Dementia News and Research

Latest Dementia News and Research

Alzheimer's could be detected early using a blood test

Researchers from the ARTFL-LEFFTDS Longitudinal Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (ALLFTD) research consortium, have reported that a blood test could soon be an important diagnostic tool in detecting the abnormal proteins deposits in the brain that lead to the progressive and debilitating condition of Alzheimer's disease. The study titled, "Diagnostic value of plasma phosphorylated tau181 in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration," was published in today's issue of the journal Nature Medicine.

2 Mar 2020

New blood test could be deployed in primary care setting for people with memory issues

A blood test that may eventually be done in a doctor's office can swiftly reveal if a patient with memory issues has Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment and can also distinguish both conditions from frontotemporal dementia.

2 Mar 2020

Study reports advance in blood test to detect accumulation of Alzheimer's protein in the brain

Researchers report an advance in the development of a blood test that could help detect pathological Alzheimer's disease in people who are showing signs of dementia.

2 Mar 2020

Potential genetic test for earlier Alzheimer's diagnosis

A new study published in the journal Epigenetics in February 2020 reports that changes in the methylation status of the Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) gene could help diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD) earlier. This study shows for the first time that methylation of this gene is a common feature in AD.

1 Mar 2020

People eating a vegetarian diet rich in nuts, vegetables, soy may have lower risk of stroke

People who eat a vegetarian diet rich in nuts, vegetables and soy may have a lower risk of stroke than people who eat a diet that includes meat and fish, according to a study published in the February 26, 2020, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

28 Feb 2020

Readers and tweeters dive into debate over ‘Medicare for All’

Your criticism about former Vice President Joe Biden’s "Medicare for All" cost estimates is spot-on but leaves out important savings.

28 Feb 2020

Eating less prolongs life

A new study published in the journal Cell in February 2020 reports that eating less is associated with better immunity, reduce inflammation all over the body, and reduced odds of diseases related to old age, as well as increasing the odds of living longer.

27 Feb 2020

Use of hearing aids may delay cognitive decline in older adults

Wearing hearing aids may delay cognitive decline in older adults and improve brain function, according to promising new research.

26 Feb 2020

U.S. medical panel thinks twice about pushing cognitive screening for dementia

A leading group of medical experts on Tuesday declined to endorse cognitive screening for older adults, fueling a debate that has simmered for years.

25 Feb 2020

Expert alert: Dr. Michael Grey leads new study to monitor ex-footballers for dementia signs

Dr. Michael Grey, who leads a project to monitor ex-footballers for early signs of dementia, has welcomed new guidelines that ban children from heading footballs during training.

25 Feb 2020

TMS shows promise in treating broader range of neurological conditions

Transcranial magnetic stimulatio has shown significant efficacy in treating major depressive and obsessive compulsive disorders.

24 Feb 2020

UTHealth Consortium On Aging leads movement to improve health care for older adults

When she asked an elderly patient, who had high blood pressure and diabetes, what was most important to her, Jessica Lee, MD, MS, was surprised by the answer.

20 Feb 2020

Exploring how brain inflammation after stroke can be shaped to support recovery

University of Kentucky College of Medicine researcher Ann Stowe describes her career path as nontraditional. After earning a bachelor's degree in fine arts, Stowe decided to pursue graduate study in biomedical research instead of art history.

19 Feb 2020

Diabetes over-treatment could be more dangerous for elderly find study

Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus affects a large population across the globe. Treatment usually comprises of the use of oral drugs that could reduce the blood sugar and keep the glycosylated hemoglobin levels or HbA1c less than 7 percent.

19 Feb 2020

Increase in out-of-pocket costs associated with lower adherence to neurologic medications

As out-of-pocket costs go up for drugs for the neurologic disorders Alzheimer's disease, peripheral neuropathy and Parkinson's disease, people are less likely to take the drugs as often as their doctors prescribed, according to a study funded by the American Academy of Neurology and published in the February 19, 2020, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

19 Feb 2020

New understanding of neurovascular coupling

A new study published in the journal Nature in February 2020 reports the discovery of a control mechanism in mouse brains, which makes it possible to sensitively regulate the flow of blood to different areas of the brain, to supply enough to more active areas.

19 Feb 2020

Study reveals how cells remove misfolded proteins from tissues

Researchers in Japan have identified a new quality control system that allows cells to remove damaged and potentially toxic proteins from their surroundings.

18 Feb 2020

Dementia prevalence falling but the number of cases will double by 2050

Alzheimer Europe presented a new study at a European Parliament lunch debate in February 2020, which projects a doubling of the number of cases with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by 2050.

18 Feb 2020

Depth perception tests could identify people living with dementia who are at an increased risk of falling

New research has found that special eye tests could help identify which people living with dementia struggle most with judging distances, which is known to increase the risk of falling.

18 Feb 2020

Research suggests new approach to block tau pathology in FTLD, Alzheimer's

The protein β-arrestin-2 increases the accumulation of neurotoxic tau tangles, a cause several forms of dementia, by interfering with removal of excess tau from the brain, a new study by the University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine found.

17 Feb 2020