Alzheimer's & Dementia

Individuals who suffer head trauma from sports, accidents, or other causes often go on to develop neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. A new study sheds light on why that might be and offers a way to prevent it.

Binge-drinking in early adult years fundamentally changes how brain neurons communicate, in what scientists equate to a faulty gas pedal in a car that needs more pressure applied to "go." This type of dysfunction is also seen in Alzheimer's disease.

While growing evidence suggests that there’s a link between blood iron levels and the development of Alzheimer’s disease, new research investigating the effects of an available iron-reducing drug has raised concerns about its use as a treatment for the condition.

By obtaining high-resolution images of Alzheimer’s disease-affected brain cells as the condition progresses, researchers have identified the specific neurons that are damaged. The information the ‘cell atlas’ provides highlights potential new treatment targets.

Consuming an extra six serves of foods and drinks high in flavonoids – such as berries, tea, dark chocolate and, yes, red wine – could safeguard your brain in older age, with researchers finding a link between this plant component and dementia risk.

A new study has somewhat redeemed the tau protein, which up to now has been associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Turns out, the protein has a ‘good guy’ role, helping to protect against harmful free radicals in the brain.

In a medical emergency, quick treatment is critical. But a widely used drug could be repurposed to induce a hibernation-like state, to slow down organ damage and save lives by giving patients more time to reach a hospital.

Instead of focusing on fighting the plaques linked to Alzheimer's, researchers took a look at boosting electrical oscillations in the brain. The molecule they invented got the job done in mice, offering hope for a new treatment path for humans.

A new report by world-leading experts lists 14 modifiable risk factors associated with 40% of all dementia cases that, if addressed by people across their lifespan, could reduce the likelihood of developing the condition or delay its onset.

Brain parasites are something that most people would naturally want to avoid, but maybe they can be used for good. A new study has found that a common brain parasite could be engineered to deliver drugs past the blood-brain barrier.

One dose of a new treatment, delivered by nasal spray, clears away build-ups of the toxic tau protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease from inside brain cells, improving memory, according to new research. It paves the way for new treatments for the debilitating disease.

An innovative biodegradable paper that sticks to the brain’s surface like a Band-Aid and delivers electrical stimulation wirelessly could revolutionize the treatment of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, according to a new study.

A study has found that having two APOE4 genes may not just be a risk factor in Alzheimer's disease, but a driver of it. Nearly all carriers' brains showed key disease biomarkers by age 65, suggesting it may instead be a type of inheritable Alzheimer's.

In the human species, bigger brains suggest better brain health and cognitive function. And since the 1930s, our brains have been growing. Now, a new study shows how this is affecting our risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers have discovered that limiting a certain enzyme can have a dramatic impact in protecting against the effects of Alzheimer's disease. The finding could lead to a new class of drugs that fight the disease.