dementia

Dementia risk in older adults can be predicted with a new risk index tool. Preventing dementia is becoming a worldwide concern as rates of mental decline are expected to climb. While the risk of developing dementia can be somewhat curbed with lifestyle changes, detecting the most vulnerable population segments is still a challenge. Researchers from ...click here to read more

Colonic diverticular disease patients can be at risk for dementia, according to research findings. The scientists analyzed data from 66,377 patients with colonic diverticular disease and 265,508 patients without the condition. Cases of dementia were identified between 2000 and 2011. During the follow-up period, there were 1,057 dementia cases reported in the colonic diverticular group. ...click here to read more

If you’re over the age of 65, you probably have experienced some memory slipups. Maybe you forgot where you parked, or maybe you can’t recall someone’s name, whatever it was, you may notice that these episodes occur more and more often. Memory problems are a real struggle for seniors, and although it’s normal to have ...click here to read more

Music positively affects cognitive function, mood, and relationships among dementia patients. The researchers found that patients who take part in a music program experience positive effects in these aspects of life. The researchers spent nine months studying a music program known as B Sharp, which is geared towards those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The ...click here to read more

Forgetfulness and memory lapses are part of both normal aging and dementia, but there are key differences between the two, which set them apart. Dementia is quite different from normal age-related memory loss because it doesn’t affect just memory. In fact, dementia can involve many aspects of health and well-being, including communication ability, behavioral changes, ...click here to read more

Dementia and cognitive decline may be delayed by preventing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This is important as more people are living longer with diabetes, as obesity rates continue to rise, and more people are living with chronic heart disease. A decline in cognitive function can be considered a precursor to impending dementia in older adults. ...click here to read more

High resting heart rate and blood pressure is associated with many mental health disorders. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, looked at data from over a million Swedish men. Heart rate and blood pressure are regulated by the autonomic nervous system which controls the body’s basic functions. Using blood pressure and heart rate measurements, the ...click here to read more

A new study has found there are fewer Americans living with dementia. The study analyzed the responses from over 10,000 Americans over the age of 65 and found the dementia prevalence dropped nearly 24 percent between 2000 and 2012. Researchers aren’t completely sure what has led to the declining dementia rates, but they point out ...click here to read more

Lewy body dementia (LBD) may often be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease, according to research findings. Howard I. Hurtig, chair at the department of neurology, Pennsylvania Hospital warned, “While the symptoms of LBD may be similar to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, the treatment strategy is more challenging because fewer medications can be used safely. I cannot ...click here to read more

Some dementia patients may start exhibiting aggressive behavior as the disease progresses. There are different causes for behavioral changes in dementia which don’t necessarily revolve around the disease itself. For example, behavioral changes may be associated with some sort of difficulty brought on by dementia, side effects of medications, changes in environment, social interactions, habits, ...click here to read more

In dementia patients, depressive symptoms may be reduced with high-intensity exercise and group activities. Author of the dissertation Gustaf Boström explained, “Unfortunately, depression is common among older people, especially in people with dementia. Treatment with antidepressant drugs is often ineffective in older people and people with dementia. In addition, the risk of drug-related side effects ...click here to read more

High blood pressure may raise the risk of developing vascular dementia. The analysis of medical records from over four million people helped researchers identify high blood pressure as a risk factor for vascular dementia. Vascular dementia develops when part of the brain isn’t getting enough blood carrying the oxygen and nutrients it requires. Some people ...click here to read more

Mild cognitive impairment in older adults may improve with computer-based brain training before dementia diagnosis. The researchers reviewed over 20 years of research and found that brain training could improve cognitive function, memory, learning, and attention, along with psychosocial functioning (mood and self-perceived quality of life). On the other hand, when data from 12 brain ...click here to read more

In dementia patients, social isolation may be tackled with assistive technology, like wearable GPS or mobile apps. Assistive technology is a product or gadget used for improving a person’s quality of life. Examples of assistive devices include an alarm clock or a television remote control. Any type or form of technology that improves the completion ...click here to read more