Health News
Marker Identifies Dementia Type
Symptoms of different types of dementia are similar, which can make it tough to give patients an accurate diagnosis. A marker that detects brain plaques can help doctors tell them apart.
Low BMI May Contribute to Alzheimer's
Maintaining a weight that is overly thin can contribute to health problems in much the same way that being obese can. More recently a low body mass index has also been linked to early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Boosting Memory in Alzheimer's Patients
Alzheimer's disease patients can have trouble remembering basics from the faces of loved ones to where they put something down. A medical food that has showed promise in trials could help with a memory boost.
Hypertension Drugs May Lower Alzheimer's Risk
Patients suffering from hypertension may be at an added benefit. Their blood pressure medication may help lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Predicting Alzheimer's Disease
As seniors begin to age, many worry about the prospect of developing Alzheimer's disease. They may seek an evaluation, but it can be difficult to predict who is suffering from early symptoms even when memory problems are reported.
Healthy GPS Shoes
It's not uncommon for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease to become confused and wander off. New shoes with built-in GPS systems may help ensure that seniors with dementia can be tracked and safely brought home.
Small Silent Strokes Increase Risks
Small undetected strokes are not uncommon in older patients. These incidences may be contributing to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in such patients.
Substantial Alzheimer's Guideline Changes
A proposed change in guidelines for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease means patients will be examined for signs of the disease after their death even if they never exhibited symptoms suggesting the diagnosis.
Drugs Found Safe for Dementia Patients
Several studies over the summer suggested that common drugs taken by the elderly including antidepressants and antihistamines might cause additional cognitive impairment in those suffering from dementia.
Dementia Cases Going Undiagnosed
As many as 36 million worldwide are suffering from some type of dementia, yet about three quarters of them have not been diagnosed, partly because it is often falsely considered a normal part of aging.