July 9, 2020

Brain's Iron Stores May Be Key to Alzheimer's

TUESDAY, June 30, 2020 -- The progression of Alzheimer's disease may accelerate as iron deposits build up in the brain, a new study finds, hinting at a possible role for the mineral in mental decline.

Using MRI scans of 200 older adults with and without Alzheimer's, researchers found that those with the disease generally had higher iron levels in various parts of the brain. And 17 months later, Alzheimer's patients who had had a greater iron accumulation over time also tended to show a faster decline.

June 29, 2020

Hormones May Explain Greater Prevalence of Alzheimer's in Women

FRIDAY, June 26, 2020 -- Women have more Alzheimer's disease-related changes in the brain than men, and this may be linked to hormonal disruptions at menopause, researchers say.

"About two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer's are women, and the general thinking has been it's because women tend to live longer," said study author Lisa Mosconi of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.

June 29, 2020

Middle-Age Obesity Linked to Higher Odds for Dementia

THURSDAY, June 25, 2020 -- If you've been looking for a good reason to slim down, consider this: Being obese at midlife appears to increase your odds for dementia.

That's the takeaway from a large study just published by British researchers, and it echoes similar findings published in December.

June 18, 2020

5 Healthy Steps to Lower Your Odds for Alzheimer's

WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2020 -- A combination of healthy habits -- such as a good diet and regular exercise -- may lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease by as much as 60%, a new study suggests.

Data from nearly 3,000 people in the United States was scored on five beneficial lifestyle factors: high-quality diet, physical activity, not smoking, brain-challenging activities, and light-to-moderate alcohol consumption.

June 15, 2020

With Nursing Homes on Lockdown, Stay Connected With Loved Ones

THURSDAY, June 11, 2020 -- Social restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic can be especially hard for people who can't visit loved ones with Alzheimer's disease who are in nursing homes.

Despite an easing of restrictions, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says nursing homes shouldn't allow outside visitors until the last phase of its reopening guidelines.

June 15, 2020

Alzheimer's Gene Linked to Severe COVID-19 Risk

WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2020 -- People who have a flawed gene linked to Alzheimer's disease may face a higher risk of COVID-19, an international team of researchers reports.

Part of the increased risk among people with dementia may owe to high rates of new coronavirus infections in nursing homes. But this study suggests genetics may also be a factor.