Dementia can sometimes be hereditary, but in most cases, it is not directly passed down from parent to child. The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, is typically influenced by a combination of age, lifestyle, and environmental factors rather than a single inherited gene. While having a family member with dementia may increase a person’s […]
Alzheimer's and Dementia
Next Steps After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can feel overwhelming, but having a clear plan can help bring a sense of direction and control. One of the first steps is to take time to process the diagnosis and have open, honest conversations with family members or trusted loved ones. Building a support system early ensures that both the […]
Can Multivitamins Improve Cognition?
For seniors, maintaining optimal brain health is a key factor in preserving independence and quality of life, and multivitamins may play a supportive role. Certain vitamins and minerals, such as B-complex vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, and antioxidants like zinc and selenium, are essential for proper nerve function, neurotransmitter production, and protection against oxidative stress. […]
Cognitive Speed Training and Lowering Dementia Risk
Cognitive speed training—sometimes called processing speed training—focuses on improving how quickly the brain can take in, interpret, and respond to information. This type of training often uses computerized exercises that challenge participants to identify visual details, track multiple objects, or make rapid decisions under time pressure. For older adults, maintaining processing speed is critical because […]
Could a Nasal Swab Someday Help Detect Alzheimer’s?
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that a simple nasal swab could one day become a powerful tool for detecting Alzheimer’s disease in its earliest stages—potentially years before memory loss or cognitive symptoms begin. Researchers found that cells collected from deep inside the nasal cavity, where smell-related nerve cells reside, may carry early biological signals of the […]
The Latest Information on FDA-Cleared Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s Disease
FDA-cleared blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease represent a major advance in how the condition can be detected and evaluated. These tests measure specific biomarkers in the blood—such as phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and beta-amyloid proteins—that are associated with the hallmark brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s. Because they require only a standard blood draw, they are far […]
