Category: In the news
Wednesday, September 13th, 2023
Up to 40% of dementias worldwide are due to modifiable risk factors, meaning aspects of our lifestyle that we can change[1]. Research has identified twelve key factors. How many can you name? Have a go! In a study published earlier this year, this is exactly what a research team in Ireland set out to explore[2]. […]
Friday, July 14th, 2023
“Go for a little walk”, “pop outside for some fresh air”. Intuitively, we know that spending time outdoors is good for us. This is backed up by evidence that green space may be especially beneficial for brain health. Higher levels of tree canopy within a city (defined as the layer of leaves, branches, and stems […]
Friday, July 7th, 2023
Imagine being able to plug a few brain images into a machine, and then being able to say “yes” or “no” that this individual has dementia. Well, this is what a team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital recently set out to achieve using a type of artificial intelligence called deep learning[1]. Learning by example […]
Saturday, June 17th, 2023
Dementia describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. In addition to the more familiar cognitive symptoms such as memory loss and language difficulties, dementia can also encompass non-cognitive symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, apathy, depression, and disinhibition. These symptoms are collectively termed as “Behaviours and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia. The term […]
Sunday, May 14th, 2023
How many of you have spoken with your loved ones about what type of care you would like to receive if you became seriously ill or injured or unable to say what you want? Advance care planning involves arranging with friends and family about what care you would like to receive, if you lost your […]
Saturday, April 1st, 2023
How often do you say hi to your neighbours? Because doing so, might help you – and them -live a little longer. An American study published earlier this year, set out to examine whether neighbourhood dynamics influenced the health of Chinese Americans who lived by themselves.[1] Everybody Needs Good Neighbours It is well documented that […]
Friday, February 17th, 2023
How do we measure an individual persons’ quality of life? Two new consumer experience and quality of life assessment tools, designed to improve standards and transparency in aged care, are to be rolled out nationally this year. A team of researchers at Flinders University have been working on the measures, since the Royal Commission into […]
Tuesday, December 13th, 2022
The dementia world has been stirred by a recent paper reporting the drug Lecanemab’s effect on slowing cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s Disease[1]. In Alzheimer’s disease, two key proteins – tau and amyloid beta – build up into tangles and plaques, and cause brain cells to die. The human body naturally produces antibodies […]
Friday, October 14th, 2022
The same genes that send people to the bathroom with gut issues, may be involved in brain health. Previous observational studies have suggested a relationship between Alzheimer’s Disease and gastrointestinal tract disorders. However, it has been unclear what underpins these relationships. According to new data from Australia’s Edith Cowan University, it could be genetic[1]. Researchers […]
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 […]
