Dementia | Page 3 of 13 | Health Newstrack

Chewing ability linked to reduced dementia risk

Chewing ability linked to reduced dementia risk — Can you bite into an apple? If so, you are more likely to maintain mental abilities. – Can you bite into an apple? If so, you are more likely to maintain mental abilities, according to new research from Karolinska Institutet. The population is ageing, and the older we become the more likely it is that we risk deterioration of our cognitive functions, such as memory, decision-making and problem solving.

Cafeteria diet increases stroke risk

‘Cafeteria diet’ hastens stroke risk — High-sugar, high-salt intake creates ‘a ticking time bomb of health problems’ – The fat- and sugar-rich Western diet leads to a lifetime of health problems, dramatically increasing the risk of stroke or death at a younger age,. Researchers found that a high-calorie, high-sugar, high-sodium diet nicknamed the ‘cafeteria diet’ induced most symptoms of metabolic syndrome ? a combination of high levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and obesity ? in rats after only two months.

Binge drinking increases cognitive decline in older adults

Binge drinking increases the risk of cognitive decline in older adults – Researchers from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD), University of Exeter, suggesting a link between binge drinking in older adults and the risk of developing dementia. The work is supported by the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care in the South West Peninsula (NIHR PenCLAHRC).

New study to find role of stress in development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Stress link to Alzheimer’s goes under the spotlight — A new ?1.5 million study to find role of stress in development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease – Chronic stress is being investigated in a new Alzheimer’s Society funded research project as a risk factor for developing dementia. It is part of a ?1.5 million package of six grants being given by the charity fighting to find a cause, cure and way to prevent the disease.

Omega 3 fish oil supplements not reducing cognitive decline in older

Role of omega-3 in preventing cognitive decline in older people questioned — Elderly warned that taking fish oil pills ‘does not prevent brain decline’ – Older people who take omega-3 fish oil supplements are probably not reducing their chances of losing cognitive function. Based on the available data from studies lasting up to 3.5 years, the researchers concluded that the supplements offered no benefits for cognitive health over placebo capsules or margarines, but that longer term effects are worth investigating.

Hormone therapy recommendations to be updated

Task Force Examines Evidence to Update Hormone Therapy Recommendations – Evidence of significant adverse events led the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to issue recommendations against using estrogen plus progestin in 2002 and estrogen alone in 2005 to prevent chronic conditions.

Violence during childhood may impact kids’ DNA

Violence puts wear and tear on kids’ DNA — Exposure to Violence During Childhood is Associated with Telomere Erosion from 5 to 10 Years of Age – Children who have experienced violence might really be older than their years. The DNA of 10-year-olds who experienced violence in their young lives has been found to show wear and tear normally associated with aging, a Duke University study has found.

Speaking more than one language may ward off symptoms of dementia

Being bilingual wards off symptoms of dementia — speaking more than one language may translate to better mental health – New study examines how being bilingual can offer protection from the symptoms of dementia, and also suggests that the increasing diversity in our world populations may have an unexpected positive impact on the resiliency of the adult brain.

Omega 3 fatty acids linked to aging and memory problems

Fish oil omega-3 fatty acids linked to brain health — A Diet Rich in Fish May Help the Aging Brain – A diet lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients commonly found in fish, may cause your brain to age faster and lose some of its memory and thinking abilities. Omega-3 fatty acids include the nutrients called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Specific antipsychotic drugs increase risk in elderly dementia patients

Research: Differential risk of death in older nursing home residents prescribed specific antipsychotic medications: Population-based cohort study – Nursing home residents over the age of 65 who take certain antipsychotic medication for dementia are at an increased risk of death, suggests a research paper published in BMJ. Haloperidol had double the risk of mortality amongst other drugs for the condition, say researchers.