Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.