Causes - ReaDementia

Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s (Cause?)

Many professionals conducted studies on the possible connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. Is there a link? YES and no.

Experts continue to discover startling results regarding the causes of Alzheimer’s as they persistently conduct multiple studies.

One study concluded that gum diseases might increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers who conducted the study found that there is a link between the bacteria that cause gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Does Gum Disease Cause Alzheimer’s?

This discovery might also open up more treatment ways for progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Some doctors and researchers, on the other hand, are not too sure about this discovery.

Let’s try and decipher whether it is possible to link Alzheimer’s to gum disease.

How the Conclusion Came To Be

Researchers who support the notion that gum diseases can lead to Alzheimer’s studied the brain tissue of people who had died with Alzheimer’s.

Most of the researchers in this study were part of a private biotech firm that goes by the name Cortexyme.

Others were working in various Universities in America like the University of California and Harvard University School of Dental Medicine.

Some employees at the Jagiellonian University in Poland, the University of Melbourne and the University of Auckland were also part of the study.

Researches on gum disease and Alzheimer’s

The researchers published their study in the Science Advances Journal.

The experts claimed to have found Porphyromonas gingivalis in the tissues. This is a bacteria that triggers gingivitis (gum disease).

This is one of the primary pathogens that make people suffer from gum disease.

Additionally, they also observed that the spinal fluid from people living with Alzheimer’s contained the bacterium’s DNA.

To further support their results, the team also detected that the brain samples of many people with Alzheimer’s had the presence of toxic enzymes that the bacterium produces.

The brain samples that recorded higher amounts of gingipains also had high amounts of ubiquitin and tau proteins that, for a long time, have been linked to Alzheimer’s.

Some experiments involved mice

The tests did not stop with human beings. The professionals also worked on several experiments with mice.

The results suggested that there is a connection between Alzheimer’s and the bacterium that causes gum diseases.

Infections and Alzheimer’s Disease

The researchers in a bid to find more conclusive results infected the gums of healthy mice with P. gingivalis.

They later observed that this bacteria was present in the brains of the mice. Other than this, there was also damage to the neurons of the animals and higher levels of beta-amyloid (a protein) in the brain tissue of the mice.

Previous studies confirmed that when beta-amyloid proteins clump together, they form what is known as plaques in the brains of people who have Alzheimer’s disease.

After this move showing a positive connection between gum diseases and Alzheimer’s, the researchers were also able to get rid of the infection caused by P. gingivalis in the brains of the mice. This was through the use of a molecule that blocks and binds to the gingipains.

As a result of clearing the infection, there was also a reduction in neural damage and the production of beta-amyloid.

The researchers explain that this was possible because the bacteria feeds on enzymes to produce energy and gather nutrients.

Naturally, because their work had positive results on mice, the researchers were positive that this was a treatment option for people who are living with Alzheimer’s.

What Was The Research All About?

As seen above, the study was a combination of laboratory experiments on the brains of mice and those of humans.

The researchers observed post-mortem brain tissue samples from about one hundred people with and without Alzheimer’s.

They wanted to know if the brains of the people with the illness had more gingipains.

Cerebrospinal fluid and saliva that surrounds the brain and spinal cord were also put under test to confirm if there was the presence of P. gingivalsis DNA.

The experts also worked with cultured cells grown in a lab. These were infected with P. gingivalis to observe the effect it had on proteins that are usually present in the brains of people who have the illness.

Regarding the experiments on mice, the experts sought to know if infecting mice with P. gingivalis would make bacterial show up in the brain of the mice.

The mice also got a substance that inhibits gingipains to see if it would effectively treat gingipain infection.

The experts also wanted to know how this treatment compares to other antibiotics that people with gingivitis use. The researchers in this study found that more than 90% of the brain tissue from individuals with Alzheimer’s had gingipains.

The concentration was higher in persons with Alzheimer’s. P. gingivalis DNA was also present in a majority of the cerebrospinal fluid samples and all saliva samples.

All the mice also showcased signs of brain infection after a month and two weeks. After this, the researchers state that the findings of their study provide evidence that gingipains and P. gingivalis play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s.

Previous Evidence

In the past, there have also been other studies that link gum diseases and Alzheimer’s.

One of them is a Taiwanese Study that uncovered the fact that people with a decade or longer history of CP (chronic periodontitis) were more likely than individuals without the condition to develop Alzheimer’s by a whopping70%.

Another study also indicated that person’s with moderate to mild Alzheimer’s with gum disease experience faster cognitive decline rates when you compare them to the other ill people without dental issues.

How Does the Bacteria Travel to the Brain

When looking at the possible link between gum diseases and Alzheimer’s, it is also important to touch on how the bacteria makes its way to the brain.

P. gingivalis is responsible for causing gum diseases like periodontitis. This is a bacteria that is quite common, seeing that one person in a group of five people under thirty usually has some level of the bacterium in their gums.

When this grows uncontrollably, it can trigger an immune response that can lead to inflammation increase. This is usually a key factor that is associated with Alzheimer’s. Experts reveal that it is very easy for P. gingivalis to travel to the brain from the mouth using the mouse model.

To show evidence of this, researches infected healthy mice with the bacterium and later found it in the brain. The experts concluded that bacterial from gum diseases might access the brain by spreading through cranial nerves via the jaw and head or through the infection of immune system cells.

Reasons some Doctors Refute the Results of the Study

Even though some experts agree with the fact that there is a connection between gum diseases and Alzheimer’s, others claim that there is no way this is possible.

Dr. Rawan Tarawneh an assistant professor and cognitive neurologist is one of the professionals who does not believe that it is possible to link Alzheimer’s to gum diseases. He claims that the research has numerous limitations.

For one, he says that the research does not showcase strong evidence to support the cause and effect relationship between Alzheimer’s and P. gingivalis. He also points out that the researchers should take time to search for amyloid deposits in people’s brains and not just in mice.

A Ph.D. professor of neurology Rudolph Tanzi also supports this, saying that the study is still so small; thus, there is no need for overhyping the results.

He said that there was still a need for other researchers to take up the study in a bid to provide more conclusive results that the industry can use without any doubts.

Worth noting nonetheless is that the study is still very young and as time progresses and researchers can offer more evidence, some professionals may end up changing their stand on this topic.

Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s- The Way Forward

Despite some professionals saying that there may be no link between gum diseases and Alzheimer’s, participants of the study are starting clinical trials that will test a drug that is similar to the one they used on mice.

The experiments may give scientists and other professionals better insight on the role that P. gingicalis plays in Alzheimer’s development.

The drug, however, still has a long way before the FDA approves it.

Closing Remarks

While a section of experts can prove that there is a link between gum diseases and Alzheimer’s, ultimately, it may not be right to state that a single infectious agent or toxin is responsible for causing Alzheimer’s disease in everyone who has the illness.

This is because numerous factors may be involved in the development of the disease that takes about 15-20 years to run its course.

These may include genetic predispositions like APOE4, gender, and age, amongst others.

Regarding dental hygiene, extensive research still needs to be done to determine its true relationship to Alzheimer’s. This said, it is vital to take care of your dental health every day. Brush your teeth, floss, and visit a dentist regularly.

This way, you may escape being at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s because of neglecting dental hygiene.

If you happen to have any gum diseases, treat them right away.

Experts also link these to other health problems, including heart diseases, diabetes, and stroke.

Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes, Stages April 2, 2021October 15, 2021alzheimer's disease, late onset alzheimer's

It is known that late onset Alzheimer’s disease is the most common one in older adults.

But first, let’s take a look at the bigger picture, causes, factors, symptoms and treatments of Alzheimer’s disease.

Different people develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at different stages in their lives. For some, a positive diagnosis happens before they turn 65 years, which is mostly in their 40s or 50s.

This is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Others, on the other hand, will get the disease when they are 65 years or older. This is known as late onset Alzheimer’s, and it is the most common form of the illness responsible for about 90% of Alzheimer’s cases.

The irreversible disease is a leading cause of death in seniors behind heart disease and cancer.

Let’s explore this illness in detail below.

Causes of Late Onset Alzheimer’s disease

To date, scientists and other parties involved have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of this illness.

The question of why some individuals get it and others do not remain a mystery.

Researchers have not yet identified a particular gene that is behind the development of Alzheimer’s.

While some say that Alzheimer’s is hereditary, the fact cannot be substantiated because it may or may not run in the family.

There are instances where both parents may get the illness and their child does not end up getting it.

What factors are behind the development of the disease?

Experts agree that Alzheimer’s is likely not the result of a single cause, but a combination of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors.

For instance, a mutation of the ApoE gene is believed to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s after hitting 65 years.

Conversely, it is not the cause of the illness. The National Institutes of Health states that ApoE is responsible for how cholesterol moves in the blood.

Some studies suggest that individuals who have high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Recent research also suggests that viral and bacterial infections play a significant role in the development of the illness.

Because of ongoing research, scientists are positive that soon they will be able to come up with a detailed explanation of the multiple Alzheimer’s causes so that people can have a better understanding of this disease.

Symptoms of Late Onset Alzheimer’s disease

AD affects people in different ways.

The most common symptom pattern, however, usually starts with continuing challenges in remembering new information.

This happens because the neurological disorder affects the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning.

Other warning signs

Other warning signs of this disease include:

Repeating statements and questions
Having a hard time making decisions
Issues with visuospatial skills like judging distances
Communication problems
Inability to complete daily living activities like eating, walking, dressing, and maintaining personal hygiene
Hallucinations and delusions especially in the later stages
Misplacing items
Confusion of place or time
Changes in personality such as becoming anti-social, anxious, depressed, aggressive, etc.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s (late onset) typically begin to show when a person is in their mid-60s.

Because Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, the symptoms become worse as the neurological deterioration progresses.

During the later stages of the disease, the affected person may have to get into 24/7 care because they are not able to live independently.

Alzheimer’s disease Diagnosis

Experts are continually working on techniques to identify the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s in a bid to offer early intervention effectively.

This, in turn, helps to delay significant impairments.

For the longest time, a thorough post-mortem microscopic brain examination was the definitive way to diagnose Alzheimer’s.

This was not helping too much because the diagnosis needs to be made when a person is alive.

What’s necessary for AD diagnosis

Nowadays, experts can diagnose AD with over 95% accuracy in living humans.

A combination of tools come into play including:

A person’s medical history plus that of their families
Neuropsychologic tests to assess cognitive function
Multiple laboratory tests: medics usually conduct this to identify secondary causes of the illness such as medical conditions that are common with golden-agers. These might include blood count, glucose levels, serum electrolytes, Vitamin B12 Hepatic function panels, creatinine ration, and so forth.
Neuroimaging: this helps to table appropriate details on brain structures to help exclude treatable conditions

The list above is not exhaustive but covers the most essential AD diagnosis tools.

Because people experience the illness differently, a doctor may prescribe more tests to conduct the diagnosis comprehensively.

In regards to diagnosis for late onset Alzheimer’s, it is important to note that misdiagnosis is bound to happen in some cases.

This is because the illness shares symptoms with other medical disorders. It is the reason it is crucial to get a proper diagnosis to manage the disease better.

Treatment for Late Onset Alzheimer’s disease

Despite ongoing research and studies, experts have not come up with a cure for AD. This does not mean that a positive diagnosis implies suffering and immediate death.

People who have this illness can live up to 8 years or more after the development of the disease. A couple of factors can affect longevity such as:

1. Gender

Many studies suggest that women live longer than men after Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

2. Brain abnormalities

Persons who have a combination of Alzheimer’s, brain, and spinal cord issues tend to die faster than those who do not have all these medical conditions.

The same applies to other health problems where individuals with diabetes or heart attacks have shorter lifespans than people who do not have other complicating health factors.

3. The severity of symptoms

Persons who have severe motor impairment like tendencies to get lost or wander and falls tend to have shorter life experiences.

Several coping mechanisms are put in place to help individuals with the disease live fuller, more independent, and satisfying lives for the longest possible time like:

Use of Medication

Certain medicines are available to help reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s temporarily such as:

AChE inhibitors

Acetylcholinesterase are drugs that help to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain. This is a substance that helps to improve communication between nerve cells.

Only specialists like neurologists or psychiatrists can prescribe the drugs.

A general GP can also do it but it has to be under the direction of the specialists.

Most recent guidelines recommend that the people who should take the medicines are the ones in the middle or severe stages of the illness.

Persons on these medications need to be aware of some side effects they may experience.

The most common ones include loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. For most people, side effects get better after some time of taking the medication.

Memantine

This is a drug that has been designed to block the effects of excess glutamate a chemical in the brain. Persons can use this for moderate and severe Alzheimer’s.

It comes in handy for individuals who cannot tolerate AChE inhibitors.

Additionally, people who are on AChE inhibitors can also take the drugs. The known side effects of these medications include temporary constipation, headaches, and dizziness.

To get more fine points about the side effects, consult a professional or doctor for an individual consultancy.

Physicians might also prescribe other medicines like antidepressants that can help deal with behavioral changes.

Therapies

Treatment can also involve different types of therapies that are beneficial when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s. These can include:

Cognitive rehabilitation

This is where the ill person works closely with an occupational therapist or any other professional to achieve a personal goal.

This can be anything from learning how to use a phone, computer, or completing a daily task.

This rehabilitation aims at getting the parts of the brain that are working to assist the ones that are not functioning as they should.

Reminiscence

This involves talking about events and things from a person’s past.

The use of props such as music, photos, and other possessions, can make this exercise more productive.

You can combine this with life story works that involve a collection of notes, photographs, and keepsakes from the suffering individual’s childhood through old age.

Studies show that these are effective when coping with late onset Alzheimer’s because it helps to enhance good mood and wellbeing.

Preventing Late Onset Alzheimer’s

Similar to the cure situation of Alzheimer’s, there is still no sure way of preventing the development of the disease.

Experts continue to conduct multiple studies on preventive measures, but the results are usually inconsistent.

However, several lifestyle factors might help to reduce the risk of the illness, such as:

Diet

Studies suggest that earing right might help keep the disease away.

You should purpose to always indulge in a balanced diet that mainly constitutes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Physical Movement

Evidence puts forward the benefits of exercise for the brain, which may help reduce the risk of suffering from progressive disease.

Intellectual activities

Research suggests that exercising the brain through activities like writing, reading, playing games, and doing puzzles help stimulate the brain health.

Anyone who has Alzheimer’s must consult a healthcare professional first before making any key lifestyle change to be on the safe side.

Closing Remarks

More elderly people are getting a positive diagnosis of late onset Alzheimer’s disease. Management of the illness is quite complex because there is no cure.

There is a need for a comprehensive care approach that not only focuses on the person with the disease but caregivers as well.

Early diagnosis is beneficial because affected individuals can then work closely with their relatives and doctors to lead fuller and more gratifying lives.

Sadly, it may reach a point where persons with Alzheimer’s may need to move to care facilities or have professional caregivers at their beck and call at home.

Managing Agitation and Dementia

Petra Boh Blog, Causes March 25, 2021October 16, 2021agitation, dementia

When looking after a person who has dementia, carers may at some point have to deal with agitation and dementia.

Agitation is one of the behavioral symptoms that affect almost 90% of people who have dementia according to a post by Harvard Health Publishing.

Very well Health defines agitation as a general term that describes the excessive verbal activity and physical movement.

Most people will experience agitation in the middle stages of dementia. Agitation can include pacing, restlessness, combativeness, verbal aggression, wandering, calling out, and crying.

Below we will look into the causes of agitation, prevention strategies, and coping mechanisms.

Causes of Agitation in Persons with Dementia

People with dementia may experience agitation for various reasons such as:

Different medical conditions a person is suffering from in addition to dementia
Drug interactions
Not enough sleep or rest
Moving to a new living environment like a nursing home or assisted living facility
Pain
Changes to their current environment like the presence of house guests, too much noise, hospitalization, or travel
Boredom
Unfamiliar caregivers
Depression or stress
Soiled diapers or underwear
Fatigue or fear that may be as a result of trying to make sense of their new reality
Misperceived threats
Being forced to do something by others, for instance, to remember events or people
Loneliness or reduced social contact
A feeling of loss, for example, a person may be missing the freedom they had to move about

Coping with Agitation and Aggression

When taking care of a person who has agitation and dementia, it may be advisable to consult a doctor for a thorough medical check-up.

The professional will recommend treatment based on a careful diagnosis that helps them to determine possible causes. In some instances, the doctor may prescribe medication that will help reduce agitation.

Sadly, most medicines come with a wide range of side effects such as stroke, heart problems, risk of falls, or even death.

People can also try non-drug therapies to help manage agitation such as:

Touch therapy

Physical touch is important when it comes to diminishing agitation.

Music

Listening to music or singing has been known to reduce agitation in persons who have dementia.

Physical Activity

Working out can help decrease challenging behaviors such as agitation.

Address Unmet Needs

Meet the needs of someone who is bored, tired, hungry, lonely, or in pain.

Different Therapies

At times, caregivers must try and be creative when it comes to managing agitation. This includes experimenting with various therapies and activities.

Examples of therapies include aromatherapy and pet therapy amongst others. Activities that can help calm down an agitated person include folding and refolding laundry, dancing, and brushing hair.

Offering Distractions

Try and distract the person with the things they love. These can be activities, objects, or even food.

Join a Support Group

Spending time with people who are going through a similar situation can help them learn more coping mechanisms.

This can also give caregivers an avenue where they can vent, relax, and re-energize.

Responding to Agitation in Persons with Dementia

It is important to know how to react when dealing with an individual experiencing agitation and dementia. Below we highlight some tips caregivers can work with to deal with the situation at hand.

1. Ask permission to speak while backing off. Remember to always use positive statements, a calm reassuring voice, and offer guided choices to try and limit stimulation.

Try and find common ground when communicating with an agitated person. Avoid restraining, arguing, ignoring, shouting, or criticizing the individual.

2. Ask the affected person how they want to be helped in a soft tone. Reassure the individual that they are safe and everything is under control.

Apologize even when there is nothing to be sorry for. Offer to stay with the individual until they feel better.

Carers can also say something like sorry you are upset or I know you are going through a challenging time because this can help calm them down.

3. Try and find out what may be causing the agitation by listening to the individual.

It is also important to remember that the individual is not acting out because they want to but it is the disease that is making them act out.

4. Find ways for the person to use up their energy. A person may be agitated because they have built-up energy.

This implies that carers should find something for them to do like going out for a drive or walk.

Prevention and Treatment Tips

Caregivers can take various steps to help prevent agitation for persons with dementia and these include

Creating a Calm Environment

If a carer suspects that an individual is at risk of experiencing agitation and dementia, they can prevent it by creating a calm environment for the suffering person.

Identify any stressors that may be in the environment and ensure that they are eliminated. This can be anything from background distractions, glare, and noise.

If a person’s current environment has too many triggers, it may be best to move them to a quieter or safer place.

Limiting the use of caffeine and exploring soothing rituals can also help.

Ensuring Personal Comfort

Agitation may be brought about when a person is not comfortable and they are not able to communicate what they are feeling.

It is, therefore, the responsibility of caregivers to monitor personal comfort. This is simply done by checking for signs of thirst, hunger, pain, full bladder, constipation, skin irritation, fatigue, or infections.

Make sure that the room where the person is staying has comfortable temperatures. It is also important to be sensitive to misperceived threats, frustrations, and fears.

Simplifying Chores

If a person who has dementia is still able to handle some tasks, ensure they only engage in tasks they can handle with ease.

It is also important to ensure that the person sticks to non-complicated routines that do not stress them out.

Help Individuals Engage in Physical Activity

Encourage the person with the illness to take part in fun and appropriate exercises. This does not have to be complicated.

Doing some gardening, going for short walks, group activities, and dancing are examples of some options to explore.

Closing Thoughts

Keep in mind that different people will react differently when experiencing agitation and dementia.

It is, therefore, the responsibility of the caregiver to experiment with different coping mechanisms to identify the ones that work well for the person they are looking after.

Wandering and Dementia (Comprehensive Guide)

Petra Boh Blog, Causes, Signs March 13, 2021September 6, 2023dementia, wandering

Many people with dementia may at one time have to deal with wandering and dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 6 in 10 people who have dementia will wander. This normally happens in the early stages of the illness.

Studies also show that the risk of wandering is usually higher for men than women.

Read on to find out more details about wandering including symptoms, causes, management & prevention strategies, caregiver goals, and planning for emergencies.

Warning Signs for Wandering in Dementia

There are several symptoms loved ones or caregivers can look out for to know if a person with dementia is at risk of wandering and some of them include:

Forgetting how to get to familiar places
Taking longer periods to get back home from regular drives or walks
Wanting or trying to “go home” even when a person is at home already
Talking about fulfilling former obligations like going to the office
Pacing, making repetitive movements, or being restless often
Asking about the whereabouts of past relatives or friends
Having a hard time accessing familiar places in the house like the dining room, bathroom, or bedroom
Acting anxious or nervous in public places with crowds such as restaurants or malls
Acting as if a person is engaging in a chore or hobby but they are not getting anything done. For instance, a person may be in the kitchen with a pot but they are not cooking anything

Reasons People with Dementia May Wander

The exact causes of wandering are not yet fully understood.

However, there are certain triggers associated with wandering and dementia and some of them include but are not limited to:

Fear or Stress

Individuals with dementia may start to wander as a reaction to feeling nervous in their current environment.

New Environments

People with dementia may feel disoriented or uncertain when they have to adapt to a changed environment like a new home or care center.

Many people may also want to escape from busy or noisy spaces. Wandering may stop once a person gets used to the chances.

Unmet Basic Needs

A person may wander off as they go looking for water, food, or the bathroom. Some people may also want to explore the outdoors and forget the way back home.

Loss of Short-Term Memory

Wandering may be caused by loss of memory. An individual may set off to go visit a friend or go to the shops and then forget where they are going or why.

A person may also forget that their loved one was going out and set off to look for them.

Searching

Affected individuals may get lost while looking for something or someone like a long-lost friend.

Excessive Energy

An individual may also start wandering as a way of using excess energy, which is one of the reasons why patients with dementia walk so much. It may be an indication that the individual needs to exercise more.

Visual-Spatial Issues

Individuals with dementia may get lost even in familiar places because the illness affects the areas of the brain that are responsible for navigation and guidance, even vision.

Expressing Boredom and Loneliness

People with dementia find it more challenging to concentrate on one thing as the illness progresses. Wandering can be one of the ways they keep occupied.

Following Past Routines

Some people will wander off as they try to go back to their former workplaces or grocery stores.

Devices to assist caregivers with monitoring wandering

	Product	Features
	Bed Alarm for Elderly Dementia Patients	Motion sensor Portable pager Fall prevention Easy to install Wireless
	Caregiver Pager, Wireless Panic Buttons Elderly Monitoring Assistance	Intercom Waterproof Durable 58 loud chimes Easy to install 500ft wireless
	4pc Security Home Camera	24/7 full HD recording Enhanced night vision Video alarm system AI identification Home app for family
	Smart Caregiver Corporation Cordless Bed Exit Monitoring System Alarm with Bed Pressure Sensing Pad	Prevent falls & wandering Wireless portable (300ft) Pressure pad and monitor
	Elderly Cellular Medical Alert Device\| Wearable Panic Button Necklace \| Medical Alert Systems for Seniors	Fall detection 2-way communication Waterproof 5 emergency contacts Lifetime warranty
	Elderly Cellular Medical Alert Device \| Medical Alert Smartwatch	Fall detector 2-way communication Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen monitor Lifetime warranty

Strategies for Preventing and Managing Wandering

While chances of wandering are pretty high, there are various prevention and management tips that caregivers can use to help reduce the chances such as:

Visiting a Doctor

When a person with dementia starts to wander, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will conduct a physical check-up.

This helps to identify whether discomfort, pain, or an existing illness is triggering wandering. It may help to discuss any side-effects of medication that the person is taking.

It is best to avoid medication that increases confusion or causes drowsiness and incontinence

Creating Daily Routines

When looking after a person who is battling both wandering and dementia, it is advisable to create a routine the person with the illness follows every day.

This helps to offer structure so that the affected individual is “busy” all day lowering the chances of wandering. Where possible, identify the times of the day or night where the individual is most likely to wander.

This is the best time to plan fun activities or appropriate exercise for the person. It can help reduce agitation, restlessness, and anxiety.

Offer Reassurance

If a person with dementia is feeling abandoned, disoriented, or lost; caregivers should communicate in a reassuring manner.

Focus mostly on validation and exploration. For example, if a person insists that they need to go “home” or to “work” caregivers can tell them something like “It is okay, we will be staying here tonight where we will be safe and can go home or to work in the morning.”

Do not try and correct the person because it can lead to more confusion and agitation.

Meet Basic Needs

Some people with dementia will wander because their basic needs have not been fulfilled. It is; therefore, the responsibility of carers to ensure they meet all their basic needs on time.

This includes making sure they eat well, hydrate, and go to the bathroom when need be.

Avoid Busy Places

This can be anywhere from grocery stores, shopping malls, and other busy avenues. These places can be confusing causing disorientation.

Remove Access to Car Keys

If the person is no longer driving; ensure that car keys are not in sight. This is because persons with dementia do not only wander on foot.

It is easy for individuals to forget that they can no longer drive. If a person can safely drive, it may be best to use a GPS device so that if they get lost, they can be found easily.

Additionally, it is also advisable to keep shoes, hats, coats, and other items that are associated with leaving home out of sight.

Offer Supervision

When taking care of a person with dementia, keep an eye on them especially when visiting new environments so that they do not get lost.

Do not lock the affected individual in a car or house alone.

Beef up Security

There are several options to explore when it comes to this.

For instance, installing door locks that are either high or low so that they are out of the line of sight and not easily accessible by individuals with the illness.

Camouflaging doors by placing removable curtains over doors or painting them a color that matches the surrounding walls can also help.

Investing in devices that signal when windows or doors open can also be helpful. This can be a sophisticated electronic home alarm system or a simple bell placed above the door and window.

This alerts caregivers when people with dementia are attempting to leave the house.

Identification Card

It is also important for the person with dementia to have an identification card on them at all times.

Additionally, they can also wear medical bracelets, or put on clothes that have labels with their information.

Planning For Emergencies

When it comes to looking after a person experiencing wandering and dementia, it is important to have a plan in place for emergency situations.

This is because wandering can pose various safety issues particularly in very cold or hot temperatures. Some of the plans that can be put in place include:

Having a list of people to contact for help- Store phone numbers where they are easily accessible.
Request neighbors, family, and friends to call if they see the person with dementia staying alone.
Take close-up photos of affected individuals regularly and have updated medical information that can be given to the police.
Create a List of Places an Individual may Wander- These can include places such as former homes, past job locations, former schools, favorite restaurants, and places of worship.
Study the Neighbourhood Well- this helps to note down potentially dangerous spots near the house such as open stairwells, water bodies, tunnels, dense foliage, bus stops, and roads with heavy traffic.
To be on the safe side, it is best to consider enrolling an individual with a wandering response service.

If a person happens to wander try and stay calm as you begin the start the search and rescue efforts as soon as possible.

In most cases, persons who wander are usually found within one and a half miles of where they disappeared. If the person is not found within the fifteen minutes, file a missing person’s report by immediately calling 911.

Do not forget to let the authorities know that the individual has dementia.

Wandering and Dementia Caregiver Goals

When responding to wandering from persons who have dementia, care goals can be categorized into:

1. Encouraging, maintaining, and supporting choice and mobility enabling the person to move around independently and safely.

2. Assessing and managing the causes of wandering paying close attention to meeting basic needs.

3. Prevent unsafe wandering.

There is still limited research when it comes to wandering and dementia.

However, caregivers can still respond to the new development appropriately to ensure the person with dementia remains safe and happy.

High Blood Pressure and Alzheimer’s Risk

Petra Boh Blog, Causes March 4, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, blood pressure, high blood pressure

New research suggests there may be a link between hypertension or high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing against blood vessels becomes too high.

This can cause harm because it stresses not only the blood vessels but the heart as well.

The blood vessels cease to function properly because they have to work harder than normal.

Over time, the arteries will become narrower which can result in problems such as stroke, kidney failure, or heart disease.

Damaged small blood vessels can also negatively affect the sections of the brain responsible for memory and thinking.

Blood Pressure and Alzheimer’s Risk

Persons with higher blood pressure are also more likely to have brain lesions. These are the areas of dead tissues that develop because of low blood supply.

AHA statistics report that about 46% of America’s adult population has blood pressure. Not to mention, 16% do not even know they have the condition.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Dementia is a general term for the progressive loss of memory and other cognitive abilities that can seriously interfere with a person’s day-to-day life.

High blood pressure can affect the brain

Scientists believe that hypertension can also affect a person’s brain to the extent of developing some of the main markers for AD.

A study published in Neurology states that seniors who have higher average blood pressure compared to their age-mates are more likely to develop plaques and tangles in the brain which are both markers for Alzheimer’s.

The study had 1,288 participants who were 65 years and older. The researchers conducted annual cognitive testing and blood pressure checks on the subjects.

Moreover, experts also kept track of the medications the participants took and their medical histories. They also agreed to go through a brain autopsy after death to look for signs of brain aging like plaques and tangles.

Researchers discovered that persons who had higher than average blood pressure had more dead tissues resulting from strokes (blocked blood flow) as well as tangles and plaques.

Dr. Claudia Padilla, a neurologist, explained that plaques and tangles happen when proteins that the body produces break down into toxic forms which significantly affect neurons in the brain.

Director of global science initiatives at Alzheimer’s Association, James Hendrix, Ph.D. notes that damage that the toxic proteins cause is only part of the problem.

He said that lack of sufficient blood flow affects how the brain works around damaged tissue which can worsen symptoms of brain tissue damage.

Hypertension may not be the warning sign of AD

Padilla also stated that because this was an observational study on the relationship between blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease, the results do not prove that hypertension causes warning signs of AD.

The study did not determine how higher average late-life blood pressure ends up increasing plaques and tangles in the brain.

However, she added that the study found a clear association between higher blood pressure in late life and the presence of protein plaques and tangles which are symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Based on the findings of the study, Padilla considers it important to control blood pressure as a strategy for preventing cognitive decline.

In another interesting study on the relationship between blood pressure and Alzheimer’s, a Johns Hopkins analysis of formerly gathered data revealed that individuals who took prescribed blood pressure medication were half as likely to develop AD than those who did not.

The report established earlier work from researchers at Johns Hopkins who found that using potassium-sparing diuretics reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s by about 75%.

The risk was reduced by a third for persons who used any kind of antihypertensive drugs. Director of Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Constantine Lyketsos, M.D said that they found that if a person did not have Alzheimer’s and they were taking blood pressure medication, they were less likely to develop dementia.

He continues to say that if a person developed dementia from AD and was taking certain antihypertensive, the illness was less likely to progress.

They were not sure if this connection arises from better management of blood pressure or there are specific drugs that end up interfering with processes that relate to AD. Lyketsos suspected that both play a role.

Controlling your levels of blood pressure is important

An in-depth examination of long-term data from 4 countries by a team of global scientists also supported the idea that controlling high blood pressure can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

The experts cross-referenced data from 6 large longitudinal studies. They observed the heath of more than 31,000 adults who were 55 years and above.

The scientists analyzed data from community-based comprehensive health studies conducted between 1987 and 2008 in France, United States, Netherlands, and Iceland.

They looked into 5 primary types of blood pressure drugs diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and angiotensin II receptor blockers.

The data was divided into 2 groups; 15, 553 people with normal blood pressure, and 15,537 people with high blood pressure.

In all, there were 1,741 Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses over time.

The results showed that treating hypertension reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 16% regardless of the type of antihypertensive medication a person was on.

In other words, it is important to take the link between lowering blood pressure and Alzheimer’s risk seriously.

High blood pressure medication can boost blood flow to the brain

A small clinical trial also revealed that using blood pressure medication for treatment can enhance blood flow to key brain regions in persons with Alzheimer’s disease.

The research was part of a larger trial that was looking into whether nilvadipine could improve thinking and memory skills with persons with Alzheimer’s.

It involved a trial of 44 participants who had mild to moderate AD. The average age of the participants was 77 years.

They were randomly assigned to either use blood pressure medication nilvadipine or inactive placebo pills for 6 months. At the end of the trial, specialized MRI scans showed the persons on the drugs recorded a 20% increase in blood flow to the hippocampus.

This is the structure of the brain that is involved in learning and memory.

These are the first areas that Alzheimer’s damages.

Persons on the real drug also indicated that their blood pressure dropped by eleven points when compared to the group that was on the placebo.

Experts, however, acknowledged that the size of the study was too small and short.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to conclusively indicate whether enhanced blood flow could have effects on the symptoms.

The lead author Dr. Jurgen Claassen hoped that future research could give a better answer to the query and it should mostly focus on persons with early Alzheimer’s.

He, however, explained that persons with early-stage AD showed benefits.

Closing Remarks

Even though several studies have linked high blood pressure to Alzheimer’s symptoms more research is still required.

The findings of the studies affirm that what’s good for the heart is also good for the brain.

We can reduce hypertension through various lifestyle changes like physical exercise, eating a healthy diet, and reducing sodium. Some medications can also help lower blood pressure.

Do Concussions Cause Alzheimer’s Disease?

Petra Boh Blog, Causes March 4, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's, alzheimer's disease, concussion

There has been a lot of concern as to whether concussions cause Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the medical field.

This is mostly because the immediate effects of a head injury can include symptoms that are seen in the disease. These would be memory loss, confusion, and changes in speech, personality, and vision.

Can Concussions Increase Risk for Alzheimer’s

These symptoms can quickly vanish, last for some time, or become permanent depending on the severity of the injury.

Also, the symptoms that develop after an injury in most cases will not become worse over time something synonymous with AD.

This said some kinds of head injuries increase the risk of a person developing Alzheimer’s later in life.

Concussions can stimulate cognitive decline

Research reveals that concussions can accelerate the development of cognitive decline and brain atrophy.

These relate to Alzheimer’s in people who are at the genetic risk of this progressive illness.

This is especially true for people who carry one form of the APOE (apolipoprotein) gene. This gene has the potential to increase the risk of AD.

These findings are documented in the journal Brain and they show promise of identifying the influence that concussions have on neurodegeneration.

One of the environmental risk factors of developing neurodegenerative illnesses such as late-onset Alzheimer’s is a moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.

It is still not yet clear whether concussion or mild traumatic brain injury also contribute to increasing the risk.

Several studies have been conducted to try and establish the link between Alzheimer’s disease and concussions. Check out details of a few of these studies below.

Researchers from BUSM (Boston University School of Medicine), observed 160 war veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq.

The group comprised some people who had never suffered a concussion and others who had suffered one or more concussions.

The researchers measured the thickness of the participant’s cerebral cortex using MRI imaging in 7 regions. These are usually the first to indicate atrophy in AD and 7 control regions.

The experts stated that they found that lower cortical thickness in some of the regions of the brain caused by a concussion was first to be affected in AD.

Assistant professor of psychiatry at BUSM and research psychologist at the National Centre for PTSD Jasmeet Hayes, Ph.D. and corresponding author of the study explained that the results suggested that concussions when combined with genetic factors may be associated with accelerated memory decline and cortical thickness in areas that are relevant to Alzheimer’s.

Concussions have an impact on the young brain, too

The researchers noted that the brain abnormalities appeared in a relatively young group. The average age of the participants was 32 years.

The researchers translated this to imply that the influence of concussions on neurodegeneration can be detected early in a person’s lifetime.

They, therefore, advised that after suffering a concussion, it is important to document as much as possible.

But at least when it happened and the symptoms that a person showcased. This is because when concussions combine with other factors like genetics, they can cause long-term health consequences.

The experts were hopeful that other researchers will build on their findings to give a clear answer when asked if concussions cause Alzheimer’s disease.

Head injuries can cause AD twice as likely

Another study revealed that young adults who suffer from moderate or severe head injury are two times likely to develop AD later in life.

This was after Dr. Brenda Plassman and her colleagues from Duke University Medical Centre in Durham, North Carolina conducted research trying to find the link between Alzheimer’s and head injury in over 7000 US marine and Navy veterans from World War II.

The subjects of the study included 548 veterans who had experienced a head injury and 1228 who did not have any head injuries.

The experts discovered that people with a history of head injury were more than double the risk of developing AD.

Moderate head injury was associated with a 2.3 times increase in risk.

In addition to that, severe head injury was associated with more than 4 times the risk.

Severe head injury, in this case, was one where a person remained unconscious and was admitted to a hospital.

Moderate injury referred to bouts of amnesia or loss of consciousness that lasts for less than 30 minutes after the injury.

Do genes have a role?

The experts also went ahead to test for the presence of the apolipoprotein E gene. Participants who had this gene were 14 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

Because there was no apparent relationship with a head injury and APOE gene, the researchers suggested that more work is necessary.

This will allow us to understand the effects of the gene and a head injury better. Potentially, more research will also give a better understanding of the causes of AD.

Yet another study reported that brain scans of elderly persons with a prior head injury and poor memory have more build-up of plaque associated with AD which supports that concussions may cause Alzheimer’s disease.

In this study associate professor of neurology and epidemiology at Mayo Clinic Rochester and her team evaluated 448 residents of Olmsted County who did not have any signs of memory problems.

They also studied 141 residents who had mild cognitive impairment (thinking and memory problems).

All the participants of this study were 70 years and above.

Before the study, they all reported whether they had experienced a brain injury that caused the loss of memory or consciousness.

The researchers conducted brain scans on all the subjects.

The results revealed that persons who had cognitive impairment and concussion history had amyloid plaques levels that were 18% higher than those who did not have a history of head trauma but had cognitive impairment.

They concluded that the link between concussions and AD is quite complex. This is because the results showed an association but not a cause and effect link.

Risk Factors for Developing Alzheimer’s After a Concussion

Scientific research supports the idea that suffering concussions may increase the chances of a person developing AD.

Some factors also seem to affect the risk of concussions causing Alzheimer’s disease and these include:

Age

The age when a person suffers from a concussion may have an impact on whether they end up developing AD.

Several studies suggest that suffering concussions at a young age increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This applies to when a person is older.

The severity of the Injury

The risk of concussions causing Alzheimer’s disease increases with the severity of the injury.

Repeated mild injuries may also increase an individual’s risk for future problems with reasoning and thinking.

Conclusion

Keep in mind, although concussions can increase the risk of developing AD, other factors also play a role.

Not everyone who suffers a severe head injury will end up developing the disease.

More research is still necessary to understand the link between Alzheimer’s disease and concussions.

Obesity and Alzheimer’s Disease – Risk?

Petra Boh Blog, Causes March 3, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, obesity

When looking into the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), researchers have been paying close attention to the relationship between obesity and Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Association reports that over 5 million people in the US are living with AD. Unfortunately, we expect this number to rise to almost 14 million by 2050.

Does Obesity Increase Alzheimer’s Risk?

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that results in loss of memory, cognitive skills, and also causes changes in behavior.

The increasing rate of this progressive illness means that it is important to identify the biomarkers that tell when a person is at high risk of developing AD.

Early diagnosis can lead to the development of treatment and prevention strategies with a positive impact.

What is obesity?

We can describe obesity as a complex condition that involves too much body fat according to Mayo Clinic.

This increases the risk of a person suffering other health problems like diabetes, heart diseases, certain cancers, and high blood pressure.

Experts also state that obesity is one of the risk factors for developing AD.

This is because obesity often leads to insulin resistance. Data suggests that in middle age, insulin resistance can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease through numerous pathways.

These include dysfunctional brain insulin and decreased brain glucose metabolism which can result in increased amyloid deposition as well as reduced brain volume.

Results from human and animal studies show that subjects with AD have increased brain insulin resistance.

Worth noting is that excessive insulin in a person’s bloodstream ends up interfering with the energy supply in the brain. This is primarily because it lowers the amount of glucose or fuel that reaches the brain.

Obesity can contribute to Alzheimer’s

Over the years, research has revealed that obesity and related comorbidities as potential contributors to Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology.

This suggests that conditions like poor-quality diet, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle may be part of AD’s modifiable risk factors.

A study published in Obesity Reviews examined possible mechanisms in the relationship between AD and obesity.

This also included recommended treatment strategies that may play a role in the development as well as the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Reports from numerous animal and human studies suggest that there is a link between obesity and Alzheimer’s.

Obesity and higher body mass index (BMI) have been linked to reduced white matter, brain atrophy, cognitive decline, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, and an increased risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s.

The calculated effect size of obesity for the neurodegenerative disease was 1.54 according to various results from longitudinal epidemiological studies.

Strong evidence points to midlife obesity as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s.

A cross-sectional study that was published in Obesity revealed that there is an inverse relationship between cognitive function and BMI among healthy middle-aged adults.

Several observational studies have also reported that obesity in mid-life increases the risk of dementia later in life.

Weight loss can occur later in life due to the disease

Even though there seems to be a connection between obesity and Alzheimer’s, this association tends to shift later in life.

According to the statistics about 20%-45% of patients with Alzheimer’s tend to experience weight loss as the illness progresses.

There may be a possibility that a decline in BMI that goes before AD diagnosis may be related to the neurodegeneration sections of the brain that are responsible for homeostatic weight regulation.

Several factors can contribute to weight loss including decreased motivation for self-care, https://readementia.com/why-do-dementia-patients-stop-eating/, paying less attention to mealtime, social withdrawal, and altered metabolism amongst others.

At times, genetic factors might also come into play.

For instance, there have been reports on a connection between increased weight loss in AD and the presence of the APOE gene.

Inappropriate diet has a degenerating impact on the body and mind

Another study on the association between obesity and Alzheimer’s suggests that when HFS (high-sugar and high-fat) diet linked to obesity is paired with normal aging, it can lead to the development of AD.

You can find the details of this study in Physiological Reports. The study was conducted by researchers from Brock University in Ontario, Canada.

They chose to look at the effects of an obesity-inducing diet on insulin signaling which is the process that lets the body know how to use sugar as well as markers of cellular stress, and inflammation.

These are some of the factors that play a role in the progression of Alzheimer’s during the aging process in mice.

There were two groups of mice one on a normal diet and the other on HSF.

The researchers measured the animals’ stress and inflammation levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus areas of the brain after 13 weeks of the allocated diets.

The prefrontal cortex oversees complex cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functions. The hippocampus deals with long-term memory.

Obesity affects aging and brain functioning

After comparing the two groups of mice, the experts found that the HFS had higher markers for insulin resistance, inflammation, and cellular stress in the hippocampus region.

This is thought to play a role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Their prefrontal cortex region also showed more signs of insulin resistance.

On the other hand, there were no alterations in cellular stress and inflammation markers.

The researchers concluded that the region-specific differences between the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in regards to aging with an HFS diet shows that the pathology of the disease is not uniform in all section of the brain.

When compared to baseline readings, the control group also recorded an increase in inflammation levels.

The results according to this study indicate that although age plays a role in the progression of AD, obesity also worsens the effects of aging on the function of the brain.

The research team acknowledged that their study offers fresh details to the mechanistic link between obesity and Alzheimer’s.

This is regarding the pathways that lead to the early progression of AD and the negative effects that the HFS diet has on the hippocampal and prefrontal cortex regions of the brain.

Obesity and Alzheimer’s Conclusion

After talking about the link between obesity and Alzheimer’s, it is important for people to manage their weight well especially during mid-life or better yet earlier to reap the benefits later in life.

A healthy diet and proper exercise are key to reducing the risk of a myriad of health problems including Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes February 28, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, tbi, traumatic-brain-injury

The potential between increased risk of dementia and traumatic brain injury has become a pressing issue as scientists try to find the link between the two.

This is mostly because the immediate effects of head injury can include symptoms that are similar to those of dementia.

These include signs such as memory loss, confusion, and changes in speech, personality, and vision.

Relationship Between Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injury

Depending on the severity of the head injury the symptoms can clear up fast, last a long time, or fail to go away altogether.

Keep in mind that symptoms a person experiences after an injury usually do not become worse over time which is usually the case with dementia.

Dementia affects about 47 million people worldwide and we expect the numbers to double in the next two decades.

Over 50 million people across the globe experience traumatic brain injury yearly.

Causes of TBI

This usually occurs when external forced disrupt the normal functions of the brain. Leading causes of TBI include falls, assaults, and motor vehicle accidents.

Research, however, notes that certain types of head injuries may increase the risk of someone developing different types of dementia.

Two primary factors seemingly affecting a person’s risk include the severity of the injury and the age when the injury happened.

Some studies suggest that more severe head injuries might increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which is one of the most common causes of dementia.

The risk also increases for persons who experience head injuries when they are older say 55 years and above.

Repeated mild injuries also increase the risk of having problems with reasoning and thinking in the future.

Brain injuries after 55 are risky

Check out essential details of a study that has been done to try and figure out the link between the risk of dementia and traumatic brain injury.

One of the larger studies reported that the risk of dementia as well as that of Alzheimer’s is significantly higher in persons who have experienced TBI than in those who have no history of traumatic brain injury.

The study that was conducted in Denmark observed almost 2.8 million participants and they began in 1977.

The large study population involved a 36-year follow-up where researchers gained access to a uniform healthcare system that tracks the severity and numbers of traumatic brain injuries.

Among the millions of participants, the research indicated that 4.7% have at least one diagnosis of traumatic brain injury.

With the first TBI diagnosis, 85% had been categorized as mild while the rest were characterized as a skull fracture or severe. 4.5% of the persons who were 50 years and above developed dementia from 1999 to 2013.

From this group, 5.3% had experienced at least one TBI when the scientists were conducting their observations.

The average age at first dementia diagnosis was recorded as 80.7 years. The findings of this research were published in The Lancet Psychiatry on 10th April.

Dementia risk is higher in those with TBI history

The experts in the study concluded that the overall dementia risk in people with a history of TBI was 24% higher than those who did not have a history of traumatic brain injury.

They reached this conclusion after accounting for other risk factors of the neurodegenerative disease.

Severe traumatic brain injuries accounted for an increased risk of 35% while mild TBI increased the risk by 17%.

Men also have a slightly higher increased risk of dementia development when compared to women with traumatic brain injury histories at 30% versus 19%.

Jesse Fann the lead author of the study and a professor of behavioral sciences and psychiatry at the University of Washington School of medicine said that the relationship between the risk of dementia and the number of brain injuries was very clear according to the research.

Men are more likely to develop dementia after TBI

The study also indicated that the risk of dementia also increased based on the number of traumatic brain injuries.

Five or more TBIs increased the risk by 183%, four TBIs increased dementia risk by 51%, while the risk increased by 33% for two or three TBIs.

Fann also explained that if someone had a brain injury in their 20’s chances of developing dementia increased by 60% in their 50s.

The researchers nonetheless clarified that the findings of the study do not suggest that everyone who sustains traumatic brain injury will end up developing dementia in his or her later years.

Fann hoped that the findings will help people with histories of TBI to change their behaviors towards other dementia risk factors.

This includes quitting or limiting the use of tobacco and alcohol consumption, taking part in regular physical exercise, treating illnesses like depression, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as avoiding obesity.

He also suggested that people who have suffered traumatic brain injury need to get an evaluation from medical doctors to get immediate treatment for any persisting issues.

Fann stated that some cognitive rehabilitation strategies might help decrease cognitive deficits that relate to brain injury.

Not everyone with traumatic brain injury will develop dementia

Co-author Jakob Christensen an associate professor of neurology at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark stated that severe traumatic brain injury is more prevalent in young people.

He went ahead to explain that there is a concern that this also increases the risk of developing dementia in younger people.

Fann warned children and parents to be aware of the risks of traumatic brain injury that contact sports present.

The authors of the study recommended heightened efforts to prevent TBIs, especially for the younger generation.

They said that strategies need to be put in place to ameliorate the impact and risk of dementia relating to traumatic brain injury.

Conclusion

Many studies looking into the relationship between increased risk of dementia and traumatic brain injury are targeting participants of contact sports such as hockey, football, boxing, and soccer as well as military veterans.

These are people who end up experiencing traumatic brain injuries in their line of work.

The researchers acknowledged that more research is still needed to find out who is at the greatest risk of developing dementia as well as other factors that contribute to this risk.

Is There A Connection Between Dementia And Concussion?

Petra Boh Blog, Causes February 26, 2021October 16, 2021concussion, dementia, head injury

Dementia researchers for a long time have been fascinated by the potential link between the risk of developing dementia after a concussion.

Mayo Clinic defines a concussion as a traumatic brain injury that affects the functions of the brain.

Its effects are normally temporary and can include headaches as well as problems with memory, coordination, balance, and concentration.

Can a Concussion Make Dementia Worse?

Blows to the head or violently shaking the upper body and head are the main causes of concussions.

In short, any severe head injury can lead to a concussion.

There is a very high chance that people will experience a concussion after falling or a motor accident.

Concussions are also common for people who play sports like soccer or football, as well as boxing.

Alzheimer’s Association describes dementia as a general term for loss of memory, problem-solving, language, and other thinking abilities.

It ends up affecting an individual’s daily life.

Many people with concussions usually recover fully.

New research, however, shows that there may be a link between increased risk of dementia development for people who have experienced concussions.

Some Studies Support The Increased Risk After Concussion

Several studies are supporting the idea that the risk of dementia can be increased by concussions.

One of the studies published in JAMA Neurology in May 2018 suggests that having a concussion can lead to increased dementia risk even when the person did not experience loss of consciousness.

The study was conducted by a team at UCSF (University of California).

There were over 350,000 participants in the study whose average age was 49. The researchers followed the participants for about 4.2 years.

The researchers also discovered that concussion without loss of consciousness accounted for a 2.4 fold in dementia increased risk.

When the concussion resulted in a loss of consciousness the risk of dementia increased up to 2.5 times higher.

The risk was higher for persons who experienced a moderate-to-severe traumatic injury almost four times (3.77).

The study also acknowledged that concussions in the general population were also risky for dementia and not for veterans alone. They draw the participants from two databases.

One of them has a list of all-era veterans who experienced concussions during military or civilian life.

The other has vets serving war zones meaning most of their injuries occurred in combat zones for example for shockwaves in blasts.

Concussions are risky for people with dementia

The findings were similar in both groups.

This indicated that concussions happening in combat areas are as likely linked to the development of dementia as those affecting the general population according to Deborah Barnes the first author Ph.D., MPH, professor in UCSF psychiatry, epidemiology and biostatistics department.

The experts advised people who experienced concussions to seek medical attention. Also, to allow time to heal as well as try and avoid other concussions.

Although the research did not examine the issue of repeat concussions directly, there is growing evidence that it may result in a cumulative effect.

Different research from Boston University Medical Centre also concludes that there is a link between concussions and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Note, AD is one of the most common causes of dementia.

The experts on the study concluded that concussions speed up cognitive decline and brain atrophy that relates to Alzheimer’s especially in persons who are at genetic risk for the medical condition. You can find these findings in the Brain journal.

The researchers observed 160 Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans.

Among them were participants who had suffered one or more concussions and others who had never had a concussion.

Concussions and genetics are crucial

The professionals used MRI imaging to study the thickness of the participant’s cerebral cortex in regions that first show atrophy in AD.

They found that those who experienced a concussion had lower cortical thickness in the regions of the brain that are first affected by Alzheimer’s.

Their results suggest that concussions when combined with genetic factors may play a role in accelerating memory decline and cortical thickness in AD’s relevant areas.

The experts on the study hope that other researchers will build-up on their findings to discover the concussion-related mechanisms that increase the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and others.

As a result, treatment may target the mechanisms which might lead to delaying the onset of neurodegenerative pathology.

Dementia and Concussion Closing Remarks

Currently, experts do not know the long-term effects that concussions cause.

More ‘dementia and concussion’ research is still necessary to determine whether concussions cause dementia development in later years.

Dementia and Cholesterol – Is There a Risk?

Petra Boh Blog, Causes February 21, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, cholesterol, dementia, vascular dementia

Several studies report that there is a link between dementia and cholesterol levels in the human body.

Before getting deeper into this, it is important to note that cholesterol is essential for the healthy functioning of the body.

But there is a catch.

Is There a Link Between Dementia and Cholesterol?

Without this, people would not be able to produce hormones or digest food.

We can describe cholesterol as a waxy-like fatty substance that the liver produces.

It is also present in some foods. Cholesterol circulates through the blood-stream in carries known as lipoproteins made of proteins and fats.

Even though the fatty substance is beneficial, too much cholesterol in the blood can harm vascular and heart health.

There are two types of cholesterol

1. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) – also known as “good cholesterol” this is responsible for preventing the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries. Not just that, but it also protects a person against stroke and heart attack.

2. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – referred to as “bad cholesterol” this is what causes high levels of cholesterol.

With this in mind, let’s jump into the relationship between dementia and cholesterol.

Health experts agree that watching cholesterol levels can help keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay which is one of the most common dementia types.

It can also help prevent the development of vascular dementia which is one of the most common types of dementia.

Below we will expound more on how lowering cholesterol may be instrumental in starving off dementia.

Studies on How High Levels of Cholesterol can Increase Dementia Risk

One of the factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia is high cholesterol.

A neurology study borrowing insights from Niemann Pick-C disease and Down’s syndrome stated that high cholesterol disrupts the process of cell division.

Dr. Kensuke Sasaki one of the authors of this study said that his team of researchers discovered that high levels of cholesterol were related to brain plaques that are markers for Alzheimer’s disease.

Kensuke is a researcher at Kyushu University in Japan.

Together with his team of professionals, they tested cholesterol levels for about 2600 people aged 40-79.

At the beginning of the study, all the participants were dementia-free. The researchers then checked on the participants after 10-15 years.

They also conducted autopsies on the persons who had passed on. They found 34% of the individuals had been diagnosed with dementia.

Autopsies also revealed hallmark tangles and plaques of the illness which normally translated to protein build-up in the brain.

The study recorded that 86% of individuals with high levels of cholesterol had brain plaques.

Only 62% of the people with low cholesterol had plaques.

A similar study investigating the link between dementia and cholesterol was reported by researchers in Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Low levels of HDL can contribute to a memory decline

In this study, professionals observed 3,673 participants from the Whitehall II study. 26.8% of the subjects were women.

The researchers discovered that low levels of HDL cholesterol were among the major predictors of declining memory by the time a person turns 60.

The experts came to the conclusion after measuring lipid concentrations in blood samples they collected after the participants underwent an eight-hour fast.

Researchers at Emory University and the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Centre also conducted a study that found an association between early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and high LDL cholesterol levels.

This condition is considered “early-onset” when it develops before a person is 65 years.

To find out whether early-onset AD is related to cholesterol the experts sequenced various genomic regions of 2,125 participants.

Among them, 654 already had early-onset Alzheimer’s while 1,472 wee controls.

The researchers also went ahead to test blood samples from 267 subjects to determine their LDL cholesterol levels.

From the blood samples, the experts discovered that people with elevated LDL levels were more likely to develop early-onset AD when compared to persons with lower levels of cholesterol.

They published their findings in JAMA Neurology.

Contracting Studies on the Link between Risk of Dementia and Cholesterol Levels

While many studies state that high cholesterol levels can increase dementia risk, some scientists in the US dispute this.

They are on record stating that high cholesterol levels in seniors over 85 have been linked to reduced decline in thinking abilities and memory.

They published their findings in Alzheimer’s and Dementia a scientific journal.

Knowing that high levels of cholesterol were linked to cardiovascular diseases and higher dementia risk, the scientists opted to study people who are over the age of 85.

In their study, they found that the elderly who had already celebrated their 85th birthday has fewer problems with thinking and memory even though they also had higher levels of cholesterol.

Chief Scientific Officer of Alzheimer’s Research UK Dr. David Reynolds said that although most of the evidence points towards the dangers of high cholesterol levels it is not easy to pinpoint one dementia factor in the group of seniors who do not have the disease.

He continued to explain that high cholesterol levels in the participants of the study might have been linked to enhanced cognitive function because it was a reflection of the genetic makeup of individuals who live to an advanced age instead of the cholesterol levels in their blood.

There is still no evidence or suggestion from the research that people need to increase their levels of cholesterol levels to sustain a healthy brain.

Because of the results of this study, the impact of high cholesterol levels remains a controversial and intriguing subject.

Closing Remarks

Seeing that overwhelming evidence points to the association between dementia and cholesterol levels, everyone must get to know the levels of this waxy-like fatty substance in their blood.

The recommendation for adults over the age of 40 is to take a blood test once every 5 years which can help in identifying the risk.

Women who are above 50 years and men who are over 45 may need to take the tests more frequently.

For now, scientists will continue to explore the role that cholesterol has in dementia development.