Cognitive impairment linked to reduced survival in US

Cognitive impairment is associated with reduced survival among both African-Americans and whites – Alzheimer’s disease and its precursor, mild cognitive impairment, appear to be associated with an increased risk of death among both white and African American older adults according to a new, long-term research study by neurological experts at the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University Medical Center.

Passive smoking linked to dementia

First large scale study demonstrates link between exposure to passive smoking and cognitive problems in dementia and similar neurologic diseases. – Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School, the University of Cambridge and the University of Michigan have published the results of the first large-scale study to indicate that second-hand smoke exposure could lead to dementia and other neurological problems.

MRI shows brain atrophy pattern that predicts Alzheimer’s Disease

Using special MRI methods, researchers have identified a pattern of regional brain atrophy in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that indicates a greater likelihood of progression to Alzheimer’s disease. – Researchers have identified a pattern of regional brain atrophy in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that indicates a greater likelihood of progression to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers used special MRI methods.

Mediterranean diet improves cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease

Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) may protect from Alzheimer disease (AD). Its association with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been explored and proved in this study. – Eating a Mediterranean diet appears to be associated with less risk of mild cognitive impairment-a stage between normal aging and dementia-or of transitioning from mild cognitive impairment into Alzheimer’s disease.

Retired athletes with mental decline after concussion

Brain function decline in healthy retired athletes who sustained their last sports concussion in early adulthood – Researchers have found the first evidence that athletes who were concussed during their earlier sporting life show a decline in their mental and physical processes more than 30 years later.

Anxious older adults may benefit from antidepressants

Anxious older adults sufferring from an anxiety disorders may benefit from antidepressants – Many older adults worry – a lot. Almost one in 10 Americans over age 60 suffer from an anxiety disorder that causes them to worry excessively about normal things – like health, finances, disability and family.

Diabetes slows mental functioning in adults

Adult-onset diabetes slows mental functioning in several ways, with deficits appearing early – Adults with diabetes experience a slowdown in several types of mental processing, which appears early in the disease and persists into old age, according to new research.

Ginkgo biloba does not reduce dementia, Alzheimer’s disease risk

Ginkgo biloba does not reduce dementia or Alzheimer’s disease risk according to Pitt-led study in JAMA. – The medicinal herb Ginkgo biloba does not reduce the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease development in either the healthy elderly or those with mild cognitive impairment, according to a large multicenter trial led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

PET scans useful to assess Alzheimer’s disease

Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning useful in a non-invasive assessment of the formation of Alzheimer’s disease?related plaques in the brain. – A type of positron emission tomography (PET) scanning may be useful in a non-invasive assessment of the formation of Alzheimer’s disease?related plaques in the brain, according to small study posted online today that will appear in the October 2008 print issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Improved cognitive health among older Americans

Rates of cognitive impairment among older Americans are on the decline, according to a new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) comparing the cognitive health of older people in 1993 and 2002. Higher levels of education were associated with better cognitive health. – Higher levels of health education improved cognitive health among older Americans. Rates of cognitive impairment among older Americans are on the decline, according to a new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) comparing the cognitive health of older people in 1993 and 2002.

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