Articles tagged with Dementia
A study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that participating in a variety of physical activities may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The research found that individuals who engaged in multiple activities had a lower risk of dementia compared to those who participated in fewer activities.
A study by Mayo Clinic investigators found that pessimism and depression are associated with a higher risk of dementia. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,500 individuals, suggests that personality traits may play a role in the development of cognitive impairment 30-40 years later.
A recent study reveals that individuals with essential tremor are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. The research followed 202 people with essential tremor and found that 7.4% developed dementia over an average period of three years, compared to 3.5% in the control group.
Dr. Morris and Dr. Petersen have developed methods to detect preclinical Alzheimer's disease, a precursor to the onset of symptoms. Their research has the potential to identify a pre-clinical stage of AD that can be targeted for disease-modifying therapies.
A study of 180 Catholic nuns and priests found that nearly half with mild cognitive impairment met pathologic criteria for Alzheimer's disease. Meanwhile, about a quarter had cerebral infarcts, indicating a possible 'reserve' capacity in the brain that prevents cognitive decline despite pathology.
A study found that Seroquel significantly reduced symptoms of agitation in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease, improving their quality of life. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no decline in cognitive function observed.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center has begun using telemedicine for periodic checkups with Choctaw Nation patients in Oklahoma. This allows doctors to assess disease progression and medication side effects remotely, reducing travel time and increasing convenience.
Researchers found that two drugs, risperidone and olanzapine, have the best evidence for effectiveness in treating dementia-related behaviors. However, these effects are modest and come with a risk of stroke. Non-drug therapies like music therapy and caregiver education may also be effective.
A large multiethnic cohort study found that midlife cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes and high cholesterol, are strongly linked to an increased risk of dementia in later life. The study also suggests that treating these risk factors may reduce the risk for dementia.
Research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may help protect against cognitive decline and dementia in older women. The study analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study, which found that women who drank one or two drinks per day scored higher on tests of cognitive function than those who drank less.
Researchers found that weight loss was significantly associated with incident dementia, regardless of confounding factors. The study suggests that monitoring weight change and nutritional state in people with dementia is crucial for prevention and minimization.
Research reviews medical studies on mixed dementia and finds that treating cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure can be more effective in protecting brain function. This approach shows promise as a complementary strategy to memory-preserving drugs.
A study found that assisted living facilities have suboptimal rates of recognizing and treating dementia and psychiatric disorders. Approximately 67% of residents had dementia, with low treatment rates, and 26.3% suffered from other psychiatric disorders.
A team is using technology to monitor and analyze patients' daily activities, providing a more accurate picture of their condition. The study compares traditional methods with high-tech devices, aiming to develop better ways to support those with dementia.
Dementia patients experience a long, slow decline with sudden changes, making optimal care challenging. The healthcare system's focus on acute illness treatment hinders end-of-life care, resulting in poorly trained providers, systems, and patients.
Patients with dementia face significant barriers to optimal care, including lack of education, poor prognostic tools, and conflicting financial incentives. The authors propose solutions, such as improved hospice access, better quality-assessment tools, and changes in the healthcare system.
A recent study found that dementing patients' hyperactivity is worsened when care-providing family members employ a non-adaptive strategy, which includes being impatient and irritated. Adjusting this approach can help alleviate behavioural problems and improve the quality of life for both carers and patients.
A review article suggests that age-associated executive function decline is due to frontal-striatal circuit changes, while medial temporal lobe memory system decline is more closely linked to Alzheimer's disease. Changes in white matter and neurotransmitter depletion also play a role.
The American Academy of Neurology discusses the growing field of cosmetic neurology, which aims to enhance normal abilities through medical therapies. Experts weigh the benefits and risks of neurological enhancements, including concerns about safety, equality of access, and coercion to compete at a high level.
A study published in JAMA found that walking less than 0.25 miles per day was associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of dementia compared to those who walked more than 2 miles per day. Regular walking was also linked to a reduced risk of dementia, with men who walked the most experiencing significantly lower risk.
A recent study by a U.Va researcher found that walking regularly is associated with benefits for cognitive function later in life. Men who walked over two miles per day had significantly lower dementia risk compared to those who walked less than a quarter mile per day.
Researchers found dopamine transporter injury in HIV dementia patients, suggesting a new direction for treatment. The study suggests that viral suppression may lead to recovery of deficits in the dopamine system.
Feldman et al report that donepezil treatment for six days is associated with a total societal cost saving of $224 per patient. The American Brain Coalition (ABC) was established to advocate for increased support for biomedical research.
A study of 250 patients aged over 55 will examine whether prescribing GPs a supplement can help those with memory loss. Gingko may slow down dementia's degenerative process through improving blood flow and thinning the blood.
A new study led by Dr. Pierre Tariot found that quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is effective in reducing agitation in patients with dementia, with a lower risk of side effects compared to other medications. The medication has shown no serious side effects so far and offers a new therapeutic option for patients and their families.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine presented multiple studies highlighting the relationship between stress and Alzheimer's disease severity, as well as identifying predictive brain changes. These findings may lead to improved treatments and early detection methods for the devastating disease.
Recent advances in brain imaging may allow early diagnosis of Alzheimer's and other dementias, as well as improved assessment of treatment effectiveness. Researchers have developed new PET technologies to visualize abnormal protein accumulations in the brain, which may help differentiate between Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
A new Mayo Clinic study finds that CABG surgery is not a risk factor for dementia, but patients may experience cognitive decline due to surgical complications. The study took an innovative approach by starting with dementia cases and comparing them to non-demented control groups.
Eating spinach and broccoli may slow cognitive decline; green leafy vegetables are associated with better brain health; complex leisure activities combining social, mental, and physical activity can prevent dementia.
The cost of care for those with Alzheimer's is projected to rise dramatically, with direct costs alone increasing by 60-200% as the disease progresses, and reaching $50 billion in less than 10 years.
Research on statins as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease has yielded conflicting results, with some studies showing improved cognitive function and others finding no benefit. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to resolve the questions raised by these studies.
A study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences confirms that dementia is often misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed in clinical settings. Researchers found that nearly 60% of patients with mild cognitive impairment and over 70% of those with moderate-to-severe impairment experienced adverse events, yet only a small perce...
The new Center will integrate resources between clinical and basic research programs to enhance understanding of dementia, improve diagnostics, and develop new treatments. The Center will focus on both Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer's forms of dementia.
A study found that estrogen alone did not reduce the risk of dementia in older women, doubling the risk compared to placebo. Global cognition also showed no improvement and was even adversely affected in some cases.
A recent study found that estrogen-alone hormone therapy may increase the risk of dementia in older postmenopausal women by 49%. This is compared to a placebo group where no such increase was observed. The researchers also found that almost half of the cases in both groups were Alzheimer's disease.
Research suggests that estrogen therapy does not reduce the risk of dementia in older women. The study found a 76% increased risk for probable dementia among those taking estrogen compared to placebo. Hormone therapy also increased the risk of mild cognitive impairment and decline in global cognitive function.
A study of 97 Parkinson's disease patients found that those with elevated homocysteine levels were more depressed, had worse cognitive functioning, but no difference in physical functioning. High homocysteine levels are likely due to the use of levodopa in these patients.
Researchers developed a practical risk score to predict survival in patients with advanced dementia, considering factors like Activities of Daily Living score, sex, cancer, and oxygen therapy need. The tool offers an improvement over existing guidelines, providing reasonable accuracy for estimating six-month prognosis.
A Temple virologist has received a grant to investigate the role of macrophages in HIV dementia complex. The researcher aims to understand how these cells contribute to the development of the condition, which affects 10% of AIDS patients, and explore potential therapies to target them.
Researchers discovered reduced lysozyme levels in HIV-demented patients' macrophages, suggesting impaired immune function and increased vulnerability to infections. The finding could lead to a marker for monitoring disease progression and potential new treatment targets.
Since 1991, end-of-life care has seen significant improvements in palliative care and hospice availability. Timothy Quill's father's death provided a unique opportunity to illustrate the good and bad in end-of-life care, highlighting the need for consistent availability of care options.
Research highlights disparities in stroke risk among Mexican-Americans and findings on treatment advancements for conditions like sickle cell disease and epilepsy. Studies also explore dementia prevalence in HIV-infected populations and the impact of diabetes and military service on neurological diseases.
Researchers at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center developed a new SPECT imaging test that can accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease in its early stages. The test identifies reduced blood flow in the posterior cingulate cortex, allowing doctors to identify AD patients significantly sooner than current methods.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that moderately depressed seniors require significantly more hours of care than those without symptoms. If caregivers were paid for their work, the annual cost would be approximately $9 billion, highlighting the impact of depression on seniors and their loved ones.
Researchers linked mid-life heart disease risk factors to increased dementia risk later in life. The study of over 11,000 participants found that those with four key risk factors had nearly three times the chance of developing dementia compared to those with none. Presence of each risk factor added a 20-40% greater risk for developing ...
HIV-positive individuals in sub-Saharan Africa exhibit high rates of dementia (11%) and painful sensory neuropathy (51%), with those with low CD4 counts showing even more severe impairment. A rapid screening test may help identify these conditions in resource-limited settings.
Researchers found that the rate of total brain volume loss can predict which mildly cognitively impaired individuals are at high risk of developing dementia. Combining this with hippocampus volume measurements provides a strong model for predicting cognitive outcomes.
Elderly individuals with white matter abnormalities and infarcts exhibited accelerated cognitive decline compared to those with fewer abnormalities. A serious increase in white matter lesions was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia and depression over a period of five years.
Researchers found that a widely used reading test, the National Adult Reading Test (NART), can accurately predict an individual's pre-dementia cognitive abilities. The study compared NART scores with IQ scores from childhood and showed no significant difference between demented and non-demented individuals in terms of NART scores.
Researchers have successfully used PET imaging to detect dementia in macaque models. The study utilized the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor to identify macrophage activity, which is linked to neurodegeneration.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a strong link between smoking and accelerated cognitive decline in elderly individuals. Smoking was shown to lower MMSE scores by up to .16 points per year, with higher cigarette pack-year exposure leading to greater declines.
Researchers explore simple measures to improve the lives of nursing home residents with dementia. Simple pleasures like warm water bottles, fleece muffs, and creating memory boxes can reduce agitation and promote calmness.
A new study supports the use of PET scans in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in its early stages. The study identifies a new PET technique that can clearly identify brain connections altered by Alzheimer's, leading to higher accuracy in diagnosing the condition.
Visuospatial tests were found to be the most reliable predictors of driving skill in individuals with early-Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychological testing can help identify at-risk drivers and inform clinical decisions about driving restrictions.
Researchers have identified four key characteristics that reliably distinguish Lewy body dementia (DLB) from Alzheimer's disease (AD). These include daytime drowsiness, falling asleep during the day, staring into space, and disorganized speech. The discovery aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of DLB.
Researchers found that brain scans show increased metabolic activity in the temporal cortex, where Alzheimer's disease commonly develops, in adults with Down syndrome. The study suggests that this may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's, potentially allowing for early detection using a common PET scan procedure.
Researchers found a significant association between stroke and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older patients. Patients with a history of stroke were 60% more likely to develop AD, with the risk highest among those with established vascular risk factors.
A new study suggests that caregivers of patients with end-of-life dementia experience high levels of depressive symptoms while caring for their loved ones, but exhibit clinically lower depression after the patient's death. The research also found that caregivers report feeling relieved when their loved one passes away.
Researchers found that blocking blood flow to the brain, like mini-strokes, can impair mental function by reducing nerve cell fibers that use acetylcholine. This study provides insight into the effects of cerebral blood flow disruption on cognitive decline in dementia, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy blood vessels.
A meta-analysis found that caregivers experience higher levels of stress hormones and lower antibody responses, leading to increased risk for various health problems. The study highlights the need for interventions to support caregiver health, which can benefit both caregivers and their care recipients.