Alzheimer's and dementia news covering clinical trials, biomarkers, caregiving, policy, and neuroscience of cognitive decline.
A Harvard study found that eating over two pounds of ultraprocessed foods daily is tied to a 58% higher risk of dementia and a 46% higher risk of cognitive impairment. Even moderate consumption was associated with brain health risks, with processed meats like bacon and ham posing the highest danger. Ultraprocessed foods include packaged cookies, hot dogs, and chips.
Public advocate Kelly Lamrock's report found that the death of an elderly dementia patient, Alice, resulted from systemic failures in the government welfare system. Despite staff following procedures, the system prioritized compliance over care. Alice wandered 12 times and waited a year for higher-level care before being found unresponsive.
A large genetic study identified 127 gene locations linked to Alzheimer's, including 48 new ones. The findings highlight microglia and neuronal genes, supporting roles of immunity and neuroinflammation. Several genes were prioritized as potential drug targets.
This as-told-to essay argues that the high cost of assisted living for dementia patients can force families to seek alternative care arrangements. The author contends that moving her mother into a small trailer next door was a more affordable and humane solution, highlighting systemic failures in long-term care funding.