Latest news with #Alzheimer's&Dementia
New York Post
21-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Alzheimer's risk could rise with specific sleep pattern, experts warn
A new study has found a link between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and Alzheimer's disease. The research from China, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia by the Alzheimer's Association, analyzed the sleep cycles of 128 adults in varying states of cognition. Advertisement The study found that the highest occurrence of REM latency — which is when it takes longer for someone to reach the first REM period after drifting off to sleep — was associated with the highest risk of Alzheimer's. The researchers concluded that prolonged REM latency may serve as a 'novel marker of risk factor' for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Dr. Wendy Troxel, senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation in California, said this study adds to 'growing evidence' that specific sleep features, like prolonged REM sleep, are linked to Alzheimer's biomarkers. 'REM sleep is the stage of sleep when dreams mostly occur, and is critically important for memory consolidation and emotional processing,' Utah-based Troxel, who is also author of 'Sharing the Covers: Every Couple's Guide to Better Sleep,' told Fox News Digital. Advertisement This new research aligns with findings from Troxel's own lab, which have shown that other signs of poor sleep health — like shorter duration and poor quality — are associated with worse cognitive function. 'Sleep disruptions may contribute to the buildup of amyloid and tau proteins, key features of Alzheimer's pathology,' the sleep expert said. 5 A new study has found a link between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and Alzheimer's disease. amenic181 – 'But it's also important to note that the Alzheimer's disease process itself can disrupt sleep, suggesting a bidirectional association between sleep problems and cognitive decline.' Advertisement Dr. Giulio Taglialatela, vice president and research institute director of the Brain Health Institute at the University of Texas Medical Branch, reacted to these findings in a separate interview with Fox News Digital. Taglialatela said it's been 'long understood' that getting a good night's sleep is associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. 'Our brains use sleep to clear out toxic proteins, like those associated with Alzheimer's, and these results show that the cleaning mechanism is less effective when it takes someone longer to enter the REM cycle,' he noted. 5 The study found that the highest occurrence of REM latency was associated with the highest risk of Alzheimer's. – Advertisement 'Unfortunately, there is nothing an individual can do to control how long it takes to enter REM sleep,' the expert.' However, the expert said, the findings provide a 'promising avenue' for predicting the likelihood of someone eventually developing dementia. 'Early intervention in Alzheimer's is essential for delaying its progression, and measuring REM sleep could be a marker to indicate who may be a candidate for treatment even before they start to show impaired cognitive function,' Taglialatela said. Potential limitations 5 'Our brains use sleep to clear out toxic proteins, like those associated with Alzheimer's, and these results show that the cleaning mechanism is less effective when it takes someone longer to enter the REM cycle,' Dr. Giulio Taglialatela noted. sudok1 – The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged – primarily that it was cross-sectional, 'and thus the direction of the association cannot be determined.' The sample size was also relatively small, and the researchers only focused on one specific type of tau protein. There is also the possibility that monitoring sleep in a clinical setting may introduce 'environmental disturbances,' impacting sleep measurement accuracy, the researchers noted. 'Future studies will benefit from research in real-world home settings,' they wrote. Tips for sleep improvements 5 The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged – primarily that it was cross-sectional, 'and thus the direction of the association cannot be determined.' LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – Advertisement While these findings are important, Troxel said, she encourages individuals to not allow the information to be 'another source of worry that keeps you awake at night.' 'Avoid the tendency to become overly fixated on metrics like REM sleep percentage or latency from consumer sleep trackers, as they have limited accuracy in determining sleep architecture,' she cautioned. 'Obsessing on such data can increase anxiety, which is a powerful sleep disruptor.' Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! The best approach is to focus on the foundations of good sleep health, the expert said. Advertisement Adults should strive for seven to nine hours of shuteye and should maintain consistent sleep and wake times, according to Troxel. 5 Adults should strive for seven to nine hours of shuteye and should maintain consistent sleep and wake times, according to experts. Satawat – 'Minimize common disruptors such as excessive caffeine and alcohol, which are known to fragment REM sleep, [as well as] screen use before bedtime,' she added. Advertisement 'Focusing on these core sleep habits is the most effective and evidence-based way to support the brain and overall health.' Taglialatela also encourages individuals to focus on creating an 'ideal sleep environment' while maintaining 'good bedtime habits' to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Economic Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Exercising daily but sitting for long hours? New study warns your brain may still be shrinking
A recent study from Vanderbilt University's Memory and Alzheimer's Center has highlighted the hidden dangers of prolonged sitting on brain health. Researchers found that older adults who remain sedentary for long periods each day are at increased risk of brain shrinkage and memory decline—even if they regularly exercise. The seven-year study tracked participants using wrist monitors and revealed that those who sat for around 13 hours a day had thinner brain regions tied to memory and Alzheimer's disease. The risk was even greater for individuals carrying the APOE-4 gene, which is linked to a higher chance of developing Alzheimer's. The findings suggest that regular physical activity alone may not be enough to counteract the effects of extended sitting. Researchers say prolonged sitting slows blood flow to the brain, cutting off vital oxygen and nutrients and triggering inflammation that can damage brain cells. Their findings highlight the importance of reducing sitting time and adding regular movement throughout the day to support brain takeaways of the study:People who spend more time sitting or being inactive tend to show: Smaller brain patterns linked to Alzheimer's disease Worse memory performance These effects were stronger or different depending on whether someone carried the APOE-ε4 gene, which is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's. Over time, those who were more sedentary also experienced: Faster shrinking of the hippocampus, a brain area important for memory Declines in their ability to name things and process information quickly In short: Sitting too much may be bad for your brain health, especially for memory and thinking speed, and could be worse for those with genetic risk factors. They stress that exercise alone isn't enough to undo the effects of extended inactivity. Instead, taking frequent walks, doing stretches, or simply standing up more often can make a big difference. The study shows that even if you exercise regularly, long periods of sitting can still harm your brain—making it crucial to stay active throughout the day. The study is published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Alzheimer's disease: A blood test can detect early symptoms, finds study
Imagine getting tested for Alzheimer's with just a simple blood draw instead of going through complicated brain scans or spinal taps. Sounds like the future, right? Well, it's pretty much here. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S. have been working on a new blood test that can accurately detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease, and the results are seriously impressive. This test looks at two specific proteins in your blood—amyloid beta 42/40 and p-tau217—both of which are linked to that gunky buildup in the brain called amyloid plaques, a telltale sign of Alzheimer's. So how accurate is it? Try 95% sensitivity, meaning it correctly identifies people who do have memory problems 95% of the time. That's pretty hard to beat. It also has 82% specificity, which means it's also really good at ruling out people who don't have Alzheimer's. What's even better? This isn't just lab testing. The study was done on over 500 real patients in a memory clinic—so it's based on actual, day-to-day medical situations, not just controlled experiments. Dr. Gregg Day, who led the study (published in Alzheimer's & Dementia journal), said this new blood test works just as well as the more invasive and expensive options we currently use. "It's about as accurate as spinal fluid testing," he told The Guardian, 'but way easier, less painful, and much cheaper.' In people who had Alzheimer's, the levels of p-tau217 were clearly higher compared to those who didn't, which helped the team confirm the diagnosis confidently. The best part? This blood test has already gotten the green light from the U.S. FDA—so it's not just theory anymore, it's actually available. 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease is becoming a huge concern across the U.S.—and it's not just about forgetfulness in old age. It's a progressive brain disorder that slowly chips away at memory, thinking skills, and the ability to do everyday tasks. Right now, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and that number is expected to nearly double by 2050. Most people with Alzheimer's are 65 or older, but it can also hit younger adults in what's called early-onset Alzheimer's. The biggest risk factor is age, but family history and genetics also play a role. The disease usually starts slow—maybe forgetting names or getting lost in familiar places—and worsens over time. The best part is science is catching up. New blood tests and brain imaging tools are helping doctors catch the disease earlier than ever before. There are also a few new medications out that might slow down the progression if taken early enough. Next up, researchers want to test it on even more diverse groups of people and also those who might be in the very early stages of Alzheimer's but don't have any symptoms yet. In short: diagnosing Alzheimer's just got a whole lot simpler—and that could change everything when it comes to early intervention and treatment. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
NDTV
21-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Excessive Sitting May Shrink Your Brain, Even If You Exercise Regularly: Study
A recent study led by researchers at Vanderbilt University's Memory and Alzheimer's Centre has shed light on the alarming effects of prolonged sitting on brain health. Despite regular exercise, older adults who spend extended periods sitting are at risk of faster brain shrinkage and memory decline. The study, which tracked participants over seven years, found that even those who exercised for 150 minutes a week experienced brain decline if they sat for long hours. The research, which involved participants wearing wrist monitors to track their movement, revealed that those who sat for an average of 13 hours a day had thinner brains in areas linked to memory and Alzheimer's disease. The study also found that individuals carrying the APOE-4 gene, which raises the risk of Alzheimer's, were more susceptible to the negative effects of sitting. According to the researchers, prolonged sitting slows down blood flow to the brain, reducing oxygen and nutrient supply and leading to inflammation that can harm brain cells. The study's findings suggest that reducing sitting time and incorporating regular movement throughout the day can help protect brain health. The researchers emphasise that exercise alone cannot counteract the effects of prolonged sitting, and that frequent walks, stretches, or standing breaks can make a significant difference. With the study revealing that even regular exercise cannot erase the damage caused by hours of inactivity, it's essential to prioritise movement throughout the day. The study is published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, highlighting the importance of addressing this critical issue to promote brain health and prevent cognitive decline.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Common 'daily activity' linked to rapid shrinking of brain in young people (even working out doesn't cut it)
This is the era of more mental labour than manual labour for the youth. Sitting behind the screens for hours, then rewinding either at the gaming console or on the couch while binge-watching a series on some OTT platform. Whatever we choose to do throughout the day, it involves sitting for hours on end is fairly constant. And that can not only negatively impact health, increasing the risk of various conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, but also can lead to muscle weakness, spinal stress, and reduced circulation, affecting mental well-being and cognitive function . In fact, recent research has highlighted the potential negative impact of prolonged sitting on brain health , even among those who engage in regular exercise. What does the research say? Conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University's Memory and Alzheimer's Center and published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia , the study examined the relationship between sitting time, physical activity, and brain health in older adults over a seven-year period. The findings of the research indicate that extended periods of sitting, regardless of exercise habits, can contribute to brain shrinkage. Participants who exercised for the recommended 150 minutes per week still experienced noticeable brain volume loss if they spent long hours sitting. On average, these individuals sat for approximately 13 hours each day, which is a significant duration spent in sedentary positions such as at desks, on couches, or in cars. The study particularly identified concerning outcomes for individuals carrying the APOE-ε4 gene, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Among these individuals, prolonged sitting was associated with greater loss of gray matter in crucial brain areas, including the frontal and parietal lobes—regions integral to decision-making and memory recall. As a result, those with the APOE-ε4 gene demonstrated greater difficulties in memory tasks, such as recalling words and identifying objects swiftly. What are the findings? The mechanisms behind these findings suggest that long periods of sitting impede blood flow to the brain, resulting in reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery essential for maintaining healthy brain cells. Additionally, sedentary behavior can lead to increased inflammation, further exacerbating potential brain cell damage, especially for those with genetic predispositions. The longitudinal aspect of the study, which included real-time data collection using wrist monitors and MRI scans, reinforced the notion that even consistent exercise cannot fully offset the detrimental effects of excessive sitting. With more time spent in a sedentary state correlating to faster brain shrinkage, researchers emphasize the importance of incorporating regular movement into daily routines. What's the resolution? To mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sitting, experts recommend breaking up periods of inactivity with short walks, stretches, or standing breaks throughout the day. Simple actions like standing during phone calls or walking while checking emails can greatly contribute to brain health. In conclusion, the research underscores the critical need to reduce sitting time to protect brain health, particularly in older adults and those at genetic risk for Alzheimer's. Adopting a more active lifestyle and integrating regular movement into daily activities can play a significant role in maintaining cognitive function and minimizing brain decline. 15-minute hip mobility yoga flow One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
