Articles tagged with Dementia
A recent study by Mizzou researchers found that nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias are more likely to experience avoidable hospital transfers due to a mismatch between care provided and personal preferences. Increasing staff support, training, and resources can help improve outcomes for these residents.
A $16 million NIH program aims to identify barriers to equitable healthcare for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The research initiative will examine the relationships between healthcare providers and patients, focusing on provider-patient racial concordance and its impact on health outcomes.
A new Tulane University study suggests that the Mediterranean diet's brain-boosting benefits may work by changing the balance of bacteria in the gut. Researchers found that subjects following a Mediterranean diet developed distinctly different gut bacteria patterns compared to those eating a typical Western diet.
A new study reveals a direct link between structural inequality and changes in brain structure and connectivity associated with aging and dementia. Higher levels of inequality are linked to reduced brain volume and disrupted connectivity, especially in temporo-posterior and cerebellar regions essential for memory and cognitive function.
The new guideline recommends a patient-centered approach to diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, involving goal-setting, risk profiling, symptom description, cognitive testing, and diagnostic imaging. A care partner's involvement is crucial, especially for patients with compromised cognition.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used AI to analyze brain images from 70-year-olds and found that factors like inflammation and high glucose levels are associated with an older-looking brain. A healthy lifestyle, on the other hand, was linked to brains with a younger appearance.
A new study reveals music therapy can deliver an immediate reduction in agitation and anxiety, as well as improvements in attention, engagement, and mood. Music helps individuals feel safer and more orientated, lowering levels of distress and improving wellbeing.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys used two sequencing methods to reveal new mRNAs associated with Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson's disease. The study found vast mRNA isoform diversity in genes related to neurodegenerative diseases.
A study of 13,571 healthy seniors found no association between antibiotic use and cognitive impairment or dementia. Researchers followed participants for an average of five years and found no link between antibiotics and changes in thinking and memory skills.
A Rice University study found that caregiver mental health improves when carers feel supported, understood and appreciated by their loved ones. Carriers who reported lower satisfaction with their marriages experienced significantly worse mental and physical health.
A new blood-based biomarker, placental growth factor (PlGF), has been identified as a potential tool for detecting early brain changes associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Elevated PlGF levels were found to be linked to increased vascular permeability, leading to white matter injury and subsequent cognitive decline.
The study aims to identify early warning signs and potential treatment for cerebral small vessel disease, a condition linked to vascular dementia. Researchers will analyze cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissues using cutting-edge technologies to map mRNA within cells affected by the disease.
Worsening heat waves exacerbate symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and dementia due to impaired sweating and blood flow. Doctors can take proactive steps by regularly screening for social isolation, providing resources, and utilizing telemedicine to monitor high-risk patients.
Researchers at UniSA found that certain sedentary behaviors, like reading, are beneficial for cognitive function, while others, such as watching TV, have a negative effect. The study suggests a nuanced approach to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviors and cognitive function.
A social work graduate has published her research on cognitive decline among refugees, finding that those who have experienced trauma are more likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment. The study highlights the need for interventions that address these gaps in care and promote healthier aging.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing vaccines to target misfolded proteins in the brain, with a focus on preventing inflammation and using peptide nanofibers. The goal is to prevent dementia by training the immune system against amyloid beta and tau proteins.
A cohort study found no association between high dementia risk among former professional soccer players and modifiable general health and lifestyle factors. The study supports continued measures to reduce exposure to repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury in sports.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine found a strong association between living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and higher blood pressure and lower cognitive scores. The study analyzed data from over 500 adults aged 55+ and used the Area Deprivation Index to measure neighborhood disadvantage.
Researchers uncover the significance of neuroinflammation in Niemann-Pick type C disease, a rare form of childhood dementia. They identify translocator protein (TSPO) as a potential biomarker for disease monitoring and response to therapy.
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that nearly 68% of Canadian patients who used antipsychotics had more behavioral issues than before medication. Non-drug therapies like music and social interaction have been shown to help manage behavior without antipsychotics.
Researchers found a 'waste canal system' in the human brain that internalizes waste from healthy neurons, leading to catastrophic swelling and degeneration. The discovery offers a promising new explanation for Alzheimer's disease pathologies and potential avenues for drug development.
A study found that skeletal muscle loss, particularly in the temporalis muscle, is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia. Participants with smaller temporalis muscle size were more than twice as likely to develop dementia over a median follow-up period of 5.8 years.
Early detection of cognitive impairment helps people prepare for future loss of financial and physical independence. Lifestyle factors like exercise, obesity, and hobbies can increase dementia risk, while regional associations with dementia also play a role.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that patients with frontotemporal dementia show reduced brain activity when witnessing pain in others, leading to a lack of empathy. This study aims to increase understanding of this specific dementia disease and its impact on caregivers.
A new review reveals how sleep disturbances exacerbate dementia symptoms, impacting overall health and caregiver well-being. The study emphasizes the need for holistic approaches to address coexisting conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Primary progressive aphasia is a rare form of dementia that affects language skills, with significant implications for patients' quality of life. Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine have developed new methods to measure its impact on daily living and demonstrate the feasibility of international telemedicine interventions.
Researchers at UCL found that excess brain volume loss with amyloid-targeting immunotherapies is associated with therapy effectiveness, not harm. The 'amyloid-removal-related pseudo-atrophy' or ARPA phenomenon suggests that removal of amyloid plaques may be the cause of observed brain changes.
A recent study led by the University of Washington found that higher long-term exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with a significant increase in the odds of developing dementia. The researchers analyzed health records of 1.2 million Southern California residents and found that exposure to wildfire PM2.5 increased the risk of deme...
A cohort study found that long-term exposure to wildfire and fine particulate matter was associated with dementia diagnoses. The study suggests that reducing wildfire PM2.5 exposure could decrease dementia diagnoses and address health disparities.
The partnership will equip primary care teams with the Cognitive Health Assessment (CHA) tool to detect dementia and provide comprehensive care. With the goal of reducing wait times for specialist care in California by 2050, the collaboration aims to improve brain health and support patients and families through early detection and edu...
The study found decreased NMDA receptors in synapses and increased extrasynaptic membranes in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting neuronal toxicity-related activity. The novel protocol allows for precise analysis of these receptors in human postmortem brains, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute presents a low-cost, scalable methodology for early dementia risk identification. The technique uses machine learning to extract relevant phrases from medical notes, providing healthcare providers with an individualized dementia risk prediction or evidence of mild cognitive impairment.
University Hospitals Brain Health & Memory Center is now treating patients with KISUNLA, a medication approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer's disease. The treatment has shown promise in clinical trials and may be an option for patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia.
A study of 61,214 dementia-free individuals found that high cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with better cognitive performance and a lower risk of dementia. The findings suggest that enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness could be a strategy for preventing dementia in people with a genetic predisposition.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age are more likely to develop dementia. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,200 U.S. adults and found a graded association between age at diagnosis and dementia risk.
Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences have identified a potential new drug, PNA5, that targets cognitive symptoms in Parkinson's disease. The study found that PNA5 dials back inflammation in brain cells, which may prevent further degeneration and alleviate cognitive decline.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that long-term use of common cardiovascular drugs is associated with a lower risk of dementia. The study, which analyzed data from over 880,000 people, shows that these medications can reduce dementia risk by 4-25%.
Researchers at Emory University are investigating how specific types of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By analyzing biological responses to air pollution, they aim to identify potential intervention and prevention strategies.
A new study reveals that many older adults in low-income communities are living with undiagnosed cognitive impairments, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. The study found significant racial disparities, with African American patients being more than twice as likely to have undiagnosed MCI or dementia.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that unclear procedures and distribution of responsibilities among healthcare workers can lead to poor oral health in older adults in nursing homes. The researchers suggest that a more structured process can promote communication and awareness of good oral health practices.
A new study found that significant year-to-year fluctuations in cholesterol levels without medication changes could indicate an increased risk of developing dementia or cognitive decline. Researchers suggest that reducing cholesterol variability could potentially be a promising therapeutic target for dementia prevention.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that TYK2 transforms tau into a toxic protein contributing to Alzheimer's disease. Partially restraining TYK2 could be a strategy to reduce tau levels and toxicity.
A global study of nearly 30,000 participants found that frailty accelerates dementia diagnosis by up to 9 years, with every additional health problem increasing the risk by 40%. Researchers emphasize the importance of targeted interventions and frailty screening for early disease prevention.
A study of socially and economically vulnerable older adults found that African Americans have twice the odds of unrecognized cognitive impairment as White patients. Approximately 82% of Black patients had undiagnosed dementia or mild cognitive impairment, compared to 64% of White patients.
A higher Brain Care Score (BCS) significantly reduces the risk of stroke, late-life depression, and dementia in individuals with a higher genetic predisposition to these conditions. The study's findings suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle choices can protect brain health regardless of genetic risk.
A new study found that people from more affluent backgrounds are less likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia. Those with higher education levels, managerial occupations, and wealth were also more likely to recover from mild cognitive impairment and improve their health.
Researchers have discovered that a glaucoma drug, methazolamide, can clear tau build-up and reduce disease symptoms in zebrafish and mice. The study suggests that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may be effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A Michigan Medicine study of over 18,500 adults found that obstructive sleep apnea was associated with a higher risk of dementia symptoms or diagnosis at every age level. Women were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than men, especially as they aged.
Baycrest leaders Dr. Allison Sekuler, Dr. Nicole Anderson, and Melissa Turzanski have been named winners of the WXN's Top 100 Awards for their groundbreaking work in aging and brain health research and innovation. Their contributions have transformed industries, communities, and country through exceptional leadership.
A new study led by CAMH shows that a combination of therapies can slow cognitive decline in older adults with conditions increasing the risk of dementia. Participants receiving Cognitive Remediation plus transcranial direct current stimulation experienced slower cognitive decline compared to those receiving a control intervention.
Researchers found that polypharmacy in older adults with Alzheimer's disease exacerbates symptoms, functional decline, and health outcomes. The study highlights the need for medication optimization strategies to improve quality of life among this vulnerable population.
The Ask the Experts series offers practical psychological insights to address common challenges, such as exam anxiety, supporting loved ones with dementia, and managing technology use. The books provide clear advice grounded in science and easy to apply.
Researchers will use decades-old data from blood and urine tests to measure pesticide and metal levels among participants, then match with MRI scans and cognitive tests to identify potential contributions to dementia risk. The study aims to understand environmental links to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Alzheimer's researchers identify specific inhibitors that prevent nerve cell loss and improve social recognition memory in mouse models. The study sheds light on the molecular sequence of events leading to cellular demise and opens up new research avenues for halting or preventing brain damage.
Research finds that sustained engagement in regular physical activity before and after a dementia diagnosis is associated with the greatest reduction in risk of death, regardless of dementia type. Maintaining an exercise routine or starting new activities also reduces mortality risk, with higher levels associated with greater reductions.
A new study published in the journal Aging & Mental Health found that people with more positive expectations of aging tend to report less frequent cognitive problems and are less likely to perceive a decline in their cognitive performance over time. Researchers suggest that modifying older adults' aging expectations could support healt...
Jeah Jung is studying long-term care integration for dually eligible individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. She examines the effect of integrating medical services with long-term care through Medicare Advantage plans on health outcomes.
A new study by MIT scholars finds that hospice care generates substantial savings for the US Medicare system, with $29,000 in cost savings over five years for patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Hospice care provides palliative-type care at a lower cost than elaborate medical procedures, saving lives and reducing suffering.
A new study found that 3% of people with traditional Medicare switch to Medicare Advantage each year, but many switch back after a short period. The researchers discovered that people who switched from MA to traditional Medicare were more likely to choose higher-rated plans or those with broader networks.
A new Concordia study reveals that bilingualism is associated with larger and healthier hippocampi in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The research found no evidence of hippocampal atrophy in bilinguals across the continuum of Alzheimer’s development.