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

Healthy Habits That Lower Dementia Risk

Rosa and Alex Dembitzer - Northern Charitable Foundation - Healthy Habits Lower Risk of Dementia

Research suggests that, unless there is a significant medical breakthrough that will lower dementia risk, there will be nearly 1.1 million people living with dementia by 2058.  Dementia is a term used to describe the loss of cognitive function like thought, memory, and reasoning – all required for a person to function in daily life. … 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

Australian Study Shows Specific Amount of Exercise in Mice Improves Learning and Memory

A recently completed Australian study using MRI technology at the University of Queensland found that there were specific amounts of physical exercise in elderly mice that would improve learning and memory, thus reversing cognitive decline. The fact that the study showed promising results in the mice now opens the way forward for further research on … 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

Looking Towards the Future: WHO Reports Alarming Increase in Dementia and Worrisome Projections

Charting New Roads - Increase in rates of Dementia

As the Baby Boom generation ages, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant increase in cases of dementia. There were some 55 million cases of dementia reported worldwide in 2019, and the WHO predicts that by 2030, that number could reach approximately 78 million, an increase of  42%. The WHO went even further … 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