July 6, 2008

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Dementia Center   [ Home >  Dementia >  More  Related Items ]   DEMENTIA - NEWS CENTER Antipsychotics Get a New Label June 26, 2008 Physicians sometimes use antipsychotic medications to manage behavioral problems in patients with dementia. Smoking May Put Your Memory at Risk June 17, 2008 Cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Smokers are two to three times more likely to die from coronary heart ... Turn on the Light for Dementia Patients June 16, 2008 According to a new study in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, simply increasing the levels of daytime lighting in group care facilities News for Caregivers June 13, 2008 The number of caregivers, people who take care of other adults or children with special medical needs, is growing. As our population ages, family members are increasingly called upon to care for ailing spouses or parents. Successful Aging While Living with Dementia May 22, 2008 What does successful aging mean? Most of the current literature defines successful aging as the absence of physical and cognitive impairment. Ibuprofen Reduces Alzheimer's Risk May 12, 2008 Over the years, observational studies and clinical trials have offered contradictory results about the relationship between long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, and the risk of Alzheimer disease. Pot Belly Puts Brain at Risk April 7, 2008 In addition to increasing the risk for heart disease and diabetes, having too much fat around the waist may also be detrimental to the health of your brain. Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures March 27, 2008 In the current issue of Alzheimer's & Dementia, the Alzheimer's Association released their report on 2008 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Cognitive Impairment More Common than Dementia March 26, 2008 Dementia is a severe deterioration or loss of intellectual faculties that may be accompanied by emotional disturbances and personality changes. Promising News About Brain Health March 4, 2008 A common syndrome in older people, dementia is a progressive decline in memory and other mental processes that often affects the ability to function independently. As the population in the United States ages, more Americans may be concerned about their cognitive health. Didn't Mom Tell You "Fish is Brain Food"? February 18, 2008 Of course, mom didn't know about omega-3 fatty acids, but the concept of fish as 'brain food' has been around for a very long time. (I first heard it 70 years ago.) Three international studies have suggested that omega-3s and fish intake protect against cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. An Amazing Report on a New Alzheimer's Treatment January 23, 2008 Enbrel® (etanercept) is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug that's given by subcutaneous injection. It's reserved for moderate to severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis, and it works as an anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) agent. Boxing Day Eggnog (again) December 26, 2007 A year ago today I posted a piece about eggnog, as being a suitable 'hair of the dog' and a possible source of omega-3 fatty acids. High Blood Pressure Linked to Impaired Mental Function December 20, 2007 Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the term for slightly impaired mental functioning, which causes learning and thinking difficulties. MCI comes in two forms - amnestic and non-amnestic - depending on scores in tests of memory. It seems that high blood pressure in people over 65 is associated with mild cognitive impairment, according to a report in the Archives of Neurology. A Blood Test for Alzheimer's? December 12, 2007 Apparently there are 18 'signaling' proteins in plasma that can be used to help diagnose the presence of Alzheimer's disease, according to a study reported in Nature Medicine. (A signaling protein is, as its name implies, a string of amino acids that allows a particular protein to communicate or move within the cell.) A High Serum Calcium Level May Foretell Mental Decline December 9, 2007 We think of calcium as an important mineral that helps build strong bones. Of course, there are some negative connotations - calcified aorta, calcification in medium-sized arteries, and calcium-containing kidney stones. But, in general, no one would be worried by a relatively high serum calcium level. Until now . . . Education Both Delays AND Accelerates Alzheimer's November 4, 2007 One of the risk factors for developing Alzheimer's disease is a poor educational level. This has been shown in a number of epidemiological studies. Saturday Media Quack - The Alzheimer Blood Test October 27, 2007 Last week the media went crazy when they spread the news about "a simple blood test" that will tell the tested person if he or she will develop Alzheimer's in future years. The researcher's report, in the journal Nature Medicine, is not as optimistic as the media coverage. It seems that first you have to have "mild cognitive impairment" and then take the test to see if you will progress to Alzheimer's 2-6 years later, in other words, if you have "presymptomatic Alzheimer's disease". Another Way to Avoid Alzheimer's October 8, 2007 The risk factors for Alzheimer's are fairly well known; they include age, heredity, gender, lifestyle, and education. There's a new one - a personality that includes a poor degree of conscientiousness. This has been revealed in a study just reported in the Archives of General Psychiatry. The Religious Orders Study, conducted by Rush University scientists in Chicago , has followed the health of almost 1000 Catholic nuns, priests, and brothers for 12 years. At baseline, they completed a standard 12-point personality measure of conscientiousness. Those that died underwent a pathology exam of their brains, looking for evidence of Alzheimer's. After the Alzheimer's Diagnosis October 4, 2007 Although many spouses and friends may suspect that something serious is wrong, the actual diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can be devastating, both for the patient and for the family. About 4½ million US citizens have Alzheimer's, and almost half of them are in the early stages. As we live longer and the treatment of many chronic diseases improves, more and more of us will develop dementia before we die. New tests carry the doubtful benefit of diagnosing Alzheimer's in earlier stages than before, so that there's more time to try treatments, and also more time to plan for the future. Statins and the Aging Brain September 10, 2007 The brains of people with Alzheimer's disease have two main features that are visible under the microscope, which are called amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. While clinical studies of the cholesterol-lowering statin drugs have produced equivocal results in Alzheimer's disease, there have not yet been any studies of the effects of statin intake on brain pathology. This has now been rectified, with a report published in the journal Neurology. Unhealthy Teeth and the Risk of Dementia August 7, 2007 Unhealthy teeth - usually due to inflammation of the gums, called periodontitis - is known to be related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The concept of a link between periodontitis and dementia has not received attention, however, until now. A Skin Patch for Alzheimer's July 23, 2007 Several drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors are able to slow the progress of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease - donepezil (Aricept®), galantamine (Reminyl®), and rivastigmine (Exelon®). When the Nose Doesn't Know ... July 18, 2007 Seven years ago a publication in the American Journal of Psychiatry described how people with mild cognitive impairment had a deficit in the ability to smell. Around that time, pharmacies were selling scratch-and-sniff smell tests as diagnostic tools for detecting Alzheimer's disease. They disappeared from the stores quite quickly, as I suspect the claims they were making hadn't been validated. As We Said, Use It or Lose It July 1, 2007 A new report has provided research results in support of the idea that frequent brain exercise reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. This comes from a publication in the journal Neurology. Over 750 old people had annual clinical evaluations for 5 years. These exams included estimates of the frequency of cognitive activity - reading a newspaper, going to see a movie, playing chess or checkers, doing a crossword or Sudoku; they also had tests of their mental functioning (cognitive ability). The participants agreed to donate their brains to research when they died. Inflammatory Markers Can Predict Alzheimer's June 14, 2007 The May 29 issue of Neurology contains the findings of a study of inflammatory markers produced by the mononuclear blood cells of older people. Previous studies in animals and postmortem findings in humans have demonstrated that cytokines ( small proteins which regulate immunity, inflammation, and blood cell formation) such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are found in association with the senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain that are the hallmark of Alzheimer's. Until now, circulating levels of these cytokines have not been clearly associated with the risk of the disease. Examining the release of cytokines from mononuclear blood cells (which can cross into the brain) might reveal a more direct relationship. Burgeoning Association May 11, 2007 There seem to be many more reports these days about associations between two diseases that would normally not be considered related. For instance, the latest news that people with depression are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, or that people who are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease are quite often treated with antidepressant drugs in the previous year. And diabetics are more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than the next person. Research finds link between smoking and skin damage March 26, 2007 Smoking is a potent factor in skin aging in areas that are not exposed to the sunlight. Moderate coffee consumption is linked to lower level of cognitive decline February 15, 2007 Men consuming three cups of coffee per day experienced a slower level of cognitive decline than those consuming either more or less than this. Psoriasis is being under-treated, according to a new survey February 6, 2007 Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are missing out on treatment. Loneliness is linked to Alzheimer's disease February 6, 2007 Loneliness can double the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. New study looks at mental aging in those at genetic risk of Alzheimer's January 9, 2007 APOE4 carriers age normally at least to mid-60s before Alzheimer's risk kicks in. Research uncovers link between high uric acid and mild cognitive impairment January 5, 2007 High levels of uric acid linked with mild cognitive impairment, according to a new study. Antibody offers hope of Alzheimer's treatment December 28, 2006 Experiments show value of potential antibody treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Discovery of new Alzheimer's disease biomarkers reported December 15, 2006 Study shows new biomarker clue to Alzheimer's which may lead to diagnostic test. Be sure your botox is of the highest quality! November 27, 2006 Cases of botulism after botox treatment highlight need for care when approaching cosmetic surgery. Nursing home admission can be delayed in Alzheimer's caregivers get counseling November 21, 2006 Counseling caregivers helps keep people with Alzheimer's disease at home for longer. Study shows the value of occupational therapy in dementia November 20, 2006 Occupational therapy is shown to improve quality of life for dementia patients and their carers. Study shows marijuana extract could slow Alzheimer's disease October 20, 2006 Marijuana compounds may slow memory loss linked with Alzheimer's disease. Potential link between cognitive decline and celiac disease is uncovered October 18, 2006 People who have celiac disease are also more prone to dementia and cognitive decline, according to a new study. Omega-3 fatty acids may slow some cases of Alzheimer's disease October 17, 2006 People with very mild Alzheimer's disease are helped by supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. Medication shown to delay placement in nursing home for dementia patients October 9, 2006 Cholinesterase inhibitors, which treat the symptoms of dementia, can delay admission to a nursing home. Red wine may reduce Alzheimer's risk September 26, 2006 Mice given a daily drink of red wine in the form of Cabernet Sauvignon are less likely to get Alzheimer's disease, according to new experiments. Calorie restriction may be able to protect from Alzheimer's disease September 25, 2006 A new study in non-human primates shows that calorie restriction may be able to ward off Alzheimer's disease. Anemia affects both body and mind September 20, 2006 Anemia may contribute to impaired thinking among older adults, according to a new study. Lead exposure may lead to cognitive decline September 19, 2006 Older adults who had lead exposure before the 1980s are now showing signs of cognitive decline, according to a new study. Researchers uncover link between weight loss and dementia September 18, 2006 In the year before dementia sets in, weight loss suddenly accelerates in older people. Study underlines the protective effect of fruit and vegetables against dementia September 4, 2006 People who drink fruit juice regularly have a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. New formulations will improve sunscreen effects in the future August 3, 2006 Dermatologists are hoping to formulate a sunscreen in a pill but for now you need lotion or cream to protect from skin cancer and sun damage. Volunteers will do meditation every day to see if it can prevent cognitive impairment August 1, 2006 Researchers are looking at whether stress reduction and meditation can prevent cognitive impairment by protecting the brain. Possible spinal fluid test for early Alzheimer's disease July 14, 2006 A new study shows how amyloid protein is deficient in the spinal fluid of those who may develop dementia. Factors that make nursing home residents aggressive July 4, 2006 Physical aggression among nursing home residents is linked to depression, delusions and hallucinations, according to a new study. Alzheimer pathology, but without the disease July 3, 2006 A study shows that Alzheimer related changes in the brain can occur in men and women without dementia. Playing Alzheimer's in a soap opera June 12, 2006 Actor Dominic Chianese shows how TV can give us insights into living with dementia. Moderate alcohol consumption helps cognition among women June 9, 2006 A new study shows that women who drink a moderate amount of alcohol have slightly higher levels of cognitive function. Disappointment as Alzheimer's drugs restricted in UK June 5, 2006 A long-awaited decision on funding dementia drugs on the National Health Service went against the hopes of patients, carers and campaigners. Antioxidant could prevent HIV-associated dementia June 2, 2006 Experiments show that N-acetylcysteine amide can block cell death in a model of HIV-associated dementia. Brain imaging detects patients at risk of Alzheimer's disease May 18, 2006 A study shows that patients with mild cognitive impairment who are at risk of dementia have a smaller hippocampus. Collaborative care reduces Alzheimer's symptoms May 15, 2006 Compared to usual care, collaborative care has many benefits for the person with Alzheimer and their caregivers. Men missing out on sun protection ads May 12, 2006 A survey shows that most sunscreen ads are aimed at women. Brain changes accompany mild cognitive impairment May 11, 2006 A study shows that structural brain changes accompany the memory symptoms of mild cognitive impairment. Aggressive behavior common among nursing home patients April 28, 2006 A survey of British care homes shows that there is a high incidence of challenging behavior on the part of people with dementia. Removal of ovaries increases dementia risk April 12, 2006 Ovariectomy could increase the likelihood that a woman develops dementia later in life. Mild cognitive impairment is common April 5, 2006 Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that mild cognitive impairment increases with age and fewer years of education. Alzheimer's disease progresses more rapidly in the highly educated February 17, 2006 A study of New Yorkers shows that high education is linked to rapid decline in Alzheimer's disease. Genetic factors important in Alzheimer's disease February 10, 2006 A twin study concludes that genetic factors are strong in Alzheimer's disease. History of depression linked with brain damage February 7, 2006 People with Alzheimer's disease have more plaques and tangles in their brain when they have a lifetime history of depression. Medication linked to cognitive problems in older people February 3, 2006 Anticholinergic drugs are being associated with mild cognitive impairment in the elderly. Facial stimulators are not very effective January 24, 2006 Do it yourself face lift devices provide little improvement to aging skin, according to a study. Drug holds back Alzheimer's disease January 19, 2006 A follow-up trial shows that a new drug can slow down the progression of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Indoor tanning is not safe January 16, 2006 A new survey shows that many Americans believe that getting an indoor tan is better than being exposed to the sun. Reduced brain volume may indicate dementia January 6, 2006 A new study suggests that those who have a reduced volume of specific parts of the brain are more likely to go on to develop dementia over the next six years. Dementia will quadruple in years to come December 19, 2005 A new report shows that the numbers with dementia will double every 20 years, with developing countries being hardest hit. Testesterone therapy benefits men with Alzheimer's December 13, 2005 Treatment with the male hormone testosterone can help improve quality of life in those with Alzheimer's disease. Attitudes on Alzheimer's research November 14, 2005 Nine in ten people would enter a family member with Alzheimer's disease into a clinical trial, even though that person cannot give consent. New danger of antipsychotic drugs used in Alzheimer's disease October 25, 2005 Patients taking antipsychotic drugs to relieve behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease had slightly increased mortality. Green tea ingredient may protect against Alzheimer's September 23, 2005 A study in mice suggests that a key component of green tea may prevent the brain damage associated with Alzheimer's disease. Low blood flow link to dementia September 2, 2005 A comparison study shows how blood flow to the brain is reduced among those with dementia compared to older people with normal cognition. New research overturns assumptions about dementia research August 31, 2005 A survey on the incidence on dementia in England and Wales sheds new light on previous ideas about the condition. Early warning signs of Alzheimer's show up years before diagnosis August 2, 2005 A review of the evidence reveals more about the pre-clinical stage of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is linked to earlier inflammation June 24, 2005 Exposure to inflammatory disease early in life could quadruple the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. New memory aid helps people with dementia June 22, 2005 An interactive multimedia computer system is being used to help dementia patients share old memories with their carers. US Latinos develop Alzheimer's at earlier age than whites May 17, 2005 A study has shown differences in the age of onset of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease among a group of Latinos and non-Latinos in the USA. Statin shows promise in Alzheimer's disease May 17, 2005 A trials shows that the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin leads to some improvement among patients with Alzheimer's disease. Mid-life obesity increases dementia risk May 4, 2005 People who are overweight or obese in middle life have an increased risk of developing dementia later on. Computer test for early Alzheimer's disease March 30, 2005 A short and more accurate test for early stage Alzheimer's disease looks promising. Drugs used to calm Alzheimer's patients make their condition worse February 21, 2005 A study shows that quetiapine accelerates cognitive decline in patients with dementia. Assessing treatment for dementia symptoms February 4, 2005 A review of the evidence suggests that drug therapies to control behavioral symptoms in dementia are not particularly effective. Moderate alcohol intake reduces dementia risk January 28, 2005 Women who drink one or more alcoholic drinks a day tend to do better on cognitive tests than those who drink less. Heart risk factors predict dementia too January 25, 2005 People with risk factors like high cholesterol in middle age are more likely to go on to develop dementia in later life. Lead exposure linked to mental decline January 14, 2005 Years of exposure to lead in the environment can lead to mental decline as people age, according to a new study. Weight loss may be a sign of dementia January 12, 2005 According to a study, weight loss often precedes the onset of dementia. PET scan helps diagnose Alzheimer's disease November 7, 2003 A study shows that a brain scan helps doctors determine who will develop dementia after reporting memory problems. Drug improves brain structure in Alzheimer's patients November 4, 2003 A medication commonly taken for Alzheimer's disease is linked with beneficial changes in the brain. Enzyme protects the brain from Alzheimer's disease August 6, 2003 Researchers find that an enzyme can stop protein tangles from forming in brain tissue, which could block Alzheimer's disease. Nursing home residents with dementia likely to have feeding tubes July 7, 2003 Around a third of nursing home residents with severe dementia are being fed through a tube. The impact of leisure on dementia risk July 1, 2003 People who pursue leisure activities in later life have a reduced risk of dementia. Herbal remedy looks promising in dementia June 11, 2003 A study shows that a Chinese herb improves the symptoms of vascular dementia. Simplify life to help with Alzheimer's May 5, 2003 Some simple household hints and tips make life easier for people with dementia. New Alzheimer's drug gives good results April 4, 2003 Memantine can slow down the progress of severe Alzheimer's disease, according to the latest study. Dementia drugs improve a range of symptoms January 9, 2003 Drugs that improve memory in Alzheimer's disease also help with other troublesome symptoms. Hormone replacement may prevent Alzheimer's disease November 6, 2002 Women who take long-term hormone replacement therapy are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Infection linked to Alzheimer's disease October 11, 2002 A new study suggests a link between a common bacterium and the brain deposits that are the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Scan prevents misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's disease October 7, 2002 Using a brain scan helps improve the accuracy of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin C could improve brain drugs January 17, 2002 Adding vitamin C to certain drugs can help them penetrate the brain and may improve treatment of neurological disease. Imaging Alzheimer's disease January 10, 2002 For the first time, researchers have the early evidence of Alzheimer's disease within the living brain.   RELATED ITEMS The Metabolic Syndrome and Mental Decline October 24, 2007 Saturday Quack - Ginkgo Still Oversold October 6, 2007 Obesity in the Over 70s September 28, 2007 Alzheimer's, Mediterranean Diet, & Mortality September 20, 2007 Elder Abuse: More Common Than You Might Think September 15, 2007 Heartburn Treatment and Mental Function September 5, 2007 Tight Control of Diabetes Can Ward Off MCI May 16, 2007 A Link between Diabetes and Mild Cognitive Impairment? May 8, 2007 Migraine's Hidden Brain Benefit May 6, 2007 Immunotherapy does not prolong life in malignant melanoma March 7, 2007 Beware sunbeds if you want to avoid skin cancer February 1, 2007 Dementia caregivers benefit from supportive interventions December 1, 2006 Evidence of psoriasis and heart disease link is revealed November 14, 2006 Moderate alcohol consumption might be good for the brain October 27, 2006 Memory decline without dementia is linked to brain tissue loss September 19, 2006 Apple juice linked to improved memory August 17, 2006 Exercise may prevent dementia, according to a new review August 14, 2006 Melanoma risk may increase with age May 15, 2006 The value of social mealtimes in nursing homes May 11, 2006 Virus plays a role in skin cancer March 23, 2006 High blood pressure can lead to cognitive problems December 5, 2005

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