Articles tagged with Dementia
A recent meta-analysis of 21 longitudinal studies revealed that loneliness increases the risk of developing dementia by 31%, with specific causes including Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairments.
Researchers found that ACLY activity activates the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a pro-inflammatory environment associated with chronic inflammation and aging. Blocking ACLY activity reduces inflammation-related genes in aged cells, suggesting a potential strategy for managing aging and age-related diseases.
Mayo Clinic scientists created mini brain models in a dish that closely match key features seen in the brains of patients with Lewy body dementia. The team identified four potential drug compounds that may offer approaches to treating the disease.
A new study evaluated the efficacy of a combined hearing and vision rehabilitation intervention for people with dementia living at home. The SENSE-Cog trial showed significant improvements in quality of life in the short term, but further research is needed to understand its long-term impact.
Researchers found that certain factors increased the risk of death after sepsis, including advanced age, dementia, heart disease, cancer, and previous hospitalizations. A total of 50.6% of patients with sepsis died within two years, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and follow-up care.
Cardiovascular diseases like heart failure and atrial fibrillation are linked to cognitive impairment and increased risk of dementia. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and identifying vascular risk factors early may help preserve brain function and reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that speakers smiled more when listeners smiled more, especially in same-sex conversations. Smile synchronization is essential in creating social bonds and fostering positive feelings.
A new citizen science study has found that a person's subjective impression of their own memory problems is strongly linked to modifiable risk factors for dementia. The research used a smartphone app to gather data from 3,327 people and found a stronger association between subjective memory impairment and risk factors such as depressio...
A recent study found that tau protein buildup disrupts the salience network, a crucial communication network in the brain, leading to behavioral changes. The study used advanced medical imaging to analyze the brains of 128 people with early-stage dementia and showed a strong association between tau disruption and behavioral symptoms.
Researchers found that brain shrinkage patterns vary significantly among individuals with Alzheimer's, with some accumulating more outliers over time. This variability could enable the development of targeted treatments and predict future symptoms.
Researchers have developed a peptide inhibitor called RI-AG03 that effectively prevents Tau protein aggregation in lab and fruit fly studies. The breakthrough targets both major aggregation-promoting 'hotspots' of the Tau protein, potentially paving the way for more effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
A study using a smartphone-based wayfinding task identified individuals with increased risk for dementia, based on their movement patterns and spatial memory. The research provides promising insights into the potential of digital technologies for early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a promising new drug, RI-AG03, that successfully targets and blocks both major aggregation-promoting 'hotspots' of the Tau protein. The peptide-based approach shows significant potential in preventing the build-up of Tau proteins and neurodegeneration, addressing a critical gap in current treatments.
Researchers found that living with dementia in communities with senior centers providing adult day health and social services was associated with fewer hospitalizations and lower Medicare costs. The study suggests that senior centers can minimize healthcare costs and acute care usage among those with dementia.
Researchers found that biomarker levels for diagnosing Alzheimer's vary with time of day, with lowest levels in the morning and highest in the evening. The study suggests standardizing sample times to improve diagnostic accuracy and disease tracking.
A research team led by Maria Glymour will investigate four modifiable risk factors for ADRD: lifetime alcohol use, depression, vision and hearing impairments, and social isolation. The project aims to provide comprehensive evidence on how these risk factors contribute to ADRD risk.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that older adults who sustained a traumatic injury were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias if they experienced falls. The study suggests that completing cognitive screenings in older patients after a fall could help detect dementia sooner.
Research finds poor sleep quality directly relates to mortality risk, even before adjusting for lifestyle factors. Dementia is associated with increased mortality risk among individuals with better sleep quality, males, and older White adults.
A class of diabetes medications called SGLT2 inhibitors may reduce the risk of dementia and Parkinson's disease. The study found that people taking these drugs had a 20% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, 30% lower risk of vascular dementia, and 20% lower risk of Parkinson's disease.
A new study by UT Health San Antonio found that higher levels of leptin are associated with better signal-transmitting brain white matter in middle-aged adults. The researchers also discovered a link between leptin bioavailability and reduced risk of cognitive impairment, providing potential insights into obesity's role in dementia.
ASU has created an Edward R. Roybal Center to develop and adapt technology-enabled lifestyle and behavioral interventions for older adults with cognitive decline. The center aims to help individuals maintain independence while managing challenges of aging.
Researchers identified known genetic variants for Alzheimer’s disease as risk factors for all-cause dementia and vascular dementia. The study also found a substantial genetic overlap with vascular dementia and cerebral small-vessel disease.
A new study by University of Oklahoma researchers identifies key measurements of brain blood flow and ability to compensate as better predictors of mild cognitive impairment than traditional risk factors. The findings provide hope for preventing or treating memory problems early before they progress to dementia.
The Mount Sinai Health System is deploying blood-based biomarkers and confirmatory tests for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, enabling early detection and intervention. The system aims to stratify patients rapidly, non-invasively, and cost-effectively.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic algorithm using positron emission tomography (PET) to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and primary tauopathy. The biomarkers enable doctors to identify the presence of a 4-repeat tauopathy with high accuracy, facilitating earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.
A study published in the journal Brain shows that increases in protein levels with new Alzheimer's drugs can explain the slowing of cognitive impairment at least as well as the reduction in amyloid plaques. The researchers found that higher levels of a critical brain protein correlate equally well with cognitive benefits.
A UCLA-led research team has identified degeneration-associated molecular markers shared by several forms of dementia. The study also found cell type-specific changes that underlie each condition, highlighting potential new therapeutic targets.
A recent study presented at the Future of Dementia in Africa conference reveals genetic differences between African and Caucasian populations with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that a lack of diversity in genomic studies may limit the effectiveness of targeted therapies across diverse populations.
Researchers have successfully manipulated brain waves during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep using sound stimulation, which may help improve cognition in individuals with dementia. The study found that stimulating brain waves could increase their frequency, offering a promising new approach for treating the condition.
A new study estimates nearly 10.5 million U.S. adults have A-Fib, a three-fold increase from previous estimates. Early detection and treatment can reduce its adverse outcomes.
The UW Medicine program aims to improve the detection and management of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias among American Indian and Alaska Native elders. Trainees will learn to recognize early symptoms, manage dementia locally, and promote culturally appropriate community outreach.
A new study reveals a significant correlation between entorhinal cortex thickness and financial exploitation vulnerability, a potential early indicator of Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that assessing financial awareness could help identify cognitive changes in older adults.
Researchers found that vision impairments contribute significantly to the development of dementia in older adults, with a population attributable fraction ranging from 4.9% to 19.0%. The study highlights the importance of incorporating multiple objective measures of vision impairment into assessments to capture its impact on dementia.
Researchers have identified a unique biomarker in human blood serum that shows potential for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The study's findings suggest that this test could be used to diagnose AD before cognitive decline or symptoms become apparent, enabling earlier lifestyle changes and medication to slow disease progression.
Researchers aim to develop a voice assistant delivering customized cognitive stimulation therapy to improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia and their care partners. The project has the potential to positively impact a large population, including those in remote areas.
Researchers mapped 1.65 million cells from 437 aging brains, identifying two distinct paths of cellular change that lead to either Alzheimer's disease or alternative brain aging. These findings offer new insights into the development of Alzheimer's and how it differs from healthy brain aging.
Researchers have made progress in understanding how genetics and lifestyle factors influence dementia risk through epigenetics. DNA methylation signatures in blood can mirror protein biomarker levels in spinal fluid samples, used for diagnosing dementia.
A large observational study found that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors used to treat type 2 diabetes may prevent dementia, with a 35% reduced risk of developing the condition compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Longer treatment duration was also associated with greater benefits.
A comprehensive brain imaging study found that diabetes and prediabetes are associated with accelerated brain ageing, with brains appearing 0.5-4 years older than chronological age. A healthy lifestyle may help counteract this effect, with associations attenuated among people with high physical activity.
Researchers at Boston University created an AI tool that can determine the cause of dementia using commonly collected patient data, boosting doctor accuracy by 26%. The algorithm identifies 10 types of dementia, including vascular and frontotemporal dementia, to help doctors manage patients more effectively.
A new study published in Neurology found that acute kidney injury is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 individuals and found a 49% higher risk of dementia overall, with significant increases for specific types of dementia such as Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia.
Researchers discovered that amyloid fibrils can harness quantum superradiant effects to mitigate oxidative stress, potentially transforming dementia treatments and understanding of Alzheimer's disease. This finding raises questions about the conventional view of amyloid's role in the disease.
A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) may slow down cognitive decline in dementia with Lewy bodies over five years. ChEIs were also associated with a reduced risk of death in the first year after diagnosis.
A new national study reveals significant regional variations in the likelihood of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Despite controlling for demographic and population-level risk factors, the study found that differences in diagnostic intensity persist across regions.
A study at UFSCar found that remote testing can be reliable for functional mobility and muscle strength, especially for those with dementia. This new methodology enables more frequent health sessions and better patient tracking.
A study found that older age, female sex, and irregular heart rhythms can predict Alzheimer's cognitive decline over two years. The results also showed strong correlations between caregiver load and various patient-related measures.
A Brigham study found that shingles increases long-term risk of subjective cognitive decline by 20% in both men and women. Men carrying the APOE4 gene were at higher risk, particularly for cognitive impairment and dementia. The study highlights the importance of shingles vaccination in reducing disease burden.
A study at the University of Helsinki discovered a new type of degenerative brain disease, limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), prevalent among the oldest old. LATE is associated with similar symptoms to early Alzheimer's but progresses more slowly and is milder.
A new USC study led by Caleb Finch shows how feeding mice the drug GSM-15606 provided protection against air pollution-related increases in proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. The results indicate that GSM-15606 may one day have a role as a preventive measure against Alzheimer's in people living with air pollution.
A team led by Emory researchers found strong evidence supporting a new understanding of the mechanism behind Alzheimer's disease. They identified more than 20 proteins that co-accumulate with amyloid beta, suggesting they may play an important role in brain damage rather than the amyloid itself.
A recent study analyzing over 1.5 million patients' electronic health records found that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is significantly underdiagnosed in rural areas of West Michigan. Researchers discovered a higher rate of MCI skippers, where patients progress directly to dementia without a prior diagnosis, in these communities.
Glial cells play a significant role in Alzheimer's disease, producing amyloid beta and contributing to plaque formation. Researchers discovered that knocking out BACE1 enzyme in oligodendrocytes reduced plaque formation by 30%, opening up new avenues for therapies.
A team of researchers from Penn State has identified HDAC3 as a key contributor to age-related impairments in memory updating. When blocked, older mice performed similarly to their younger counterparts, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age.
A new $3.5 million NIH grant will investigate the complex interplay between traumatic brain injury and genetic risk factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The three-year study will use rodents to assess disease progression across different age periods, providing insights into potential early intervention strategies.
A study published in Science Advances found that the quality of synapses, specifically dendritic spine head diameter, predicts episodic memory performance in older adults. Researchers suggest targeting pathways that maintain spine head diameter or synaptic strength may yield greater therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease prevention.
Researchers question the effectiveness of new amyloid immunotherapy drugs in reducing Alzheimer's disease impact, citing limited eligibility and high costs. The drugs showed small effect sizes that may not outweigh the risk of adverse events.
Maintaining stable hemoglobin A1c levels in individualized target ranges may lower Alzheimer disease and related dementias risk. Lower HbA1c time in range could identify patients at increased risk of these conditions.
A clinical trial found that fish oil supplements slowed neuronal integrity breakdown in older adults with the APOE4 gene variant, a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The study showed no benefit for all older adults, but suggested omega-3 fatty acids may be useful for prevention.
Researchers discovered elevated levels of neurofilament light chain protein in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, suggesting potential early detection methods. The study found different protein patterns between the prodromal stage and established diseases.
A new study suggests that public health interventions, such as reformulating food products and introducing low emission zones, could yield significant cost savings and QALY gains in England. The interventions studied could save up to £4bn by reducing dementia rates and helping people live longer and healthier.