Science news
Dementia protein changes discovered in terminal childhood disease
In a world-first, researchers at Newcastle University have found that the brains of infants who sadly passed away with an extremely rare genetic condition, Krabbe disease, have similar changes to those seen in two age-related brain diseases, dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease.
Artificial intelligence could be a new diagnostic tool to predict dementia
Researchers from Exeter have found that machine learning algorithms can accurately predict dementia within two years compared to existing models
Keep a close eye on cognitive impairment following long-COVID, charity warns
UK researchers have found linked markers of inflammation to poor cognition or ‘brain fog’, in those with ‘long-COVID’.
Dementia charity welcomes footballing authorities joint action plan on protecting brain health
Alzheimer’s Research UK welcomes a joint action plan on understanding, promoting and protecting brain health in English football.
Cataract surgery associated with a lower risk of developing dementia
Researchers from the University of Washington have found that people who had cataract surgery had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias compared to those who did not. Findings are published today (Monday 6 December) in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
Drug used to treat erectile dysfunction may have potential for Alzheimer’s
Scientists have assessed several drugs for existing health conditions to explore their impact on dementia risk. They found that use of sildenafil – common brand name Viagra – was linked to fewer dementia cases in American adults.
A higher resting heart rate linked with increased incidence of dementia
Researchers have linked an elevated resting heart rate with an increased risk of dementia.
Scientists design treatment to target memory symptoms in Alzheimer’s
Researchers have designed a new drug compound – HTL9936 – that can selectively activate a protein receptor in brain nerve cells to help improve learning and memory.
Higher coffee consumption linked with improved brain health
Research suggests that a higher coffee consumption is linked with slower changes in memory.
Dementia charity launches scientific review to understand benefits and risk of sport
Alzheimer’s Research UK is undertaking a comprehensive review into the links between sport and dementia risk. The announcement comes today (Wednesday 24 November), with the charity partnering with The Health Policy Partnership to carry out the six-month project.
