Using powerful imaging technology, Swiss researchers recently observed the rapid spread of proteins associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It is believed that the accumulation of these proteins in the brain may be linked to the development of dementia and are known as “superspreaders”. Researchers hope to learn why these abnormal clumps of amyloid...
For hundreds of millions of people around the world, allergies are problematic. Whether it’s a frustrating seasonal occurrence or a daily concern of an encounter with a potentially fatal allergen, allergies are not fun. Antihistamines are a medical invention that, for many people, are a total game changer. Whether it’s from something acute like a...
Our aging population is mostly at risk for dementia. Millions of people are impacted worldwide, and it robs them of their memories, independence, and dignity. About seven million people, including one-third of those over 85, struggle with this illness in the United States alone. But what if a simple step could push back against this threat? Researchers at Johns...
Dementia is becoming increasingly prominent in elderly populations. Anyone who has lost a loved one to this devastating condition knows how awful it is. Watching your parent, grandparent, or other loved one slowly slip away is agonizing. While finding a cure would be wonderful, it is also critically important that we understand the disease better...
Dementia affects memory, communication, and cognitive function, often developing gradually. Early signs can be subtle, especially in conversations. Changes in speech patterns may indicate something is wrong. Paying attention to word choices and conversational struggles can help in recognizing symptoms. Identifying these signs early allows for better planning, medical intervention, and support to improve quality...
Imagine a place where people routinely live past 90, rarely suffer from dementia, and seem to have unlocked the secret to a long, healthy life. Welcome to Ikaria, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Unlike many parts of the world, where cognitive decline is almost expected with age, Ikarians stay sharp well into...
A new study indicates that the average lifetime risk of dementia for those over 55 is approximately 42%. It is estimated that by 2060, around one million adults in America could be diagnosed with dementia every year. This number is a much greater increase than originally anticipated, with past studies having estimated the risk to...
Many people would love to make their money as soon as possible and retire. Others enjoy working and end up retiring at an old age. Some, however, are forced into retirement early due to some unexpected illness. This was the case with 49-year-old Irishman, Peter Alexander, when he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. This diagnosis...
Recent studies reveal that our dreams may hold the key to detecting early signs of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Research from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the University of Birmingham, and other institutions suggests that unusual sleep patterns and distressing dreams could serve as early indicators of these conditions, potentially revolutionizing early...
Navigating the final stages for a loved one with dementia can be an emotional and challenging experience. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to offer compassionate care can ease the journey for both the person and their caregivers. Recent insights shed light on the physical and emotional changes that occur during this time and provide...
Memory loss is a commonly-known sign of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is not always the first symptom. Alzheimer’s, one cause of dementia, is a brain disease caused by damaged neurons, thereby impacting the ability to think, talk, and walk. The beginning stages tend to involve damage to the area of the brain responsible for memory,...
As we age, older adults often face various health challenges that can impact their quality of life. A recent study has shed light on a lesser-known but significant connection between a common injury and the elevated risk of dementia in seniors. Falls, a prevalent cause of injury in the elderly population, have been found to...