New AI-Based Tool Can Detect Early Signs of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dembitzer - Northern Charitable Foundation - AI and Dementia

Researchers from the University of Sheffield have developed a new AI-based tool that can help doctors assess the early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s. The tool, called CognoSpeak, uses AI and speech technology to analyze speech patterns and language to detect whether individuals require further medical investigation. The tool is as accurate as pen-and-paper medical … Read more

The Role of Microglia in Late-Onset Alzheimer’s: A Breakthrough Study

Northern Charitable Foundation - Alzheimer's research - genetics

In the realm of Alzheimer’s research, it is widely acknowledged that microglia research is still in its early stages, leaving much to be discovered. Recently, microglia have emerged as pivotal players in the development of late-onset Alzheimer’s. However, their exact role within the disease mechanism is still a mystery.  The groundbreaking research conducted by Li, … Read more

New Study Shows Yoga’s Promising role in Combating Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Decline in Older Women

Rosa Dembitzer - elderly women can benefit from yoga

A new study conducted at UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior,  has unveiled an ally in the fight against Alzheimer’s and memory loss in women –  yoga, particularly, Kundalini yoga and Kirtan Kriya.  The study, led by psychiatrist Dr. Helen Lavretsky, examined the effects of yoga on older women with risk for Alzheimer’s … Read more

New Studies Highlight the Association Between Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Dementia Risk Factors

Northern Charitable Foundation - social isolation increases the risk of dementia

The link between dementia and loneliness has been generally known, but not necessarily its extent. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, multiple researchers and organizations have performed studies examining the link between loneliness, social isolation, and dementia more closely.  Each study looked at a different angle of the dementia-loneliness-social isolation triangle, but they reached … Read more

8 Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Reduce the Chances or Severity of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

One in every five Americans aged 65 or above suffers from cognitive impairment, while one in every seven is diagnosed with dementia. That number is projected to triple by 2050. Alzheimer’s, the leading cause of dementia, affects approximately 6.5 million Americans. Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a “general term … Read more

Caregiver burnout is real! Physical and emotional support are what most home caregivers need.

Physical help to care for senior loved ones includes help with daily tasks, decision-making, preparingmeals, running errands and performing chores. In addition, caregivers need emotional support to dealwith the stress of caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia. Family caregivers of people with dementia, often called the invisible second patients, are … Read more

New Study Indicates the Connection Between Alzheimer’s and the Right Amount of Sleep (Not Just a Lot of Sleep)

Numerous studies have indicated a connection between lack of sleep and cognitive impairment. However, a new study by Washington University’s Sleep Medicine Center gives a bit more nuance, suggesting that it is not as much about getting more sleep as it is about getting the right amount of sleep. The Study’s Data The study observed … Read more

How Alzheimer’s Villages Are Helping Mitigate the Effects of Dementia

Dembitzer - Charting New Roads - Dementia Village

In a fascinating medical/social initiative, the Village Landais Alzheimer (Landes Alzheimer’s Village) in France took in 105 individuals with early to late-stage Alzheimer’s to study whether having them grouped together in a micro-village setting could help ease symptoms of the disease. The project, which is ongoing from 2020 until 2025, aims to provide better care … Read more

New Studies Show Cleaner Air Could Lower Susceptibility to Dementia

Northern Charitable Foundation - Dementia and air pollution

New research was presented at the 2021 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) showing that cleaner air could reduce an individual’s risk of developing dementia. This follows research indicating that there could be a link between air pollution and the risk of developing dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease. One study was funded by the National Institutes of … Read more