Latest news with #Dementia
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Kids and dementia patients enjoy 'smiles and love'
Dementia patients have partnered with primary school pupils in south-east London in a project to assuage loneliness and improve cognitive function. Children from St James the Great and residents of the Greenhive care home in Peckham meet in a library where they share classic stories, and use immersive lights and audio narration to connect with each other. The founder of the scheme, John Ramsay, said it was intended to "destigmatise the world of dementia" and was a form of care that was not about physical or medical needs. "It's about making them happy, about their feelings, about the engagement, smiles, love." He added: "It's about working out what you can do when you're living with a cognitive impairment and how you can engage with the world around you, including with different generations". He said the programme, called Social Ability, gave children the skills to interact with older people with cognitive impairment, a condition that could affect their grandparents or parents. Mr Ramsay said: "Often we're too ready to lock a door so that someone can't get out, and that only increases the isolation which is already there if you are living with a cognitive impairment". A care home resident, Brenda, said the meetings improve her emotional wellbeing. "I think it's fantastic for them, it's got them all happy and active. I'm enjoying it. It's nice to see the smiles on their faces. "I'm good with children and I enjoy seeing them." Mercy Mautsi, a care home manager, said it was "refreshing" because "most young children don't know what a care home looks like and they've got this fear of people with dementia. "Without this project, Brenda and the children, they would only have that stereotypical idea of a care home which is where people old people are just sitting, here can understand and make conversations and friends." One of the pupils, Angel, said she felt "really connected" with Brenda. "I saw like a really fun side of her when she was playing with us. "I hope this brings Brenda happiness and I hope she can come to the library every day or maybe like once a week or something." Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to
The Independent
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Hidden health benefits from weight-loss jabs revealed
Weight loss injections, including popular drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro, may offer a protective shield against serious conditions such as dementia and stroke, a new study has indicated. The research also suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity who are prescribed these medications could face a reduced risk of premature death. Academics behind the study noted that while the efficacy of GLP agonist drugs – such as semaglutide (found in Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) – in managing weight and blood sugar levels is widely recognised, their wider health benefits have remained less understood. The comprehensive study, conducted by experts in Taiwan, examined data from 60,000 people worldwide, with an average age of 58, all diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Roughly half of the participants were given GLP agonist drugs. These medications function by curbing appetite, slowing digestion, reducing the liver's sugar output, and enhancing the body's insulin production when required. The other half used other anti-diabetic medication. During a seven-year follow-up period, researchers found that people given the GLP agonist drugs appeared to have a 37 per cent lower risk of dementia and a 19 per cent reduced risk of stroke. They were also 30 per cent less likely to die during the follow-up period. When researchers looked at the data further, they found even greater benefits in people aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. They found no differences in Parkinson's disease or brain bleeds. The academics said their findings suggest 'potential neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits' of the drugs but they called for more studies to confirm the findings. 'These findings suggest that semaglutide and tirzepatide may offer neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits beyond glycemic control, potentially improving long-term cognitive and survival outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity,' they wrote in the journal JAMA Network Open. Commenting on the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 'This is a very interesting study adding to evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. 'It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. 'Further work is needed including randomised clinical trials to confirm these drugs are protective in people with diabetes and obesity and other trials are needed to determine whether these drugs will be protective in people who do not have type 2 diabetes and obesity.'
Medical News Today
14-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
What are the different types of dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that result in a loss of memory, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities. There are many different forms of dementia, and they occur due to changes in certain brain regions. Dementia is a general term that refers to a group of conditions that result in a progressive decline of brain functioning. These conditions can cause problems with memory, thinking, language, mood, emotions, and the ability to perform daily typically occurs due to changes in the brain that impact nerve cells or neurons, damaging a person's cognitive abilities. This article explores five different types of diseaseAccording to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for roughly 60% to 80% of cases of dementia in the United are still unsure of the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease. However, it likely relates to changes in the brain, such as shrinking of certain regions, inflammation, and blood vessel damage that results in problems with memory and thinking indicates that many different factors, such as genetics and lifestyle behaviors, contribute to Alzheimer's disease. However, age is the biggest risk factor for the condition, with most people developing Alzheimer's disease at 65 years of age or disease progresses in stages, with worsening symptoms. Common symptoms can include:memory problemsthinking and reasoning difficultieslanguage problemsmood changesvision and hearing changesVascular dementiaVascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Society. It describes a form of dementia that occurs due to restrictions in blood flow to the brain. Inadequate blood flow can damage and eventually kill cells in the brain, resulting in a decline in thinking skills. People over the age of 65 are more likely to develop vascular experts refer to conditions that interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia. There are different types of vascular dementia that occur due to different blood supply problems to the brain. For example, vascular dementia can occur following a of vascular dementia can vary depending on the severity of blood vessel damage and the part of the brain it affects. Symptoms may be most obvious following an event that damages blood vessels, such as a stroke. For example, the Alzheimer's Association notes that post-stroke changes in thinking and perception can include:confusiondisorientationdifficulty speaking or understanding speechdifficulty balancing and walking problemsnumbness or paralysis on one side of the face or bodyCommon early signs of damage to blood vessels in the brain may include:impaired planning and judgmentuncontrolled laughing and cryinginability to pay attentionimpaired function in social settingstrouble finding the right wordsLewy body dementiaLewy body dementia is the third most common form of dementia. It occurs due to brain deposits of a protein known as alpha-synuclein, or Lewy bodies. There are two types of Lewy body dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease are currently unsure why Lewy bodies develop in the brain, or exactly how they cause dementia. However, the Alzheimer's Society notes that these protein deposits appear to disrupt the typical functioning of nerve cells, interfering with communication between brain body dementia usually develops over many years. These protein deposits can develop in the brain for a long time before a person presents with symptoms. Although it is possible for younger people to have Lewy body dementia, it usually begins at age 50 or older. Symptoms of Lewy body dementia can include:changes in thinking and reasoningmemory lossvisual hallucinationsproblems staying awakesleep disruptionParkinsonism, such as slow movement, tremors, or rigidityFrontotemporal dementiaFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a form of dementia that tends to occur at a younger age than other dementias. Roughly 60% of people with FTD are 45 to 64 years old. The condition was formerly known as Pick's disease, but health experts changed the name to reflect the brain areas the disease impacts. The Alzheimer's Association notes that while researchers do not fully understand the cause of FTD, many people with this form have proteins, known as tau and TDP-43, inside the nerve cells in their brain. The buildup of these proteins damages the neurons and eventually causes cell deathAccording to the Alzheimer's Society, there are two main types of FTD. Behavioral variant FTD describes when damage occurs to the frontal lobes. These lobes are present behind the forehead and help with processing information. As such, behavioral variant FTD can cause symptoms with behavior and progressive aphasia FTD refers to damage to the temporal lobes. These lobes are present on eitherside of the head and help with the understanding of speech. As such, damage to the temporal lobes can cause difficulty with language. This can cause symptoms like difficulty formulating words in a sentence, or affect a person's dementiaIn some cases, people may develop multiple types of dementia. This is known as mixed dementia. When an older adult develops dementia, it is likely due to a combination of different types, rather than just a single type. According to the Alzheimer's Society, roughly 1 in 10 people with a diagnosis of dementia may receive a diagnosis of mixed it can be difficult to diagnose mixed dementia, as a doctor is likely to base their diagnosis on the main type of disease they think is present and causing symptoms. The Alzheimer's Association notes that a combination of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia is the most common such, there is no fixed set of symptoms for mixed dementia. The symptoms a person experiences can vary depending on the type of dementia they The treatment a person receives will depend on the type of dementia they have. Currently, there is no cure for dementia. However, treatments are available to help slow the progression of the may include a combination of medications and non-medical treatment, such as therapies and person-centered care. These treatments may help to improve or stabilize memory, thinking skills, and behavioral can also help address other issues that may affect everyday tasks, such as problems with mobility, speech, and swallowing.»FIND CARE:Find a dementia specialist in your area is an umbrella term for conditions that cause a gradual decline in thinking processes, such as memory, problem-solving, and speech. There are many different forms of dementia, which develop for different reasons. Some common types of dementia include Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia occurs due to changes in the brain that damage and kill nerve cells. This results in a variety of symptoms, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problems with language and who suspects themselves or a loved one is experiencing dementia should speak with a healthcare professional.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RBC Capital Maintains a Buy on Brookdale Senior Living (BKD) With a $9 PT
Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE:BKD) is one of the 13 Best Healthcare Stocks to Buy Under $10. In a report released on July 8, Ben Hendrix from RBC Capital maintained a Buy rating on Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE:BKD) with a price target of $9.00. A supportive smile shared between a care facility staff member and a resident with Alzheimer's or Dementia. In its June report, Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE:BKD) reported a notable improvement in its occupancy rates for the month, with a weighted average occupancy of 80.5%. This marks a rise of 230 basis points year-over-year and 50 basis points sequentially. The company also reported that the month-end consolidated occupancy reached 82.2%, suggesting effective sales execution and strong demand. These trends highlight the company's standing in the senior living industry. Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE:BKD) operates senior living communities. The company focuses on assisted living, dementia-care communities, independent living, and continuing care retirement centers. Its operations are divided into the Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care, and CCRCs segments. While we acknowledge the potential of BKD as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders fans 'rumble' Christmas plot as favourite 'killed off' after 33 years
EastEnders fans are convinced that a beloved Walford resident is going to die over the festive period after a heartbreaking health diagnosis was confirmed earlier this year EastEnders viewers reckon they've sussed out a gut-wrenching Christmas plot that's bound to leave the audience in bits. Beloved character Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley, won over the fans' hearts when he first appeared on the Square in 1992. After an original stint of six years concluding in 1998, Nigel made a dramatic comeback on Christmas Eve 2024 following a 26-year hiatus. However, it was heartbreakingly disclosed that Nigel is grappling with early onset dementia, and recent episodes have shown his memory lapses increasing, causing concern for his mate Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) recently popped by Phil's place to recommend that he gets additional support for Nigel, advice which Phil stubbornly shrugged off despite being Nigel's oldest pal, reports Belfast Live. Complications arose when Nigel agreed to assist little Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown) with her school story project but found the trip down memory lane painfully challenging. Phil's worries spiked after discovering Nigel with Lexi, who in his confusion, he mistook for his daughter Claire Bates (Gemma Bissix). With Nigel's condition evidently worsening, the EastEnders community fears that the cherished character might tragically pass away during the yuletide season. Social media has been buzzing with speculation, as one viewer posted: "They aren't going to drag his Dementia storyline on for long. I suspect Nigel is a definite death for Christmas." Another echoed: "I think Nigel will die at christmas tbh and it's going to be heartbreaking." And a third pondered: "I sadly think Nigel could die and it will be a teary Christmas." Paul Bradley, who plays Nigel in the series, opened up about his character's "experiencing a slow decline". "Things have started to happen that are understandably very confusing for him," he shared. Adding further, he said: "He often mistakes things in his past for the present day, and his memories are disjointed. When that happens, it is also incredibly upsetting for those around him." EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am
