MUST READS

A November 14, 2018 Medical Xpress article looked at the complex relationship between dementia and domestic violence. Patients with dementia are especially vulnerable to abuse as caregiving can be frustrating for unprepared family members. At the same time, the onset of dementia is known to coincide with the development of aggressive and angry tendencies, and up to 20 percent of new dementia patients have lashed out. As well, people who have suffered domestic violence including head trauma may be more susceptible to developing dementia later in life. The WHO estimates up to 30 percent of women globally have been a victim of domestic abuse.

A November 13, 2018 Healthline article reported that researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute, Salt Lake City found that patients with atrial fibrillation, the most common sustained abnormal heartbeat, can experience chronic, yet silent brain injuries. They are at higher risk of developing depression, dementia and cognitive decline. Patients with atrial fibrillation develop dementia earlier and progress more rapidly. 

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A November 14, 2018 New Atlas article focused on new anti-aging compounds that may help to tackle Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at the Salk Institute developed three synthetic compounds, “geroneuroprotectors,” with the goal of extending lifespan, reducing molecular markers of aging and slowing the onset of age-associated diseases like AD. Two compounds are moving forward into human trials.

A November 12, 2018 Being Patient article focused on the connection between vascular and brain health. A new study led by scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that the same genetics involved in cardiovascular disease are also implicated in Alzheimer’s. “Our study emphasizes that there’s much to learn about how genes driving Alzheimer’s disease risk also increase the risk for other health problems, particularly cardiovascular disease, and vice versa. So we really need to think about these risks more holistically,” said Celeste M. Karch, PhD. 

CLINICAL TRIAL SPOTLIGHT

A November 15, 2018 Michigan Live Article spotlighted an Alzheimer’s disease early-detection clinical trial being conducted by ADNI (Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative). The study is enrolling now and seeking healthy volunteers, 55-90 with mild memory problems, or people who have been diagnosed with mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Get your online eligibility screening here.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A November 13, 2018 Insider Health article highlighted work from researchers at University College London, who presented a study involving patients who had an ultrasound neck scan detecting pulse, then had their cognitive functions monitored for 14 years. More intense pulse can cause damage to small vessels in the brain, which may build up over time, potentially causing dementia symptoms. People with more intense pulses were up to 50 percent more likely to suffer reduced cognitive functions.