When a person is confused or has memory problems for a very short time it is called delirium. It may raise the risk of dementia, which is a longer term issue.

Drugs are often used to help memory in people with dementia. New research is looking into ways a hormone may help people with dementia too. A recent study found that taking a hormone, which is a natural part of the body’s function, improved thinking skills for elderly people.

Keeping a healthy weight has many benefits. Recent research suggests that it may also help keep memory sharp as you age. A recent study looked at people’s weight and other health problems, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Risk for dementia increases as people age and when there is a family history. New research suggests that the ability to avoid dementia may also run in families.

Beta amyloid is linked to brain cell death in Alzheimer’s disease. And recent lab studies found that a common food chemical may enhance its harmful effects.

Loneliness among older individuals can be a significant risk factor for health problems like cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and even death.

Risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) increases with age, but the way the disease progresses varies. Some people with AD start having symptoms in their sixties and others much later.

Simple memories, like being able to identify a smell, can be affected in later stages of dementia. However, research suggests that changes in smell memory may show up early.

Aricept is approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, but clinical trials are underway to see if it will be helpful for other types of dementia.

A sense of self, or self-concept, comes from involvement in family, work and community. Dementia patients may have higher quality of life when self-concept is maintained.