Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
Two researchers, Dr Anggi Hapsari and Dr Oliver Barnstedt, have been awarded ERC Starting Grants for their projects on the impact of sea level rise on coastal ecosystems and the neural mechanisms of memory formation in the mammillary body. The grants will fund five-year research projects exploring these topics.
Researchers at UCSF screened hundreds of industrial dyes to identify those that stick to protein clumps in the brain, a hallmark of dementia. They found 10 sure hits that illuminated tau clumps in animal models and human samples, offering new hope for diagnosis and treatment.
A study published in Science Advances found that individuals with 'subjective cognitive decline' (SCD), a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, performed worse on navigation tasks compared to those without SCD. The researchers hope this could lead to more sensitive testing methods for early diagnosis and drug studies.
Researchers found that mice lacking STING developed signs of more damaging inflammation than normal aging brains. Microglia, a key immune cell, lost efficacy in clearing debris and supporting other brain cells.
A new study found that genetic variants in the IL6 gene are associated with a reduced lifetime risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. These variants also reduce the risk of pneumonia and sepsis, countering fears about impaired immune response.
Researchers have found a strong link between abnormal changes in retinal blood vessels and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that routine eye exams could potentially reveal early signs of the condition.
A new study from UC Davis found that people with a higher sense of purpose in life were about 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia. Purpose helped the brain stay resilient with age, even for those with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease.
A modest gift card significantly increased enrollment of low-income individuals in a patient registry designed to accelerate Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials. Targeted outreach may be more cost-effective than offering larger prizes.
The Fork It Fund has awarded $1 million to support a major initiative at Stevens INI, accelerating scientific discovery by making critical research data more accessible worldwide. GAAIN is a global data-sharing platform connecting Alzheimer's disease and dementia-related data repositories from around the world.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that using hearing aids can lower the risk of developing dementia, particularly in individuals under age 70. This finding highlights the importance of early intervention for hearing loss and its potential role in preventing age-related cognitive decline.
Dr. Mary Jo Pugh has made significant contributions to understanding the full range of TBI's effects, including dementia, substance use disorder, and cardiovascular disease. Her research uses big data integration to analyze patterns hidden in health data and inform preemptive interventions for veterans with TBI.
Scientists found brain changes similar to those of people with Alzheimer's disease in cats with dementia, including a build-up of toxic protein amyloid-beta. This discovery may lead to new treatments for both cats and humans with the condition.
SuperAgers, individuals with exceptional memory performance beyond their age, have been studied for 25 years. Their brains show a distinct neurobiological profile, linked to resistance and resilience mechanisms that may prevent Alzheimer's disease progression.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that lithium loss in the brain is an early change leading to Alzheimer's, while a novel lithium compound can reverse memory in mice. The study suggests a new theory of the disease and a potential strategy for diagnosis and treatment.
A study of over 452,000 adults found that metformin users had significantly lower risks of dementia and all-cause death compared to non-users. The benefits were seen across all categories of overweight and obesity, with reduced risks of up to 26% for death.
A study found amyloid beta protein particles build up in the bone marrow of aging mice, impairing bone-building cells and activating bone-resorbing cells. Removing senescent fat cells or blocking a protein called SAP/PTX2 may offer potential new targets for preventing or treating bone loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
A Rutgers Health research study reveals that stress internalization is a significant risk factor for age-related cognitive decline in older Chinese Americans. The study found strong association between stress internalization and memory decline over time.
A technology expert predicts AI-based medicine will revolutionise care for Alzheimer’s and diabetes, but access must be made available to all patients. The author highlights key innovations such as diagnostic imaging and surgical robots that will aid in more accurate diagnoses and treatments.
A study led by Dr. Jessica Bernard at Texas A&M University investigates the role of the cerebellum in cognitive functions such as memory and language, with the aim of developing a non-invasive therapeutic approach using Theta burst simulation (TBS) to improve outcomes for older adults.
The FDA has authorized artificial intelligence devices for Alzheimer's and related dementias despite limited demographic data. Disease status, age, sex, and race were reported for fewer than half of devices, raising concerns about real-world generalizability.
Researchers aim to uncover how menopause and lifestyle factors shape brain aging in women during midlife. The three-year project will analyze MRI scans and health data from thousands of women worldwide to track changes in brain structure and connectivity.
The US POINTER trial found that a structured lifestyle intervention of regular exercise, adherence to the MIND diet and social engagement had greater benefits on global cognition compared to an unstructured intervention. The study showed significant cognitive benefit after two years in older adults at elevated risk of Alzheimer disease.
A new study finds that people with dementia are diagnosed an average of 3.5 years after symptoms start, highlighting the need for improved healthcare strategies to speed up diagnosis. The research also reveals racial disparities in diagnosis rates, with black patients experiencing longer delays.
Research analysis of over 29 million people reveals a positive association between three types of air pollutant and dementia. The study found that long-term exposure to PM2.5, NO2, and soot increases the relative risk of dementia by 17%, 3% and 13%, respectively.
A groundbreaking brain imaging study confirms intranasal insulin safely reaches key memory regions in older adults with Alzheimer's. The research reveals differences in uptake among individuals with early cognitive decline, paving the way for personalized treatment approaches.
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that walking 7000 steps a day offers similar health benefits as walking 10,000 steps. The research analyzed data from 57 studies and found significant improvements in eight major health outcomes, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and depressive symptoms.
A large study suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists may have a lower cumulative risk of developing dementia compared to metformin. The findings indicate that these drugs could be prioritized in future clinical guidelines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers developed an AI model that accurately differentiates patients with various neurodegenerative disorders using 3D brain imaging data. The model achieved high accuracy, particularly for vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease, by focusing on subcortical brain structures.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that regular opioid use is associated with a 20% increased risk of all-cause dementia and over 70% increased risk of dementia among those taking strong opioids. Regular opioid use was also linked to reduced brain volume, lower fluid intelligence, and higher risk of vascular dementia.
Researchers used an AI model to reassess a completed clinical trial for an Alzheimer's disease drug, finding it slowed cognitive decline by 46% in early-stage patients. The AI model predicts patient progression and allows for more precise selection of trial participants, potentially reducing the cost of developing new medicines.
A cohort study found that GLP-1RAs like semaglutide and tirzepatide lower risk of dementia, stroke, and all-cause mortality in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The findings suggest potential neuroprotective benefits beyond glycemic control.
A global study of 161,981 participants across 40 countries reveals that air pollution, social inequality, and weak democratic institutions accelerate aging. BBAGs, a novel measure of accelerated aging, show that exposure to toxic air, political instability, and economic inequality can age you several years faster.
A Johns Hopkins study identifies over 200 types of misfolded proteins associated with age-related cognitive decline in rats. The findings suggest that these proteins may contribute to Alzheimer's and dementia beyond just the previously known A-beta and tau amyloids.
A large medical record study found that receiving six or more gabapentin prescriptions for low back pain significantly increases the risk of developing dementia (29% higher) and mild cognitive impairment (85% higher). Risks are particularly high among 18-64 year olds, with no age group considered safe from increased risks.
Researchers investigate cannabis-based treatment to improve quality of care for hospice-eligible patients with dementia. A clinical trial will test T2:C100, a drug containing THC and CBD, to determine its effectiveness in reducing agitation.
The study identified a rare genetic alteration associated with high levels of the ADAM10 protein, which plays a role in breaking down beta-amyloid precursor protein. The researchers aim to develop a panel of prognostic biomarkers to differentiate Alzheimer's disease from other types of dementia.
A recent multinational study found that people diagnosed with dementia are living longer due to advancements in diagnosis and care. The study of over 1.2 million individuals across eight regions revealed a lower risk of death in five regions, primarily attributed to improved prevention and treatment methods.
Scientists at Duke University have developed a freely available tool that can estimate an individual's rate of aging and predict their risk for chronic diseases like dementia. The tool, called DunedinPACNI, analyzes brain scans to identify those who are aging faster, which may lead to cognitive decline and age-related health problems.
Researchers at UCLA Health have made a groundbreaking discovery about the mechanisms underlying vascular dementia. They found that targeting inflammation in brain blood vessels can promote brain repair and functional recovery in mice. This breakthrough highlights a potential new treatment approach for this understudied form of dementia.
The AI tool, StateViewer, helps clinicians identify brain activity patterns linked to nine types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, using a single scan. It enables clinicians to interpret brain scans nearly twice as fast and with up to three times greater accuracy than standard workflows.
A new brain imaging benchmark may improve how researchers classify biologically meaningful changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found a tau cut-point that distinguished individuals with cognitive impairment from those aging normally, but its effectiveness was limited in non-Hispanic Black participants.
Researchers found that people living in disadvantaged neighborhoods have higher levels of tau, a biomarker related to Alzheimer's disease, and YKL-40, a marker of brain inflammation. Neighborhood disadvantage was also linked to faster increases in inflammation measured by CRP.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that semaglutide lowers the risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, suggests T2D patients taking semaglutide had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia compared to other antidiabetic medications.
Researchers suggest that brains reach a critical state to learn, remember, and think, which can be measured using fMRI technology. This framework offers a new perspective on neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, which disrupt the brain's ability to maintain criticality.
A new bedtime recall exercise significantly improved memory performance in individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and healthy older adults. The study suggests that this cost-free intervention could be an easily adopted approach to enhancing memory function.
A USC study found that high levels of iron in the brain contribute to cell damage and oxidative stress, accelerating Alzheimer’s symptoms in individuals with Down syndrome. This connection could lead to targeted treatments and improved outcomes for those at risk.
A new study from the University of Sydney found that non-concussive heading of a soccer ball alters the brain, causing subtle changes in brain structure and function. The researchers identified altered chemistry in a region involved in motor control and decreased electrical conductivity across several areas.
A 16-year study of over 10,000 individuals aged 50+ found that those with higher wellbeing were more likely to have better scores on memory tests. The association was independent of depressive symptoms and suggested that psychological factors affect brain health.
Research from Mass General Brigham found that individuals with shorter telomeres and less optimal lifestyle choices are at greater risk for stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. However, those with healthier lifestyles showed no increased risk, suggesting a potential mitigation effect.
A study found that individuals with short leukocyte telomere lengths are more likely to develop age-related brain diseases such as stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. However, those with healthy lifestyle habits may modify the effects of shorter telomeres.
Experts argue that sensory perception changes are equally important to memory tests in understanding dementia. Research supports the existence of sensory and perceptual changes for some people living with dementia, including altered visual and hearing perception, smell, taste, and tactile sensitivity issues.
Research found that approximately 50% of participants with late-life depression and bipolar disorder showed tau accumulation in their brains, compared to only about 15% of healthy controls. The study suggests that neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, can initially manifest as psychiatric symptoms.
A blood test detecting amyloid plaques in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease has received FDA clearance. The test is more than 90% accurate and offers a less invasive, more accessible diagnosis for patients over 55 years old.
A comprehensive study found dementia rates were 25% higher in the Southeast compared to the Mid-Atlantic. The Northwest and Rocky Mountains had 23% and 18% higher rates respectively. These differences remained even after accounting for factors like age, race, and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from the Mount Sinai Health System are presenting new studies on the impact of sleep on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The studies explore the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer's pathogenesis, as well as the effects of sleep disruption on spatial learning and neuroinflammation.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that targets the root cause of Alzheimer's disease, influencing brain cell behavior to preserve cognitive function. Delivering the treatment at the symptomatic stage preserved hippocampal-dependent memory and altered gene expression in mice, suggesting potential to restore brain health.
A new study suggests that women who spend more time in their reproductive phase may experience slower brain aging. Estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen during this period, may help protect the brain from age-related decline. However, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between estradiol and brain health.
Researchers have discovered a new method to enhance brain waste clearance by precisely stimulating the lymphatics under skin on the neck and face. This non-invasive approach may offer a safer alternative to current treatments for age-related neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found that adopting the MIND diet is linked with reduced dementia risk, even among older adults. Those who improved their adherence to the diet over time showed a greater pattern of risk reduction.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that epilepsy is considerably more common among patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) than previously estimated. In fact, the prevalence of epilepsy increased over time, and approximately 11% of patients had epilepsy five years after diagnosis.