All articles tagged with #cognitivedecline
A large study found that subtle changes in banking habits, such as reduced travel spending and fewer online logins, can signal early cognitive decline and risk of dementia up to ten years before formal diagnosis, highlighting the potential of financial data for early detection and intervention.
New research from the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience reveals that long-term memory can form independently of short-term memory, challenging traditional theories. Experiments on mice showed that blocking short-term memory did not prevent the formation of long-term memories, suggesting a parallel pathway in the brain. This discovery could lead to new strategies for addressing memory-related conditions, such as cognitive decline.
A study from the University of Toronto suggests that the speed of speech, rather than word-finding difficulty, is a more accurate indicator of cognitive decline in older adults. Researchers used AI to analyze speech patterns of 125 participants, linking slower speech with age-related decline in executive functions. The study highlights the potential of using speech rate as a subtle marker for early detection of cognitive health issues, advancing previous research on language changes in dementia.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a link between speech rate and cognitive decline in older adults, suggesting that speech patterns could serve as early indicators of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. By using AI-powered speech analysis, the study highlights the potential for early detection and intervention strategies, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional cognitive assessments. This breakthrough could revolutionize cognitive health monitoring and treatment by identifying subtle changes in speech years before severe symptoms appear.
A new study published in the journal Nutrients finds that lower levels of calcium and magnesium in the blood are linked to poorer cognitive performance in individuals over 60. The research highlights the importance of these micronutrients in maintaining cognitive health, suggesting that deficiencies may contribute to cognitive decline. Experts recommend obtaining these nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements, and emphasize the role of a balanced diet, social connections, and lifestyle choices in supporting brain health as we age.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that adopting healthy lifestyle factors such as physical activity, limited alcohol use, a healthy diet, cognitive activity, and social involvement may help reduce the risk of young-onset dementia. The research, which involved 356,052 UK participants under 65 years old over 15 years, identified 15 controllable factors that could impact dementia risk. While genetics and socioeconomic status are harder to control, the study highlights the potential of lifestyle changes in supporting brain health and reducing early dementia risk.
A study published in Neurology suggests that middle-aged individuals with disrupted sleep patterns are at double the risk of cognitive decline compared to those with less sleep interruption. The research, which followed 526 people over 11 years, indicates that sleep quality is more crucial for cognitive health than sleep quantity. While the study found a significant association between sleep disturbance and later cognitive issues, further research is needed to explore the potential link and its implications for Alzheimer's disease prevention.
A study published in Neurology suggests that poor sleep quality in middle age may be linked to cognitive decline later in life. Researchers followed 526 individuals over 11 years and found that those with the most disrupted sleep patterns had more than double the odds of experiencing poor cognitive performance a decade later. The study, funded by the National Institute on Aging and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, emphasizes the importance of sleep quality for long-term cognitive health, although it does not establish a direct causal relationship. Further research is needed to explore the connection between sleep disturbances and cognitive function at different life stages, potentially offering new prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Neurology suggests that individuals in their 30s and 40s with fragmented sleep patterns are more than twice as likely to experience cognitive decline a decade later. The research, which tracked sleep quality using wrist monitors and later assessed cognitive abilities, found that those with the most disrupted sleep had a higher likelihood of poor cognitive performance. The findings highlight the importance of sleep quality over quantity for cognitive health in middle age and suggest a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Further research is needed to explore the connection between sleep disturbances and cognition at different life stages.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that disrupted sleep in midlife, characterized by frequent short interruptions, is linked to poorer cognitive function 11 years later. This association was found to be more significant than sleep duration or self-reported sleep quality. The study, which included over 500 participants, indicates that sleep fragmentation could be an early risk factor for cognitive problems and potentially Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the importance of sleep quality for cognitive health starting in midlife. Further research is needed to understand the connection between sleep disturbances and cognition throughout different life stages.
Research presented at the Gerontological Society of America conference highlights the importance of good quality sleep for maintaining brain health as we age. Despite common sleep disruptions in older adults, such as sleep apnea and medication side effects, maintaining about seven hours of consolidated sleep is crucial for cognitive function. Strategies to improve sleep include working with healthcare providers to address sleep problems, considering cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, openly discussing sleep issues with doctors, and prioritizing sleep health. Poor sleep is linked to cognitive decline and potentially dementia, but addressing sleep issues may help prevent or delay these outcomes.
A study published in the Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific found a correlation between very high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "good cholesterol," and an increased risk of dementia in older adults. Tracking 18,668 participants aged 65 or older, researchers discovered that those with HDL levels of 80 mg/dL or higher had up to a 42% increased risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal HDL levels. This association was observed to be independent of other traditional dementia risk factors, and the reasons behind this link remain unclear, indicating a need for further research.
A new study involving nearly 8,000 older adults suggests that owning pets can slow cognitive decline in individuals over 50 who live alone. The research, which followed participants for eight years, indicates that pet ownership is linked to better maintenance of verbal memory and fluency, potentially offsetting the risks associated with solitary living—a known factor for dementia. However, the benefits were not observed in older adults living with others, highlighting the unique support pets provide to those living alone.