Research news

Alzheimer's Society comment on the link between muscle strength and Alzheimer's

Published: 10 November 2009

Lack of muscle strength could be one of the early signs of dementia according to a study published on Monday, 9 November 2009 in Archives of Neurology.

Dual task test could help diagnose dementia

Published: 9 November 2009

Multi tasking could help tell the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and depression Alzheimer’s Society found today (Monday, 9 November 2009) in Journal of Neurology.

Tests can predict dementia precursor

Published: 3 November 2009

Learning and memory tests can help predict whether a healthy person will develop Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) according to a report published today in Neurology.

Alzheimer's Society comment on the use of epilepsy drugs to treat Alzheimer's

Published: 28 October 2009

Epilepsy drugs could be developed as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases according to research published in the journal Molecular Neurodegeneration.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on CHKS research into cost of excess bed days due to dementia

Published: 14 October 2009

Research carried out by CHKS has found that the cost to the NHS of excess bed days attributable to a secondary diagnosis of dementia is £40 million per annum.

Blunkett backs call for increase in brain tissue donation to beat dementia

Published: 13 October 2009

Former Home Secretary, David Blunkett MP has today offered his support to a major campaign to encourage people to donate brain tissue upon their death to a new brain bank network.

Sleep deprivation and dementia

Published: 28 September 2009

A study published in Science has found that levels of amyloid beta, a protein fragment associated with Alzheimers disease, rose and fell in association with sleep and wakefulness in mice.

Sir Terry Pratchett addresses Lib Dem conference as voters back dementia research campaign

Published: 22 September 2009

Sir Terry Pratchett, Patron of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, is to discuss his experience with a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease and demand an increase in government investment in dementia research

Alzheimer's Society research finds link between infection and memory loss

Published: 8 September 2009

People with Alzheimer’s disease who develop an infection need to be treated as soon as possible to prevent it worsening their dementia

Gene link marks major breakthrough in dementia research

Published: 7 September 2009

Two new genes associated with Alzheimer's disease have been discovered in a British scientist led genome study.

Alzheimer's Society comment on research linking high blood pressure to memory problems

Published: 26 August 2009

Data in a recent study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology links elevated diastolic blood pressure to the cognitive impairment of people over 45.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on longer sleep duration being associated with an increased risk of dementia

Published: 13 August 2009

Older people who reported sleeping for more than nine hours in each 24 hours and feeling sleepy during the day were more likely to develop dementia according to new research.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on Mediterranean-type diet reducing Alzheimer’s risk

Published: 12 August 2009

Older people who reported both exercising a lot and following a diet close to the Mediterranean-type had a 60 per cent reduction in the chance of developing Alzheimer’s according to new research.

Alzheimer’s comment on research that cognitive activities delay onset of memory decline in persons who develop dementia

Published: 4 August 2009

This American research is part of a long term study following a group of older people in New York.

Study highlights link between healthy heart and healthy brain

Published: 4 August 2009

Middle aged people who smoke, have high blood pressure or diabetes are far more likely to develop dementia in later life, suggests research published ahead of print in the Journal of Neurology.

Alzheimer's Society comment on research that genes in early onset are associated with memory

Published: 29 July 2009

Memory is a fundamental function of nerve cells in the brain, and loss of memory is a key symptom in many people with Alzheimer’s disease.

UK to play lead role in European fight against dementia

Published: 22 July 2009

The UK will play a leading role in coordinated European action to tackle dementia from today (22 July 2009).

Immunotherapy linked to lower risk of Alzheimer's disease

Published: 21 July 2009

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatments, the addition of good antibodies into the blood stream, may hold promise for lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other similar brain disorders.

Leading scientists warn over lack of dementia investment

Published: 21 July 2009

The UK needs a national plan for dementia research or the country will pay the price, the UK’s top scientists are warning today.

Immunotherapy against tau tangles in Alzheimer's mouse models

Published: 15 July 2009

New insights into how a Phase III Alzheimer's drug might work were among the advances reported today at the ICAD conference in Vienna.

Comment on Dimebolin (dimebon) increasing Brain Beta Amyloid in Mouse Models

Published: 15 July 2009

Dimebolin, originally administered as an antihistamine, has previously been found to help slow the decline of cognitive ability in participants.

Healthy lifestyle protects against cognitive decline

Published: 14 July 2009

Eating a 'heart healthy' diet and maintaining or increasing participation in moderate physical activity may help preserve our memory and thinking abilities as we age.

Mediterranean diet decreases dementia

Published: 14 July 2009

Research released at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease suggests that adhering to a Mediterranean diet may decrease risk of dementia.

Shocking lack of dementia awareness in UK and America must be addressed

Published: 14 July 2009

Research released at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease shows a severe lack of dementia awareness in America.

Drug treatments for people with Alzheimer's disease should be made available on the NHS – new study finds

Published: 14 July 2009

Drugs used to treat people with Alzheimer's disease should be available on the NHS to people throughout their disease according to a new study presented today.

Could combining biomarkers provide more accurate early diagnosis of dementia?

Published: 14 July 2009

The development of essential dementia diagnostic tools could be achieved through the combined observation of biomarkers with other measures such as brain volume.

Three new studies give clear guidance on how to better recruit volunteers for Alzheimer’s clinical studies

Published: 13 July 2009

Partnering with local physicians and working with local clinics have been found to be the most effective tools in recruiting people for Alzheimer’s clinical studies.

Drinking and dementia – stay within the guidelines

Published: 13 July 2009

US scientists have found that moderate drinkers – those who consume between 8 and 14 drinks per week – are at a 37% lower risk of dementia.

Omega 3 supplements found to be ineffective for dementia

Published: 12 July 2009

Results from two large studies using DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, were reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

British scientists lead the way in dementia research despite funding gap

Published: 10 July 2009

British scientists are leading the field at the International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease, in Vienna (ICAD, 11 – 16 July).

Could a compound found in fruit, vegetables, tea and red wine offer dementia hope?

Published: 10 July 2009

A group of chemicals found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as tea, cocoa and red wine, could protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease.

New research to tackle stroke related dementia

Published: 10 July 2009

Pioneering new research to try to stop dementia developing in people who have experienced a stroke has been given a new research grant.

Impact of language skills on development of dementia

Published: 9 July 2009

New research from an ongoing observational study suggests that more advanced language skills in your early twenties may predict a lower likelihood of dementia in older age.

New research reveals shocking lack of dementia awareness in UK

Published: 6 July 2009

Research released by Alzheimer's Society this Dementia Awareness Week has shown widespread misunderstanding about dementia and the factors that put people at risk.

Does being single in midlife increase risk of dementia?

Published: 3 July 2009

Middle-aged people living alone have twice the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease in later life compared with married or cohabiting people, according to a study published on bmj.com.

Dementia research funding must triple, say experts

Published: 30 June 2009

The UK’s leading dementia charities united with eminent scientists to urge the government to commit to a national dementia research strategy and triple annual investment to £96 million within 5 years.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new tau tangle research

Published: 8 June 2009

Tau protein tangles are found in the brains of people with a range of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer's Society comment on benefits of weekly curry

Published: 3 June 2009

Professor Murali Doraiswamy, from the Duke University Medical Center in Carolina, has suggested that curcumin, found in the popular curry ingredient tumeric, could help prevent the onset of dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new data observing the cost effectiveness of Aricept (donepezil)

Published: 21 May 2009

New research suggests that prescribing Aricept on diagnosis of either mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease would save the NHS money.

Alzheimer's Society comment on research into impact of vitamin D on brain performance

Published: 20 May 2009

A study of 3,133 men from a variety of test centres across Europe has shown that lower 25 (OH) D levels (vitamin D levels) were associated with poorer brain performance (in middle aged and older men).

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research into heart rhythm disorder as a risk factor for dementia

Published: 15 May 2009

Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center have conducted research into the link between atrial fibrillation, a fairly common heart rhythm disorder, and dementia.

New tool could help predict dementia in older people

Published: 14 May 2009

Scientists have developed a new ‘risk index’ that helps predict which individuals over the age of 65 may go on to develop dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on new research into HDAC2 and memory, to be published in Nature

Published: 7 May 2009

This exciting research may help our understanding of how memory works.

Do NSAIDs delay onset of dementia?

Published: 23 April 2009

New research shows that people over 65 who are heavy users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen, show a high incidence of dementia.

New Alzheimer's drug research

Published: 14 April 2009

New research suggests that the drug CPHPC successfully interferes with the build up of Amyloid in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s and does not have side effects.

Alzheimer's risk factor in young adults

Published: 7 April 2009

Young adults who carry the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) 4 gene have different brain activity in the area that codes memories to those without the gene, according to new research by the University of Oxford

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research that aims to develop living representation of the brain, by Aston University

Published: 25 March 2009

It is still very early days, but in the future this interesting research could lead to a useful tool for investigating dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research that aims to develop living representation of the brain, by Aston University

Published: 25 March 2009

It is still very early days, but in the future this interesting research could lead to a useful tool for investigating dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on new research in the Journal of Neuroscience investigating the link between Alzheimer’s and Epilepsy

Published: 19 March 2009

This research enhances our understanding of the relationship between epilepsy and dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research into the way memories are recorded

Published: 13 March 2009

New research from University College London into the hippocampus.

Potential new target for Alzheimer's disease

Published: 3 March 2009

Dementia is a terminal condition that causes a gradual loss of brain function. There are over 100 types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s is the most common.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on whether having a parent with dementia may affect memory in midlife

Published: 19 February 2009

People who have parents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and APOE4 gene may be more likely to have memory loss themselves in middle age.

Research into impact of mental activity on memory loss

Published: 17 February 2009

Results from a study into the impact of mental activities on memory loss were released today at the American Academy of Neurology’s 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle.

Alzheimer's Society comment on Mercury and risk of Alzheimer's disease

Published: 17 February 2009

'There is currently no clear evidence to suggest that Mercury fillings cause or worsen Alzheimer's disease. A possible link has been suggested, but much more research is needed.

Alzheimer's Society comment on whether second hand smoke is linked to cognitive impairment

Published: 16 February 2009

We’ve known for some time that smoking increases your risk of developing dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on the benefits of 'brain training' products

Published: 11 February 2009

One million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years so there is a desperate need to find ways to prevent dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on the Etanercept drug treatment

Published: 4 February 2009

Etanercept is linked to a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Infra-red helmet for Alzheimer's

Published: 28 January 2009

Alzheimer’s Society comment on the infra-red helmet trialled by Sir Terry Pratchett in the forthcoming BBC Two documentary. Manufacturers claim the helmet improves cognition in people with dementia.

Being laid back and sociable reduces risk of dementia

Published: 19 January 2009

People who are easily stressed and less outgoing may have an increased risk of dementia, particularly if they are also socially isolated, according to new research.

Stigma of dementia higher in UK than US

Published: 16 January 2009

New research suggests that the stigma of dementia would make UK adults less willing to undergo dementia screening than Americans.

New genetic link for Alzheimer's in women

Published: 12 January 2009

New research suggests that a variant in a gene on the X chromosome is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in women. The study will be published online in Nature Genetics.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research showing that antipsychotics double risk of death in people with dementia

Published: 9 January 2009

This distressing new evidence highlights the desperate need to stop people with dementia being over-prescribed antipsychotics.

Alzheimer's Society comment on research suggesting that sleep disorder may be an early sign of dementia or Parkinson's disease

Published: 25 December 2008

People who act out their dreams through kicking and crying out in their sleep may go on to develop dementia or Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in the online issue of Neurology.

Charity condemns government’s ‘double blow’ for people with dementia

Published: 19 December 2008

The government has admitted that current investment in dementia research is eight times less that cancer research.

Is the next treatment for Alzheimer's already out there?

Published: 17 December 2008

New Alzheimer’s Society research will investigate whether curcumin, found in the popular Indian spice turmeric, and a number of drugs for other conditions, could benefit people with Alzheimer’s.

Pratchett calls on government to increase dementia funding

Published: 26 November 2008

Terry Pratchett OBE will call on the government to confront the ‘worldwide tsunami’ of dementia and urgently increase funding into dementia research.

Alzheimer's Society comment on JAMA study that shows Ginkgo biloba is not an effective remedy for dementia

Published: 20 November 2008

Ginkgo biloba, claimed to have beneficial effects on memory and cognition, was not effective in reducing the rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s among a study of 1,500 elderly participants.

Alzheimer's Society comment on the Northwestern University 'Super Ageing' project

Published: 17 November 2008

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives. It is not a natural part of ageing, but age is the biggest risk factor.

Our comment on the linguistic analysis suggeting that Harold Wilson had Alzheimer's

Published: 11 November 2008

‘Linguistic techniques could be useful for assessing communications problems in people with dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on Nicotinamide vitamin B3 study in Journal of Neuroscience

Published: 5 November 2008

An over-the-counter vitamin in high doses prevented memory loss in mice with some aspects of Alzheimer's disease, according to a paper published today (5 November) in the Journal of Neuroscience.

New research suggests diabetes and high blood pressure could double risk of early death in people with Alzheimer's

Published: 4 November 2008

Diabetes and high blood pressure could decrease length of life in those with Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research to be published in the the journal, Neurology.

New research suggests diabetes and high blood pressure could double risk of early death in people with Alzheimer's

Published: 4 November 2008

Diabetes and high blood pressure could decrease length of life in those with Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research to be published in the the journal, Neurology.

Alzheimer's Society comments on new research suggesting reducing fatty acids in the brain could be a potential treatment for Alzheimer's

Published: 20 October 2008

Removing an enzyme that regulates fatty acid levels improves cognitive deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research into the use of quality adjusted life year

Published: 14 October 2008

We welcome this research as it substantiates the argument we have been making about measuring the quality of life of a person living with dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on the £18 million injection into health research

Published: 16 September 2008

Today’s investment into dementia research is extremely welcome. Dementia research is drastically under funded in the UK.

Alzheimer's Society comment on Vitamin B12 and rate of brain volume loss in older people in the community

Published: 9 September 2008

This study found that low levels of vitamin B12 and high levels of homocysteine correlate with brain shrinkage in older people. Shrinkage is usually associated with the development of dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research demonstrating that exercise improves cognition in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published: 3 September 2008

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia and can help slow progression of the condition.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research showing that antipsychotics double risk of stroke in people with dementia

Published: 29 August 2008

This comprehensive study highlights the detrimental affect all types of antipsychotics have on people with dementia.

New drug targets the tangles caused by Alzheimer's

Published: 30 July 2008

New research gives hope that a new drug, called Rember, could help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, by tackling the protein tangles that cause brain cell death.

Alzheimer's Society comment on research into statins and dementia

Published: 28 July 2008

Statins are increasingly hitting the headlines as a potential cure for dementia.

MRI hope for dementia research

Published: 28 July 2008

Alzheimer's Society comment: Images of the plaques that characterise Alzheimer’s disease have been captured using conventional strength MRI scans on animals for the first time.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research suggesting Dimebon improves symptoms of people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease

Published: 18 July 2008

This encouraging research suggests Dimedon may be an effective treatment for the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

New research in the Lancet suggests a potential vaccine clears plaques in people with dementia but does not slow progression of the disease

Published: 18 July 2008

Amyloid plaques form in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Nicotine and dementia

Published: 14 July 2008

Alzheimer's Society comment on a review of research studies investigating nicotine and dementia, which have been conducted over the last 5 years

Ginkgo biloba does not help people with dementia, study finds

Published: 16 June 2008

Ginkgo biloba has no benefit for people with dementia, according to new Alzheimer's Society research.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research suggesting bright lights in care homes benefit people with dementia

Published: 12 June 2008

This study shows increasing light intensity in care homes can improve the quality of life for people with dementia and those who care for them.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research showing that short term use of antipsychotic drugs more than triple the risk of a serious event

Published: 27 May 2008

This comprehensive study highlights the life-threatening effects antipsychotics have on people with dementia and reveals that people in the community are at greater risk than those in nursing homes.

Alzheimer's Society comment on the link between obesity and dementia

Published: 7 May 2008

The number of people with dementia in the UK is set to soar to over 1 million people in less than 20 years and there is no cure.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research suggesting tarenflurbil may be effective in halting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Published: 2 May 2008

This exciting clinical trial suggests a modification of a safe and readily available anti-inflammatory drug has a positive impact on memory and function for people with mild Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Society comment on reducing your risk of developing dementia

Published: 16 April 2008

It is important that people lead a healthy lifestyle to reduce their risk of developing dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on the size of the hippocampus and dementia

Published: 16 April 2008

It is unclear from this relatively small study if an enlarged hippocampus is the reason why people with dementia might not show signs of the condition.

Alzheimer's Society comment on Etanercept and TNF Alpha protein

Published: 11 April 2008

There is an urgent demand for treatments to tackle Alzheimer’s disease, which affects 400,000 people in the UK and millions more carers.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research linking type 2 diabetes and dementia

Published: 10 April 2008

Dementia and diabetes have both been linked to being overweight and having an ‘apple’ shaped body.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on new research suggesting caffeine may help reduce Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 3 April 2008

This is the best evidence yet that caffeine equivalent to one cup of coffee a day can help protect the brain against cholesterol.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research into abdominal obesity and risk of dementia published in Journal of the American Academy of Neurology

Published: 27 March 2008

We have known for sometime that obesity dramatically increases your risk of developing dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on research into Hormone Replacement Therapy, memory loss and Alzheimer's disease

Published: 25 March 2008

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cannot be viewed as a treatment option for reducing risk or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on the announcement of human trials of cannabis-derived drugs

Published: 11 March 2008

The quest for treatments for people with dementia is a critical area of research.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on genetic risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 11 March 2008

Scientists have been aware for some time that the genes we inherit from our parents may partly determine whether we will develop specific diseases.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on ecstasy and dementia

Published: 11 March 2008

It is not known whether the drug ecstasy, which only became prominent around 15 – 20 years ago, may contribute to the development of dementia in later life.

Alzheimer's Society comment on work at the University of Chester into homocysteine and vitamins

Published: 1 February 2008

People with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease have been shown to have higher levels of homocysteine, in some population studies.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on deep brain stimulation techniques to help Alzheimer’s patients

Published: 30 January 2008

As it is difficult to experiment on the living human brain, big leaps in understanding have occasionally been made from unexpected results.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on University of Sunderland research into non thermal near infra-red light and improved cognitive function

Published: 25 January 2008

A treatment that reverses the effects of dementia rather than just temporarily halting its symptoms could change the lives of the hundreds of thousands of people who live with dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on new research suggesting statins do not reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease or improve cognition, published in Journal of Neurology

Published: 21 January 2008

This interesting study contradicts previous research highlighting statins as a possible tool for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or slowing down its progression.

Alzheimer's Society comment on lead exposure and risk of Alzheimer's disease, following research in the Journal of Neuroscience

Published: 9 January 2008

This study does not prove that exposure to lead in early life causes Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Society comment on Rights, risks and restraints, a study investigating restraint in the care of older people

Published: 20 December 2007

Anyone reading this report will draw a sharp intake of breath at some of the appalling examples of restraint, in many cases involving people with dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on reducing risk of dementia

Published: 7 December 2007

Response to finding that excessive drinking of sugary beverages like soda may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Changes in the ageing brain

Published: 5 December 2007

Alzheimer's Society comment on research into changes in the ageing brain, published in the latest edition of Neuron.

Alzheimer's Society comment on the SenseCam

Published: 28 November 2007

Response to the SenseCam developed by Microsoft

Aspirin and the onset of Alzheimer's disease and dementia

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on study by Jae Hee Kang and colleagues at Brigham and Women's Hospital published by the British Medical Journal:

Significant genetic risk factor uncovered by research

Published: 13 November 2007

A common gene has come into the research spotlight after being linked to a four-fold increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Global impact of dementia

Published: 13 November 2007

The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease will quadruple to 106 million by the year 2050 when 1 in every 85 people will be living with the disease.

New study involving electronic implants

Published: 13 November 2007

Identification tags are being used on volunteers with Alzheimer's disease in Florida, who will have devices implanted in their arm.

Over-the-counter painkillers and the onset of dementia

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer's Society comment on ADAPT clinical trial, published in the online edition of the American Academy of Neurology.

Can the adult human brain fix itself?

Published: 13 November 2007

A new study proves for the first time that a region of the brain contains stem cells, which have the ability to act as a repair system for the body.

Launch of Phase I clinical trials of an Novartis Alzheimer’s Vaccine

Published: 13 November 2007

Initial studies with the Alzheimer vaccine were seen as the most exciting treatment development ever investigated for the treatment of dementia.

Research reveals benefits of dementia drugs in the brain

Published: 13 November 2007

Key proteins linked to plaques in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias were 70% less in people prescribed the treatments for the condition compared to untreated patients.

Scientists discuss plans to use 'human-animal' embryos or 'cybrids' to advance research into incurable diseases

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on the use of ‘cybrids’ for research into Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Caffeine lovers protect themselves against Alzheimer's disease with three cups of coffee every day

Published: 13 November 2007

Comment from the Alzheimer’s Society on research in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Neuroleptics increase risk of death in people with dementia

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on new study into antipsychotics.

Re-finding lost memories

Published: 13 November 2007

Lost memories can be refound reversing the effects of neurodegeneration seen in Alzheimer's disease, according to research from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Research into a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 13 November 2007

A non-invasive blood test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease would be of enormous significance, helping clinicians to effectively identify the disease.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research from the University of St Andrews and scientists in America

Published: 13 November 2007

Scientists in Scotland and America have unveiled a possible new treatment target for Alzheimer’s disease.

The relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and loneliness

Published: 13 November 2007

Comment from the Alzheimer’s Society on the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and loneliness and a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Curry chemical that clears brain plaques

Published: 13 November 2007

Scientists have found a chemical in curry may help the immune system clear plaques from the brain in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Curry chemical research from the University of California

Published: 13 November 2007

A further link between a chemical found in curry and Alzheimer's disease has been highlighted by researchers.

Alzheimer’s disease and molecules

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer's Society comment on research by Jason E. Gestwicki and colleagues at Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Stanford University Medical School in Stanford, CA.

Walking associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer's and dementia

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Robert D. Abbott, Ph.D et al published in JAMA, 22 September 2004.

Immunoglobulins might be promising treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Dr Richard Dodel et al published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

Worker functions and traits associated with occupations and the development of Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Kathleen Smyth, PhD et al published in August 10 issue of Neurology, 2004.

Alzheimer's Society reaction to research into the link between folic acid and dementia

Published: 13 November 2007

Dr Andrew McCaddon from the University of Wales has carried out research that indicates that homocysteine levels could be a reliable early indication of dementia.

Lemons and lilac among top 10 smells that predict Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Professor D.P. Devanand et al presented at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) annual meeting, December 2004.

Drug prescribed to dementia patients accelerates cognitive decline

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer's Society comment on research by Professor Clive Ballard et al published in the BMJ on Friday 18 February 2005.

New findings challenge previous evidence that suggested that hormone replacement therapy has a protective effect on the brain

Published: 13 November 2007

New findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) challenge previous evidence that suggested that estrogen-containing hormone therapy has a protective effect on the brain in postmenopausal women.

Folates and Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Comment from the Alzheimer’s Society on research from the Institue of Ageing.

Marijuana ingredient may stall decline from Alzheimer's

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Maria de Ceballos et al. in the February 23 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.

Biochemical link between nicotine and protein plaques

Published: 13 November 2007

Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute have discovered that a by-product of nicotine, called nornicotine, appears to prevent the abnormal build-up of APP associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease in the US population

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research led by Denis Evans, MD and published in The Archives of Neurology.

Scientists link vascular gene to Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Comment from the Alzheimer's Society on research from the University of Rochester.

Fish consumption and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer's Society comment on editorial by Robert P. Friedland published in the July issue of The Archives of Neurology

Vitamin E and C supplements and Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Zandi et al published in Archives of Neurology, 2004; 61:82-88.

People who have had a stroke are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Mayeux et al published in Archives of Neurology, Vol 60, December 2003.

Brain scanning and Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Professor Agneta Nordberg et al published in Annals of Neurology in January 2004.

Initial results of large scale trial into possible anti-Alzheimer's vaccine

Published: 13 November 2007

New research published in Neuron, Vol 38, May 2003 by Hock et al indicates the possibility of a therapeutic vaccine for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease vaccine

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Gandy et al published in Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders in March 2004.

Lithium and Alzheimer's disease in fruit-flies

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by the Institute of Psychiatry and the University of Southampton published in Molecular Psychiatry journal in March 2004.

Alzheimer's disease and loss of smell in mice

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Professor Richard Doty et al published in the 12 March issue of the journal Brain Research, vol. 1000.

Obesity and risk of dementia: where's the link?

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Ingmar Skoog and Deborah Gustafson published in the 15 July issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Mitochondrial toxicity in Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Joyce W Lustbader et al published in Science, 16 April 2004, vol 304.

Clioquinol and beta amyloid in Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer's Society comment on research by Ritchie et al published in Archives of Neurology, Vol 60, December 2003.

Tau phosphorylation and Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Tau protein forms the tangles that are one of the two recognisable features of Alzheimer’s disease morphology (the other being the amyloid plaques).

Alzheimer's disease and diabetes

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Zoe Arvanitakis et al published in the May 2004 issue of the Archives of Neurology.

New study shows ways to reduce risk of dementia

Published: 13 November 2007

Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

New blood test for Alzheimer's Disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer's Society comment of research into new blood test for Alzheimer's Disease.

Detecting dementia: novel neuropsychological markers of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer's Society comment on research by Andrew D. Blackwell et al in Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders 2004;17:42–48 published online.

Brain 'compensates' for Alzheimer's

Published: 13 November 2007

It has been reported that researchers from the Rotman Research Institute, in Canada have found that the brains of people in the early stages of Alzheimer's compensate for damage done by the disease.

Study into feline form of Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research into the mental deterioration of ageing cats.

Gene research study published in Nature Genetics

Published: 13 November 2007

Scientists may have uncovered a breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease after discovering a new gene linked to the condition.

Elevated levels of cholesterol play an even greater role in the development of Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Georgetown University Medical Center have announced that research has led to a deeper understanding of the role that elevated cholesterol plays in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Transdermal vaccine effective in treating Alzheimer's disease in mouse model

Published: 13 November 2007

There has been tremendous interest about developing a vaccine to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Flurizan study released at ICAD

Published: 13 November 2007

Professor Gordon Wilcock, former chairman of the Alzheimer's Society, presented exciting new developments in clinical trials of Flurizan at the International Convention Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD).

Skin test for Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer's Society comment on research by Dr Khan and Dr Albion published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Promising evidence for Ginkgo biloba in Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

The biggest ever comprehensive review on the use of Ginkgo biloba for the treatment of dementia has been published by the Alzheimer's Society and the Cochrane Collaboration.

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and risk of Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Data from a number of large population-based studies have suggested that women who take oestrogen based hormone replacement therapy have a lower long-term risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Aspirin reported to reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Research has concluded that long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, but only provided such use occurs well before the onset of dementia.

Cannabis and Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

An article in the Guardian newspaper has highlighted research published in the journal Neuroscience letters.

Alzheimer's disease and diabetes

Published: 13 November 2007

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Rachel A. Whitmer et al reported at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s disease and Related Disorders.

Cholestrol drugs shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease

Published: 13 November 2007

Drugs to beat cholestrol may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by almost 80 per cent according to researchers.

Alzheimer's Society comment on Beta Carotene

Published: 12 November 2007

This study adds to existing evidence that ‘super foods’ rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene can help lower your risk of developing dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment on Omega 3 helping to reduce risk of dementia

Published: 12 November 2007

It is important that people realise there are things we can all do to reduce our risk of developing dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society research hits the news

Published: 6 June 2007

Research funded by the Alzheimer’s Society hit the headlines this month as journalists seized on studies analysing the impact of oxygen and the brain.

Anaesthetics and Alzheimer’s disease-type symptoms

Published: 6 February 2007

Comment from the Alzheimer’s Society on the on research in the Journal of Neuroscience into anaesthetics and Alzheimer’s disease-type symptoms

New antibody offers hope of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 22 December 2006

An antibody with the potential to block production of the brain chemical linked to Alzheimer’s disease has been developed by Cardiff University researchers with funding from the Alzheimer’s Society.

Risk predictor for dementia

Published: 3 August 2006

Alzheimer’s Society response to Kivipelto and colleagues study published in the lancet on Thursday August 3 2006

Computer games used to identify cognitive impairment

Published: 17 July 2006

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Holly Jimison and colleagues reported at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s disease and Related Disorders.

Eye test for Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 17 July 2006

Alzheimer’s Society response to new research suggesting that early changes in the eye may show Alzheimer’s disease, presented at the ICAD conference, Madrid.

Weight loss preceding dementia

Published: 14 July 2006

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by David Knopman and colleagues reported at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

New gene identified for fronto-temporal dementia

Published: 14 July 2006

The Alzheimer’s Society comment on the study published in Nature by two teams led by Christine Van Broeckhoven and Mike Hutton.

Proteins in the blood and the risk of dementia

Published: 6 July 2006

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Monique Breteler et al published in the Lancet Neurology.

Vaccine for Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 20 June 2006

The Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Dr Okura et al.

Poor balance predicts Alzheimer’s

Published: 23 May 2006

Alzheimer’s Society comment on a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Aluminum and dementia

Published: 20 April 2006

Comment from the Alzheimer’s Society.

Aricept in the later stages

Published: 22 March 2006

Alzheimer’s Society comment on a study published in The Lancet.

Worldwide scale of dementia

Published: 16 December 2005

The Alzheimer’s Society’s comment on a report by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) published in the Lancet.

Embryo genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 10 November 2005

Alzheimer’s Society response to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s discussion paper Choices and Boundaries.

MRC Centre for Neurodegenerative Research

Published: 1 September 2005

Alzheimer’s Society and the Alzheimer’s Research Trust’s comment on MRC Centre for Neurodegenerative Research

Dementia and obesity

Published: 28 April 2005

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Dr Rachel Whitmer et al published on BMJ Online First on 29 April 2005.

Immune therapy against Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 5 August 2004

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Professor Frank LaFerla et al published in Neuron, Volume 43, Number 3, August 5, 2004.

AD2000 trial

Published: 25 June 2004

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Professor Richard Gray et al published in The Lancet, 25 June 2004.

Anterior cingulate and dementia

Published: 7 May 2004

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Dr Alcino Silva et al published in Science, 7 May 2004, vol 304, number 5672.

Gene therapy trial and Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 27 April 2004

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Mark Tuszynski, M.D., Ph.D. et al reported at the American Academy of Neurology meeting in San Francisco on 27 April 2004.

Curcumin oil and protection against Alzheimer’s disease

Published: 21 April 2004

Curcumin is a naturally occurring compound found in spices such as turmeric and often used in curries. It has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Efficacy of rivastigmine as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease over five years

Published: 15 December 2003

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Small et al presented at the 42nd American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Annual Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 7-11 December 2003.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and dementia

Published: 18 July 2003

Alzheimer’s Society comment on research by Mahyar Etminan, Sudeep Gill and Ali Samii published in the BMJ volume 327 page 128.

Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly

Published: 20 June 2003

Dr Joe Verghese and researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine have published a paper in the New England Journal of Medicine that builds on previous research.

Chinese research into ginseng should be treated with caution

Published: 18 February 2003

Researchers at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine have found that the herbal remedy ginseng can help improve memory in stroke patients with dementia.