Dementia

Research has found that some personality traits increase the risk of a dementia diagnosis, whereas others reduce it. The findings suggest that targeting these traits earlier in life may be a way of reducing dementia risk in the long term.

It's generally considered a good thing to have elevated levels of HDL cholesterol, also commonly referred to as "good" cholesterol. But new research indicates that when those HDL levels climb too high, dementia could be an unwanted side effect.

Caffeic acid, derived from coffee grounds, could help shield the brain from developing diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. With six million tons of grounds dumped each year, this could be the most valuable 'upcycling' of the by-product yet.

Analyzing the functional connectivity of different brain networks, researchers found that Alzheimer’s disease disrupts areas of the brain beyond those relating to memory and produces changes distinct from those seen in healthy aging.

A new study is pointing to a possible mechanism linking obesity with neurodegenerative disease. The work suggests diet-induced insulin resistance can impair the brain’s ability to clear out neuronal debris and contribute to diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Love it or hate it, this punchy Japanese condiment has many scientists very interested in its cognitive health-boosting abilities. A new study of 60-80-year-olds supports the growing evidence – and you don't even need to taste it to reap the benefits.

A new study has found that, in people over 60, a reduction in deep sleep by as little as 1% per year equated to a 27% increased risk of dementia. The findings suggest that enhancing or maintaining deep sleep may be a way of keeping the disease at bay.

A large study has linked abnormal heart rhythm to cognitive decline, the latest evidence that connects common cardiovascular conditions with dementia. But there is some good news: Early diagnosis and medication may completely remove the increased risk.

For the first time, scientists have identified how the region of our brain that powers memory is made up of two very different sets of neurons: one that deals with previous associations, and one that is predictive, actively shaping future behaviors.

A new kind of high-frequency deep-brain stimulation has successfully stimulated neurons in the hippocampus, the region that forms, organizes and retrieves memories. This non-invasive, painless treatment is now being trialed on dementia patients.

A new study has found that short blood pressure fluctuations – across a day or several days – increase the risk of dementia in older adults. The findings suggest that blood pressure variability could be an early marker of cognitive impairment.

Another large study has found a correlation between proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and an increased risk of dementia, particularly for those aged 60-69 years. But frustratingly, scientists still don’t understand exactly what that connection is.