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Category: In the news

Motivations Behind Volunteering for Online Research Platforms, like StepUp for Dementia Research?

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022

Just under a third of Australians volunteer[1]. Volunteering benefits both the individual as well as the community.  However, people become involved in volunteering for different reasons. A recent Australian study looked at the motivations and meaning behind volunteering online for science-based research[2]. Specifically, the study looked at the experiences of people who had signed up […]

Pneumonia after Covid-19 Ups the Risk of Dementia

Monday, June 6th, 2022

There have been multiple reports of patients experiencing difficulties with their cognition after recovering from COVID-19[1]. Pneumonia has also previously been associated with the risk of a new diagnosis of dementia. However, a recent study has shown that adults who develop pneumonia after COVID-19 have a higher risk of a new diagnosis of dementia than […]

Longer Daytime Naps may be an Early Sign of Dementia

Monday, May 9th, 2022

Many of us have that older uncle who falls asleep on the couch after lunch. It is largely innocuous, sometimes amusing, and most certainly common in older age.  However, new research suggests that extensive daytime napping could mean something more[1]. Some of us may swear by “power naps”, and for younger adults, research indeed suggests […]

Dementia Treatment Can Be Improved by Seeing the Same GP

Monday, April 11th, 2022

People with dementia who see the same GP each time, have less health complications and fewer prescribed medications, according to a new study. People with dementia often have comorbid or additional health problems. Consulting different doctors for individual health issues, rather than seeing the same GP continuously, can be associated with inappropriate prescribing. While continuity […]

Covid-19 lockdowns contributing to faster deterioration in dementia patients

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

The sudden absence of human contact and mental stimulation during COVID-19 believed to have contributed to the deterioration of health conditions in people living with dementia. An article published in ABC NEWS highlighted the findings on the mental health impacts of Covid-19 on people living with dementia, their families and carers. A carer for a […]

Learning you Have Dementia – How Can it be Done Better?

Thursday, January 27th, 2022

You may have a sense of something not being quite right. Your family and friends may suspect something too. Is it simply old age and a bit of forgetfulness – or is it something more? The decision to get checked out is a big one. A research team from the UK, recently published a review […]

Common blood pressure drug does not slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

Monday, December 20th, 2021

New research has dashed hopes that the drug Losartan, used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure, might be effective in reducing the rate of brain atrophy in people living with Alzheimer’s Disease[1]. The British multi-centre clinical trial was awarded two million pounds as part of the Prime Minister’s “Challenge on Dementia”. From 2014 to […]

Short term menopausal hormone therapy not associated with increased dementia risk

Wednesday, November 10th, 2021

Women who have taken hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms may be reassured by findings from a large study reporting no overall increased risk of dementia[1]. What is HRT? Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is used to relieve symptoms of the menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings. It works by replacing […]

Agent Orange Doubles the Risk of Dementia for Vietnam Veterans

Friday, August 13th, 2021

U.S. veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War are twice as likely to develop dementia, a study published early this year found[1]. Tactical Warfare U.S. forces sprayed gallons of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War to defoliate jungle trees that provided cover for enemy forces, and to destroy food crops. Millions of American […]

Medication Management for People with Dementia following a Hospital Stay

Monday, July 19th, 2021

Instructions: “Take one tablet three times a day” So, is that dividing 24 hours by three and taking the medication every eight hours? Or can I coordinate it with my meals and take them all within 12 hours? Will it matter if I take it with my other morning tablet? A Potential for Medication Mishaps […]

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