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Dementia Center
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DEMENTIA - ARTICLES |
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NEW  Bright light helps people with dementia
July 4, 2008
Bright light during the day improves symptoms in patients with dementia. Melatonin at night helps sleep as well. The findings relate to a better synchronization of circadian rhythms.
Beware antipsychotic drugs in dementia
June 20, 2008
People with dementia and their carers should be wary of using antipsychotic drugs to control behavioral problems. For a new study shows that this medication poses a risk of stroke, hospitalization, and death among people with dementia in the community.
Anti-inflammatory drugs cannot ward off Alzheimer's
June 6, 2008
Anti-inflammatory drugs do not protect from Alzheimer's disease. A study shows no improvement in cognitive function when people take naproxen or celecoxib.
Dementia drugs don't deliver the goods
April 25, 2008
The currently approved drugs for treating dementia do not help patients or carers much, according to a new review. Therefore they should not be prescribed as routine and there is an urgent need for new medications to treating this devastating disease.
Ginkgo biloba shows some potential against cognitive decline
March 10, 2008
Ginkgo biloba has long been valued as a supplement to aid memory, but scientific evidence has been limited. A clinical study now hints that it may help ward off cognitive decline, but more research is needed.
Occupational Therapy for Dementia Patients (and Their Caregivers)
June 28, 2007
Occupational therapy, specifically designed to improve an individual patient's daily functioning and reduce the burden on the primary caregiver, has been shown to produce improvement lasting at least 3 months in patients with mild to moderate dementia.
Diagnosing Mild Cognitive Impairment
May 3, 2007
Mild cognitive impairment is a stage midway between normal aging of the brain and Alzheimer's disease. A new type of PET scan has been developed that displays the plaques and tangles of Alzheimer's disease and, to a lesser degree, those seen in mild cognitive impairment.
Can Curry Protect Against Alzheimer's?
January 22, 2007
Blood cells (macrophages) from Alzheimer patients have lost their ability to absorb amyloid-beta protein, which is commonly seen in brain plaques of patients. Addition of curcumin (found in curry) to the test-tube restores this ability...
A New Screening Test for Alzheimer's
December 18, 2006
Researchers from Saint Louis University have developed a new test of mental functioning, called SLUMS, which is more efficient than the well-know Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) in diagnosing mild neurocognitive disorder, or minimal cognitive impairment.
Eating Fish Can Help Prevent Alzheimer's (2)
December 18, 2006
Older people who ate large amounts of fish - an average of 3 servings a week - consumed about 0.18 grams/day of an omega-3 fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid) and halved their risk of developing dementia over a 9-year period.
Eating Fish Can Help Prevent Alzheimer's (1)
December 4, 2006
Older New Yorkers who eat a Mediterranean-type diet have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (about half the risk, in fact). This seems to have a different mechanism of action from the known beneficial effects of the diet on cardiovascular conditions.
The Role of Copper in Mental Decline with Age
September 12, 2006
While too much saturated and trans fats in the diet can accelerate mental decline in aging, too much copper in addition to these 'bad' fats seems to make matters considerably worse. A study showing this is summarized here.
As Stroke Decreases, Dementia Increases
June 5, 2006
Death from stroke has decreased in recent years. However, the occurrence of vascular dementia - the second-most common type after Alzheimer's - has increased in the survivors, according to the study summarized here.
Collaboration in the Care of Alzheimer's Patients
June 5, 2006
Guidelines exist for the optimal management of Alzheimer patients at home, but their effectiveness hasn't been fully studied, until now. A collaborative unit involving the primary care physician, an experienced geriatric nurse, and the caregiver has been shown to provide significantly improved care over 'usual care'.
Beat the Odds of Alzheimer's
April 10, 2006
A new study shows that older people who take medication against blood pressure have a surprising side effect. They appear to have decreased odds of contracting Alzheimer's disease. The association is particularly strong for the potassium-sparing diuretics (water pills), such as spironolactone.
Testosterone for Alzheimer's?
March 13, 2006
Another study has shown that application of testosterone gel to the skin of Alzheimer patients is associated with a beneficial effect - this time, an improvement in quality-of-life scales.
Low Diastolic Pressure and Alzheimer Disease in the Very Old
July 29, 2004
In a 7-year prospective study of over-75-year-olds, investigators have found that a low diastolic pressure is a risk factor for subsequent Alzheimer disease . . .
Brain Pathology in Centenarians
May 19, 2004
Here are some more extracts from Professor Perls' book, "Living to 100". They discuss the significant lack of neuropathology found in many centenarians' brains.
Combination Therapy for Alzheimer Disease
April 8, 2004
The addition of memantine to donepezil in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer disease patients shows clear-cut benefits, compared with placebo, and no severe side effects.
Antioxidants Against Alzheimer's, Redux
March 12, 2004
In a persuasive study, Utah investigators have shown a protective effect of combined vitamin E and vitamin C supplements, when taken together, against the development of Alzheimer disease.
NMDA Inhibitor for Moderately Severe Alzheimer Disease?
April 30, 2003
Cholinesterase inhibitors like tacrine and rivastigmine are effective in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Now there's a report of beneficial drug intervention in severe Alzheimer's, using a new approach - an NMDA inhibitor.
Dementia, Aromatherapy, and Bright-Light Treatment
December 20, 2002
Two 'alternative medicine' treatments have been found in controlled studies to be helpful in the management of severe dementia. And they are without side effects . . .
Excess Calorie Intake a Risk Factor for Alzheimer?
October 25, 2002
Excess caloric and fat intake in healthy older persons seems to be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer disease. But is the risk the same for everyone?
Antioxidants Shown to Reduce Alzheimer's Risk
August 8, 2002
Two JAMA studies add to what scientists know of the link between antioxidants and Alzheimer's risk.
Is BuChE Inhibition as Important As AChE Inhibition for Alzheimer's?
July 26, 2002
Cholinesterase inhibitors have found a definite place in the therapy of Alzheimer's disease. But which cholinesterase is it most important to inhibit -- AChE or BuChE (or both)?
Cholesterol Tied to Cognitive Function in Elderly
May 16, 2002
Serum total cholesterol levels were shown in this study to be correlated with memory skills in the elderly. Are they a 'marker' for Alzheimer disease?
Raised Homocysteine Levels: an Alzheimer Risk Factor
March 27, 2002
A new study reports that seniors with high blood levels of homocysteine, apart from having an increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease, are at greater risk for developing Alzheimer disease.
Alcohol and Dementias -- What To Advise?
March 7, 2002
The possible benefit of alcohol in preventing Alzheimer disease has been mooted, but is still controversial. A more conclusive study, using data from the Rotterdam study, has just been reported in the Lancet. . . . . .
A Healthy Diet Is Linked to Better Cognitive Performance in Seniors
February 25, 2002
An Italian study has shown that a healthy diet is associated with better cognitive performance in the elderly.
NSAIDs and Alzheimer Disease -- What to Advise?
December 19, 2001
The possible benefits of NSAIDs in preventing Alzheimer disease have been a matter of controversy, with some study results pointing in favor, and others against their use. A more conclusive trial from the Netherlands has just been reported in the New England Journal of Medicine...
Cholinesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer Disease
November 28, 2001
Four cholinesterase inhibitors are used for treating Alzheimer disease in the USA today. They all effect a modest improvement in cognition, behavior, and the performance of activities of daily living. At present, they're the best we've got...
Genetics of Alzheimer Disease - Updated
October 5, 2001
Work on the genetics of Alzheimer disease is leading to better understanding of its early pathology, and the development of candidate drugs for clinical testing. Here's a summary of where things stand now.
Antioxidants May Protect Against Brain Lesions
August 14, 2001
Carotenoids--plant pigments abundant in deeply-colored fruits and vegetables--might help preserve brain function into old age.
Two Treatable Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease
August 10, 2001
What can be done to try to stop patients from developing Alzheimer's? Are there treatable antecedents?
Vitamin Shortfall Linked to Alzheimer's Disease
July 25, 2001
With an eye on diet as a factor in disease prevention, research suggests that low serum levels of B12 and folate may be risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.
Elevated Homocysteine Linked to Poor Memory
July 25, 2001
There is increasing evidence that a combination of high serum homocysteine and low serum folate levels may have an unhealthy impact on memory in seniors.
Consider statins for preventing dementia?
July 2, 2001
There is a possible role for the LDL receptor-related protein in Alzheimers disease. A recent epidemiological study has examined the potential effect of 'statin' drugs (HMGCoA reductase inhibitors) and other lipid-lowering drugs on the occurrence of dementia . . . .
Effectiveness of rivastigmine in Lewy-body dementia
July 2, 2001
Senile dementia of the Lewy body type is relatively common, representing 15-25% of new cases of dementia. It tends to respond to cholinesterase inhibitors, whereas it responds poorly - even adversely - to neuroleptics. A placebo-controlled study has examined the efficacy and safety of the cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine in patients with Lewy-body dementia.
Video: How to Communicate with Someone Who Has Alzheimer's Disease
July 2, 2001
We've already listed do's and don'ts for how to talk to someone with Alzheimer's, if you're inexperienced. Now a video is available that gives useful tips and answers to difficult problems that often face Alzheimer caregivers
Diabetes, hypertension, and mild cognitive decline in middle-aged adults
July 2, 2001
Treatment of hypertension and diabetes before age 60 might lessen the burden of cognitive impairment in later life, according to the results of this study. While several studies have shown a clear relationship between diabetes mellitus, cognitive decline and dementia (usually vascular dementia), and a relationship between hypertension and cognitive decline, none of them have been large-scale longitudinal studies or have measured cognition in middle life.
Is enteral tube feeding using PEG really beneficial?
October 9, 2000
The use of tube feeding for older adults with terminal illness is growing rapidly. But does it represent the best approach for such patients? A recent analysis of outcomes in subjects after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) casts doubt on the benefits of the procedure.
How To Talk To Someone With Alzheimer's
September 28, 2000
It's not always easy to communicate effectively with someone with Alzheimer's. Here are some Dos and Don'ts that may help. They are often forgotten, even by family friends, relatives and caregivers.
Caregivers at risk
July 21, 2000
Caring for an elderly person with disabilities is a stressful occupation and can often result in caregiver burnout that may be expressed in physical or psychiatric illness. For the first time, a formal study has been made of the role of caregiving as a risk factor for mortality .
Is smoking associated with Alzheimer's disease?
June 29, 2000
Several small retrospective studies have suggested that smoking may have a protective effect against the development of dementias. Professor Richard Doll has now reported a 45-year prospective study done in over 30,000 male physicians in the UK.
How To Spot Caregiver Burnout
June 8, 2000
The risk of burnout by family caregivers is well known, and it's important to be able to recognize the signs, so that timely help can be given. Here is a list.
Does diabetes trigger Alzheimer's disease?
March 24, 2000
Type 2 diabetes is a known risk factor for thrombotic stroke, so that a relationship to vascular dementia might be presumed. Indeed, it has been shown to be associated with an increased incidence of multi-infarct dementia in previous studies. A relationship between diabetes and Alzheimer disease has not been established, to date. The authors of the article summarized here used data from the Rotterdam Study to explore this possibility. .
Is head trauma a risk factor for Alzheimer disease?
March 9, 2000
Not long ago we summarized a study (part of the Rotterdam Study) that demonstrated the lack of an association between a head injury in the past and the development of Alzheimer disease or dementia. A new study, done in US military veterans, has now shown an increased risk for Alzheimer disease after moderate head injury, which is even stronger after severe head injury. Can these findings be reconciled?.
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: The benefits and problems of postponing institutional care
February 7, 2000
Why benefits and problems? Surely anything that makes it possible to keep Alzheimer's patients at home or in the community and delay their entry into institutional care must be beneficial!
As verbal skills dwindle, does talking help?
January 3, 2000
The cognitive losses caused by Alzheimer's disease and the other dementing illnesses can cause emotional upheavals for the victims.
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND OTHER FORMS OF DEMENTIA: The balance between medical treatment and caregiving
November 29, 1999
The link between ageing and various forms of dementia is well established. Most sources report prevalence above the age of 65 as at least 5%. Delayed or imperfect diagnosis, especially of milder cases, could even raise this general estimate towards 10%.
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
November 18, 1999
Apart from Alzheimer disease, numerous causes of dementia in old age are known. An important one, diagnosed in 15% of elderly demented patients in a London community, is Lewy body dementia (DLB). It was diagnosed in 36% of referrals to the US Alzheimer Disease Research and Diagnostic Center, but these were obviously selected cases. Nevertheless, it is the second most common cause of neuro-degenerative dementia, after Alzheimer disease. This is important, as there is evidence that the condition can benefit from treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, such as tacrine, donepezil and rivastigmine, to a greater extent than Alzheimer patients can. Moreover, DLB patients are at greater risk of severe sensitivity reactions to neuroleptics, a class of drugs quite often prescribed for agitated patients with Alzheimer-like dementia. .
The genetics of Alzheimer disease
November 3, 1998
Apart from longevity, family history is the principal risk factor for Alzheimer disease. It is not surprising, therefore, that those with a family history of this devastating disease are anxious to know more about its genetics. Having a first-degree relative with Alzheimer disease approximately doubles the risk of contracting it. The review summarized here considers our present state of knowledge on this subject.
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