Many studies suggest that our diet may affect the aging brain’s ability to think and remember. These findings have led to research on general eating patterns and whether they might make a difference. One diet that shows promising evidence of health benefits is the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and… Continue reading What Do We Know About Diet and Prevention of Alzheimer’s?
Category: Alzheimer’s
A Simpler Way to Detect Alzheimer’s
A new blood test can accurately predict the presence of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, making a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s easier, according to a new study funded in part by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Published in Neurology, the study analyzed the ability of a blood test to predict the presence of Alzheimer’s disease-associated… Continue reading A Simpler Way to Detect Alzheimer’s
How Alzheimer’s Is Diagnosed
Doctors use several methods and tools to help determine if a person with thinking or memory problems has Alzheimer’s disease. According to the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, as part diagnose Alzheimer’s, doctors may Ask the person experiencing symptoms, as well as a family member or friend, questions about… Continue reading How Alzheimer’s Is Diagnosed
Healthy Habits Can Reduce Dementia Risk Despite Genetic Factor
Adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors can lower dementia risk among people who are at higher risk due to a family history of dementia, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2021. Familial dementia is a strong risk factor for dementia. Having a first-degree relative such as… Continue reading Healthy Habits Can Reduce Dementia Risk Despite Genetic Factor
Basics of Caregiving for Dementia Patients
A caregiver, sometimes referred to as a caretaker, refers to anyone who provides care for another person. Millions of people living in the United States take care of a friend or family member with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Sometimes caregivers live with the person or nearby, other times they live far away. For… Continue reading Basics of Caregiving for Dementia Patients
Talking with Kids about Alzheimer’s
When a family member has Alzheimer’s disease, it affects everyone in the family, including children and grandchildren. It’s important to talk to them about what is happening. How much and what kind of information you share depends on the child’s age and relationship to the person with Alzheimer’s. Here are some tips from the National… Continue reading Talking with Kids about Alzheimer’s
Vaccines, Infections and Alzheimer’s
Flu (influenza) and pneumonia vaccinations are associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research reported this month at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®) 2020. According to a news release from the Alzheimer’s Association, three research studies reported at AAIC 2020 suggest: At least one flu vaccination was associated with a 17%… Continue reading Vaccines, Infections and Alzheimer’s
Progress in Research for Alzheimer’s Test
Researchers report an advance in the development of a blood test that could help detect Alzheimer’s disease in people who are showing signs of dementia. This approach could be less invasive and less costly than current brain imaging and spinal fluid tests. The blood test detects the abnormal accumulation of a form of tau protein… Continue reading Progress in Research for Alzheimer’s Test
Diet May Help Preserve Cognitive Health
According to a recent analysis of data from two major eye disease studies, adherence to the Mediterranean diet – high in vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil – correlates with higher cognitive function. Dietary factors also seem to play a role in slowing cognitive decline. Researchers at the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of… Continue reading Diet May Help Preserve Cognitive Health
A Simpler Test for Alzheimer’s
Researchers are drawing closer to fully developing a blood test that could help detect pathological Alzheimer’s disease in people who are showing signs of dementia, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The test could be less invasive and less costly than current brain imaging and spinal fluid tests. The blood test detects the… Continue reading A Simpler Test for Alzheimer’s
Living Alone with Early-Stage Dementia
Many people with early-stage dementia can manage living alone. But without adequate precaution, this can be difficult even at the best of times, and the COVID – 19 pandemic makes the situation harder. If a patient is convinced that he or she can live alone, caregivers need to check frequently on their loved one to… Continue reading Living Alone with Early-Stage Dementia
Progress Reported toward Earlier Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s
Researchers report an advance in the development of a blood test that could help detect Alzheimer’s disease in people who are showing signs of dementia. The new approach could be less invasive and less costly than current brain imaging and spinal fluid tests. The blood test detects the abnormal accumulation of a form of tau… Continue reading Progress Reported toward Earlier Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s
Hypertension Drug May Hold Promise for Alzheimer’s
Seeking new treatments to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers found the blood pressure drug nilvadipine increased blood flow to the brain’s memory and learning center among people with Alzheimer’s disease without affecting other parts of the brain, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension. These findings indicate that the… Continue reading Hypertension Drug May Hold Promise for Alzheimer’s
Emergency Readiness for People with Alzheimer’s
People with Alzheimer’s disease can be especially vulnerable during disasters like severe weather, fires, floods, earthquakes, and other emergency situations. It is important for caregivers to have a disaster plan that includes the special needs of people with Alzheimer’s, whose impairments in memory and reasoning severely limit their ability to act appropriately in crises. The… Continue reading Emergency Readiness for People with Alzheimer’s
When a Person with Alzheimer’s Starts Rummaging
It is not unusual for someone with Alzheimer’s disease to start rummaging or searching through cabinets, drawers, closets, the refrigerator, and other places where things are stored. He or she also may hide items around the house. This can be annoying or even dangerous for the caregiver or family members. If you get angry, try… Continue reading When a Person with Alzheimer’s Starts Rummaging
Experts Discover Five New Risk Genes for Alzheimer’s
Researchers report that they have discovered five new risk genes for Alzheimer’s disease, while confirming others that are already known. The international team of researchers, who analyzed results from more than 94,000 people, also reported for the first time that mutations in genes specific to the protein tau, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, may play… Continue reading Experts Discover Five New Risk Genes for Alzheimer’s
An Eye Test for Alzheimer’s
Until now, it has been difficult to diagnose Alzheimer’s. But researchers have come up with an imaging device that can see signs of the illness within seconds. The non-invasive device reveals that small blood vessels in the back of the eye are altered in patients with Alzheimer’s. The same is true for patients who have… Continue reading An Eye Test for Alzheimer’s
Staying Physically Active with Alzheimer’s
Being active and getting exercise helps people with Alzheimer’s disease feel better. Exercise helps keep their muscles, joints, and heart in good shape. It also helps people stay at a healthy weight and have regular toilet and sleep habits. You can exercise together to make it more fun. You want someone with Alzheimer’s to do… Continue reading Staying Physically Active with Alzheimer’s