Dementia News and Research

Latest Dementia News and Research

Metabolic syndrome associated with cognitive decline in elderly persons

Elderly individuals with the metabolic syndrome, a grouping of several common conditions including abdominal obesity, low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the “good cholesterol”), hypertension, and high triglyceride and blood sugar levels, are more likely to experience cognitive impairment than those without this syndrome, according to a study in the November 10 issue of JAMA.

10 Nov 2004

Expert panel see hope for stem cell use as diabetes cure

A report from a medical panel of academic and community-based endocrinologists and transplant surgeons acknowledged that a recent study supports the use of stem cells as a future cure for type I diabetes.

1 Nov 2004

New evidence to explain why mental function becomes less efficient with ageing

Dementia and milder forms of loss of mental ability affects millions of older people every year, but the causes are unclear. Previous research using brain scanning has shown that brain shrinkage and changes in the brain's white matter 'wiring', are associated with mental function slowing down in old age.

29 Oct 2004

Test used to diagnose B12 deficiency may be inadequate

A test that generally is used to measure the amount of vitamin B12 in the body is not sensitive enough to detect a deficiency of the vitamin, which has been linked to several neurological conditions, according to Saint Louis University research.

28 Oct 2004

New insights into hormone therapy show when estrogen best aids brain

New hormone therapy studies demonstrate estrogen's ability to directly stimulate neurons, repair damaged neurons, and stimulate support cells—most of which can alleviate some of the cognitive decline associated with menopause.

28 Oct 2004

Study suggests safer immunization approach to Alzheimer's

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have had preliminary success with a method of immunization intended to dissolve the plaques in brain tissue that are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

28 Oct 2004

Drinking regular cuppas could help improve your memory

Results of laboratory tests by a team from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne found that green and black tea inhibit the activity of certain enzymes in the brain which are associated with memory.

25 Oct 2004

Neuroimaging initiative to track early signs of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers are looking for ways to spot early warning signs in the brain of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

22 Oct 2004

The aging American population means that more people are at risk for stroke

A leading stroke researcher says the aging of the American population means that more people are at risk for stroke, and unless new approaches are developed to reduce stroke incidence, it will surpass heart attacks and cancer as the major cause of long-term disability and premature death.

22 Oct 2004

Possible link between elevated calcium levels in older neurons and aging-related disorders of the brain

Brain cells become increasingly unable to regulate calcium loads as they age, becoming more vulnerable to injury and premature death, according to new findings that Virginia Commonwealth University researchers will present at an international conference this month.

20 Oct 2004

Geriatricians call for creative and wide-reaching solutions to end-of-life care for patients with dementia

Three University of Chicago geriatricians are calling for creative and wide-reaching solutions to the problem of sub-optimal end-of-life care for patients with dementia.

14 Oct 2004

New online resource helps people diagnosed with depression

People diagnosed with depression can now find out more about the condition by listening to the experiences of others, thanks to a new online resource launched on Friday 8 October by the Database of Individual Patient Experiences (DIPEx).

12 Oct 2004

Carers of dementing family members can exacerbate the dementing patient’s problematic behaviour

During her doctoral research, De Vugt identified three strategies that care-providing family members adopt to approach the dementing patient. The 'supportive strategy', in which the carer adjusts to the patient's level of functioning, is the most effective. Equally a 'caring strategy', in which the carer considers the patient to be more like a child, gives rise to little restlessness in the patient.

11 Oct 2004

Aspirin might well be considered the top utility player in the medicine cabinet

This cheap over-the-counter drug can be used not only for fever, pain and arthritis, but to prevent heart attack, stroke or angina. It also may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Yet aspirin also has side effects worth considering, and its very accessibility may hamper its use.

8 Oct 2004

Detention of a man with autism was a breach of his human rights

The Alzheimer’s Society has welcomed a ruling made by the European Court of Human Rights, that the detention under common law of a man with autism was a breach of his human rights.

6 Oct 2004

One group of drugs that is effective in fighting HIV may also be promoting the death of sensory nerves in the skin

One group of drugs that is effective in fighting HIV may, paradoxically, also be promoting the death of sensory nerves in the skin, according to a study presented October 5, 2004, at the 129th annual meeting of the American Neurological Association in Toronto.

5 Oct 2004

Americans are as afraid of becoming an Alzheimer caregiver as they are of getting the disease

Americans are as afraid of becoming an Alzheimer caregiver as they are of getting the disease itself according to a new Omnibus survey of more than 1,000 adults released today by the Alzheimer’s Association.

5 Oct 2004

Assisted living residents with dementia go undiagnosed and are not adequately treated

Two-thirds of assisted living residents in central Maryland were diagnosed with dementia and more than one-quarter of residents had other psychiatric ailments, such as depression, anxiety disorder or psychosis, according to a Johns Hopkins study.

4 Oct 2004

Scientists embark on a five-year study of the effects of soy isoflavones found in dietary supplements on various body tissues

A multidisciplinary team of scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is embarking on a comprehensive five-year study of the effects of soy isoflavones found in dietary supplements on various body tissues.

29 Sep 2004

FDA to highlight benefits and risks of hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is implementing a nationwide information campaign to raise awareness about the resources available to address questions related to the benefits and risks of hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms.

29 Sep 2004