LATEST ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH NEWS YOU CAN USE

Memory lapses of normal advancing age may be due to communications breakdowns within the brain in otherwise healthy older adults. Cognitive decline and brain problems may occur even in the absence of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia that ravage the brain more severely.

Antipsychotic medications, like like Haldol and Risperdal, commonly given in nursing homes to fight agitation in people with Alzheimer's may do little to curb aggressive behaviors in patients with impaired intellectual abilities.

Seniors who walked regularly had a lower risk of dementia.

Reading and crossword puzzles may build up cognitive reserve.

Here's a roundup of some of the recent research, along with some simple ways to help keep your thinking sharp into 2008, and well beyond.

Relatives of someone with Parkinson's were found to be at increased risk for dementia.