Mar 4, 2014 — As those with Alzheimer's disease lose their memories, do they also lose their identities? Commentator Tania Lombrozo considers new research into traits seen as central to identity.
Dec 31, 2013 — Vitamin E has gotten a bad rap because of studies finding it increases risk of death. But people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease might be able to fend off symptoms for a while, a study finds. That could mean more a little more time to live independently, and less burden on caregivers.
Dec 27, 2013 — Head injuries have long been considered a risk factor for Alzheimer's, but the evidence on that is mixed. A study finds that people who have memory problems decades after a concussion are more likely to have the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's.
Nov 14, 2013 — Being bilingual opens up new worlds to speakers. It also appears to hold off the onset of dementia. Commentator Barbara King says that for these reasons, and more, she wishes her language faculty was more robust.
Oct 17, 2013 — While mice sleep, their brain cells shrink, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to flow easily around them. The fluid can then clear away toxins. This finding appears to offer the best explanation yet of why animals and people need sleep.
Oct 11, 2013 — Researchers at the University of Florida are suggesting that the smell test could determine whether someone is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. But the discovery comes with caveats and lots of skepticism about how useful a test it would really be.
Oct 3, 2013 — Doctors and nurses are starting to look more carefully at delirium as a health problem for people who have been hospitalized. It may signal long term thinking problems, a study says. More emphasis is being put on preventing delirium in hospital patients by getting them walking sooner and encouraging adequate sleep.
Oct 1, 2013 — Stressful events in midlife, like the death of a spouse or loss of a job, increased the risk of dementia for women in old age, according to a Swedish study. The researchers couldn't say whether some women's habits, such as regular exercise, lowered the risk from stress.
Sep 19, 2013 — The worldwide population of older people in need of care for Alzheimer's and related diseases will reach 277 million by the middle of the century, the authors say.
Jul 8, 2013 — There are tests for heart attacks and diabetes, but few for brain disorders. Researchers are trying to change that, but are finding the hunt for biomarkers for mental illness to be a tough slog. Tests on the market, like ones for Alzheimer's, are not conclusive.