Health News
by Majid Fotuhi, M.D., Ph.D
Director, Center for Memory and Brain Health
Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute
Most recent studies show that elderly people over the age of 80 often have mixed pathologies in their brains that account for their memory loss and confusion. Very few senior citizens have ?pure Alzheimer disease,? and therefore, this diagnostic terminology should be used with caution. It now appears that vascular problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes can shrink the parts of the brain that control memory and can significantly affect at what age elderly people become demented. Those with better health (good diet, optimal fitness, low stress) may be able to postpone the cognitive decline that occurs late in life.
In a recent publication in Nature Review Neurology, my colleagues and I discuss our formulation of a new framework, called the dynamic polygon hypothesis, by which to think about memory loss and dementia with aging. They believe that a balance of positive and negative factors affect the brain throughout early life and midlife to determine the degree of cognitive agility and impairment in late life. These factors increase or decrease cerebral blood flow, inflammation, insulin-signaling components, size and frequency of strokes, and concentrations of growth factors, cortisol, and other hormones.
The realization that the size of our brains can be modulated throughout adult life brings hope to millions of baby boomers concerned about losing their memories with aging.
A full discussion of this topic was published in the December 2009 issue of Nature Reviews Neurology article, Changing perspectives regarding late-life dementia.
Click here for more information on the Center for Memory and Brain Health.
- Study Finds That Early Memory Loss Can Be A Predictor Of Dementia
Experiencing memory loss early in life could be a cause for concern about dementia later in life. Research from the University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has found that "self-reported memory loss is a strong predictor of clinical...
- Survey Finds 1 In 7 Kentuckians Over 44 Say They Have Worsening Confusion Or Memory Loss; Few Say They Get Needed Help
Worsening memory loss reported by Kentuckians in a survey could be indicative of a future Alzheimer's or dementia public health crisis, according to a press release from the Alzheimer's Association. A first-time survey about memory loss shows...
- Study Says Loss Of Smell May Help Sniff Out Alzheimer's Disease
A small pilot study of patients displaying signs of cognitive decline found that peanut butter can help identify those with Alzheimer?s disease, which is often accompanied by a loss of smell. The results indicate that loss in sense of smell may help in...
- National Effort To Combat Alzheimer's Disease Begins; As Research Continues, There Are Preventive Steps You Can Take
Country singer Glen Campbell, who has Alzheimer's disease, stands with wife Kim during a national conference Tuesday. Associated Press photo by Charles Dharapak.With numbers expected to jump to 16 million Americans by 2050, research is being conducted...
- New Scanning Technique May Lead The Way To Alzheimer Treatment
by Robin K. Wilson, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Director, Adult Hydrocephalus Center, Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute Ever forget where you put your keys and worried for a moment that you?ve started to develop Alzheimer disease? A study...
Health News
Alzheimer Disease by Any Other Name
by Majid Fotuhi, M.D., Ph.D
Director, Center for Memory and Brain Health
Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute
Most recent studies show that elderly people over the age of 80 often have mixed pathologies in their brains that account for their memory loss and confusion. Very few senior citizens have ?pure Alzheimer disease,? and therefore, this diagnostic terminology should be used with caution. It now appears that vascular problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes can shrink the parts of the brain that control memory and can significantly affect at what age elderly people become demented. Those with better health (good diet, optimal fitness, low stress) may be able to postpone the cognitive decline that occurs late in life.
In a recent publication in Nature Review Neurology, my colleagues and I discuss our formulation of a new framework, called the dynamic polygon hypothesis, by which to think about memory loss and dementia with aging. They believe that a balance of positive and negative factors affect the brain throughout early life and midlife to determine the degree of cognitive agility and impairment in late life. These factors increase or decrease cerebral blood flow, inflammation, insulin-signaling components, size and frequency of strokes, and concentrations of growth factors, cortisol, and other hormones.
The realization that the size of our brains can be modulated throughout adult life brings hope to millions of baby boomers concerned about losing their memories with aging.
A full discussion of this topic was published in the December 2009 issue of Nature Reviews Neurology article, Changing perspectives regarding late-life dementia.
Click here for more information on the Center for Memory and Brain Health.
- Study Finds That Early Memory Loss Can Be A Predictor Of Dementia
Experiencing memory loss early in life could be a cause for concern about dementia later in life. Research from the University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has found that "self-reported memory loss is a strong predictor of clinical...
- Survey Finds 1 In 7 Kentuckians Over 44 Say They Have Worsening Confusion Or Memory Loss; Few Say They Get Needed Help
Worsening memory loss reported by Kentuckians in a survey could be indicative of a future Alzheimer's or dementia public health crisis, according to a press release from the Alzheimer's Association. A first-time survey about memory loss shows...
- Study Says Loss Of Smell May Help Sniff Out Alzheimer's Disease
A small pilot study of patients displaying signs of cognitive decline found that peanut butter can help identify those with Alzheimer?s disease, which is often accompanied by a loss of smell. The results indicate that loss in sense of smell may help in...
- National Effort To Combat Alzheimer's Disease Begins; As Research Continues, There Are Preventive Steps You Can Take
Country singer Glen Campbell, who has Alzheimer's disease, stands with wife Kim during a national conference Tuesday. Associated Press photo by Charles Dharapak.With numbers expected to jump to 16 million Americans by 2050, research is being conducted...
- New Scanning Technique May Lead The Way To Alzheimer Treatment
by Robin K. Wilson, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Director, Adult Hydrocephalus Center, Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute Ever forget where you put your keys and worried for a moment that you?ve started to develop Alzheimer disease? A study...