Research on dementia and cognitive decline. Covers Alzheimer's screening, brain injury recovery, attention training, and gaps in diagnosis and care.
Old neurons exhibit unique defects resulting from molecular stress, making them more vulnerable to neurodegeneration. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind brain cell deterioration, which could lead to new therapies for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
A 48-month study found that intensive blood pressure reduction lowered the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment by 15% and 16%, respectively. This suggests that reducing high blood pressure may be a key strategy for preventing dementia in patients with hypertension.
A common genetic variant has been found to double the risk of dementia in men, but not women, according to new research. The study, published in Neurology, used data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial to investigate the link between the HFE gene variant and dementia risk.
A new study has found that depression is linked to an increased risk of dementia in both midlife and late life. The research highlights the importance of recognizing and treating depression across the life course to protect brain health.
The University of Texas at Dallas has released a decade-long lifespan brain study dataset, allowing researchers to track brain and cognitive health across adulthood. The dataset provides insights into neurologically healthy paths and potential causes of decline, offering opportunities for global hypothesis testing.
A recent study published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease found that evening people experience a greater rate of cognitive decline over time. This decline is attributed to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and poor sleep habits, which can be mitigated by working with one's natural chronotype.
Researchers show that stress granules, previously implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, can actually suppress fibril formation and even reverse the effects of disease-causing mutations. This discovery offers new insights into the development of potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
A US study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that 37% of dementia cases could be linked to cardiometabolic diseases, with the strongest connection in the South. Hypertension was the leading cause, accounting for 9.6% of cases.
Researchers found that insulin signaling changes affect both Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy in animal tests. This discovery confirms clinical evidence of increased risk of Alzheimer's in people with epilepsy and highlights the need for a broader therapeutic approach to address the complex nature of Alzheimer's disease.
A study found a decline in new dementia cases in the US from 2015 to 2021, but an increase in those living with the condition. The incidence of dementia decreased among older adults, while prevalence increased, highlighting disparities by race and socioeconomic status.
Research highlights potential link between microplastics in ultra-processed foods and brain health, with possible connections to depression and dementia. The studies propose a novel hypothesis connecting ultra-processed food consumption, microplastic exposure, and mental health outcomes.
Researchers at UCLA Health identified a candidate small molecule, DDL-357, that increases concentrations of secreted clusterin, reducing toxic protein phospho-tau and improving mitochondrial function. The drug also improved memory in treated mice in maze-based cognitive tests.
A new study found stark differences in dementia care received by people in richer and poorer neighborhoods in Quebec. People in more deprived areas were more likely to be hospitalized, receive inappropriate medications, and die within a year of diagnosis, while those in wealthier neighborhoods had more visits to cognition specialists.
Researchers found that post-menopausal women with high midlife cortisol levels have increased amyloid deposition and are at greater risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study also highlights the importance of identifying early risk factors in women, particularly those who experience menopause.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have identified potential protein markers for frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia affecting middle age. The study found changes in RNA regulation and brain connections that could lead to early diagnosis and targeted treatments.
A recent study found that home health care is increasingly used among people with dementia, while rates have decreased since 2020. This trend suggests a need for ongoing monitoring of service use and outcomes for this high-need population.
Researchers from USC Keck School of Medicine have developed a low-cost blood test that detects five biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid and tau proteins. The test uses xMAP technology and has the potential to catch the disease in its earliest stages, when treatment might be able to prevent or delay cognitive decline.
A new USC-led study found a significant link between type 2 diabetes and cortical thickness in older adults from various populations. The researchers discovered that individuals with T2DM exhibited thinner cortex, particularly in temporal and parietal regions critical for memory and cognitive function.
A team of researchers has discovered a small molecule that can selectively block cell death, which could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative conditions. By targeting the killer protein BAX, the molecule can prevent excessive cell death in neurons, potentially slowing or halting disease progression.
Researchers found that patients taking HIV drugs called NRTIs are substantially less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Jayakrishna Ambati, analyzed data from two large health insurance databases and determined a significant reduction in Alzheimer's risk among patients on NRTIs.
A study on Brazilians in their 50s found that those with hearing loss experienced faster cognitive decline than expected for their age. This highlights the importance of addressing hearing health to prevent dementia, which is a growing concern worldwide.
Researchers found that even small doses of high-intensity exercise can reduce the risk of dementia and promote healthy brain aging. The study suggests exercising regularly is crucial for preserving brain health, making it a key prevention measure against cognitive decline.
A team of researchers has developed a predictive model that uses genetic mutations to forecast the age of onset for familial Alzheimer's disease. The model suggests specific correlations between gene mutations and disease progression, enabling clinicians to tailor treatment strategies and improve early diagnosis.
Researchers have found that promoting glucose metabolism in glial cells can relieve inflammation and photoreceptor degeneration in Alzheimer's patients. This discovery presents an exciting new therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's.
A study published in Neurology found that people with higher biological age than their chronological age are more likely to develop dementia. The researchers discovered an association between advanced biological age and changes in brain structures, including loss of gray matter volume.
Dr. Lei Wang joins Baycrest to champion scientific excellence in dementia research and promote healthy aging. With expertise in neuroimaging and data-driven approaches, he will drive BARE's strategic research plan.
A digital cognitive screening tool and flexible workflow helped seven primary care clinics integrate dementia screening, increasing screening rates to at least 20%. Clinics adapted the process to fit their settings while maintaining alignment with a shared core model.
Researchers identified key tasks in a speech assessment battery to detect primary progressive aphasia, a rare neurodegenerative disease. Early detection can lead to slower disease progression and improved communication skills.
A digital cognitive assessment was implemented in primary care to detect early dementia and guide next steps. The study found that 10.8% of eligible patients underwent the test, with 44.3% categorized as unimpaired and 13.7% as impaired.
Researchers developed promising α-synuclein PET tracers that can visualize protein aggregates in living patients, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Tracers like [18F]C05-05 and [18F]ACI-12589 showed significant results in distinguishing synucleinopathies from healthy controls.
A recent study published in The Gerontologist found no difference in spatial working memory between older people with autistic traits and those who are neurotypical. Most participants maintained their cognitive ability over time, suggesting that autism is not associated with increased risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Researchers investigated the potential link between herpes zoster vaccination and dementia. They found that vaccination may be associated with a lower risk of developing dementia in older adults. The study's findings suggest a possible causal relationship between vaccination and reduced dementia occurrence.
The US Cost of Dementia Project estimates total economic burden at $781 billion, accounting for lost earnings, diminished quality of life, and unpaid care. The project aims to inform evidence-based policies reducing dementia's financial impact.
A study published in Neurology found that metabolic syndrome is associated with a higher risk of young-onset dementia. Researchers identified nearly two million people between the ages of 40 and 60 who had a health check-up, and found that those with metabolic syndrome were more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease...
A new study led by University College London researchers found that people with Alzheimer's disease scored slightly higher on a measure of empathy than peers with mild cognitive impairment. Despite this, emotional reactivity to negative emotions was heightened among those with Alzheimer's disease, contributing to difficulties regulatin...
A study of 120,238 Ontario long-term care residents found that 20% became permanently unable to make everyday decisions, with 13% becoming totally dependent on care. Advance care directives reduced time spent living with severe disability.
A study found that hazardous drinking and daily alcohol consumption were associated with increased odds of abusive and neglectful behaviors among family caregivers of patients with dementia. The findings suggest the importance of addressing caregiving complexities and alcohol use patterns through personalized interventions.
A Northwestern University study found virtual group singing can be an effective tool for promoting well-being and social connection during isolation. Participants reported high satisfaction with the sing-alongs, which helped evoke emotional resonance and promote intellectual engagement.
A cohort study found that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of incident dementia in older adults. Treating hearing loss may help delay dementia onset for a large number of people, suggesting potential benefits for dementia prevention.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is may have neuroprotective effects for people with Type 2 diabetes and those without diabetes. These findings suggest that these medications may slow the rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.
A new study has found that older age is linked to higher levels of three dementia biomarkers in the blood. Researchers also discovered sex differences in biomarker levels, with female participants having higher levels of glial acidic proteins.
Dr. Rhonda Winegar investigates the effectiveness of music therapy in supporting neurological care, including its ability to reduce anxiety and depression in Alzheimer's patients. Her research also highlights its potential to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, as well as improve motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Women who enter menopause before age 40 experience worse cognitive decline compared to those entering menopause after 50. This association may help clinicians assess patient risk of developing dementia. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and design potential treatments.
A new study found that individuals with hospital visits due to cannabis use were at a 23% and 72% greater risk of new dementia diagnoses within five years compared to those with ED visits or the general population. The study included 6 million adults aged 45 and older from Ontario, Canada.
A Baycrest study reveals that sleep actively enhances memory for event sequence, improving recall of everyday experiences. This discovery deepens our understanding of the critical role of sleep in integrating experiences into memory.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have discovered a new way that neurons act in neurodegeneration by studying human neural organoids from patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). They found GRAMD1B plays a significant role in managing cholesterol and lipid stores, which are linked to brain diseas...
Undergraduate students at University of Galway lead a major study on the link between diabetes medications and dementia risk. The research found that GLP-1 receptor agonists may have a protective effect on brain health, reducing the risk of developing dementia.
A recent study published in Nature reveals a causal connection between the shingles vaccine and reduced risk of dementia. The analysis of data from a regression discontinuity design found a 20% reduction in dementia diagnosis risk among vaccinated individuals born on or after September 2, 1933.
Researchers have discovered that the blood vessels at the back of the eye can show early signs of dementia, including narrower arterioles and thinner retinal nerve fibre layers. This finding offers new hope for early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were associated with a statistically significant reduction in all-cause dementia. Cardioprotective glucose-lowering therapies, however, did not show an overall reduction in dementia risk.
Research reveals that GLP-1RAs and SGLT2i medications significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in people with type 2 diabetes. No significant difference was found between these two treatments.
A new study by the University of Turku found that up to one in six Parkinson's disease diagnoses are later corrected, with most changes occurring within two years. The study highlights the challenges of distinguishing Parkinson's disease from other similar disorders and emphasizes the need for improved diagnostic processes and training.
Mass General Brigham researchers have identified 17 modifiable risk factors shared by stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Modifying any one of these risk factors can reduce the risk of all three conditions, providing an opportunity to simultaneously reduce the burden of age-related brain diseases.
A new simulation of brain metabolism has revealed potential targets for future dementia treatments, according to a study published in Frontiers in Science. The model, available on the Open Brain Platform, could help scientists accelerate research into interventions promoting healthy brain aging.
A new study published in PLOS Digital Health found that older drivers with GPS navigation systems tend to drive more frequently, suggesting these tools help maintain driving mobility. The research reveals that using GPS can alleviate spatial orientation difficulties and support older adults' independence on the roads.
A new study published in Nature found that the shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk by 20%, with researchers analyzing health records of over 280,000 older adults in Wales. The vaccine was shown to reduce the occurrence of shingles by 37% and is considered a promising preventive intervention for dementia.
A new study by UCL researchers found that people with visual Alzheimer's disease have a unique distribution of proteins and markers in their brain, leading to symptoms such as reading difficulties. In contrast, those with memory-led Alzheimer's disease have different protein patterns, resulting in symptoms like memory loss.
A UC Irvine study found that machine learning algorithms using electronic health records can predict two-year dementia risk among American Indian/Alaska Native adults. The researchers identified novel predictors of all-cause dementia, including health service utilization.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study identified a key heart marker predicting ischemic stroke and dementia, which could lead to improved patient outcomes. The left atrium's ability to stretch was found to be the most accurate predictor.
People with low LDL-C levels have a lower risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease related dementia. Statin use further reduces dementia risk in those with low LDL-C levels.