standard-title
Alzheimer’s Disease
Latest News Regarding Alzheimer’s Disease and Your Health
Loading…
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News MONDAY, Aug. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The evidence continues to mount that staying socially engaged as you age helps keep dementia at bay. In a new study, British researchers found that being socially active in your 50s and 60s may reduce the risk of developing dementia. The findings showed that people in their 60s who interacted with friends nearly every day had a 12% lower risk of developing dementia than people who saw a couple of friends every few months. “This has important implications for people in middle-age as it suggests that keeping socially active is important for brain health. We know that it has other health benefits in terms of benefiting physical and mental health,” said lead researcher Andrew Sommerlad, a research fellow in the division of psychiatry at University College London. Social activity during midlife was linked with better memory and reasoning skills, he said. “We think this may be because social contact gives us a chance to exercise different aspects of thinking, like memory and language, which may make people more resilient against the damage which accumulates in the brain in people who develop dementia,” Sommerlad explained. For the […]
A new study finds that people with Alzheimer’s disease who also took antidiabetes medication exhibited fewer molecular markers of the neurological condition. These findings could inform future Alzheimer’s treatments. A study examined the molecular pathways of brain tissue and the cells that line the inside of blood vessels in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s and diabetes. New research — led by Vahram Haroutunian, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, NY — analyzed the brain tissues of people who had both Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. The findings suggest that antidiabetes drugs may protect the brain against Alzheimer’s. As Prof. Haroutunian and colleagues explain in their paper, a mounting body of evidence has been pointing to a link between the risk of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and type 2 diabetes. Additional studies have uncovered an association between an insulin receptor pathway in the brain and the accumulation of Alzheimer’s-specific brain pathologies. Previous studies conducted by the same Prof. Haroutunian and colleagues found that the brains of people with Alzheimer’s who had also undergone treatment for diabetes, such as insulin or antidiabetes medicine, had reduced brain pathologies. So, […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News THURSDAY, Dec. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Imagine a blood test that could spot whether you are aging too quickly. New research suggests it’s not the stuff of science fiction anymore. The scientists analyzed plasma — the cell-free, fluid part of blood — from more than 4,200 people between the ages of 18 and 95, and found a link between 373 proteins and aging. “We’ve known for a long time that measuring certain proteins in the blood can give you information about a person’s health status — lipoproteins for cardiovascular health, for example,” said study senior author Tony Wyss-Coray. He’s co-director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Stanford University in California. “But it hasn’t been appreciated that so many different proteins’ levels — roughly a third of all the ones we looked at — change markedly with advancing age,” he added in a university news release. The study was published Dec. 5 in the journal Nature Medicine. “Proteins are the workhorses of the body’s constituent cells, and when their relative levels undergo substantial changes, it means you’ve changed, too,” Wyss-Coray explained. “Looking at thousands of them in plasma gives you a snapshot of what’s going on […]
Dementia is a term that describes a variety of symptoms affecting a person’s cognitive functioning, including their ability to think, remember, and reason. It tends to get worse over time, so there are a few key early warning signs. Dementia occurs when nerve cells in a person’s brain stop working. Although it typically happens in older people, it is not an inevitable part of aging. The brain’s natural deterioration happens to everyone as they grow older, but it occurs more quickly in people with dementia. There are many different types of dementia. According to the National Institute on Aging, the most common is Alzheimer’s disease. Other types include: Lewy body dementia frontotemporal dementia vascular disorders mixed dementia, or a combination of types There are 10 typical early signs of dementia. For a person to receive a diagnosis, they would usually experience two or more of these symptoms, and the symptoms would be severe enough to interfere with their daily life. These early signs of dementia are: 1. Memory loss A person developing dementia may have trouble remembering dates or events. Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia. A person with dementia may find it difficult to recall information they […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News THURSDAY, Sept. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For people at risk of Alzheimer’s disease, working out a couple of times a week might at least slow the onset of the illness, new research suggests. Regular exercise over a year slowed the degeneration of the part of the brain tied to memory among people who had a buildup of amyloid beta protein in their brain. These protein “plaques” are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s, noted researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Aerobic exercise didn’t stop plaques from spreading, but it might slow down the effects of amyloid on the brain, especially if started at an early stage, the research team suggested. “What are you supposed to do if you have amyloid clumping together in the brain? Right now doctors can’t prescribe anything,” lead researcher Dr. Rong Zhang said in a university news release. However, “if these findings can be replicated in a larger trial, then maybe one day doctors will be telling high-risk patients to start an exercise plan,” he said. “In fact, there’s no harm in doing so now.” One expert who wasn’t involved in the study agreed with that advice. “Exercise is […]
A recent study suggests that a warning sign may come before any symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease: Adults who do not get enough deep sleep may be on their way to developing the disease. A lack of deep sleep may lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, found that older people who experience less slow-wave sleep (in other words, deep sleep) have elevated levels of a brain protein called tau. The findings, published in Translational Medicine, note that higher levels of tau are a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Elevated levels have also previously been associated with both brain damage and cognitive decline. Slow-wave sleep and brain proteins Slow-wave sleep helps people consolidate their memories and experiences, and getting enough of this type of sleep helps people wake up refreshed and energized. In order to find out if there is a connection between a lack of deep sleep and the development of Alzheimer’s, the authors put together a study that involved 119 people aged 60 years or older. A full 80 percent of the participants had no cognition problems, and the rest had only mild impairment. To conduct the study, researchers monitored their […]
By Karina Lichtenstein on 10/28/2019 3:26 PM Latest Alzheimer’s News Source: MedicineNet Health News Donuts, flaky pastries, and cakes can be tasty, but eating some of them may come at a price. Eating foods high in trans fats may greatly increase your risk of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, per the results of a new study in the journal Neurology. For 10 years researchers followed 1,600 Japanese men and women aged 60 and older who did not have dementia. Those who had the highest blood levels of trans fats had a 75% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia over that time period compared to those who had the lowest levels, according to the study. What Increases Alzheimer’s Risk? Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease that causes memory impairment and eventually disturbances in planning, reasoning, language, and perception, according to MedicineNet author Howard Crystal, MD. Increasing age is the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Crystal said. Approximately 15% of people over the age of 65 have the condition, but that number increases to 50% of people over the age of 85. Alzheimer’s rates in the U.S. are skyrocketing, with an estimated 13.8 million […]
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, July 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Keeping your brain active as you age, whether it be working on a computer, playing games or being socially involved, might ward off memory loss, a new study suggests. Losing memory as you age is a sign of mild cognitive impairment, which can be a gateway to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. But using your brain can help keep it sharp, and it’s never too late to start reaping the benefits, researchers say. Why keeping mentally active has this effect isn’t known, but it might be that the brain responds positively to increased use, said senior researcher Dr. Yonas Geda, a psychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz. “It’s like watering a flower,” he said. It’s also possible that people who engage in mental activities also have other good behaviors, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet, which benefit brain health, Geda said. Study lead author Janina Krell-Roesch, a research fellow at the Mayo Clinic, cautioned that this study can’t prove that mental activity keeps mild cognitive impairment at bay. “Our study was an observational study, so we can only say that there is an […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News MONDAY, Dec. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Lots of Americans will unwrap a scarf or sweater this holiday season. But a growing number will receive a gift that’s potentially life-changing: an at-home genetic testing kit. Home DNA testing yields clues to ancestry and, potentially, genetic risk for medical conditions. But there are a number of things you need to know before you use one of these kits, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America says. “Genetic testing kits are a popular gift, but the test results can have implications that last long after the holidays,” Lori Frank said in a foundation news release. She’s on the foundation’s medical, scientific and memory screening advisory board. “As with any health decision, consumers should have the right information before deciding to take a genetic test,” Frank said. Because genetic testing has potentially positive and negative impacts, the foundation offers some tips: Be informed. “Some people find the results upsetting and are concerned about the emotional impact to relatives with similar genetic risk, while others feel empowered to proactively take better care of their own health. It’s important to consider all impacts beforehand,” said Dr. J. Wesson Ashford, chair of the medical, scientific […]
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, May 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Here’s another reason to keep your cholesterol under control: New research suggests that LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol may play a role in the development of early-onset Alzheimer’s. A rare form of the disease that occurs before the age of 65, early-onset Alzheimer’s has previously been linked to a gene mutation involved in how the body processes fats and cholesterol. But that mutation only accounts for a small percentage of cases, the scientists noted. Their new research suggests that “LDL cholesterol levels [also] play a causal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease,” said lead researcher Dr. Thomas Wingo. He’s an assistant professor of neurology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. “The big question is whether there is a causal link between cholesterol levels in the blood and Alzheimer’s disease risk,” Wingo said. “The existing data is murky on this point. Our current work is focused on testing whether there is a causal link.” Most early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is not explained by known gene mutations, Wingo added. The APOE genetic mutation, called APOE E4, raises levels of LDL cholesterol. High levels of this type of […]
A novel genetic approach that repairs broken connections between brain cells could lead to treatments that restore memory capacity in Alzheimer’s disease. By using epigenetics, it may soon be possible to reverse memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease. The new approach reverses changes to gene expression that tend to occur in the later stages of the disease. Scientists at State University of New York at Buffalo demonstrated how the method was able to reverse Alzheimer’s memory decline in mice. Much genetic research on the causes of Alzheimer’s disease focuses on changes in the DNA of genes. The new study, however, focuses on epigenetics, which concerns mechanisms that can switch genes on and off without disturbing their DNA code. A paper about the work now features in the journal Brain. “In this paper,” says senior study author Zhen Yan, Ph.D., who is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, “we have not only identified the epigenetic factors that contribute to the memory loss, we also found ways to temporarily reverse them in an animal model of [Alzheimer’s disease].” Alzheimer’s disease and loss of synapses Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between […]
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News SUNDAY, May 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — When men with prostate cancer have to take drugs that block the testosterone fueling their tumors, they can suffer a host of side effects that include impotence, bone loss, heart trouble and obesity. But new research uncovers yet another possible downside to the treatment: These men may be at greater risk for dementia. For any type of dementia, that risk increased 17%; for Alzheimer’s disease, it increased 23%, the researchers said. Common side effects of so-called androgen-deprivation therapy include hot flashes, unstable mood, trouble sleeping, headaches, high blood sugar, allergic reactions and impotence. “Androgen-deprivation therapy may not only cause physical changes — such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease or obesity — but may also cause changes in cognition,” said researcher Dr. Karl Tully, a research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. But Tully cautioned that this study cannot prove that such hormone therapy caused dementia, only that the two are associated. The investigators also found that men on this type of therapy had a 10% greater risk of seeking psychiatric services. The risk for dementia increased as the length of therapy increased, the researchers noted. […]
A recent study in older people suggests that reducing blood pressure to levels below the usual standard can lessen the risk of mild cognitive impairment, which is a condition that often precedes dementia. Lowering blood pressure in seniors could prevent mild cognitive impairment, new research concludes. Scientists at the Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC, led a randomized clinical trial involving just under 9,400 adults in their 50s or older with high blood pressure. The objective of the trial, as the investigative team notes in the JAMA study paper, was to “evaluate the effect of intensive blood pressure control on risk of dementia.” The older adults received either intensive blood pressure control or standard treatment. The purpose of intensive control was to bring systolic blood pressure below 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), while that of standard treatment was to lower it to under 140 mm Hg. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. It is usually the first number in a blood pressure measurement, as in “140 mm Hg over 80 mm Hg,” for instance. The results revealed that significantly fewer of those who received intensive blood pressure control went on […]
New evidence suggests that atrial fibrillation, in which the heart has an irregular beat, is linked to an increased risk of dementia. This knowledge, however, also indicates a potential preventive strategy, researchers show. An irregular heartbeat speeds up the rate at which cognitive function deteriorates, but there may be an easy way to address this. In a new study paper published yesterday in the journal Neurology, researchers at the Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University, which are in Sweden, explain that atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is linked with an increased risk of developing dementia. In A-fib, the heart’s atria — or the chambers that receive blood and then send it to the ventricles, which pump it out to the rest of the body — beat irregularly. Because of this, blood can pool inside the heart and form clots, which may later circulate to the brain, leading to a stroke. The new study has found that A-fib also increases the risk of another health problem as people age — namely, dementia. However, this warning also comes with an encouraging solution, the authors explain. “Compromised blood flow caused by atrial fibrillation may affect the brain in a number of ways,” as study co-author Chengxuan […]
Doctors may find it hard to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease before the obvious symptoms set in, and many of the current tests for it are expensive and complicated. However, researchers recently devised a blood test that could accurately detect this condition. Recent research aimed to develop an accurate blood test to diagnose Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the condition will affect an estimated 5.7 million people in the United States by 2050. Despite this, there are few ways of accurately diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease early on. These include MRI and CT scans, which help doctors rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Another way of diagnosing Alzheimer’s is by collecting cerebrospinal fluid and looking for biomarkers of the disease. This is the most accurate test for this neurodegenerative condition, but it is costly and invasive. For all these reasons, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, have been developing a blood test for Alzheimer’s that aims to be accurate, more cost-effective, and less unpleasant. In the study paper, which appears in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the researchers explain that the test may be able to detect biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease before the appearance of obvious symptoms. […]
An existing blood thinner — used to prevent the formation of blood clots in people at risk of stroke — could help delay the development of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study in a mouse model. Could a common blood thinner help people with Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a neurodegenerative condition in which people experience progressive memory loss. Some treatments can help people with Alzheimer’s disease manage this symptom and others to a certain extent. However, there is currently neither a cure nor a tried and true method of preventing the condition. This is why researchers worldwide continue to search for strategies and therapies that could at least delay the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms. This is also what a team of investigators — many from the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), in Madrid, Spain, and The Rockefeller University, in New York — has recently investigated. In a new study, coordinated by Marta Cortés Canteli, Ph.D., the team has used a known anticoagulant, a drug that prevents blood clots, to slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms in a mouse model. The researchers took this approach because previous studies have shown that […]
What is galantamine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Galantamine is in a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors that also includes tacrine (Cognex), donezepil (Aricept), and rivastigmine (Exelon). Cholinesterase inhibitors inhibit (block) the action of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the destruction of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is one of several neurotransmitters in the brain, chemicals that nerve cells use to communicate with one another. Reduced levels of acetylcholine in the brain are believed to be responsible for some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. By blocking the enzyme that destroys acetylcholine, galantamine increases the concentration of acetylcholine in the brain, and this increase is believed to be responsible for the improvement in thinking. Galantamine was approved by the FDA in 2001. (The brand name of galantamine was changed in 2005 from Reminyl to Razadyne.) What brand names are available for galantamine? Razadyne, Razadyne ER Is galantamine available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: No Do I need a prescription for galantamine? Yes What are the uses for galantamine? Galantamine is an oral medication used to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia. What are the side effects of galantamine? The most frequent side effects seen with […]
For the first time, a new study has observed that cerebrospinal fluid washes in and out of the brain in waves during sleep, helping clear out waste. Cerebrospinal fluid helps clear toxic waste from the brain during sleep. Recently, Medical News Today reported on a study that found that specialized immune cells are more active in the brain during sleep, busy performing maintenance work. Researchers know that sleep is important — not just in terms of allowing the brain to reactualize, but also for “making space” for “cleaning” processes to take place. However, many of the mechanisms through which this clearing out of brain waste takes place during sleep remain unclear. Now, researchers at Boston University in Massachusetts have found that during sleep, the fluid present in the brain and spinal chord — called the cerebrospinal fluid — washes in and out, like waves, helping the brain get rid of accumulated metabolic “trash.” “We’ve known for a while that there are these electrical waves of activity in the neurons. But before now, we didn’t realize that there are actually waves in the cerebrospinal fluid, too,” study co-author Laura Lewis explains. A complex synchronization process The new study — the results […]
New research suggests that “Life’s Simple 7” steps for maintaining heart health may also be a useful tool for predicting dementia risk and preventing the neurological condition. Managing your blood pressure is one of the seven actionable steps people in their 50s can take to maintain their cardiovascular health. The lead author of the new study is Séverine Sabia, of the department of Epidemiology of Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases at Inserm, a public research institution affiliated with the Université de Paris in France. Sabia and her colleagues set out to examine the link between the American Heart Association’s (AHA) guidelines for optimal cardiovascular health — which they dub “Life’s Simple 7” — and the risk of developing dementia later in life. “Life’s Simple 7” are modifiable risk factors which, according to the AHA, can help keep heart disease at bay. Making lifestyle changes along these seven parameters can improve a person’s cardiovascular health, the AHA advises. Life’s Simple 7 are: manage blood pressure manage cholesterol lower blood sugar stay physically active follow a healthful diet lose weight stop smoking (or don’t start) In the new research, Sabia and her team looked at how well people adhered to these steps at […]
A large study concludes that atrial fibrillation does, indeed, raise the risk of dementia even in people who did not have a stroke and that anticoagulants may reduce this risk. An irregular heartbeat may be a sign of A-fib, which may, in turn, raise dementia risk. Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly. More specifically, the atria of the heart — the chambers that receive blood and pump it out to the heart’s ventricles and the rest of the body — beat at an irregular rhythm. A-fib is the most common form of arrhythmia, affecting between 2.7 and 6.1 million adults in the United States. Previous research has shown that people with A-fib have a higher risk of dementia, and also that people can take blood thinners to reduce this risk. New research confirms that the above is true, even in people who never experienced a stroke. The new study is the largest of its kind ever conducted. Boyoung Joung, who is a professor of cardiology and internal medicine at Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, Republic of Korea, is the leading author of the paper, which appears in the European Heart Journal. A-fib […]
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, Jan. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Staying active in old age may help preserve your memory and thinking skills, a new study suggests. In fact, older people who were physically active kept their minds sharp, even if their brains showed signs of lesions or other markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, researchers found. “Physical activity may provide cognitive reserve” that helps preserve the brain even in the face of dementia, said lead researcher Dr. Aron Buchman. He’s professor of neurology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Lifestyle appears to play a major role in keeping the mind sharp as we age, he said. Other studies have found that keeping socially and mentally active also improves mental skills. “Together, these suggest that a more active lifestyle, including physical, cognitive and social activities, may help maintain cognition in older adults,” Buchman said. Buchman said he doesn’t know how these factors protect the brain, what kind of exercise is best, or how much is protective. Only an association was seen in the study, and more research is needed. “Even if we don’t have treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, there’s a benefit to having […]
By E.J. MundellHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News MONDAY, July 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Even if you are unlucky enough to carry genes that predispose you to Alzheimer’s disease, a healthy lifestyle can minimize that risk, new research shows. The study tracked the genetics, lifestyles and Alzheimer’s disease incidence of nearly 200,000 British people over 60 for an average of eight years. Researchers found that people who had a high genetic risk for Alzheimer’s and who followed unhealthy lifestyles had nearly triple the odds of getting the disease, compared to people with low genetic risk and a healthy lifestyle. Conversely, living well — exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and drinking moderately — appeared to cut the odds for Alzheimer’s, even among those at high genetic risk. Among people found to be at highest genetic risk, healthy living appeared to reduce the chances of developing the disease by 35%, said a team led by David Llewellyn at the University of Exeter Medical School in England. That implies that “1 case of dementia would be prevented for each 121 individuals per [every] 10 years with high genetic risk who improved their lifestyle from unfavorable to favorable,” the researchers reported […]
By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News TUESDAY, Oct. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Dealing with the agitation, anxiety and aggression that often come with dementia is one of the most challenging aspects of caring for someone with this brain disorder. But new research suggests that massage and other non-drug treatments may be more effective than medications. Even just taking people with dementia outdoors can help, said study author Dr. Jennifer Watt, a geriatrician and clinical scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital-Unity Health in Toronto. “The bottom line from our study is that non-medication based therapy and multidimensional care seem to be better than medications for treating the symptoms of aggression and agitation in persons with dementia,” she said. Dementia, a progressive loss of thinking and memory skills, affects 50 million people worldwide. Up to three-quarters have behavioral and psychological symptoms. People with such symptoms often need institutionalized care sooner. Health care professionals rely on several medications to lessen symptoms of agitation and aggression, but these medications carry significant risks. One, ironically, is worsening memory and thinking, the researchers said. Some medications — such as anti-psychotics — may do little to control symptoms, according […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News MONDAY, Feb. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Two experimental drugs do not appear to slow memory loss or mental decline in patients in the early stages of a rare, inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease, according to initial results from a clinical trial. The international phase 2 and 3 clinical trial separately evaluated the two drugs — solanezumab (Eli Lilly and Co.), and gantenerumab (Roche and its U.S. affiliate, Genentech) — in nearly 200 people with dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease, also called autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease. People with this form of Alzheimer’s suffer declines in memory and thinking skills starting in their 50s, 40s or even 30s. The patients were followed for up to seven years, with an average of five years. Initial analysis suggests that neither drug achieved the primary outcome of the study, which was a slowing of mental decline as measured by thinking and memory tests. “Although the drugs we evaluated were not successful, the trial will move us forward in understanding Alzheimer’s,” study director Dr. Randall Bateman, a professor of neurology at Washington University in St. Louis, said in a university news release. The study can help guide future research into the disease, including […]
New research in mice reveals the mechanisms through which two experimental drugs that may treat Alzheimer’s disease have broader, anti-aging properties and can reverse age-related cognitive decline. Share on PinterestNew research explains how two experimental dementia drugs may reverse normal aging. Family history, genes, and some lifestyle choices all influence a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but age is the greatest risk factor that researchers are aware of. Most people who receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s are at least 65 years old. In fact, after that age, the risk of developing the condition doubles every 5 years. However, scientists do not yet fully understand, on a molecular level, how aging is involved in driving Alzheimer’s. Previous research has shown that faulty glucose metabolism in the brain occurs before the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms. Cerebral glucose metabolism declines with age anyway, but in Alzheimer’s, the decline is much more severe. Furthermore, other studies have shown that dysfunctional mitochondria in the brain’s cells are a hallmark of both normal aging and Alzheimer’s. Armed with this knowledge, researchers from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Scripps Research Institute — both in La Jolla, CA — set out to test several drugs […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, Sept. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Sleep loss is a problem for people who care for loved ones with dementia, which can put both caregivers and patients at risk, researchers say. Investigators at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, found caregivers lost between 2.5 to 3.5 hours of sleep a week due to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. “Losing 3.5 hours of sleep per week does not seem much, but caregivers often experience accumulation of sleep loss over years,” said review lead author Chenlu Gao, a doctoral candidate of psychology and neuroscience. “Losing 3.5 hours of sleep weekly on top of all the stress, grief and sadness can have a really strong impact on caregivers’ cognition, and mental and physical health,” Gao added in a university news release. But improving caregivers’ sleep quality can significantly improve their functioning and quality of life, Gao said. For example, the researchers found that caregivers’ sleep noticeably improved after simple changes such as getting more morning sunlight, establishing a regular and relaxing bedtime routine, and doing moderate physical exercise. Chronic stress can cause sleep problems, and nighttime awakenings by people with dementia can also disrupt caregivers’ sleep, the researchers noted. […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Nearly 13 million Americans will have dementia by 2040 — nearly twice as many as today, a new report says. The number of women with dementia is expected to rise from 4.7 million next year to 8.5 million in 2040. The number of men with dementia is projected to increase from 2.6 million to 4.5 million. Over the next 20 years, the economic impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia will be more than $2 trillion. Women will shoulder more than 80% of those costs, according to a report released Tuesday at the 2019 Milken Institute Future of Health Summit, in Washington, D.C. “Longer life spans are perhaps one of the greatest success stories of our modern public health system,” said lead author Nora Super, senior director of the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging. “But along with this success comes one of our greatest challenges,” she added in an institute news release. “Our risk of developing dementia doubles every five years after we turn 65; by age 85, nearly one in three of us will have the disease.” With no cure on the horizon, reducing […]
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of neurocognitive decline that affects millions across the world. The exact cause is unclear, but new research is uncovering the mechanisms that allow Alzheimer’s to become established in the brain. Which brain cells are the most vulnerable to Alzheimer’s? In Alzheimer’s disease, as in other forms of dementia, a defining feature is the accumulation of certain toxic proteins in the brain. These proteins aggregate into plaques that disrupt the communication between brain cells, thus enhancing cognitive problems and other issues. More often than not, researchers identify the protein beta-amyloid as the main culprit in this disruptive process. However, another protein, called tau, is just as important. In a new study, researchers from a series of academic institutions, including the Ohio State University in Columbus, Columbia University Medical Center in New York, NY, and Cambridge University in the United Kingdom, have found that tau accumulates preferentially around a specific type of brain cell. The investigators also revealed that certain genetic profiles may predispose a person to tau aggregations around those cells. Co-lead author of the study Hongjun (Harry) Fu — now an assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Ohio State University — and colleagues […]
The herpes virus could account for at least half of Alzheimer’s cases, according to a new review of the findings of three recent studies examining links between Alzheimer’s and herpes. Infection with the herpes simplex virus may boost the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s, researchers suggest. The new paper, published in the Frontiers in Ageing Neuroscience journal, also suggests that antiviral drugs may reduce the risk of senile dementia — which is mostly caused by Alzheimer’s disease — among people who have severe cases of herpes. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) is the type of herpes that results in cold sores. HSV1 is a common virus, and the majority of people will have contracted it by the time they reach old age. However, the virus remains permanently in the body and cannot be decisively removed either by the body’s natural defense mechanisms or by drugs. The virus is inactive most of the time, but when a person has HSV1, they may find that flare-ups occur when they are stressed or sick, resulting in characteristic blisters. Medical News Today have reported on several studies this year alone that have provided evidence of a connection between Alzheimer’s and herpes. In June, we looked […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter MONDAY, Dec. 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Playing cards and board games like chess, bingo and Scrabble might be the mental workout you need to keep your wits as you age, Scottish researchers suggest. People in their 70s who regularly play board games score higher on tests of memory and thinking skills than those who don’t. And 70-somethings who step up their game-playing are more likely to maintain thinking skills as they age, researchers say. “Playing board, card and word games may protect people from cognitive decline, but this study wasn’t an intervention, so we can’t say that for sure,” said lead researcher Drew Altschul, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Edinburgh. “But it, at very least, is fun, inexpensive, and it certainly won’t hurt you.” He doesn’t think it’s the social aspect of these activities that provides this brain-protective effect, but rather the challenge of the games themselves. Unlike reading, writing, taking classes, visiting museums, libraries or friends and relatives, games appear to more actively engage abilities like memory, thinking speed and reasoning, Altschul said. “So, this fits with what we call the ‘use it or lose it’ theory, that […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News THURSDAY, May 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Mornings spent figuring out Sudoku or finessing a crossword could spell better health for aging brains, researchers say. In a study of over 19,000 British adults aged 50 and over who were tracked for 25 years, the habit of doing word or number puzzles seemed to help keep minds nimble over time. “We’ve found that the more regularly people engage with puzzles such as crosswords and Sudoku, the sharper their performance is across a range of tasks assessing memory, attention and reasoning,” said research leader Dr. Anne Corbett, of the University of Exeter Medical School. “The improvements are particularly clear in the speed and accuracy of their performance,” she added in a university news release. “In some areas, the improvement was quite dramatic — on measures of problem-solving, people who regularly do these puzzles performed equivalent to an average of eight years younger compared to those who don’t.” Does that translate to protection against Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia? The study “can’t say” at this point, Corbett said, “but this research supports previous findings that indicate regular use of word and number puzzles helps keep our brains working better […]
In a new study, researchers have found that a bacterium largely responsible for gum disease also contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. A bacterium involved in gum disease boosts Alzheimer’s toxicity. According to data from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 8.52 percent of adults between 20 and 64 years of age in the United States have periodontitis (gum disease). Gum disease is a widespread problem that can lead to more negative outcomes, from tooth loss to an increased risk of cancer. Now, emerging evidence suggests that one of the bacteria involved in periodontitis could also contribute to the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain, which scientists have associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. These findings have emerged from a new study in mice that researchers from Cortexyme, Inc., a pharmaceutical company that aims to develop new therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease, have conducted. The results of the research — whose lead author is Dr. Stephen Dominy, Cortexyme co-founder — appear in the journal Science Advances. “Infectious agents have been implicated in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease before, but the evidence of causation hasn’t been convincing,” notes Dr. Dominy. The bacterium that boosts brain […]
By Peter Schelden on 11/08/2019 2:29 PM Latest Alzheimer’s News Source: MedicineNet Health News People with Down syndrome seem to face a much greater risk of dementia — particularly Alzheimer’s disease — than previously known, according to new research. And they often exhibit symptoms much earlier in life. For the first time, researchers inspected Medicaid claims to show how common these memory conditions are in the lives of people with Down syndrome above age 40. Claims records for nearly 3,000 Wisconsin Medicaid enrollees with Down syndrome were analyzed. Investigators found that 40% of 40 to 54 year olds with Down syndrome have made claims for dementia, and 27% specifically made claims for Alzheimer’s, a type of dementia. In comparison, people over the age of 60 have a 5% to 8% dementia rate in the general population, according to the World Health Organization. This research goes beyond prior studies by examining real cases from a large, diverse group, said Chief of NICHD’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch Melissa Parisi, M.D., Ph.D. Other approaches might leave out patients who seek care from more expensive health providers. The study could encourage investigators to search for similar patterns in other states. Dr. Parisi said […]
For the first time, researchers have identified two clusters of genes that appear to generate the neurological hallmarks of dementia. The discovery provides a new path toward drug discovery. Understanding the genetic mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s moves us ever closer to an effective treatment. Dementia is a growing concern throughout the Western world and beyond. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, around 5.7 million adults in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. By 2050, that figure is expected to rise to about 14 million. As the average lifespan extends, so does the reach of dementia. Currently, there is no cure for dementia and no way to slow its progress. Although many questions about dementia remain unanswered, our understanding is steadily growing. For instance, we know that a protein called tau plays an important role in a number of dementia types. Tau and dementia In healthy nerve cells, tau helps stabilize microtubules — the scaffolding that helps maintain the structure and rigidity of cells. In dementia, however, tau becomes hyperphosphorylated and clumps together in so-called neurofibrillary tangles. Scientists think that when tau is tangled, it damages nerve cells in at least two ways. Firstly, it can […]
Gum disease is common and unpleasant, but, according to a growing body of evidence, it could also play a role in a surprising range of seemingly unrelated health problems. Cleaning your teeth may be even more important than you thought. Plaque — a sticky substance that contains bacteria — builds up on teeth. If it is not brushed away, the bacteria can irritate the gums. The gums may then become swollen, sore, or infected; this is referred to as gingivitis. In general, gum disease can be treated or prevented by maintaining a good oral health regime. However, if it is left to develop, it can result in periodontitis, which weakens the supporting structures of the teeth. Gum disease, which is also called periodontal disease, is widespread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of adults in the United States have some degree of gum disease. The mechanisms behind periodontal disease are relatively well-understood, and newer research shows that this health problem may play a role in the development of a number of other conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. In this Spotlight, we will cover some of the surprising links between gum disease […]
Researchers are growing increasingly interested in the relationship between blood pressure and dementia. The most recent study investigates how patterns of change in blood pressure over the decades might influence risk. What can blood pressure fluctuations tell us about dementia risk? As the United States population ages, dementia incidence rises in tandem. Today, around 5 million people in the U.S. have a dementia diagnosis. Studies published over the last few years have produced evidence that hypertension (high blood pressure) during midlife appears to increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Hypertension affects an estimated 1 in 3 adults in the U.S., so it is vital to understandi the exact relationship between blood pressure and the aging brain. Researchers have done less work to investigate the links between blood pressure during later life and cognitive outcomes. However, as the authors of a recent study explain, the findings hint that “optimal blood pressure ranges for older adults may depend on earlier blood pressure characteristics.” In other words, the impact of hypertension on the aging brain may depend on the pattern of blood pressure from midlife onward. Blood pressure changes through life The authors of the current study, published in JAMA Network, […]
The majority of people with sleep apnea do not receive a diagnosis. However, brain scans have revealed that there may be an association between this condition and a form of dementia. There may be an association between sleep apnea and dementia, according to a recent study. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA), an estimated 22 million people in the United States have sleep apnea. This condition, which causes a person to stop breathing during sleep, can be infrequent or regular. Doctors refer to regular sleep apnea as obstructive sleep apnea. Without treatment, it can lead to a number of cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, and chronic heart failure. Obstructive sleep apnea also has links to both depression and type 2 diabetes. “Recent research has linked sleep apnea to an increased risk of dementia,” notes Dr. Diego Z. Carvalho, a neurology fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Along with colleagues, he authored a study to investigate whether there was a potential relationship between sleep apnea and a particular Alzheimer’s biomarker. This biomarker is a protein called tau, which is present in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. Tau proteins form tangles that doctors can identify […]
A recent article raises important questions about the prevalence of firearms in the aging population of the United States. The authors argue that there is a vital need to discuss the relationship between dementia and guns. A recent article investigates the issue of gun ownership in an aging population. Gun ownership is a controversial topic, and people are sure to continue debating it for many years to come. This debate often focuses on young men and violent crime, but a recent article investigates the other end of the age spectrum. Older adults are more likely to own a gun than younger people. An estimated 27 percent of people over the age of 65 years own at least one gun, while 37 percent live in a home where a firearm is present. A seemingly unrelated but equally hot topic is the rise of dementia. Dementia and firearms As dementia occurs almost exclusively later in life, the longer that people live, the more prevalent it becomes. Currently, around 5.7 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Although Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, it only accounts for 60–80 percent of all dementia cases. A recent article in […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Cross-country skiing may be good for your brain, a new study suggests. Previous research found that participants of the Vasaloppet, a popular long-distance, cross-country skiing race in Sweden, have a lower risk of heart attack, but potential brain benefits have been unclear. This new research compared the brain health of about 200,000 who took part in the Vasaloppet between 1989 and 2010 and a control group from the general population. Compared with the control group, 50% fewer skiers developed vascular dementia over two decades, the study found. (Vascular dementia is caused by a series of small strokes.) However, the skiers’ risk of Alzheimer’s disease was not lower — a finding that contradicts other studies showing that physical activity may modify Alzheimer’s risk. Researchers said 233 skiers developed dementia, including 40 with vascular dementia and 86 with Alzheimer’s. In the general population, 319 developed dementia, including 72 with vascular dementia and 95 with Alzheimer’s. “As brain researchers, we have had the unique opportunity to analyze an exceptionally large group of very physically active people over two decades, and we have unraveled some interesting results,” said research team leader Tomas Deierborg, an […]
By Rich HolmesHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, Nov. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Just 10 minutes of exercise a day appears to sharpen mental prowess, new research suggests. “Getting off the couch and walking a block can help keep you on the right track,” said study author Nicole Spartano, a research assistant professor at Boston University School of Medicine. Her team looked 2,770 participants in the Framingham Heart Study who were divided into two groups: middle-aged and older. The Framingham study has followed the health and habits of its original participants from Massachusetts and their descendants since 1948. The researchers found that roughly 10 to 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a day was associated with better brain function for both groups. For the middle-age group, just 10 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity was linked to better verbal memory. For the older group, the total amount of activity — not the intensity — corresponded to stronger mental skills. While the study only found associations, Spartano said the findings were especially significant for older people, who may find it difficult or impossible to meet the exercise guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Those […]
A new study of older adults in a Japanese town has found that those whose blood contained higher levels of trans fats were more likely to develop dementia than those with lower levels. Sweet pastry can be a rich source of trans fats, which may raise the risk of dementia in some people, according to new research. The researchers also found that sweet pastries were likely the biggest source of dietary trans fats in that population. There are two primary sources of trans fats in the human diet: natural and artificial. Natural trans fats are present in small amounts in dairy products and the meat of some animals. Artificial trans fats, or trans fatty acids, are the primary source of trans fats in the diet and are the product of an industrial process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oil to make it solid. According to the American Heart Association, consumption of trans fats can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and has links to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. In a recent Neurology paper, the new study authors describe how they linked trans fats to a higher risk of dementia using data from an ongoing health study […]
By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, Aug. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Could a pacemaker for the brain improve the memories of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? New research suggests it might be possible one day: Electrical stimulation directed at key memory regions of the brain created intense flashbacks in some Alzheimer’s patients, including sensations of emotions, smells, taste and temperature. In one case, a patient suddenly recalled “an entire experience of being inebriated while drinking a margarita at a resort in Aruba,” researchers said. In another, a man had a vivid flashback of feeling very full after eating sardines on his front porch two decades previously. In fact, about half of the 42 Alzheimer’s patients in the clinical trial experienced electrically induced flashbacks from decades prior, stretching back as far as the Vietnam War era, said lead researcher Dr. Wissam Deeb, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Florida. “These memory recollections were very vivid for some people,” Deeb said. “They were associated with a lot of emotional content when patients remembered them, because they were memories they hadn’t even thought of for such a long time.” Researchers cautioned that the deep brain stimulation […]
What is memantine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Memantine is an oral medication for treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Other medications used for Alzheimer’s disease affect acetylcholine, one of the neurotransmitter chemicals that nerve cells in the brain use to communicate with one another. These drugs – galantamine (Razadyne – formerly known as Reminyl), donezepil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and tacrine (Cognex) – inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase that destroys acetylcholine and thereby increase the effects of acetylcholine. Memantine’s effects are independent of acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is believed that too much stimulation of nerve cells by glutamate may be responsible for the degeneration of nerves that occurs in some neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Like other neurotransmitters, glutamate is produced and released by nerve cells in the brain. The released glutamate then travels to nearby nerve cells where it attaches to a receptor on the surface of the cells called the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Memantine blocks this receptor and thereby decreases the effects of glutamate. It is thought that by blocking the NMDA receptor and the effects of glutamate, memantine may protect nerve cells from excess stimulation by […]
It is still unclear exactly what causes Alzheimer’s disease, which is a neurodegenerative condition chiefly characterized by memory loss and other forms of cognitive impairment. However, new research is uncovering more of the factors that contribute to its pathology. According to a new study, a blood protein leaked into the brain contributes to cognitive decline. According to existing guidelines, the main mechanism associated with cognitive problems in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease is the formation of beta-amyloid plaques. These are buildups of toxic proteins that disrupt the normal functioning of synapses. Synapses are the connections formed between brain cells that allow information to circulate within and to and from the brain. However, in a new study from the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco, CA, a team of researchers has identified another mechanism that affects how synapses work, contributing to Alzheimer’s pathology. The researchers began by investigating problems that appear in the blood vessel network in the brain, which is another biological characteristic of this form of dementia. Senior investigator Prof. Katerina Akassoglou and her team have for the first time identified a blood-derived protein that leaks into the brain disrupting cell-to-cell communication. The findings, which appear in the […]
Scientists have identified gene variants that appear able to alter the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by changing levels of a protein that is present in cerebrospinal fluid. A new study focuses on the variants of a single gene and their role in promoting Alzheimer’s. In a recent Science Translational Medicine paper, the international team describes how variants in the MS4A4A gene influence the risk of both early and late onset Alzheimer’s disease. The gene variants alter levels of a protein called TREM2, which helps the brain to clear away excess amyloid and tau. Toxic buildup of excess amyloid and tau proteins in the brain are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a disease that impairs communications in the brain as it damages nerve cells, or neurons, and the connections between them. As the disease progresses, more and more neurons stop working and die. “The findings point to a new therapeutic strategy,” says co-senior study author of the latest study Carlos Cruchaga, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and director of the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Group at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. Changes in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease begins in parts of the brain that […]
Recent research adds to a growing body of knowledge that links hearing loss with cognitive decline, which is a hallmark of dementia and often precedes the disease. Research suggests a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. After analyzing 8 years of data from a health study of more than 10,000 men, scientists at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, MA, found that hearing loss is tied to an appreciably higher risk of subjective cognitive decline. In addition, the analysis revealed that the size of the risk went up in line with the severity of hearing loss. The risk of subjective cognitive decline was 30 percent higher among men with mild hearing loss, compared with those with no hearing loss. For men with moderate or severe hearing loss, the risk of subjective cognitive decline was between 42 and 54 percent higher. Subjective cognitive decline refers to changes in memory and thinking that people notice in themselves. Such changes can be an early indication of cognitive decline that objective performance tests do not pick up on. “Our findings,” says lead study author Dr. Sharon Curhan, who works as a physician and epidemiologist, “show that hearing loss […]
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
What brand names are available for ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)-oral? Fossil Tree, Kew Tree, Silver Apricot Is ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)-oral available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)-oral? No What are the uses for ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)-oral? Ginkgo biloba is used for memory improvement, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), sexual dysfunction, premenstrual syndrome, dizziness, headache, glaucoma, diabetic eye problems, and vertigo. What are the side effects of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)-oral? Side effects of gingko biloba are Possible serious side effects of gingko biloba include: bleeding in the eye or brain, severe bleeding after surgery, severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, seizures (eating fresh gingko seeds), and death (eating fresh gingko seeds). What is the dosage for ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)-oral? Dosing may vary with the preparation (capsules, gels, extracts). Read manufacturer’s directions before using this product. Dementia: Take 120 – 240 mg per day in divided doses, 2 to 3 times a day. Vertigo and tinnitusTake 120 – 160 mg per day in divided doses, 2 to 3 times a day. Sexual dysfunctionTake 60 – 240 mg by mouth twice a day. Premenstrual symptoms Take 80 mg by […]
What brand names are available for rivastigmine? Exelon, Exelon Patch Is rivastigmine available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for rivastigmine? Yes What are the uses for rivastigmine? What are the side effects of rivastigmine? The most common side effects Exelon and Exelon Patch are: Dizziness Diarrhea Headache Stomach pain Vomiting Nausea Weight loss About one-half of patients who take Exelon and Exelon Patch develop symptoms of nausea, and about one-third vomit at least once, most commonly during the first few weeks of treatment as the dose is slowly increased. Between one in five and one in four patients lose weight during rivastigmine therapy (about 7 to 10 pounds, on average). One in six patients experiences a loss of appetite. About one in fifty patients develops dizziness. Overall, 15% of patients (between one in seven and one in six) discontinue therapy due to side effects. Serious side effects include: What is the dosage for rivastigmine? Exelon and Exelon Patch usually is taken twice daily with meals. Due to gastrointestinal side effects that can be seen early in therapy, rivastigmine therapy is generally started at a low dose. Exelon and Exelon Patch for treating dementia […]
The first large-scale cohort study of its kind looked at the link between waist circumference in later life and the risk of dementia in a population of older Asian adults. Share on PinterestCould waist size predict dementia risk in older adults? Physicians, healthcare professionals, and medical researchers tend to use body mass index (BMI) to determine if a person’s weight is too high, too low, or “normal.” Despite its widespread use, BMI has its flaws — and one flaw is the fact that it does not discern between fat (adipose tissue) and muscle content (lean tissue). For this reason, some scientists have suggested that waist-to-height ratio or waist circumference measurements may be more accurate indicators of a person’s healthy weight. When it comes to older age, however, is there any link between waist circumference and cognitive health? One 2019 study that Medical News Today reported on, for example, found a link between carrying excess weight around the stomach and experiencing brain atrophy, or brain shrinkage. Another large study, this time from 2018, found correlations between belly fat and poorer cognitive function. However, some of these studies looked at BMI or waist-to-hip ratio. Others have found that a higher BMI raises […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Jan. 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Poor sleep has been linked to the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and now a new study suggests a possible reason why. A small group of young, healthy men deprived of just one night of sleep had higher blood levels of tau protein than when they had a full and uninterrupted night of rest, researchers reported in a study published online Jan. 8 in Neurology. “This is interesting as accumulation of the protein tau is seen in the brains of individuals afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease, or most common forms of dementia,” said senior study author Dr. Jonathan Cedernaes, a senior researcher at Uppsala University in Sweden. The researchers did not find any similar increase in amyloid beta, another brain protein long linked to Alzheimer’s, the Swedish researchers said. The new findings come as Alzheimer’s research has started to shift its focus towards tau as a more important cause of brain damage associated with the disease. Another group of researchers recently reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine that they can predict with reasonable accuracy which brain regions will wither and atrophy in Alzheimer’s by identifying […]
It is natural for a person’s memory and thinking abilities, or cognitive function, to wane as they age — even if they are in good health. However, the rate of cognitive decline can speed up if they experience heart attack or angina, according to new research. Cognitive decline may speed up after a heart attack or angina. Studies that have explored the links between circulation problems and cognitive decline have tended to focus on conditions that affect the blood supply to the brain, such as stroke. Few of these earlier studies, however, have looked at the long-term links between incident coronary heart disease (CHD), such as heart attack and angina, and cognitive decline. The recent Journal of the American College of Cardiology study is unique; it tracked cognitive decline both before and after incident CHD. “Incident CHD,” its authors conclude, “is associated with accelerated cognitive decline after, but not before, the event.” They suggest that the findings highlight the long-term relationship between cognitive decline and CHD. Lead and corresponding study author Wuxiang Xie, Ph.D., says that because there is not yet a cure for dementia, it is important to detect and treat the brain condition as early as possible in […]
(HealthDay News) — If a loved one has symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, he or she should visit a doctor for a formal evaluation. Latest Alzheimer’s News It may be easier to control the disease if it’s diagnosed early, the Alzheimer’s Association says. Here is the association’s list of other potential benefits of early diagnosis: Better access to treatment options. Possible participation in a clinical trial. More time to improve health concerns, such as obesity and high blood pressure. More time to spend with family and planning for the future. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
New research identifies changes in the neurochemistry and anatomy of the brain that occur decades before people experience any symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Brain changes may occur decades before people experience Alzheimer’s symptoms, accumulating evidence suggests. The fact that more than 35 million people are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease has led some experts to refer to this condition as a “global epidemic.” According to estimates, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease will double almost every 2 decades. Detecting Alzheimer’s early on makes it easier to plan adequate care and begin therapeutic interventions as early as possible, which may alleviate the symptoms. Researchers believe that Alzheimer’s begins many years before the onset of symptoms. In fact, emerging research has suggested that some Alzheimer’s-related brain mechanisms start at least 10 years before diagnosis. However, it is not yet clear exactly when these changes occur. In a new study, researchers have set out to detect more precise “changepoints” in the evolution of Alzheimer’s biomarkers. Laurent Younes, Ph.D., who is a professor and chair of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, is the lead author of the new paper, which appears in the journal Frontiers in […]
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News MONDAY, Aug. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Seniors, here’s a recipe for preventing dementia: eat well, exercise and don’t smoke. The only catch, according to a new study? If you carry genes that leave you vulnerable to the memory-robbing disease, lifestyle might not be enough. In the study, researchers found that of over 6,300 adults aged 55 and older, those with healthy habits had a lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia over the next 15 years. That was true, at least, for people at low or intermediate risk of dementia because of their genes. Among people who carried high-risk genes, there was no evidence that lifestyle swayed the odds of developing dementia. The findings, published Aug. 26 in the journal Nature Medicine, support a number of past studies suggesting that heart-healthy habits may also protect the brain. But they are at odds with some past research, too: Other studies have suggested that lifestyle choices do, in fact, make a difference for people at high genetic risk for dementia. The reasons for the differing findings are unclear. But the age of the study participants could be a factor, according to lead researcher Dr. […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, July 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Rates of Alzheimer’s disease are higher in women than in men, and researchers now think they know why. A team from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in Nashville, Tenn., has identified gender differences in how the Alzheimer’s-related protein tau spreads in the brain. Research suggests that tau spreads through the brain like an infection, moving from neuron to neuron and turning other proteins into abnormal tangles that result in the death of brain cells. In this study, investigators used data from positron emission tomography (PET) scans of healthy people and patients with mild mental (cognitive) impairment to create a graph analysis of how tau spreads. “It’s kind of like reconstructing a crime scene after a crime. You weren’t there when it happened, but you can determine where an intruder entered a house and what room they entered next,” said lead investigator Sepi Shokouhi, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. “The graph analysis does something similar to show how tau spreads from one region to another,” Shokouhi explained in a center news release. The researchers found that the structure of tau networks is different in men and women, with women […]
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News THURSDAY, Jan. 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — People with dementia show a different makeup in the bacteria dwelling in their guts, a preliminary study finds — raising questions about whether the “bugs” play some role in the brain disease. Researchers in Japan found that compared with dementia-free older adults, those with the disease typically had a very different gut “microbiome.” The term refers to the trillions of bacteria and other microbes dwelling in the digestive system. As recent studies have been revealing, those gut bugs do more than aid digestion. They appear to affect a range of bodily functions, from immune defenses to the production of vitamins, anti-inflammatory compounds and even chemicals that relay messages among brain cells. Researchers have also found that the makeup of the gut microbiome is linked to risks for various conditions, such as obesity, asthma and type 1 diabetes. Those studies do not prove that gut bacteria directly contribute to, or protect against, those diseases, however. And neither does the new study, experts stressed. The study found only that a group of dementia patients had different gut microbes from dementia-free adults, said Mary Sano, director of the Alzheimer’s […]
Experts have already concluded that exercise can help people with Parkinson’s disease improve their motor symptoms, but what is its effect on the cognitive symptoms of this condition? Besides boosting motor function, exercise could improve memory in people with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that usually stands out for the motor symptoms that it causes, which include tremors, rigidity in the limbs, impaired balance, and a lack of control over movements. However, this condition also has numerous other symptoms that can leave their mark on a person’s quality of life. Cognitive symptoms, in particular, have been worrying researchers interested in the pathology of Parkinson’s disease. People with this condition experience cognitive impairment, which can worsen in time and eventually evolve into Alzheimer’s disease. When it comes to managing Parkinson’s, doctors often advise their patients to take up an exercise regime, since physical activity demonstrably helps improve motor symptoms. The Parkinson’s Foundation call exercise routines “a vital component” of efforts to maintain the quality of life following diagnosis. But how does physical activity affect other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, particularly cognitive ones? This is the question that a team of researchers from the German Sport University, in Cologne, […]
Memory can deteriorate naturally, due to age, and even when this process is not related to neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, it can still affect a person’s quality of life. Now, researchers from Boston University in Massachusetts are exploring ways of fighting age-related memory decline. By resynchronizing brain waves, we could reverse some age-related memory problems. “Working memory […] is a fundamental building block of human cognition,” explains Robert Reinhart, Ph.D., the director of the university’s Visual Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory. “It’s been called, classically, the ‘workbench of the mind’ or the ‘sketchpad of the mind.’ It allows us to hold information in our minds over a period of seconds,” he continues. Essentially, this is the type of memory that allows a person to make spontaneous calculations and assessments, and navigate daily life situations. But working memory also starts to naturally decline with age, which means that, as a person grows older, they may find it more difficult to perform some tasks, such as keeping track of their finances. “Working memory […] is where we think, where we problem-solve, where we reason, plan, perform mathematical calculations, make decisions. It’s essentially where consciousness lives.” Robert Reinhart, Ph.D. For this reason, Reinhart and […]
By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, June 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Being yelled at or insulted is never easy. But it’s a situation faced by about one-quarter of U.S. home health care workers, a new study finds. Certain environments, such as caring for someone with dementia or working in a very cramped space, were linked to a higher risk of verbal abuse from patients or their kin. “Our study found that aides frequently experience verbal abuse from the clients and their families,” said the study’s senior author, Margaret Quinn. She’s director of the Safe Home Care Project at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. “There is increasing scientific evidence that verbal abuse, as well as physical abuse, can have harmful, long-term impacts on employees’ health, such as depression and burnout, and on the stability of the workforce, such as high turnover, which is costly for employers and hard on those receiving care when an aide they’ve developed a relationship with does not return,” she said. Despite this study’s findings, Quinn said most home care aides report a high level of job satisfaction and get great reward from helping people age in place in their homes with dignity. Addressing […]
As scientists delve deeper into the nature of Parkinson’s, the more it appears that it is highly varied, suggesting numerous subtypes. A new review proposes that Parkinson’s falls into one of two main categories, depending on whether it originates in the central nervous system (CNS) or the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Share on PinterestNew research redefines Parkinson’s disease. In a recent Journal of Parkinson’s Disease paper, scientists from Denmark argue how results from imaging and tissue studies fit with a theory of Parkinson’s that divides the condition “into a PNS-first and a CNS-first subtype.” Parkinson’s disease principally destroys dopamine cells in the brain’s substantia nigra area. This is the part that controls movement. This damage gives rise to the most common symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, and balance difficulties. Parkinson’s disease may also cause emotional changes, depression, constipation, sleep disruption, and urinary problems. The pattern of symptoms and their rate of progression can vary widely among individuals. A distinguishing feature of Parkinson’s, however, is the accumulation and spread of toxic clumps of alpha-synuclein protein called Lewy bodies. These clumps are also hallmarks of dementia with Lewy bodies. Debating the origins of Parkinson’s Some scientists have proposed that the toxic alpha-synuclein forms […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Are some tests designed to measure memory declines missing signs of trouble in women? New research suggests that might be the case. More women than men were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) when sex-specific scores were used on memory tests, researchers report. They explained that women generally score higher on verbal memory tests than men, even when they have the same levels of brain changes. Therefore, memory scores based on gender, rather than averages for both men and women, may be more revealing for women with possible brain issues. People with MCI have problems with memory and thinking skills, and the condition is a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. “If women are inaccurately identified as having no problems with memory and thinking skills when they actually have mild cognitive impairment, then treatments are not being started and they and their families are not planning ahead for their care or their financial or legal situations,” said study author Erin Sundermann, from the University of California, San Diego. “And for men who are inaccurately diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, they can be exposed to unneeded medications, along […]
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
Latest Alzheimer’s News MONDAY, Nov. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Most people with Down syndrome have dementia by age 55, a new study shows. People with Down syndrome are born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, which often results in developmental disabilities. Surviving to middle age used to be rare, with many dying young due to heart problems associated with the syndrome, the researchers noted. While treatment advances now enable people with Down syndrome to live longer, healthier lives, they’re at increased risk for dementia. And they are likely to be diagnosed at younger ages than other people. The researchers said that by age 40, the brains of nearly all adults with Down syndrome have signs of dementia, according to autopsies. In this study, University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers analyzed Medicaid claims data on 3,000 people with Down syndrome, aged 21 and older, in Wisconsin. The results showed that 3 in 5 people with Down syndrome will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia by age 55. In comparison, people without Down syndrome are rarely diagnosed with dementia before age 65. “We found [among claims data] that if you started without dementia, as time goes on, your […]
New research has shown that impaired insulin signaling in the brain, often a feature of diabetes, may negatively impact cognition, mood, and metabolism — all of which are common aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. A new study examines the links between Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Although the conditions are seemingly independent of each other, earlier studies have found that people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. However, the mechanisms behind this relationship have remained hidden. A recent study investigated the impact of blocking insulin receptors and insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) receptors in mouse models. The work was carried out at the Joslin Diabetes Center, affiliated with Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. The results reveal that interrupting these similar pathways impaired both learning and memory. The researchers published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Insulin receptors and learning The researchers worked with both the hippocampus and the central amygdala, areas of the brain that help with cognition function, as well as metabolic control. They looked into how mice with disabled insulin and IGF1 receptors tackled mazes, and the results were revealing. First, the researchers allowed the mice to explore the maze to […]
Scientists have uncovered a mechanism through which a toxic brain protein that is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease can damage neurons, or brain cells. New research uncovers the mechanism that leads to the progressive loss of brain cells that characterizes Alzheimer’s disease. The team at the Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences in France that made the discovery also suggests a potential way to disarm the mechanism during the early stages of the disease. The study concerns the functioning of dendritic spines, which are the tiny structures in the branching parts of brain cells that receive signals from other brain cells. It appears that beta-amyloid, a toxic protein that builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease, triggers a mechanism that disrupts the functioning of dendritic spines. The mechanism disables a protein called cofilin 1, and the activity of this protein is crucial for the healthy functioning of dendritic spines. The Journal of Neuroscience has recently published a study paper on the research. It describes how the team used brain tissue samples from mouse models and people with Alzheimer’s disease to arrive at their findings. A key finding was that exposure to beta-amyloid peptides, which are the building blocks of […]
There is no doubt that smoking damages health and increases the risk of many diseases and premature death. However, a study that followed hundreds of older adults for more than 10 years found no link between tobacco smoking and raised dementia risk. A new study suggests there is no causal link between smoking and the risk of developing dementia. Dementia is the general name for conditions that diminish the capacity to think, remember, reason, and interact with others. These symptoms can progress to the point that people are no longer able to carry out their daily activities and take care of themselves. The recent finding contradicts many earlier studies that have tied smoking to higher risk of dementia. This could be because, for the new investigation, researchers from the University of Kentucky in Lexington analyzed the data in a different way. They used a statistical method called “competing risk analysis” to allow for the strong effect that smoking has on risk of death. In a paper that now features in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, first study author Erin L. Abner Ph.D., an associate professor in the university’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, and her colleagues describe their approach and findings. […]
For years, many experts have assumed that spending more time in education protects against dementia. The latest study may overturn this long-held theory. A new study examines the links between education and dementia risk over time. It will have escaped no one’s attention that dementia is on the rise. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 5.7 million adults in the United States have Alzheimer’s. Primarily due to our increasing lifespan, dementia incidence is set to keep rising. Currently, there is no cure, and treatments can only reduce certain symptoms. For this reason, it is vital that we understand the relevant risk factors and discover ways to prevent or slow down dementia. Some risk factors are well-known, such as smoking and lack of physical activity. Well-known protective factors include sticking to a healthful diet. Education and cognitive reserve Many experts think that the length of time someone spends in education helps protect against dementia. Although studies have generated conflicting or inconclusive results, many researchers believe that higher levels of educational attainment provide an individual with a certain “cognitive reserve.” Scientists believe that this hypothetical reserve lowers the risk or, at the very […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News MONDAY, Nov. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Air pollution may trigger Alzheimer’s-like brain changes and speed memory decline in older adults, a new study suggests. Previous research has implied that exposure to fine particle air pollution increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, but it wasn’t clear how this type of pollution affects the brain and memory. “This is the first study to really show, in a statistical model, that air pollution was associated with changes in people’s brains and that those changes were then connected with declines in memory performance,” said researcher Andrew Petkus. He’s an assistant professor of clinical neurology at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. “Our hope is that by better understanding the underlying brain changes caused by air pollution, researchers will be able to develop interventions to help people with or at risk for cognitive decline,” Petkus explained in a university news release. The study included nearly 1,000 women, aged 73 to 87, who had brain scans five years apart. The researchers also assessed information about where the women lived and environmental data from those locations to estimate the women’s exposure to fine particle pollution. […]
A drug that scientists are currently developing to treat stroke survivors might also help stave off Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are trialing a new treatment that may help people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.7 million people in the United States are living with the condition. Current medications can only relieve some symptoms of the disease, and there is not yet any way to halt its progression. The neurodegeneration that occurs in people with Alzheimer’s results from the buildup of a protein called beta-amyloid in the brain. Beta-amyloid is present in the healthy brain, but incorrectly folded proteins can accumulate to form amyloid plaques. These plaques reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to the breakdown of brain cells. Over the years, researchers have investigated many pharmacological routes to tackle these plaques, but, to date, none have led to the development of effective drugs. Recently, researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles explored an innovative new compound that the scientific community is already scrutinizing. Introducing 3K3A-APC 3K3A-APC is a modified version of activated C protein, which is a blood-based protein that protects brain cells […]
There are two major stumbling blocks to developing effective drugs for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other diseases that destroy the brain. The first is overcoming the blood-brain barrier, and the second is delivering the drug to a precise location and ensuring that it does not spread to the rest of the brain. New research finds a way to target more precise locations in brains with Parkinson’s. Now, a new approach that uses ultrasound beams and microbubbles could be a noninvasive way to deliver drugs safely to precise locations in the brain. The technique is called focused ultrasound (FUS) and promises to open the door to thousands of drugs that could treat a range of brain conditions if they could cross the blood-brain barrier. The scientists at Columbia University in the city of New York who developed the FUS device have now shown that it helped to curb early Parkinson’s disease progression and improve brain function in mice. They describe the results in a recent Journal of Controlled Release study paper. The FUS technique temporarily opens the blood-brain barrier in a specific part of the brain to allow drugs to reach just that part. Opening the blood-brain barrier The blood-brain barrier is […]
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News MONDAY, June 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Treatment with blood pressure medication can improve blood flow to a key brain region in people with Alzheimer’s disease, a small clinical trial has found. Researchers stressed that they do not know whether the brain finding can translate into any benefits for patients. But future studies should look into that possibility, they said. The findings, published June 17 in the journal Hypertension, come from a trial of 44 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. They were randomly assigned to take either the blood pressure drug nilvadipine or inactive placebo pills for six months. In the end, patients on the drug showed a 20% increase in blood flow to the hippocampus — a brain structure involved in memory and learning that is one of the first areas damaged by Alzheimer’s. Experts said the study was too small and short-term to know whether the improved blood flow could have any effect on symptoms. But future research should try to answer that question and should focus on people with early Alzheimer’s, said Dr. Jurgen Claassen, the study’s lead author. The research is part of a larger trial that looked […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News MONDAY, Sept. 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Many older people show evidence of mental decline, called mild cognitive impairment, but doctors often miss this sometimes early sign of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. To help doctors get a better handle on their patients’ mental state, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is urging physicians to assess patients aged 65 and older at least once a year. The academy recommends that doctors use a mathematical tool that helps quantify their patients’ memory and thinking skills. “Since thinking skills are the most sensitive indicator of brain function and they can be tested cost-effectively, this creates an enormous opportunity to improve neurologic care,” study author Dr. Norman Foster, of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, said in an AAN news release. Around the world, nearly 7% of people in their early 60s suffer from mild cognitive impairment, as do 38% of those aged 85 and older, according to the AAN. Using the new metric can alert doctors so that optimal care can be provided. Although there is no cure for mild cognitive impairment, its presence can help doctors keep watch should the patient progress to dementia. “We cannot expect […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News FRIDAY, June 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) — People with Alzheimer’s disease who take opioid painkillers are more likely to develop pneumonia, Finnish researchers report. The overall odds are 30% higher, especially in the first two months of use, the researchers found. And the risk is highest for those taking strong opioids such as oxycodone or fentanyl. However, pneumonia risk also rose among Alzheimer’s patients who took milder opioids, according to the team from the University of Eastern Finland. Why might this be? Aleksi Hamina, a researcher in the university’s School of Pharmacy, and colleagues explained that opioids can impair the cough reflex, interfere with normal respiratory function, and cause sleepiness and fatigue. All of these factors could increase pneumonia risk, the study authors said. For their study, the investigators analyzed data collected in 2010 and 2011 from more than 5,600 Alzheimer’s patients in Finland. Patients who used opioids were matched with Alzheimer’s patients who were not prescribed the drugs. The findings were published recently in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. It is often difficult to assess pain among Alzheimer’s patients due to problems with communication, the researchers explained in a university news release. So if opioid painkillers […]
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you were good with words and puzzles at age 8, you’re likely to fare well on tests of mental acuity at age 70, too. That’s among the findings of a new study that followed the thinking abilities of a group of Britons born in the 1940s. Researchers found that their performance on standard cognitive tests at age 8 predicted their performance around age 70. People who scored in the top quarter as kids were likely to remain in that bracket later in life. “Cognition” refers to our ability to pay attention, process information, commit things to memory, to reason and to solve problems. And it’s no surprise, experts said, that there is a correlation between childhood and adulthood skills. However, no one is saying that your brain-health destiny is set in childhood, according to senior researcher Dr. Jonathan Schott, a professor of neurology at University College London. In this study, for example, education also mattered. Older adults who’d gone further in their formal education tended to score higher, regardless of their test performance as children. A number of past studies have linked higher education levels […]
A new study finds that hearing devices benefit older adults in multiple ways, from physical safety to brain health. A recent study investigates the wide ranging impacts of wearing hearing aids. Almost 1 in 4 people in the United States aged 65–74 have disabling hearing loss. In people over 75, the figure is 1 in 2. Nonetheless, many people who would benefit from wearing a hearing aid do not wear them. Experts have linked hearing loss to an increased likelihood of dementia, depression and anxiety, walking problems, and falling. Now, a study in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society finds that using a hearing device makes these problems significantly less likely to occur. Study lead Elham Mahmoudi, Ph.D., from the University of Michigan, explains: “We already know that people with hearing loss have more adverse health events and more co-existing conditions, but this study allows us to see the effects of an intervention and look for associations between hearing aids and health outcomes.” She continues, “Though hearing aids can’t be said to prevent these conditions, a delay in the onset of dementia, depression and anxiety, and the risk of serious falls could be significant both for the patient and for […]
The symptoms of frontotemporal, or early onset, dementia can appear as early as age 40. Have researchers found a new way to treat this condition using antibiotics? Frontotemporal dementia, or frontotemporal lobar dementia, is an umbrella term that refers to a range of early onset dementias characterized by the progressive atrophying of the brain’s frontal lobes, temporal lobes, or both. The main symptoms in this form of dementia are cognitive function impairments and personality and behavioral changes. These can appear as early as age 40. Researchers explain that frontotemporal dementia is usually heritable, and they tie most cases to specific DNA mutations. Now, scientists at the University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine in Lexington — in collaboration with colleagues from other research institutions — have studied the mutated genes associated with frontotemporal dementia. They wanted to determine whether or not anything can prevent these genes from triggering the condition. In their new study, the findings of which appear in the journal Human Molecular Genetics, the researchers focused on one specific gene mutation. Fighting a key mutation with antibiotics? The study authors explain that, among others, a key player in this form of early onset dementia is a mutation in the […]
PET scans that can detect changes in the brain relating to Alzheimer’s disease could improve the diagnosis and medical care of people with dementia and similar symptoms. An innovative type of brain scan may improve care for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other forms of cognitive impairment. Investigators came to this conclusion after analyzing the early results of a study that is examining the clinical impact of a new type of scan called amyloid PET imaging. The study is a nationwide trial involving more than 11,000 people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia symptoms who enrolled at 595 sites across the United States. It is the first investigation of its kind, and all the participants are beneficiaries of Medicare, the U.S. federal health insurance plan. The results of the first phase of the trial, which now feature in a JAMA paper, reveal that providing doctors with amyloid PET scan results can affect the medical management of people with dementia symptoms. In almost two-thirds of cases, doctors changed their minds about medications, counseling, and other medical decisions after seeing the amyloid PET imaging results. Also, in more than a third of cases, doctors altered their diagnosis of the cause […]
New research finds that eye tracking tests can accurately detect people who have a form of mild cognitive impairment that predisposes them to Alzheimer’s disease. The direction of a person’s gaze can be a telltale sign of cognitive impairment. Alzheimer’s disease often evolves from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) — a small decline in memory and reasoning that is not serious enough to interfere with daily activities, but that is noticeable to the person who develops the condition. In fact, according to some studies, 46% of people with an MCI diagnosis go on to develop dementia within 3 years. By comparison, only 3% of adults of the same age experience Alzheimer’s in the same time span. However, MCI does not always develop into full blown dementia. It often remains stable and sometimes the symptoms disappear completely with the person reverting to a normal, healthy cognition. Experts have divided MCI into two forms: amnesic (aMCI) and nonamnesic (naMCI). The former describes impairment that predominantly affects memory, whereas the latter affects other cognitive skills. Having aMCI raises the risk of Alzheimer’s significantly more than naMCI. Detecting Alzheimer’s as early as possible improves a person’s brain health and may reduce their symptoms, especially if […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, Jan. 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The polar vortex that has enveloped much of the United States this week poses a special danger to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. “This type of weather can be hazardous for everyone, but even more so for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, who may have difficulty noticing temperature and weather changes or knowing who to call for help,” said Charles Fuschillo Jr., CEO and president of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “A few easy steps can go a long way to help family caregivers keep their loved one with Alzheimer’s disease safe,” he added in a foundation news release. It’s important for family members and caregivers to know the signs of hypothermia. Be alert for shivering, exhaustion, sleepiness, slurred speech, memory loss and clumsy motor skills, the foundation advised. Caution is needed when using electric space heaters. They can pose a fire risk, especially when used with extension cords or if they get knocked over. For Alzheimer’s or dementia patients, use space heaters that automatically turn off when they reach a set temperature or tip over, the foundation said. Don’t use electric blankets to keep people […]
Two new studies now suggest that a noninvasive eye scan could soon be used to catch Alzheimer’s disease early. A simple eye scan may soon detect Alzheimer’s in a matter of seconds. The world’s population is aging rapidly and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise. For this reason, the need for efficient dementia screening methods that can be applied to millions of people is dire. Current diagnostic practices are either invasive or ineffective. For instance, brain scans are costly, and spinal taps — or lumbar punctures — are invasive and potentially harmful. Specialists currently diagnose Alzheimer’s disease using memory tests and by tracking behavioral changes. However, by the time that the symptoms appear, the disease has already progressed. For these reasons, researchers are hard at work trying to devise newer and better diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s. For instance, some scientists are trying to use a “sniff test” as a way of assessing whether someone has dementia. Now, researchers at Duke University in Durham, NC, say that Alzheimer’s could be diagnosed in seconds just by looking at a person’s eyes, and scientists at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel concur. Two new studies presented at AAO 2018 — […]
Regular exposure to stress can impact our physical and mental health, but how does it actually affect our brains? One new Harvard Medical School study answers that question. According to new research, high levels of stress hormones can impact how well the brain functions. Stress — especially when we experience it on a regular basis — takes a significant toll on our minds and bodies. It can make us feel more irritable and constantly tired, and it impacts our ability to focus. Chronic stress can also interfere with our sleep patterns, appetite, and libido, and it can also exacerbate a range of health conditions. These include diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal problems. One study that Medical News Today covered earlier this year, in fact, saw that even minor levels of distress can increase a person’s risk of chronic disease. What impact does stress have on the brain in physiological and cognitive terms? Researchers from Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, have explored this question and reported their answer in the journal Neurology. The stress hormone affects memory In their study, the researchers worked with participants with an average age of 49 and no diagnosis of dementia. At baseline, the investigators […]
Previous research suggested that hearing loss and abnormalities in the eye are tied to memory loss and a higher Alzheimer’s risk. New evidence now indicates that addressing hearing and sight problems can slow down cognitive decline. Opting for hearing aids and cataract surgery can make a big difference when it comes to slowing down cognitive decline. Existing studies have pointed out that there is a link between the quality of a person’s hearing and their eye health and their exposure to cognitive decline. For instance, one such study covered on Medical News Today suggested that poor hearing may correlate with a poor memory. Another one proposed that we could detect Alzheimer’s disease by looking for tell-tale abnormalities in a person’s eyes. Now, two new papers — each based on studies conducted by the same scientists from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom — look at the evidence indicating that treating hearing loss and eyesight problems can slow down the development of cognitive decline. One of the papers, published in the journal PLOS One, shows that people who have had surgery for cataract — which is condition that can lead to vision loss in the absence of a surgical […]
Research conducted in a Chinese population has found an intriguing link between the consumption of chili peppers and a heightened risk of cognitive decline. Regularly eating a lot of hot peppers may increase a person’s risk of cognitive decline. Many populations around the world add spicy peppers to their local dishes to enhance the taste and make for a more punchy culinary experience. But are spicy peppers healthful, or do they pose any health risks? The spiciest peppers in the world, such as the Carolina Reaper, could cause serious, immediate damage. For example, in 2018, a man from the United States who ate a Carolina Reaper as part of a dare in a hot pepper eating contest ended up in the emergency room with a thunderclap headache. However, most people will not reach for the extreme versions of this hot vegetable. Instead, most cuisines use much milder varieties — some of which are still very spicy — such as jalapeños, cherry peppers, cayenne peppers, Scotch bonnets, and habaneros. Previous research into the potential effects of chili peppers on health has generally had positive findings. A large cohort study from 2017, for instance, found that eating hot red chili peppers was […]
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News FRIDAY, April 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Alzheimer’s and dementia are not an inevitable part of normal aging, and a little exercise might help keep them at bay, a new study suggests. The researchers found that every hour of light exercise on top of recommended weekly levels of more intense activity reduced brain aging by about a year. “This study emphasizes the relationship we are seeing between people doing more light-intensity physical activity and also having maintained brain structures,” said lead researcher Nicole Spartano. She added that the study shows a link but does not prove that physical activity keeps the brain healthy. “We can’t be certain that physical activity is causing people to have a better brain structure,” said Spartano, a research assistant professor at Boston University School of Medicine. Though it’s not clear how much exercise is needed to keep your brain in peak condition, this study suggests that the bar is lower than thought. Spartano’s team suspects a moderate amount of low-intensity activity may do the trick. For the study, Spartano and her colleagues collected data on more than 2,300 men and women, average age 53, who each wore a […]
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, July 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s is the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, but what part those plaques play in the development of the disease isn’t clear. Now researchers have taken the first steps to trace the progression of plaque buildup in living patients. This way of “staging” the disease has implications for research and one day may help doctors treat this debilitating, fatal disease. “It is possible to stage individuals in terms of how advanced their beta-amyloid deposition is, using PET scans,” said lead researcher Dr. Niklas Mattsson, an associate professor of clinical neuroscience at Lund University in Sweden. When beta-amyloid appears, it follows certain stages, he explained. Some brain regions are involved early, others at the intermediate stage, and some in the late stage of Alzheimer’s. “These stages are also associated with other hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, such as levels of tau [another type of protein] in cerebral spinal fluid, cognitive decline and the wasting away of brain cells,” Mattsson added. “This staging system can be used both to improve research and perhaps also in clinical trials, to see if certain drugs […]
New research in the Journal of Biological Chemistry breaks down the process through which tau tangles grow as long as they do. The findings may lead to new therapies that target the formation of tau aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers knew that Alzheimer’s-related tau aggregates consisted of a small number of long tau fibrils. One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease is the so-called tau tangles. Tau is a protein contained within the axons of the nerve cells. More specifically, tau helps form microtubules — essential structures that transport nutrients within nerve cells. In a healthy brain, the tau protein helps these microtubules remain straight and strong. But in Alzheimer’s, tau collapses into aggregates called tangles. When this happens, the microtubules can no longer sustain the transport of nutrients and other essential substances in the nerve cells, which eventually leads to cell death. How toxic and damaging these tau tangles can be, and how far they can spread, depends on their length. However, until now, scientists did not know why some tau tangles are longer than others in Alzheimer’s, or how these aggregates grow so long in the first place. But now, scientists at the Ohio State University in Columbus […]
Alzheimer’s is a relentless disease in which toxic clusters of beta-amyloid protein collect in brain cells. Now, scientists have designed a synthetic peptide, or small protein, that can block beta-amyloid in its early and most harmful stages. New research may have found a way to stop Alzheimer’s-related brain damage in its early stages. The synthetic peptide, which has only 23 amino acids, folds into structures called alpha sheets. The sheets bind to early-stage, small clumps of beta-amyloid and stop them forming larger masses. A team from the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle and other research centers in the United States designed and produced the synthetic peptide and also tested it in cells and animals. The tests showed that alpha sheets of the peptide reduced the toxic impact of beta-amyloid in cultured human brain cells. The sheets also blocked early forms of beta-amyloid in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is shortly to feature a paper about the study. The researchers say that the findings could lead to treatments that clear away toxic beta-amyloid in its early forms. They also see potential for using the peptide as the basis of a test for […]
Scientists have found an inflammation mechanism that appears to play a key role in the formation of the toxic tau proteins that characterize Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases. Share on PinterestNew research finds that inflammation is responsible for the tau protein damage in Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Other forms include vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Estimates from the National Institute of Aging, which is one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), suggest that more than 5.5 million people in the United States have dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. The newly discovered mechanism involves a protein complex called the NLRP3 inflammasome. Previous research had already identified the large molecule’s vital role in triggering inflammatory substances from its location within immune cells in the brain. In the new study, researchers from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and the University of Bonn, both in Germany, led an international team’s investigation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in Alzheimer’s disease and FTD. They tested postmortem brain samples from people with and without FTD. They also used cultured brain cells and mice with characteristic brain features of Alzheimer’s and FTD. The lead […]
There is no link between statin use and memory impairment, researchers have concluded, after evaluating effects of the cholesterol-lowering drugs over 6 years in more than 1,000 older people in Australia. Share on PinterestNew research reinforces the idea that statins are safe for older adults to use. A team from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), both in Sydney, Australia, led the study. “Over 6 years, there was no difference in the rate of decline in memory or global cognition between statin users and never users,” they write in a recent Journal of the American College of Cardiology paper on the findings. In fact, for certain individuals, statins may even offer some protection against memory decline, they suggest. The results show that, among participants with risk factors for dementia, those who used statins had a slower rate of decline in memory and thinking skills than those who did not use the drugs. The researchers hope that the findings will help to allay fears among consumers who have become concerned following reports of isolated cases of statin users experiencing cognitive decline. “Many factors can contribute to the cognitive symptoms that isolated case reports […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, June 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If someone you know is struggling to keep track of their finances as they age, early dementia might be the culprit. That’s the conclusion of researchers who tested 243 adults, aged 55 to 90, on their financial skills and performed brain scans to assess the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the participants had no mental decline, some had mild memory impairment and some had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Specific financial skills declined with age and at the earliest stages of mild memory impairment, with similar declines in men and women, the study authors said. “There has been a misperception that financial difficulty may occur only in the late stages of dementia, but this can happen early and the changes can be subtle,” said senior study author P. Murali Doraiswamy. He is a professor of psychiatry and geriatrics at Duke University, in Durham, N.C. After accounting for education levels and other factors, the researchers found that the more extensive the amyloid plaques were, the worse a person’s ability to understand and use basic financial concepts or to complete financial tasks, such as calculating […]
An artificial intelligence tool taught to analyze brain scans can accurately predict Alzheimer’s disease several years before a final diagnosis. Researchers used PET scans to train a deep learning algorithm to predict signs of Alzheimer’s. The team responsible suggests that, after further validation, the tool could greatly assist the early detection of Alzheimer’s, giving treatments time to slow the disease more effectively. The researchers, from the University of California in San Francisco, used positron-emission tomography (PET) images of 1,002 people’s brains to train the deep learning algorithm. They used 90 percent of the images to teach the algorithm how to spot features of Alzheimer’s disease and the remaining 10 percent to verify its performance. They then tested the algorithm on PET images of the brains of another 40 people. From these, the algorithm accurately predicted which individuals would receive a final diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. On average, the diagnosis came more than 6 years after the scans. In a paper on the findings, which the Radiology journal has recently published, the team describes how the algorithm “achieved 82 percent specificity at 100 percent sensitivity, an average of 75.8 months prior to the final diagnosis.” “We were very pleased,” says co-author Dr. […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, July 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Even mild anemia — low levels of hemoglobin in the blood — may raise a person’s odds for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, a new study finds. The same Dutch research also found a correlation between heightened dementia risk and high blood levels of hemoglobin. “With around 10% of people over age 65 having anemia in the Americas and Europe, and up to 45% in African and southeast Asian countries, these results could have important implications for the burden of dementia,” noted study lead author M. Arfan Ikram, of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen. The new study included more than 12,000 people averaging 65 years of age. None of the participants had dementia at the beginning of the research. Hemoglobin levels were measured at the start of the study and 6% of the participants were found to have anemia. The participants’ health was then tracked for an average of 12 years. During that time, 1,520 developed dementia, including 1,194 who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the report published online July 31 in Neurology. […]
New research examines the associations between migraine and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as related forms of dementia. The study finds that migraine is “a significant risk factor” for Alzheimer’s and all‐cause dementia. Could a history of migraine increase dementia risk? New research suggests so. According to the American Migraine Association, about 36 million people of all ages in the United States regularly experience migraine. That is about 12% of the population. Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia were affecting 5 million U.S. adults in 2014, according to official estimates, and the figures are only expected to increase. While dementia is the most prevalent neurological condition in older adults, headaches are the most prevalent neurological condition across all ages, and migraine headaches are the most severe form. So, new research set out to investigate whether migraine is a risk factor for dementia. Identifying what raises the risk of dementia may enable more timely treatment interventions. Detecting dementia early on and starting treatment as soon as possible can improve the effectiveness of therapies and empower people with the condition and their families to make the right decisions at the right time. Suzanne L. Tyas, Ph.D., of the University of Waterloo, in […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Former professional soccer players have a significantly increased risk of death from brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, a new study finds. Former soccer players were about 3.5 times more likely to die of neurodegenerative diseases than people in the general population, according to a study in Scotland. “This analysis revealed that risk ranged from a fivefold increase in Alzheimer’s disease, through an approximately fourfold increase in motor neuron disease, to a twofold in Parkinson’s disease in former professional [soccer players] compared to population controls,” said study leader Dr. Willie Stewart. Stewart is a consultant neuropathologist and honorary clinical associate professor at the University of Glasgow. Prior studies of contact sports athletes, particularly National Football League (NFL) players in the United States, have tied repeated head blows to another degenerative brain disorder called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Deceased Hall of Famers Frank Gifford and Junior Seau were among the NFL players who developed CTE. In one study at Boston University, risk of CTE was linked to length of time playing tackle football. “While we don’t yet know absolute risk of developing CTE among football players, this study found that […]
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Alzheimer’s News TUESDAY, April 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Elderly adults commonly have memory and thinking problems that look a lot like Alzheimer’s disease, but they might really be suffering from a different form of dementia. That’s according to an international panel of experts who are giving the disease a name for the first time, and detailing what’s known about it so far. Writing in the April 30 issue of the journal Brain, they dub the condition limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy — with the more memorable acronym, LATE. LATE mainly affects people older than 80, the experts explained. And it may account for about 17% of all cases of dementia. That fairly high prevalence helps explain a puzzling phenomenon, according to Dr. Peter Nelson, a professor at the University of Kentucky, who co-authored the report. Some people who die with what appears to be Alzheimer’s do not show telltale signs of the disease when their brains are autopsied — namely, abnormal protein clumps known as plaques and tangles. That means their dementia symptoms did not arise from Alzheimer’s. “This is part of a growing understanding that not all dementias are the same,” Nelson said. As […]
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
New research in mice suggests that adopting a diet rich in extra virgin olive oil can prevent the toxic accumulation of the protein tau, which is a hallmark of multiple types of dementia. Share on PinterestExtra virgin olive oil ‘has many benefits for health.’ Due to its monounsaturated fatty acids, or “good” fats, extra virgin olive oil is known for its ability to lower the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. Recently, however, several studies have suggested that extra virgin olive oil also has neuroprotective and cognitive benefits. For instance, a 2012 study in mice found that the oil improves rodents’ learning and performance in memory tests. The presumed reason for these findings is that extra virgin olive oil is rich in polyphenols. These are powerful antioxidant compounds that may reverse disease- or aging-related learning and memory impairment. A couple of years ago, a study that Medical News Today reported on found that extra virgin olive oil reduced early neurological signs of Alzheimer’s disease in mice. The extra virgin olive oil intervention improved autophagy — that is, brain cells’ ability to eliminate toxic waste — and helped maintain the integrity of the rodents’ synapses, which are the connections between […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News TUESDAY, Nov. 12, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — Omega-3 fatty acids have drawn attention for their potential to keep people’s thinking sharp as they age, and new research appears to support that notion for some heart patients. The study found taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements was associated with better brain function in people with coronary artery disease, which increases risk for dementia. The study included 250 people with coronary artery disease. For 30 months, half took omega-3 supplements; the other half served as a control group. The group taking the supplements had better coordination, reaction speed, memory and recall at one year and at 30 months, compared to the control group. “Other researchers have looked at omega-3 fatty acids in people who already have cognitive impairment or dementia,” said Dr. Francine Welty, a cardiologist at Harvard Medical School in Boston and one of the study’s investigators. “But the people we looked at were cognitively healthy, and we found there may be a benefit from omega-3 fatty acids before cognitive decline begins.” Welty’s colleague, Dr. Bhavya Vemuri, will present the preliminary findings Saturday at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia. Omega-3 fatty acids help build […]
close
The information contained within this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Members contribute personal experiences by sharing what did or didn’t work to address their concern and help educate others which may expedite recovery. As such, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
Recent Comments