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Researchers from the University of California, Davis, and Northwestern University have conducted a meta-study to investigate the extent to which personality and character traits play a role in the development of dementia and, just as importantly, in how those affected experience and deal with these diseases.   The study, published in the "Journal of the Alzheimer's Association", analyzed the so-called "Big Five" personality traits of 44,000 people, 1,703 of whom developed dementia.   It shows that differences in the development of dementia are not necessarily only associated with physical damage to the brain tissue. Despite existing brain damage, people with certain personality traits can find ways to better cope with or counteract the disease-related impairments in everyday life.   The results of the study underline the possibility and necessity of integrating these aspects into future, more personalized medical treatment approaches:   https://lnkd.in/d646YXxp   #alzheimerscience #alzheimersresearch #alzheimers #dementiaresearch #alzheimersdementia #alzheimersdisease #morbusalzheimers #personalizedmedicine #dementiadevelopment #dementiaprogression #dementiapsychologicalaspects #personalitytraitdementia #characterinfluencedementia #universityofcalifornia #northwesternuniversity #journalofthealzheimersassociation          

Researchers from the University of California, Davis, and Northwestern University have conducted a meta-study to investigate the extent to which personality and character traits play a role in the development of dementia and, just as importantly, in how those affected experience and deal with these diseases.   The study, published in the "Journal of the Alzheimer's Association", analyzed the so-called "Big Five" personality traits of 44,000 people, 1,703 of whom developed dementia.   It shows that differences in the development of dementia are not necessarily only associated with physical damage to the brain tissue. Despite existing brain damage, people with certain personality traits can find ways to better cope with or counteract the disease-related impairments in everyday life.   The results of the study underline the possibility and necessity of integrating these aspects into future, more personalized medical treatment approaches:   https://lnkd.in/dEdkQT4X   #alzheimerscience #alzheimersresearch #alzheimers #dementiaresearch #alzheimersdementia #alzheimersdisease #morbusalzheimers #personalizedmedicine #dementiadevelopment #dementiaprogression #dementiapsychologicalaspects #personalitytraitdementia #characterinfluencedementia #universityofcalifornia #northwesternuniversity #journalofthealzheimersassociation                  

🧠 **Understanding Alzheimer's Disease** 🧠 Alzheimer's disease is a complex and challenging neurological condition that profoundly impacts millions of individuals and families worldwide. Here's a closer look at what you need to know: ℹ️ What is Alzheimer's?: Alzheimer's is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It gradually impairs cognitive functions and eventually interferes with the ability to carry out daily tasks. 🔍 Most Common Cause of Dementia: Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. Dementia is a group of symptoms characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities, affecting memory, communication, and reasoning skills. 🌐 Global Impact: Alzheimer's is a global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. As populations age, the prevalence of Alzheimer's is expected to increase significantly, posing significant challenges for healthcare systems and society as a whole. 📉Progressive Nature: Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms worsen over time. Early stages may involve mild memory lapses and confusion, while advanced stages can lead to severe cognitive impairment and loss of independence. 💡 Ongoing Research: Despite decades of research, the exact cause of Alzheimer's remains unclear. However, scientists believe a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of the disease. Ongoing research aims to better understand Alzheimer's and develop more effective treatments. 🛑 No Cure, but Treatment Available: Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, medications and therapies are available to help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and temporarily slow disease progression in some cases. 🤝 Support and Resources: Alzheimer's can be overwhelming for both individuals and families. Fortunately, there are numerous support services and resources available, including caregiver support groups, educational programs, and advocacy organizations dedicated to Alzheimer's research and awareness. By raising awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's disease, we can better support those affected and work towards improved treatments and ultimately, a cure. Stay tuned for more posts as we continue to explore Alzheimer's and its impact on individuals and society. #UnderstandingAlzheimers #EndAlz #DementiaAwareness #NeurologicalDisorder #MemoryLoss #CognitiveDecline #HealthAwareness #MentalHealth #SupportForCaregivers #ResearchForACure #GlobalHealth #PublicHealth #AgingPopulation #BrainHealth #CaregiverSupport #RaiseAwareness #UnderstandingDementia

Our Dementia, Mental Health and Neurodegeneration Theme brings together clinicians and researchers with expertise in this area, all with access to state-of-the-art equipment to carry out translational research studies that enhance our understanding of dementia. Here is how our team contributes to live-changing research and puts a spotlight on #Dementia this #DementiaActionWeek 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eH7rmsAq Alzheimer's Society

Understanding Dementia: 8 Key Risk Factors Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is a complex condition that affects millions worldwide. As someone who has researched Alzheimer's for 8 years and now seeing patients experiencing memory loss at general practice surgery, I've seen first hand the impact of this disease. Here are eight factors that play a significant role in the development of dementia: Genetics: Carrying two APOE ε4 alleles significantly increases your risk for Alzheimer's. This genetic variation affects how amyloid, a protein, is cleared from the brain. Inefficient clearing leads to plaque build-up, which can trigger cell death and Alzheimer's progression. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): AUD can damage key brain areas, including those responsible for memory and decision-making. This, coupled with poor nutrition, canalso harm memory-forming regions connected to the hippocampus. Social Isolation: Surprisingly, being socially isolated is a major risk factor. Our brains thrive on social interactions, and a lack of these can reduce brain health. Vitamin D Deficiency: Low levels of vitamin D can increase the risk of viral infections, some of which are linked to a higher dementia risk. Hearing Loss: There's a connection between hearing impairment and dementia, likely due to decreased brain stimulation and social interaction. Hearing aids can mitigate this risk. History of Stroke: Strokes cause direct brain damage and can lead to vascular dementia, a form related to blood vessel health. Heart Disease: This is closely linked to strokes, which can then lead to vascular dementia. Diabetes in Men: Middle-aged men with diabetes are more prone to diabetes-relatedmini-strokes, increasing the risk of vascular dementia. Understanding these risk factors can help in early identification and possibly in taking steps to reduce the risk of dementia. Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying socially and mentally active are key! #MemoryLossAwareness #AlzheimersDisease #BrainHealth #DementiaCare #MedicalAdvancements #HealthcareProfessionals #PatientCare #Neurology #GeriatricMedicine #MentalHealthMatters #physicianassociate

New research from the University of Exeter has identified a wide range of risk factors for young-onset dementia. The findings challenge the notion that genetics are the sole cause of the condition, laying the groundwork for new prevention strategies. The study identified 15 risk factors, which are similar to those for late-onset dementia. For the first time, they indicate that it may be possible to reduce the risk of young-onset dementia by targeting health and lifestyle factors. Learn more via the link below. https://lnkd.in/eseFE5vi #Dementia #BrainHealth #BrainResearch

💡 In the 2024 update of The Lancet Commission on dementia, two new risk factors for dementia were identified: vision loss and high cholesterol. But what do these have to do with #brainhealth? As our Chief Medical Officer, Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, MSc, FAAN, explained in a recent interview with Health magazine, untreated vision loss reduces mental stimulation and social engagement, both of which are crucial for maintaining brain health. “It’s like letting a muscle weaken because it’s not being used,” Dr. Salinas shared. High cholesterol, on the other hand, can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in the brain’s blood vessels, causing blockages, reduced blood flow, and even brain cell damage — all of which elevate #dementia risk. Importantly, these are modifiable risks. Addressing risk factors like vision loss and high cholesterol early could make a significant impact in slowing cognitive decline. If you think you may have any of these modifiable risk factors for dementia, it's recommended to get in touch with your healthcare provider to ensure that your brain receives the best care. Read the full article 👉 https://lnkd.in/eqxdT8YJ Explore findings from the 2024 Lancet Commission on Dementia 👉 https://lnkd.in/dXHATfdv #dementiarisk #alzheimers #dementiaprevention #cholesterol #visionloss

The 2024 update of the Lancet Commission on dementia highlights promising advances in dementia prevention, intervention, and care. While the number of people living with dementia continues to rise due to increased life expectancy, the age-specific incidence of dementia has decreased in high-income countries, suggesting that prevention approaches are having an impact. The report underscores the importance of addressing risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, obesity, and physical inactivity, which have been shown to reduce the risk of dementia. New evidence also points to untreated vision loss and high LDL cholesterol as additional risk factors for dementia. On this Alzheimer's Day, the focus must shift from generalized meta-analyses to more personalized approaches, such as genetic testing, to better understand individual risks and prevention strategies. By tailoring prevention efforts based on personal genetic profiles, we can take more precise steps toward reducing the global dementia burden. #dementia #alzheimers #venturecapital #angelinvestor #cancer #hivaids  #bioOS #biotechnology #diagnostics #innovation #technology #management #startups #liquidbiopsy #neurodegenerativediseases #multiplesclerosis #parkinsonsdisease #alzheimersdisease #longhaulers #longcovid #humangenome #onetestonelife #longevity #artificialintelligence #rna #rnaseq #personalizedprevention #PersonalizedMedicine #ClinicalResearch #COVID19 #Parkinsons

Today's article by Andrew E. Budson, MD, in Harvard Health Publishing sheds light on a study published in the December 2023 issue of JAMA Neurology that identified 15 factors associated with a higher risk of young-onset dementia. The study, conducted by a research team in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom using data from the UK Biobank, focused on individuals aged 37 to 73 years old. Over a decade, 485 participants developed young-onset dementia, and the researchers identified various risk factors falling into categories such as genetic, lifestyle-related, and cognitive reserve. Notable factors include genetic predisposition (APOE ε4 alleles), alcohol use disorder, social isolation, vitamin D deficiency, hearing impairment, history of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. The study also highlighted the impact of cognitive reserve factors like lower education and socioeconomic status. It's crucial to understand that early dementia and young-onset dementia are distinct. Early dementia refers to the initial stage in dementia, including mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia, while young-onset dementia is diagnosed before age 65. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these risk factors to reduce the risk of developing dementia before the age of 65. Andrew Budson #Dementia #YoungOnsetDementia #RiskFactors #HealthTips #Prevention https://lnkd.in/gCcAaGeS

You've likely heard many doctors (including me!) stress the value of a healthy lifestyle — exercise, a good diet, social connection — to boost brain health. New research, published in JAMA Neurology, suggests these activities may also protect against memory and thinking changes, even if the brain shows signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia. A study showed that, in older adults, those who practiced a healthier lifestyle had higher memory and thinking test scores, even if their brains had evidence of dementia. A few caveats: Some people with brain signs of dementia don’t develop cognitive changes. And, because this is an observation, it doesn’t prove that a healthy lifestyle causes the cognitive boost. But if it could, why wait? A healthy lifestyle could bring a variety of benefits with few side effects. Check out the study: https://rb.gy/v8ucru. And, then, do something good for your brain today: call a good friend, try a new vegetable, go for a walk and look at the world around you rather than your phone, etc.!