High, Low Levels of Magnesium Linked to Dementia Risk

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 20, 2017 -- Having magnesium levels that are too high or too low may put you at risk for Alzheimer's and other dementias, Dutch researchers report.

In a study of more than 9,500 men and women, the highest or lowest levels of magnesium appeared to increase the chances for dementia by as much as 30 percent.

Is Dementia Declining Among Older Americans?

TUESDAY, Sept. 5, 2017 -- Here's some good news for America's seniors: The rates of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia have dropped significantly over the last decade or so, a new study shows.

The analysis of nearly 1,400 men and women 70 and older found that the number of dementia cases dropped from 73 among those born before 1920 to just 3 among those born after 1929.

Women at Risk for Alzheimer's Face Critical 10-Year Window, Study Says

MONDAY, Aug. 28, 2017 -- Women with a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's disease face a 10-year window when they have far greater chances of developing the disease than men with similar genetic risks, a new analysis suggests.

That window seems to occur between ages 65 and 75 -- more than 10 years after the start of menopause, say University of Southern California researchers who reviewed 27 prior studies.

Study Links Moderate Drinking to Reduced Risk of Dementia

SUNDAY, Aug. 6, 2017 -- Moderate drinking may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia in seniors, a new study suggests.

But the study authors stressed that the findings shouldn't be interpreted as a signal to drink freely. The study only found an association between some alcohol consumption and mental sharpness, not a cause-and-effect link.

Midlife Behaviors May Affect Your Dementia Risk

MONDAY, Aug. 7, 2017 -- Your heart health in midlife may determine your risk of developing dementia in old age, a new 25-year study suggests.

Middle-aged folks who smoke or have diabetes or high blood pressure are more likely to have dementia as they grow older, said lead researcher Dr. Rebecca Gottesman.

Noninvasive Brain Test May Pinpoint Type of Dementia

WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017 -- Distinguishing Alzheimer's disease from another common form of dementia may get easier using a new, noninvasive technique, researchers say.

While Alzheimer's is the best-known form of dementia, another form of brain deterioration, called frontotemporal dementia (FTD), accounts for 10 percent to 15 percent of dementia cases.