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 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

Hereditary Cancers Don’t Only Affect Women: BRCA2 Mutation Can Also Affect Ashkenazi Men

Northern Charitable Foundation - genetic cancers in men

With the discovery of the BRCA gene in December 1995, researchers have been able to gain valuable insights and a better understanding of the role it plays in terms of the development of cancer. We inherit two copies of the BRCA gene in every one of our cells, one from our father and one from … 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

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

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