Articles tagged with Dementia
A new study led by researchers at UCL has found that online brain speed tests can provide valuable insights into cognitive function and potentially shed light on dementia development. The tests, which measure reaction times, were designed to be easy and convenient for women in their 40s and older to participate from home.
Researchers at USC Stem Cell discovered a gene called KCTD20 that suppresses glutamate toxicity, leading to enhanced tau protein clearance. This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with tau-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.
A large prospective study found that long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications may help prevent dementia due to their anti-inflammatory effects. The study showed a 12% reduced risk of developing dementia among participants who used NSAIDs for an extended period.
A study of nearly 900 postmenopausal women found an association between perimenopausal symptom burden and later cognitive function and behavioral impairment. Women with higher menopausal symptom burdens were more likely to experience poorer cognitive function and mild behavioral impairments, both markers of dementia.
Researchers have discovered alarming levels of microplastics in human brain tissue, with concentrations 3-5 times higher in individuals with dementia diagnoses. The study highlights the need for large-scale human studies to determine dose-response relationships between microplastic exposure and chronic health outcomes.
A new study has found that widely used consumer-grade digital devices like smartphones and smartwatches can be effective in assessing cognitive health. This allows for early education and detection of cognitive changes, enabling individuals to enact lifestyle modifications and slow or prevent decline.
A unique case study reveals an unexpected discrepancy between Alzheimer's pathology and cognitive function in a woman with Down syndrome. The study highlights the need to expand inclusion criteria for therapeutic drug trials and uncover genetic or lifestyle factors that contribute to cognitive preservation.
The project aims to uncover mechanisms bridging MCI and CVD, developing an integrated approach to promote resilience and improve overall health in the ageing population. It will use real-world data, AI, and clinical variables to enable risk stratification and personalised treatment.
A 30-year study analyzing Catholic nuns' aging patterns has clarified key factors influencing dementia risk and protection. The research found that early-life linguistic ability and grammatical complexity correlated with a lower risk of impairment in later life.
A team of scientists at Indiana University School of Medicine has identified a potential link between retinal changes and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that the APOE4 gene variant impairs retinal function in mice, suggesting a direct link to visual processing deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease.
A study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers has found a critical role for the physical interfaces of amyloid beta peptides in determining their chemical dynamics, leading to neurodegeneration. The research identified small molecules capable of breaking the toxic feedback loop, providing evidence that proper nutrition may ...
A new observational study suggests that antidepressants can accelerate cognitive decline in people with dementia, while certain medications appear to be less harmful. Researchers analyzed data from 18,740 patients and found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were associated with the fastest cognitive decline.
A new University of Cincinnati trial is comparing two types of omega-3 supplements, LPC-DHA and TAG-DHA, to slow or prevent dementia progression in elderly adults. Researchers aim to investigate whether LPC-DHA supplementation increases CSF DHA levels and improves cognitive function.
Researchers from Cleveland Clinic’s Genome Center linked human herpesviruses to Alzheimer's disease via transposable elements. They identified TEs activated in HSV-1 infected brains and found that commercially available drugs can reverse this pathway.
A new study found that people from minority ethnic groups are more likely to report non-cognitive symptoms, such as pain and dizziness, before receiving a dementia diagnosis. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and impact health inequalities. The research aims to improve culturally fair recognition of possible dementia in primary care.
A new study found that engaging in as little as 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week significantly lowers the risk of developing dementia. Even frail older adults can benefit from low-dose exercise, with the risk decreasing by up to 69%.
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology are working on assistive technology that allows people with mild dementia to customize tools and objects to provide assistance. The project aims to explore the use of smart objects as assistive technologies to support individuals in their daily lives.
Only about 1 in 5 older Americans have undergone cognitive screening in the past year, highlighting a persistent barrier to diagnosis and treatment. Researchers emphasize the importance of early conversations about cognitive health to prevent progression and improve outcomes.
Researchers explore the connection between Alzheimer's and metabolic syndrome, finding links between insulin regulation, high blood pressure, and obesity. The study suggests that maintaining healthy blood fat levels may be crucial for brain health, paving way for potential therapeutic developments.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found that lower concentrations of vitamin B12 in healthy, older adults led to signs of neurological and cognitive deficiency. These individuals showed slower processing speeds, brain lesions, and delayed responses to visual stimuli compared to those with higher B12 levels.
A new remotely-delivered support programme, NIDUS-Family, has been shown to improve the lives of people with dementia while reducing healthcare costs. The programme uses goal setting and personalized care to help individuals live well at home for longer, resulting in cost savings of £8934 per person over one year.
Researchers found that intracranial hemorrhages double the risk of dementia in people. The study analyzed Medicare claims and observed a two-fold increase in dementia diagnoses within 5.6 years after a hemorrhage.
A new blood test has shown promise in improving the accuracy of Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis, with results comparable to established CSF biomarkers. The study found that measuring plasma p-tau217 was over 90% accurate, potentially replacing invasive diagnostic methods for up to half of patients.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that new Alzheimer's therapies can add up to 10 months of independent living with lecanemab and 8 months with donanemab. The study provides a more meaningful measure of treatment benefits, focusing on day-to-day impacts on patients' lives.
A study at Lund University found that brain trauma triggers Alzheimer's disease through vascular changes, challenging existing paradigms. The research team identified increased aggregation of amyloid-beta and vascular alterations in patients with traumatic brain injury.
Researchers at the University of Sydney recommend adopting a primarily plant-centric fibre-rich diet to enhance overall health and longevity. The plan involves incorporating more plant-based meals into one's diet, starting with two days a week and increasing to five days as recommended by Professor Luigi Fontana.
A study by University of Queensland researchers found nearly 70% of suspected frontotemporal dementia patients did not have the disease. Misinterpretation of brain scans and cognitive tests led to many incorrect diagnoses, highlighting the need for careful interpretation.
A study of older adults found that decline in body mass index, waist circumference, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) occurred up to a decade before dementia diagnosis. These cardiometabolic changes may provide insights into the potential for early monitoring and intervention.
A Michigan Medicine-led study suggests that living in disadvantaged communities may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by up to 37%. The study found that patients from more resourced areas tended to live longer, possibly due to better access to care and reduced caregiver burnout. T...
Certain mouth bacteria may support better memory and attention, while others increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria can reduce nitric oxide production, crucial for brain communication.
The AI-powered tool, ReCOGnAIze, uses neuroscientific games to identify early signs of cognitive impairment in just 15 minutes, achieving nearly 90% accuracy. This scalable and cost-effective solution aims to improve quality of life for individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University discovered a potential connection between dietary patterns, depressive symptoms, and Alzheimer's disease. The Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, may attenuate the negative impact of depressive symptoms on AD-related biomarkers.
The number of family caregivers supporting older adults living in home and residential-care settings increased to 24.1 million, a 32% rise from 18.2 million in 2011. Caregiving responsibilities continued to fall primarily to women, with those caring for individuals with dementia facing unique challenges.
Scientists from DZNE found that preventing brain inflammation may help treat Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Immunity, suggests that inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome can reduce neuroinflammation and help microglia clear harmful amyloid-beta deposits.
A new pilot study assesses how caregivers use advanced wearable technology to support people with dementia, finding that it reduces emotional strain and increases caregiver satisfaction. The technology, called Theora Care, provides a wearable device and smartphone application that alerts caregivers when the person has wandered.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association found that frequent social activity may help prevent or delay dementia in old age, with socially active individuals showing reduced rates of cognitive decline over a five-year period. Social activity strengthens neural circuits and activates areas o...
A preliminary study found that shorter protective caps at the end of chromosomes (telomeres) may be more likely to develop age-related brain diseases such as stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Adopting healthier lifestyles could lower the negative effects of shorter telomeres.
A University of Oklahoma researcher is exploring alternate strategies for identifying and targeting Alzheimer's and related diseases using a $2.2 million federal grant. The study aims to understand the mechanisms linking aging to cognitive decline, potentially leading to new treatments for dementia.
The IN-PEACE randomized clinical trial integrated palliative care with state-of-the-art dementia care, cutting in half emergency department visits and hospitalizations among participants. This innovative approach benefited African American individuals and those with lower incomes the most, offering cost savings to the healthcare system.
A study found that changing cholesterol levels over time is associated with a higher risk of dementia in older adults. The study suggests that fluctuating cholesterol may be a new biomarker for identifying people at risk of dementia.
The D-CARE study found no differences in patient behavioral symptoms or caregiver strain between health system and community-based care approaches. However, comprehensive care improved caregiver self-efficacy, which remained consistent throughout the 18-month period.
A study found a link between oral microbiome and dementia risk, with certain bacteria associated with better executive function. A nitrate-rich diet may favor beneficial oral bacteria, potentially delaying cognitive decline.
Tobias Ackels' research reveals that mammals can differentiate between odor sources at lightning speed, using a temporal dimension to orient themselves in space. This ability is encoded in the output of the olfactory bulb and could be used for early detection of dementia.
A new study found that oxytocin treatment can improve apathy symptoms in patients with frontotemporal dementia. The trial, conducted across 11 sites in Canada and the US, showed a significant improvement in apathy levels when patients received oxytocin compared to placebo.
Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) is a common memory disorder that can progress slower and cause less impairment of cognitive functions than other types of dementia. The new guidelines provide a first step in advancing clinical trials and treatments for this lesser-known, but common type of memory loss disorder.
Researchers found associations between antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines, and anti-inflammatory drugs with reduced dementia risk. The study pooled data from over 130 million individuals, identifying potential repurposed treatments for dementia.
Researchers analyzed data from the SPRINT MIND trial and found that intensive blood pressure control significantly reduced the risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The study also showed sustained benefits over seven years, contradicting earlier results.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine analyzed over 2 million veterans taking GLP-1RA medications, finding benefits to cognitive and behavioral health while revealing increased risks for pancreatitis and kidney conditions. The study also showed decreased risks of seizures, addiction, suicidal ideation, and neurocognitive disorders.
A study published in Neurology found that eating more processed red meat is associated with a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Replacing it with healthier alternatives like nuts, fish, and poultry may reduce the risk.
A new study published in Neurology found that eating greater quantities of red meat, especially in processed forms, increases the risk of dementia. Replacing processed red meat with protein sources like nuts and legumes or fish may decrease dementia risk by approximately 20 percent.
A University of Michigan study finds that 85% of Mexican Americans with dementia are unaware of their diagnosis, surpassing the overall rate for US Hispanics and Latinos. The lack of awareness is attributed to physicians' reluctance to diagnose dementia due to cultural and communication barriers.
The study estimates that half a million new cases of dementia will be reported annually by 2060, with the risk of developing dementia after age 55 being 42% among Americans. The increasing number of cases is linked to aging, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and poor mental health.
A new study led by UCL researchers reveals that people at risk of hereditary dementia significantly impact their choices about having children and parenting. Genetic risk is viewed in the context of other factors, with concerns including practical and emotional challenges of caring for someone with familial frontotemporal dementia.
Researchers discovered a brain functional connectome phenotype related to multiple cerebrovascular disease markers that contributes additively to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration alongside Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the role of cerebrovascular disease in reshaping our understanding of dementia.
Researchers have identified a cognitive profile that can differentiate Dementia with Lewy bodies from Alzheimer's disease at the pre-dementia stage. This allows for more targeted care and symptom management, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis.
The project aims to improve the design of clinical trials for neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson's disease, and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Community partners will facilitate academic and community partnerships for clinical trial development.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are studying the link between walking patterns and cognitive decline to improve early detection of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The team hopes to unveil neural mechanisms underlying the relation between mobility and cognitive decline.
Researchers developed a predictive tool using the Florey Dementia Index to forecast onset ages of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's. The validated tool may help prioritize patients for disease-modifying treatments.
A systematic review of 261 studies involving over 5 million people with dementia found that average survival from diagnosis varies widely by age, with women living up to 9 years longer than men. The study also suggests that nearly one-third of people with dementia are admitted to a nursing home within three years of diagnosis.
A new USC study validates a biomarker linked to vascular dementia and suggests that glymphatic damage drives cognitive decline. The findings provide a potential pathway to explain how cognitive impairment arises, offering a target for clinical researchers seeking treatments for vascular dementia.