Loss of Smell, an Early Alzheimer’s Sign, Reversed in Lab
A poor sense of smell may be one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s. Now, researchers have shown that the offending culprit may be beta-amyloid, a protein that builds up in a toxic form in the brains of those with … Continue reading
A New Type of Brain Scan to Detect Alzheimer’s Early
A new type of brain scan may help to detect Alzheimer’s early, using no radiation and at less cost than other techniques, researchers report. Doctors at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine have developed a form of magnetic … Continue reading
Early Plaque Build-Up May Signal Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is characterized by the buildup of beta-amyloid, a protein that accumulates in the brains of those with the disease. But at least 20 percent of elderly men and women also have evidence of beta-amyloid buildup in the brain on … Continue reading
Anxiety and Depression Increase Dementia Risk
Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can cause anxiety and depression, at least for a short time. But can mental distress increase the risk for developing dementia? Scientists assessed that question by reviewing the medical records … Continue reading
Depression in Seniors Linked to Increased Alzheimer’s Risk
Symptoms of depression late in life have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. But is depression a cause or an effect of the disease? Researchers speculate that in some people, Alzheimer’s could be a long process that … Continue reading
Alzheimer’s Common in ‘Oldest Old’ Women
More than 40 percent of elderly women ages 85 and over had symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or other serious problems with thinking and memory, according to a new report. The findings are important, since the numbers of these “oldest old,” … Continue reading
Memory Loss May Not Be Present in Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
More than a third of people with early-onset Alzheimer’s, a form of Alzheimer’s that typically occurs before age 60, do not have memory loss as their chief complaint, a new study reports. Instead, many have behavioral problems or problems with … Continue reading
Common Sleep Problem Linked to Dementia
A common breathing disorder called sleep apnea, in which sleepers stop breathing hundreds of times during the night, has been linked to memory decline and dementia. The findings are important because sleep apnea may affect more than half of seniors … Continue reading
Small Health Problems Can Add up to Alzheimer’s
Arthritic joints, stomach troubles and painful ankles aren’t symptoms traditionally thought of as increasing the risk for Alzheimer’s. But a new report found that small health troubles can combine to significantly increase the risk of developing the disease. The report, … Continue reading
Diabetes Increases Dementia Risk, But Treatments Are Limited
Two new studies highlight the connections between diabetes and dementia. One adds to a growing body of evidence that diabetes, one of the most common medical disorders among older Americans, is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms … Continue reading
