Alzheimer's/Dementia

Veterans Treated by VA Often Have Risk Factors for Elder Abuse

The VHA should take a lead role in combatting elder abuse, which affects at least 10% of older adults in the United States, according to a recent medical journal article.

Alzheimer's/Dementia

Methylphenidate Improves Apathy in Veterans with Alzheimer’s

Apathy is a common behavioral problem in Alzheimer’s disease and can lead to everything functional impairment to higher medical costs to increased mortality.

Alzheimer's/Dementia

Study: Alzheimer’s Disease Blood Test Would Be Feasible

LOS ANGELES — A new study provides the first evidence that a simple blood test could be developed to confirm the presence of beta amyloid proteins in the brain, which could help in early diagnosis... View Article

Alzheimer's/Dementia

Treatment Tested to Break TBI-Alzheimer’s Link

FRANKFORT, KY — The cascade of events following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) appears to increase the risk for developing a progressive degenerative brain disease, and researchers now are testing a treatment that might interrupt... View Article

Alzheimer's/Dementia

VA Study: Vitamin E ‘Significantly’ Slows Alzheimer’s Disease Functional Decline

By Brenda L. Mooney MINNEAPOLIS — Could a vitamin found on drugstore shelves be effective in slowing cognitive decline for patients with Alzheimer’s disease? New VA research found that a daily dose of 2,000 IUs... View Article

Alzheimer's/Dementia

Gingko Biloba Shown to Not Help Cognitive Issues in MS

PORTLAND, OR – It might be a case of wishful thinking, but many multiple sclerosis patients use the natural supplement Gingko biloba in hopes that it will help counteract the cognitive problems that appear in... View Article

Alzheimer's/Dementia

To Plan for Future Care VA Must Assume TBI-Dementia Link

By Stephen Spotswood WASHINGTON–The news that patients with TBI could have a higher risk of dementia later in life has reverberated far outside the veteran patient community where the research was conducted. With TBI accounting... View Article

Alzheimer's/Dementia

Innovative VA Program Provides Calm and Supportive Environment for Alzheimer’s Patients and Caregivers

By Annette M. Boyle WILKES-BARRE, PA — For staff and residents, life in a dementia-care unit often becomes a dance of frustration. The constant struggle to interpret the world around them upsets patients; the inability... View Article

Alzheimer's/Dementia

VA Neurologist Promotes Routine Use of Screening Tool to Earlier Identify Patients with Dementia

Minneapolis – A routine primary-care visit typically includes weighing-in, blood-pressure monitoring and a body-temperature check. In some cases, the physician may also listen to patients’ heart and breathing rhythms, look down their throats or check... View Article

Alzheimer's/Dementia

While PTSD Research Has Accelerated, Much About the Disorder Remains a Mystery

SAN FRANCISCO — Research into PTSD has accelerated exponentially over the last decade. Where once it was understood as little more than a loose collection of symptoms, now researchers are beginning to define the pathology... View Article

Alzheimer's/Dementia

Often Misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s Disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Could Play a Role in Veterans’ Dementia

When Ann McKee, MD, studied the brain tissue of a former offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions and eight-time Pro Bowl player in 2009, she made an important discovery. The football player, who had died... View Article

Alzheimer's/Dementia

Researchers Explore Enzyme That Can Both Increase, Decrease Memory

BETHESDA, MD—A new study into the biochemical mechanisms that control memory has added to the hope that someday scientists will be able to strengthen a person’s ability to remember through chemical intervention. NIH-funded researchers at... View Article

Alzheimer's/Dementia

Inexpensive Toolkit Helps Prevent Alzheimer’s-Related Home Safety Problems, Mishaps

WASHINGTON, DC—A simple $76 toolkit with items typically found at any neighborhood hardware store has shown promise in increasing home safety for Alzheimer’s disease patients and reducing the strain on overburdened caregivers. It could be... View Article

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