dementia

New research has found an association between seniors who suddenly begin sleeping longer hours and an increased risk of dementia. Older adults who began sleeping more than nine hours a night saw their risk of developing dementia later in life more than double, while those who found they suddenly needed more sleep and did not ...click here to read more

Professor Rhonda Au of Boston University is developing a new way to detect the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease through the use of wearable devices. These digital devices are designed to collect data from individuals over a period of time which Au can then analyze with the goal of marking the small physical changes ...click here to read more

The University of Eastern Finland has found an association between postmenopausal estrogen-based hormone therapy and a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is one of the most prevalent forms of dementia, especially among women, so these findings indicate that the female sex hormones—estrogen and progesterone—may be useful in preventing its onset and preserving cognitive ability ...click here to read more

Acknowledging that you have trouble hearing can be quite difficult… Hearing loss is usually associated with older age – and who wants to admit they’re old? Unfortunately, declining hearing ability is the harsh reality of becoming older, but it doesn’t have to be something to be ashamed of – and to dismiss. In fact, the ...click here to read more

New research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food has shown that the bioactive components of certain edible and medicinal mushrooms may aid in the prevention and delay of dementia. Researchers from the University of Malaya have suggested that the activity of the bioactive compounds in certain mushrooms may aid in the growth of nerves ...click here to read more

If you’ve ever visited a sauna, you know the experience is very relaxing and soothing. But did you know that saunas can actually improve your heart health – and brain health, too? Numerous studies now point to the fact that sweating in a sauna may be a good way to prevent heart disease, stroke, and ...click here to read more

Anxiety in dementia patients may be effectively managed with tablet devices, according to research findings. Researcher Ipsit Vahia explained, “Tablet use as a non-pharmacologic intervention for agitation in older adults, including those with severe dementia, appears to be feasible, safe, and of potential utility. Our preliminary results are a first step in developing much-needed empirical ...click here to read more

A protein associated with Parkinson’s disease and dementia has been found to be capable of travelling from the brain to the gut through a specific pathway. The discovery gives insight into the progression of these disorders. The protein – alpha-synuclein – has been found to play a role in Parkinson’s disease. While it occurs naturally ...click here to read more

A new study suggests that living near a major road increases your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The Canadian study found that people residing near a congested roadway had a slightly higher risk of dementia, compared to those living further. Specifically, mental decline was seen highest among those living 160 feet from a major ...click here to read more

Dementia disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease may be identified with brushstrokes. In the study, researchers analyzed 2,092 paintings from seven famous artists who experienced both normal brain aging and neurodegenerative disease. Of the seven, two suffered from Parkinson’s disease, two had Alzheimer’s disease, and three were without neurodegenerative disease. The artists’ brushstrokes were ...click here to read more

Researchers have compared Alzheimer’s and normal brains and uncovered specific brain regions to be targeted for dementia prevention. While memory decline (to a certain degree) has always been seen as a normal part of aging, researchers have uncovered that some seniors – dubbed “supernormals” – are able to maintain their memory way better than their ...click here to read more

Sundowning, commonly seen in dementia patients, refers to behavioral changes that take place in the evening when the sun sets. Patients may become more agitated, aggressive, or confused as the night approaches. This is often seen in more severe cases of dementia. Sundowning, or sundown syndrome may be a result of disturbances to the patient’s ...click here to read more

Memory problems and dementia risk increases in proteinuria (protein in urine) patients. Proteinuria is often indicative of kidney problems, but researchers found that patients with protein in the urine may also be at a higher risk for memory problems. The researchers reviewed all available studies on kidney problems and cognitive impairment. Author Kay Deckers explained, ...click here to read more

A new study has found that adolescents with a high body mass index (BMI) are at a higher risk of suffering from cognitive impairment in their midlife years. To investigate this association, the researchers analyzed 507 people who were tracked on average for 33 years, beginning at the age of 17. The participants completed computerized ...click here to read more