A monthly recap of the latest news about Alzheimer’s and dementia

 

What Types of Exercise Reduce Dementia Risk?

Several large studies have confirmed that vigorous exercise, walking and even doing household chores can greatly benefit the brain. Read more here.

 

New web portal gives scientists access to dozens of neurodegenerative disease stem cells

With just a few clicks of a mouse and taps on a keyboard, researchers around the world can now order stem cells that scientists have engineered for studying the genes behind Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and several other neurodegenerative disorders. Read more here.

 

Less Money, More Cognitive Problems, Study Finds

New research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference indicates that factors like living in a low-income neighborhood or earning low wages are associated with a higher likelihood of developing dementia. Read more here.

 

Alzheimer’s researchers are looking beyond plaques and tangles for new treatments

The field of Alzheimer’s research is branching out. After decades of focusing on the sticky amyloid plaques and tangled tau fibers associated with the disease, brain researchers are searching for other potential causes of impaired memory and thinking. Read more here.

 

Nearly 40% of older adult brains studied showed signs of Alzheimer’s-like LATE dementia

Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE), a form of dementia that is often mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease, according to an NIA-supported study. Read more here.

 

Can a Healthy Diet Really Prevent Dementia?

It is still challenging to accurately track what people eat over long periods of time. It’s even tougher to link this data to brain health. Read more here.

 

Midlife cholesterol and blood sugar levels may be risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease

Abnormal cholesterol and glucose (or blood sugar) levels as early as age 35 may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease risk later in life. Read more here. 

 

Is Junk Food Fueling Alzheimer’s?

It may be common knowledge that high-sugar, high-fat junk food (think: fried foods, milkshakes, pastries, cakes and cookies) aren’t good for your waistline, but could they also be harming your brain? Read more here.