Alzheimer’s is a relentless disease in which toxic clusters of beta-amyloid protein collect in brain cells. Now, scientists have designed a synthetic peptide, or small protein, that can block beta-amyloid in its early and most harmful stages. New research may have found a way to stop Alzheimer’s-related brain damage in its early stages. The synthetic […]
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Syncing brain waves may fight age-related memory problems
Memory can deteriorate naturally, due to age, and even when this process is not related to neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, it can still affect a person’s quality of life. Now, researchers from Boston University in Massachusetts are exploring ways of fighting age-related memory decline. By resynchronizing brain waves, we could reverse some age-related memory […]
Dementia: Amyloid PET scans can improve diagnosis and care
PET scans that can detect changes in the brain relating to Alzheimer’s disease could improve the diagnosis and medical care of people with dementia and similar symptoms. An innovative type of brain scan may improve care for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other forms of cognitive impairment. Investigators came to this conclusion after analyzing […]
This drug failed to treat cancer, but it could improve dementia
Dementia — an umbrella term for various neurodegenerative conditions involving memory loss and other forms of cognitive impairment — is hard to treat because its causes remain unknown. Researchers, however, are making painstaking progress. A new approach to dementia research may bring us closer to a treatment, but unexpected challenges could halt this progress. Dr. […]
Smoking may not be related to dementia risk after all
There is no doubt that smoking damages health and increases the risk of many diseases and premature death. However, a study that followed hundreds of older adults for more than 10 years found no link between tobacco smoking and raised dementia risk. A new study suggests there is no causal link between smoking and the […]
Is this a better way to deliver drugs to the brain?
The blood-brain barrier is a protective layer that surrounds the brain. Its main function is to prevent potentially harmful agents from leaking into this organ. However, it can also stop certain therapeutic drugs from reaching their target. Using ultrasound in new ways could open the door to better treatments for conditions that affect the brain. […]
The key to brain health: Light but frequent exercise
Researchers are finding new evidence that exercise — even low-intensity, casual physical activity — can boost brain health in the short- and long-term. Frequent but leisurely exercise can boost brain health. Evidence that exercise can benefit the brain and help maintain cognitive function — including memory — is accumulating. One study, for instance, suggests that […]
Study links severe gum disease to raised dementia risk
Could taking good care of gums and teeth also help to protect the brain? A recent study has added to growing evidence of a link between severe gum disease, or periodontitis, and a raised risk of dementia. New research suggests that keeping your gums healthy may prevent dementia. Using data from an extensive national health […]
Light and sound therapy may boost brain function
New research in mice reveals that an innovative light and sound stimulation therapy can clear toxic plaque buildup in the brain and reduce some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and impaired cognitive functioning. A light and sound combination therapy could fight off Alzheimer’s symptoms. The hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain include the […]
Alzheimer’s disease: An eye test could provide early warning
In the future, a doctor might be able to tell whether someone is heading toward Alzheimer’s disease — not by carrying out expensive brain scans, but during an eye exam. One day, a simple eye test might help predict the onset of Alzheimer’s. A new study paper in the journal Ophthalmology Retina outlines research that […]