For couples, families or friends who share a significant song, the effects of music can be powerful and persistent, lasting well into old age, even piercing through dementia.
People with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s often have difficulty swallowing, a dangerous condition. Here’s why treatment of these illnesses should include attention to swallowing problems.
New research shows that exposure to fine particulate air pollution may double the risk of dementia in older women by increasing growth of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
High blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, but now researchers have found that it may be protective in the very old.
A study was reported to show caffeine protects older women from dementia. But looking closer at the research, we can’t truly claim coffee was the reason some of the women had a lower risk of dementia.
Testing some genes for Alzheimer’s disease, coeliac disease and folate conversion does not lead to improved health outcomes, and may create anxiety or false hope amongst patients.
Improvements in education and vascular health are likely partly responsible for a sharp decline in dementia over the past few decades. The trend may continue, if we also address obesity and diabetes.
Blood has some disadvantages for diagnosis as it is separated from the brain by what is called the “blood brain barrier”. This makes it difficult to establish that a signal is actually coming from the brain.
Paul Maruff, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
News reports this week hailing a breakthrough in Alzheimer’s research, saying a vaccine for the disease is a few years away, have raised hopes for many. But let’s take a step back from the headlines.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most feared illnesses of people 60 and up. A rare type of Alzheimer’s, called early-onset, can occur in people even younger. How can you tell if you are at risk?