Can Alzheimer's Be Spread? Mouse Study Hints It's Possible

THURSDAY, Dec. 13, 2018 -- A brain protein linked to Alzheimer's disease might potentially be transmitted to people during neurological procedures, a new preliminary study suggests.

Genetically engineered lab mice developed amyloid-beta deposits in their brains after they were injected with amyloid-laced samples of human growth hormone taken from decades-old human cadavers, researchers found.

How Puzzles, Games Might Help Your Aging Brain

MONDAY, Dec. 10, 2018 -- Those Sunday crossword puzzles may not prevent the aging brain from slowing down -- but they might protect it in a different way, a new study suggests.

Researchers looked at the "use it or lose it" theory on brain health. The concept holds that mentally engaging activities -- from reading to crosswords to board games -- may help the brain resist dementia later in life.

Give Thanks for These Foods That Help Preserve Aging Memory

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 21, 2018 -- When your mom told you to eat your veggies and drink your orange juice, she was on to something: They may help preserve your brain health, new research suggests.

A 20-year study of men who were health professionals tied a diet rich in leafy greens, orange and red vegetables, berries and orange juice to reduced risk of memory loss (or "cognitive function").

Could Diabetes Drugs Help Curb Alzheimer's?

THURSDAY, Nov. 1, 2018 -- Alzheimer's patients taking diabetes drugs may have fewer signs of dementia in their brains than similar patients not taking the drugs, new research finds.

Specifically, the post-mortem study found that people who'd taken diabetes meds had fewer abnormalities in tiny blood vessels in their brains, and less abnormal gene activity.

AHA: What's the Blood Pressure Connection to Alzheimer's Disease?

THURSDAY, Nov. 1, 2018 (American Heart Association) -- Look after your heart to be kind to the mind. That's the primary message emerging from research into Alzheimer's, a disease of the brain that appears to be deeply driven by what happens to the heart and blood vessels.

The link between high blood pressure and Alzheimer's disease has been a particular focus of recent studies.

Could Herpes Virus Help Cause Alzheimer's?

FRIDAY, Oct. 19, 2018 -- There's growing evidence that the herpes virus responsible for cold sores also may cause Alzheimer's disease, a new research paper contends.

It's been long known that herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) can been found in the brains of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease, and research has shown that herpes increases Alzheimer's risk in people genetically predisposed to dementia, said researcher Ruth Itzhaki.