Dementia

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have come up with novel approach to tackling brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's, clearing them through the use of injectable, oxygenated atoms that are activated by infrared light.

A new study has found a strong relationship between bacterial imbalances in the oral microbiome and a key biomarker of Alzheimer’s. This new research focuses on the link between amyloid levels and different oral bacteria species in healthy older adults.

Harmful clusters of certain proteins are seen as key players in the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease, and scientists have now found that a novel gene therapy may be able to prevent a significant portion of them from forming.

Two studies are offering new evidence the microbiome is intertwined with our metabolic and brain health. One shows a link between gut bacteria and cognitive changes in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s, while another suggests microbial biomarkers could predict the progression of diabetes.

A new study has demonstrated how the brain's waste disposal system might be kicked into gear via ultrasound to treat Alzheimer's, with the technique proving effective in stimulating activity of this system in patients as part of early human trials.

Given the difficulty in diagnosing the Alzheimer's, scientists are exploring all kinds of avenues to reveal the disease in its early stages. New research indicates a person's pain perception could be used a biomarker for diagnosing Alzheimer's.

A new study has demonstrated how differences in walking patterns might help in distinguishing Alzheimer’s disease from other types of dementia, by focusing on one specific aspect of the patient’s gait.

A new study is suggesting heart disease in mid-life is linked to cognitive decline in senior years. The research found subjects in their 50s with mild hypertension displayed evidence of impaired brain metabolism in areas associated with Alzheimer’s.

A new observational study is building on a body of data finding a correlation between afternoon naps and improved mental agility. The research hypothesizes afternoon naps may help moderate age-related neuroinflammation helping keep the brain healthy.

A new study describes one way immune cells become dysfunctional as we age, leading to the inflammatory hyperdrive that plays a role in most age-related disease from cancer to cognitive decline, and suggests this immune dysfunction can be reversed.

A pair of newly published studies are offering novel insights into how the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease leads to cognitive decline. The research suggests minor vision problems can precede cognitive decline by up to 18 months.

Although yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has announced promising results from one of its Phase 2 human trials testing an experimental Alzheimer’s disease drug designed to slow cognitive decline.