convincing evidence of variation in dementia incidence across sites or age groups, challenging previous proposals for public health policy.
Researchers have discovered that quinolinic acid neurotoxicity is present in all dementia patients' brains, leading to brain dysfunction and death. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, which currently affects over 200,000 Australians.
Researchers found that women have more global AD pathology due to neurofibrillary tangles and experience clinical symptoms of AD nearly 20 times more often than men. This suggests that Alzheimer's disease is stronger in women, potentially linked to estrogen deficiency or other protective factors.
Researchers at U of MN successfully reversed memory loss in mice with dementia, using a transgene to halt disease progression and even increase tangles. This breakthrough study suggests that reversing effects of memory loss may be possible in humans.
A large cohort study of over 2,798 participants aged 65 or older found no significant reduction in dementia risk among those who used statins. The authors suggest that statin exposure may need to occur earlier in adulthood or for longer periods to prevent dementia.
A new study found that higher adolescent IQ and greater activity levels are associated with a lower risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairments. The research used historical data from high school records and interviews with graduates to explore the relationship between early-life factors and late-life cognitive status.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that 434 out of 3,340 older adults screened positive for dementia, but only half received a definitive diagnosis. This highlights the need for improved follow-up care and awareness to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure timely treatment.
Researchers at USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have found a link between early exposure to inflammatory diseases like gum disease and an increased risk of Alzheimer's. The study, which analyzed data from the Swedish Twin Registry, suggests that chronic gum disease may be a preventable risk factor for Alzheimer's, adding to th...
Researchers used a non-invasive MRI technique to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. The study successfully differentiated between the two conditions using arterial spin labeling, which measures blood flow in the brain.
The National Institute on Aging has awarded the University of California, Irvine (UCI) $9 million to continue its research on Alzheimer's disease. Two key projects will focus on understanding age-related changes in the brain and the role of mitochondrial defects in causing Alzheimer's disease. These studies aim to advance our knowledge...
A recent study suggests that US Latinos may develop Alzheimer's disease symptoms at a younger age than white, non-Latino individuals. The study found that Latino patients had a mean age of symptom onset that was 6.8 years earlier than Anglo patients with similar educational levels.