Alzheimers News & Features

Human herpes virus 6 and 7 were found in Alzheimer's-affected brains at levels up to twice as high as in those without Alzheimer's, the scientists reported Thursday.

The researchers found that people at age 50 had an increased risk of dementia later in life if their systolic pressure was higher than 130.

And while it’s never too late to benefit from healthy changes in your life, studies show that starting early may mean extra protection decades later.

People face the most risk if they have high amyloid levels, brain shrinkage and early signs of mild cognitive impairment, the researchers explained. This impairment usually crops up as memory loss.

Many factors could be involved in the findings, including differences in lifestyle and overall health. Also, affluent people have greater social and cultural opportunities that allow them to remain actively engaged with the world.

Factors associated with better quality of life included good relationships, social engagement, better daily functioning, good physical and mental health, and high-quality care.

An experimental automated system called "DRESS" might someday help Alzheimer's patients to dress themselves without a human assistant.

The study authors concluded that blood pressure reduction -- not the medications themselves -- is what lowers dementia risk.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, 5.7 million Americans are now living with the illness, which is progressive and has no effective treatment. U.S. Alzheimer's cases are expected to rise to 14 million by 2050, the association said.

Researchers gave a random sample of 317 adults a fictional description of a patient with mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer's. Respondents were told the patient's condition would worsen, improve or stay the same.

Toy dolls can bring children comfort. And they may provide a similar perk later in life for people with dementia.

About 5.7 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease -- 5.5 million of them aged 65 and older. By 2025, the number of seniors with Alzheimer's could reach 7.1 million, up nearly 29 percent.

A hallmark of Alzheimer's is the accumulation of a protein in the brain called beta-amyloid. It's believed that one benefit of sleep is to clear beta-amyloid, and poor sleep might allow it to build up, the authors of the new study pointed out.

British researchers say they may have found a medicine that helps ease symptoms of agitation in dementia patients, but in a much safer way.

In-person license renewal and driver vision testing laws are more effective than mandatory doctor reporting of patients with dementia, researchers found.

A traumatic injury to the brain -- such as a concussion from a sports collision or a motor vehicle accident -- is already  associated with short-term risk of dementia.

In recent weeks, a pair of high-profile disappointments have been reported, including one just announced on a trial of the Eli Lily drug solanezumab.

Advances in brain imaging have uncovered for the first time how it's thought Alzheimer's disease spreads through the brain.

Medical science has failed to prove that any treatment, therapy or brain exercise can help prevent dementias such as Alzheimer's disease, an extensive new review has concluded.

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from more than 16,000 adults, aged 55 and older, who were evaluated in 2000 and 2010.

As the baby boomer population ages, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease will double by 2060, researchers report.

Scientists say they've pinpointed a rare piece of DNA that may shield against the Alzheimer's disease -- even in people who are otherwise at high risk.

A new research review suggests there's something about marriage -- or people who get and stay married -- that significantly lowers the risk of mental decline in old age.

Even if researchers were to find a groundbreaking new treatment for Alzheimer's disease, millions of people might not benefit from it, new research reveals.

Bill Gates says he will provide $50 million for research into efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease.