Mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, may be one of Alzheimer’s earliest signs. The subtle changes of MCI include problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment and a subjective sense that mental function is getting worse. MCI is seldom severe enough to impair day-to-day activities and is sometimes ignored as “normal aging.” Though it doesn’t always… Continue reading New Approaches for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s
Category: Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias
Behavior Changes in Dementia
So often I’ll receive a call from clients concerned about a sudden behavioral change in a memory-impaired resident. And, all too often the cause is an introduction of new medication or a change in the dosage of an existing one. Surprisingly, the first interpretation of the behavioral change is that the “dementia has advanced.” Let… Continue reading Behavior Changes in Dementia
Some Psychiatric Meds Dangerous for Dementia Patients
Psychiatric drugs prescribed to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or other kinds of dementia appear to be riskier than previously believed, researchers say. The finding, published in JAMA Psychiatry, is adds to the growing body of troubling evidence that has been found in researching the use of antipsychotic drugs as a treatment for dementia-related hallucinations, delusions,… Continue reading Some Psychiatric Meds Dangerous for Dementia Patients
Boosting Natural Protection Against Alzheimer’s
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified a gene variant that may be used to predict people most likely to respond to an investigational therapy under development for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The study, published March 12th 2015 in Cell Stem Cell, is based on experiments with cultured neurons derived… Continue reading Boosting Natural Protection Against Alzheimer’s
Skin Biopsy May Help Detect Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Scientists have discovered a skin test that may shed new light on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, according to a study released on February 24th 2015 that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 67th Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., April 18th to 25th 2015. The study showed that skin biopsies can be used… Continue reading Skin Biopsy May Help Detect Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Longevity Protein Protects Against Alzheimer’s
Scientists from the Gladstone Institutes and the University of California, San Francisco report in February 2015 in the Journal of Neuroscience that raising levels of the life-extending protein klotho can protect against learning and memory deficits in Alzheimer’s disease. Remarkably, this boost in cognition occurred despite the accumulation of Alzheimer-related toxins in the brain, such… Continue reading Longevity Protein Protects Against Alzheimer’s
Solving the Problem of “Sundowning”: Tips for Caregivers
Editor’s note: Sundowning, the time of day when Alzheimer’s symptoms worsen, is often frustrating and debilitating for a caregiver as well as a patient. Here, from the National Institute on Aging, is a guide that offers strategies on how to cope: Late afternoon and early evening can be difficult for some people with Alzheimer’s disease.… Continue reading Solving the Problem of “Sundowning”: Tips for Caregivers
Insulin, Nasal Spray and Alzheimer’s
A form of insulin delivered via nasal spray could help improve memory and other cognitive functions in adults with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The researchers looked at 60 adults diagnosed with amnesic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild to moderate Alzheimer’s… Continue reading Insulin, Nasal Spray and Alzheimer’s
How to Handle Hallucinations and Delusions in Alzheimer’s Patients
Editor’s note: Alzheimer’s is one of the most frightening diseases in existence, and caring for a person with AD can be frustrating, heartbreaking and complicated. Here, experts from the National Institute on Aging offer coping strategies for caregivers who are dealing with a patient’s delusions, hallucinations and paranoia: As Alzheimer’s progresses, the person with AD… Continue reading How to Handle Hallucinations and Delusions in Alzheimer’s Patients
New Treatment for Frontotemporal Dementia
Belgian researchers have identified a new strategy for treating an inherited form of dementia after attempting to turn stem cells derived from patients into the neurons most affected by the disease. In patient-derived stem cells carrying a mutation predisposing them to frontotemporal dementia, which accounts for about half of dementia cases before the age of… Continue reading New Treatment for Frontotemporal Dementia
Another “Alzheimer’s in a Dish” Model
In October 2014, we posted an article on ThirdAge.com about an “Alzheimer’s in a Dish Model” (https://thirdage.com/node/2884631) developed at Massachusetts General Hospital. Now, in December 2014, the search for a living laboratory model of human neurons in the grip of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)–the so-called “Alzheimer’s in a dish”–has a new candidate. In work presented at… Continue reading Another “Alzheimer’s in a Dish” Model
Holiday Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Many caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease have mixed feelings about holidays. Caregivers may have happy memories of the past but they also may worry about the extra demands that holidays make on their time and energy. Here, from the National Institute on Aging, are some suggestions to help you find a balance between… Continue reading Holiday Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Many Seniors Aren’t Getting Dementia Tests
Millions of seniors with signs of cognitive impairment haven’t seen a doctor about them, according to a new study from the University of Michigan. The researchers said the findings indicate that up to 1.8 million seniors over 70 aren’t evaluated for cognitive symptoms. A failure to do that, the investigators said, could mean that some… Continue reading Many Seniors Aren’t Getting Dementia Tests
A New Cause of Alzheimer’s?
Blocking a key brain–cell receptor may eventually lead to neutralizing some consequences of Alzheimer’s, according to a new study from Temple University. The brain cells are used by “oxygen free radicals” that are linked to “oxidative stress.” That “stress” occurs when the production of the free radicals is greater than the body’s ability to detoxify… Continue reading A New Cause of Alzheimer’s?
Immune System Affects Cognitive Decline
Scientists have discovered that cognitive decline over the years may be connected to a weakening immune system. The study, by researchers from the Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel, breaks new ground in the understanding of a connection between the brain and the immune system. Until recently, scientists believed that the barrier between blood and brain prevents… Continue reading Immune System Affects Cognitive Decline
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: For a Good Cause…or Foolishness?
It all began quite simply. A novel idea to raise awareness about a lesser-known terminal disease. The idea: Dump a bucket of ice water over your head and donate $10.00. Choose against dunking and instead donate $100.00 (or whatever you are able). An idea that took on a life of its own and catapulted awareness… Continue reading The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: For a Good Cause…or Foolishness?
Memory & AD: Understanding Brain Circuitry
A study published August 31st 2014 in the journal Nature Neuroscience by,Sylvain Williams PhD and colleagues at the Research Centre of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute and McGill University opens the door towards better understanding of the neural circuitry and dynamic mechanisms controlling memory as well of the role of an essential element of… Continue reading Memory & AD: Understanding Brain Circuitry
Pomegranate Tx for AD, PD, & RA
The onset of Alzheimer’s disease can be slowed and some of its symptoms curbed by a natural compound that is found in pomegranates, according to the findings of a two-year project headed by scientist Dr. Olumayokun Olajide, at the University of Huddersfield in the UK. Also, the painful inflammation that accompanies illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson’s disease could be reduced by the pomegranate drug. The study was published in August 2014 in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.