Newly Identified Gene Triples Alzheimer’s Risk
Researchers have discovered a new genetic defect that increases the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s, by far the most common form of the disease, by threefold or more. The mutated gene is known to play a role in the immune … Continue reading
A Range of Diagnostic Tests for Alzheimer’s
Various tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease have become available in recent years, although they remain imperfect diagnostic tools. Now researchers at Duke University report that using a combination of tests – two types of brain scans along with analysis of … Continue reading
Football Players at Increased Alzheimer’s Risk
Professional football players are at increased risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease, a new study reports. The findings are consistent with earlier reports that concussions and other head injuries that damage the brain can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s and … Continue reading
Herbal Remedy Ginkgo Fails to Stem Alzheimer’s Slide
Much has been made of the promises of the herbal remedy ginkgo biloba for keeping the memory sharp in old age. But a rigorous new study of the herb had disappointing results: ginkgo failed to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s … Continue reading
High Blood Sugar Levels Tied to Brain Shrinkage
Older men and women who have blood sugar levels at the high end of normal appear to have shrinkage of the brain in areas critical for memory, according to a new report. The findings give new weight to concerns that … Continue reading
Delirium Spurs Alzheimer’s Decline
People with Alzheimer’s who are hospitalized often develop delirium, a period of acute disorientation that may last for days. Now, in the longest-running study of its type, researchers found that people with Alzheimer’s who develop delirium may show an accelerated … Continue reading
Delirium Increases Risks in Alzheimer’s Patients
A study of people with Alzheimer’s disease found that a hospital stay greatly increased the risk of further decline, including the need to enter a nursing home and an increased risk of dying. About half of those who were hospitalized … Continue reading
How the APOE-E4 Gene May Raise Alzheimer’s Risk
People who carry the APOE-E4 gene, the most common known genetic contributor to Alzheimer’s, are at increased risk of developing the disease, though having the gene is no guarantee that you’ll get Alzheimer’s. Now scientists are uncovering new clues about … Continue reading
Alzheimer’s Tied to Insulin Problems in the Brain
People with diabetes lack the ability to make or use insulin, a hormone that helps the body to maintain healthy levels of glucose, or blood sugar. Now researchers have found that problems using insulin in the brain may contribute to … Continue reading
New Imaging Agents Lead to Earlier Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
An imaging agent called florbetaben, the latest in a series of new dyes for detecting Alzheimer’s at an earlier stage, showed promise in detecting the brain plaques that are hallmarks of the disease. Earlier diagnosis remains an important goal for … Continue reading
