Rogue protein linked to early-onset dementia identified

A visualization of the structure of TAF15 amyloid filaments (in yellow), as detected by cryo-EM in the brains of four dementia patients

Scientists have identified odd clusters of a specific protein in the brains of people with early-onset dementia, pointing to a potential cause, a diagnostic tool and, ultimately, a therapy target for a disease that’s been largely a mystery to researchers.

Continue Reading

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: , , , , , ,

Continue reading Rogue protein linked to early-onset dementia identified

Twice-daily brain zaps may boost ‘rewiring’ & functioning in Alzheimer’s

A study found that twice-daily non-invasive electrical stimulation improved brain functioning in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Research has found that non-invasively applying a mild electrical current to the brain twice a day for six weeks improved cognitive functioning and plasticity, the ability of the brain to ‘rewire’ itself, in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The treatment may be an effective way of reducing – or even reversing – the effects of the condition.

Continue Reading

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: , , , ,

Continue reading Twice-daily brain zaps may boost ‘rewiring’ & functioning in Alzheimer’s

Certain personality traits could help protect against dementia

Possessing certain personality traits increases the risk of a dementia diagnosis, while others lessen it, research has found

New research has found that some personality traits increase the risk of a dementia diagnosis, whereas others reduce it. Interestingly, no consistent association was seen between personality and dementia-related brain pathology. The findings suggest that targeting personality traits in interventions earlier in life may be a way of reducing dementia risk in the long term.

Continue Reading

Category: Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle

Tags: , , ,

Continue reading Certain personality traits could help protect against dementia

Too much ‘good’ cholesterol could be bad for dementia, says study

It’s generally considered a good thing to have elevated levels of HDL cholesterol, also commonly referred to as “good” cholesterol. But new research indicates that when those HDL levels climb too high, dementia could be an unwanted side effect.Continue… Continue reading Too much ‘good’ cholesterol could be bad for dementia, says study

Spent coffee grounds may protect brain from neurodegenerative disease

Millions of spent coffee grounds end up in landfill each year

With around six million tons of spent coffee grounds discarded each year, much of that dumped into landfills, there’s growing interest in repurposing the everyday by-product for other uses, such as creating new sustainable materials.

Continue Reading

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: , , ,

Continue reading Spent coffee grounds may protect brain from neurodegenerative disease

Alzheimer’s brain effects may be broader than previously thought

A study has found that Alzheimer's disease has a broader effect on brain network function than previously thought

Analyzing the functional connectivity of different brain networks, researchers found that, compared to a healthy aging brain, Alzheimer’s disease disrupts areas of the brain beyond those relating to memory and is independent of factors typically associated with the disease, such as amyloid beta levels.

Continue Reading

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: , , , ,

Continue reading Alzheimer’s brain effects may be broader than previously thought

Insulin may be key to the link between obesity and dementia

High-sugar diets may be disrupting the brain's ability to clear out toxic proteins, leading to the development of neurodegenerative diseases

A compelling new study from scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is pointing to a possible mechanism linking obesity with neurodegenerative diseases. The detailed work in fruit flies suggests diet-induced insulin resistance can impair the brain’s ability to clear out neuronal debris and contribute to the development of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Continue Reading

Category: Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle

Tags: , , , ,

Continue reading Insulin may be key to the link between obesity and dementia

Wasabi offers a memory-boosting kick to an aging brain

If you’ve ever misjudged the potency of a dollop of wasabi on your sushi, you’ll be well versed in its ability to clear sinuses and, for a moment, have you feeling like you can see through space and time.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Tohoku Un… Continue reading Wasabi offers a memory-boosting kick to an aging brain

Losing just 1% of deep sleep found to increase dementia risk by 27%

A new study has found that, in people over 60, a reduction in deep sleep by as little as 1% per year equated to a 27% increased risk of dementia. The findings suggest that enhancing or maintaining deep sleep may be a way of keeping the disease at bay.C… Continue reading Losing just 1% of deep sleep found to increase dementia risk by 27%

Common heart condition linked to 45% higher risk of cognitive decline

A large UK study has linked abnormal heart rhythm to cognitive decline, which is the latest in a growing body of evidence suggesting that there is a significant correlation between common heart conditions and the risk of dementia.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading Common heart condition linked to 45% higher risk of cognitive decline