Repetitive behaviors and special interests are more indicative of an autism diagnosis than a lack of social skills

People with autism are typically diagnosed by clinical observation and assessment. To deconstruct the clinical decision process, which is often subjective and difficult to describe, researchers used a large language model (LLM) to synthesize the behaviors and observations that are most indicative of an autism diagnosis. Their results show that repetitive behaviors, special interests, and perception-based behaviors are most associated with an autism diagnosis. These findings have potential to improve diagnostic guidelines for autism by decreasing the focus on social factors -- which the established guidelines in the DSM-5 focus on but the model did not classify among the most relevant in diagnosing autism.


http://dlvr.it/TJssdd

Early signs of heart problems linked to smaller brain volumes

People who have early signs of heart problems may also have changes in brain health that can be early signs of dementia, such as loss of brain volume, according to a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis does not prove that early heart problems cause loss of brain cells; it only shows an association.


http://dlvr.it/TJs7XR

Caring For Those in Chronic Pain: How Spouses Cope

Traditional marriage vows generally contain the words “through sickness and in health.” For some couples, chronic sickness in the form of a painful disease...


The post Caring For Those in Chronic Pain: How Spouses Cope appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TJrydP

Scientists solve decades-long Parkinson's mystery

Researchers have made a huge leap forward in the fight against Parkinson's disease, solving a decades-long mystery. In a major breakthrough, they have been able to see the human PINK1 protein and how it is switched on for the first time. The discovery is a significant milestone in Parkinson's research that paves the way for developing new life-changing drugs.


http://dlvr.it/TJrybY

At-home smell test for early detection of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers developed olfactory tests -- in which participants sniff odor labels that have been placed on a card -- to assess people's ability to discriminate, identify and remember odors. They found that participants could successfully take the test at home and that older adults with cognitive impairment scored lower on the test than cognitively normal adults.


http://dlvr.it/TJrmPG

Sleepier during the day? For some older people, it's linked to twice the dementia risk

For women in their 80s, experiencing increasing sleepiness during the day over a five-year period is associated with double the risk of developing dementia during that time, according to a new study. The study does not prove that daytime sleepiness causes dementia; it only shows an association.


http://dlvr.it/TJr8bZ

Study confirms safety and efficacy of higher-dose-per-day radiation for early-stage prostate cancer

A large-scale study provides the strongest evidence yet that a shorter, standard-dose course radiation treatment is just as effective as conventional radiotherapy for prostate cancer, without compromising the safety of patients.


http://dlvr.it/TJqyRW

The Importance of Grandparents

The importance of grandparents in the lives of children cannot be denied. Before our society became so mobile, it was common for children to...


The post The Importance of Grandparents appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TJqrWD

Repurposed ALS drug becomes imaging probe to help diagnose neurodegeneration

Scientists used positron emission tomography (PET) with edaravone, a drug used to treat ALS, to detect oxidative stress, which leads to brain damage, offering a clear path to detecting neurological conditions.


http://dlvr.it/TJqMw9

AI technology improves Parkinson's diagnoses

AI-driven software is 96% accurate at diagnosing Parkinson's.


http://dlvr.it/TJq8bh

Highly educated people face steeper mental declines after stroke

Stroke survivors who have attended some level of higher education may face even steeper mental declines, according to a study. The findings suggest that attending higher education may enable people to retain greater cognitive ability until a critical threshold of brain injury is reached after a stroke.


http://dlvr.it/TJpv36

Why Some Family Caregivers Refuse Help Even When They Need It

Even when family caregivers have access to help, many still come up with excuses to turn down assistance. Learning to accept support and assistance...


The post Why Some Family Caregivers Refuse Help Even When They Need It appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TJpK0H

Among older women, hormone therapy linked to tau accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease

A new study has found faster accumulation of tau -- a key indicator of Alzheimer's disease -- in the brains of women over the age of 70 who took menopausal hormone therapy (HT) more than a decade before. The results could help inform discussions between patients and clinicians about Alzheimer's disease risk and HT treatment.


http://dlvr.it/TJp4Nt

Assessing pain, anxiety and other symptoms of nursing home residents unable to speak for themselves

As many as half of nursing home residents are cognitively impaired and may be unable to communicate symptoms such as pain or anxiety to those caring for them. Therefore, information needed for the evaluation of symptoms and subsequent treatment decisions typically does not reliably exist in nursing home electronic health records. A new paper reports on the novel adaptation of a commonly used symptom assessment instrument to more comprehensively acquire this difficult-to-obtain data with the ultimate goal of enabling knowledge-based expansion of palliative care services in nursing homes to address residents' symptoms.


http://dlvr.it/TJnz0s

Among older women, hormone therapy linked to tau accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease

A new study has found faster accumulation of tau -- a key indicator of Alzheimer's disease -- in the brains of women over the age of 70 who took menopausal hormone therapy (HT) more than a decade before. The results could help inform discussions between patients and clinicians about Alzheimer's disease risk and HT treatment.


http://dlvr.it/TJnnTT

How to Be a True Friend to a Family Caregiver

Family caregivers often find that their social circles shrink over time. Casual friends are typically the first to drift away because a caregiver is...


The post How to Be a True Friend to a Family Caregiver appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TJn8VV

Children of moms who smoked or were obese are more likely to become obese adults

A study finds that factors beyond a person's control, like socioeconomic status and whether their mom smoked or was obese, can influence whether they are overweight or obese as teenagers or adults.


http://dlvr.it/TJmvDZ

Diabetes drug could help cancer patients make better recovery

Research shows that a common type of diabetes medication could help cancer patients make a better long-term recovery. Many cancer patients go on to develop heart failure -- because of the cancer itself and also due to chemotherapy. But a study shows that a type of diabetes drug, called an SGLT2 inhibitor, may help protect the heart during and after cancer treatment. The medication has been shown to be beneficial in reducing heart failure or heart failure hospitalisation in cancer patients and survivors.


http://dlvr.it/TJmnmg

ADHD may be associated with an increased risk of dementia

An adult brain affected by attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) presents modifications similar to those observed in individuals suffering from dementia. These are the findings of a study which shows that, compared with healthy individuals, patients with an ADHD diagnosis have more iron in certain regions of their brain along with higher levels of neurofilaments[1] (NfL) in their blood. These markers have been consistently reported to be characteristic of old age-related dementias such as Alzheimer's disease and can be measured in its early stages. The study confirms that ADHD may be linked to an increased risk of developing dementia later in life and it provides first evidence for a neurological mechanism possibly involved.


http://dlvr.it/TJmS1F

Home is Where Our Heart Is, Especially for Older Adults

For many of us, the word “home” signifies refuge, safety, caring, and warmth –a sanctuary where we belong. It’s a place that we know...


The post Home is Where Our Heart Is, Especially for Older Adults appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TJlz5y

Can AI help detect cognitive impairment?

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, so identifying those with cognitive issues early could lead to interventions and better outcomes. But diagnosing MCI can be a long and difficult process, especially in rural areas where access to licensed neuropsychologists is limited. To increase accessibility to cognitive assessments, a team of researchers has created a portable system to efficiently measure multiple aspects of motor function. The device is simple and affordable, combining a depth camera, a force plate and an interface board.


http://dlvr.it/TJljJq

New study challenges assumptions about SEP-1 bundle compliance and sepsis outcomes

A new study raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) sepsis quality measure, known as the Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock Management Bundle (SEP-1).


http://dlvr.it/TJlbqp

Top 10 Tips for Communicating with Loved Ones Living with Dementia – And How a Professional Aging Life Care Manager Can Help

Communicating with a loved one who has dementia can be challenging. Dementia affects memory, language, and cognitive functions, making it hard for people to process and respond. However, with patience, empathy, and the right techniques, you can make conversations more positive and meaningful. A professional Aging Life Care Manager can also provide essential support, offering … Continue reading Top 10 Tips for Communicating with Loved Ones Living with Dementia – And How a Professional Aging Life Care Manager Can Help →


The post Top 10 Tips for Communicating with Loved Ones Living with Dementia – And How a Professional Aging Life Care Manager Can Help appeared first on Aging Life Care Association.


http://dlvr.it/TJlWhR

Study confirms accuracy of blood test for early Alzheimer's detection in Asian populations

A study has demonstrated the high accuracy of plasma p-tau217 as a blood-based biomarker for detecting abnormal brain beta-amyloid pathology, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.


http://dlvr.it/TJlHKp

Strategies for Getting (and Staying) Organized While Caregiving

Caring for a vulnerable elder can be rewarding as well as frustrating. It can increase our self-esteem to know that we are helping someone...


The post Strategies for Getting (and Staying) Organized While Caregiving appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TJkpzS

Landmark atlas reveals how aging breast tissue shapes breast cancer risk

Aging is a privilege, but it also brings risks -- including an increased likelihood of developing age-related diseases including cancer. Researchers have now created a landmark atlas of how healthy breast tissue ages, revealing key cellular, molecular, and genetic changes that may tip the balance toward breast cancer development.


http://dlvr.it/TJkYNc

Low doses of antibiotic work just as well as higher ones to treat rare type of chronic hair loss

Small amounts of a common antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug can curb symptoms where a misplaced immune reaction (e.g., autoimmunity) can cause permanent hair loss, a new study shows. This regimen may also come with fewer side effects than higher doses of the medication.


http://dlvr.it/TJkN7j

Mental Health and Work-Life Balance: Strategies for Women in Today’s Fast-Paced World

In today’s whirlwind of responsibilities, balancing work, family, and personal well-being can feel like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Sound familiar? Many women find themselves caught between career demands, societal expectations, and personal aspirations, often at the cost of their mental health. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an […]


http://dlvr.it/TJk5c2

Anti-amyloid drug shows signs of preventing Alzheimer's dementia

An experimental drug appears to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's-related dementia in people destined to develop the disease in their 30s, 40s or 50s, according to the results of a new study. The findings suggest -- for the first time in a clinical trial -- that early treatment to remove amyloid plaques from the brain many years before symptoms arise can delay the onset of Alzheimer's dementia.


http://dlvr.it/TJjRj0

The art of well-being: Group activities shown to ease depression and anxiety in older adults

Group arts interventions, such as painting, dance, or music, significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults, offering a powerful alternative to traditional treatments. The benefits are universal, with consistent results across different art forms, intervention types, and countries. Group arts interventions were particularly beneficial for care home residents relative to older adults who lived in the community. The findings support the inclusion of group arts interventions in social prescribing initiatives and healthcare guidelines, providing an accessible, cost-effective, and enjoyable way to improve mental well-being in later life.


http://dlvr.it/TJjHwV

Caregiver Distressed That Wife Living at Home Still Wants to ‘Go Home’

Dear Carol: My wife of over 40 years has Alzheimer’s disease and I care for her at home. While I’ve worked to become educated...


The post Caregiver Distressed That Wife Living at Home Still Wants to ‘Go Home’ appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TJhrlR

Associative learning: Primary school children outperform all other age groups

The ability to make the connection between an event and its consequences -- experts use the term associative learning -- is a crucial skill for adapting to the environment. It has a huge impact on our mental health. A study shows that children of primary school age demonstrate the highest learning performance in this area. The results pave the way for a fresh perspective on associative learning disorders, which are linked to the development of mental illness later in life.


http://dlvr.it/TJhYLT

Drug more than doubles survival time for glioblastoma patients

Researchers have developed a drug shown to significantly extend survival time for patients with glioblastoma, the most common primary brain tumor in adults, according to results of a new trial.


http://dlvr.it/TJhSsS

Universal Phrases for That Help Caregivers Find Serenity

Life isn’t easy for most people, and it’s not perfect for anybody. Sometimes, as we trudge through the days providing help for our care...


The post Universal Phrases for That Help Caregivers Find Serenity appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TJh5HS

ALS survival may be cut short by living in disadvantaged communities

Living in a disadvantaged community may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, by over 30%, a study suggests. Similar studies have shown that living in resource-deprived areas is associated with a higher burden of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.


http://dlvr.it/TJglsC

Scientists solve decades-long Parkinson's mystery

Researchers have made a huge leap forward in the fight against Parkinson's disease, solving a decades-long mystery. In a major breakthrough, they have been able to see the human PINK1 protein and how it is switched on for the first time. The discovery is a significant milestone in Parkinson's research that paves the way for developing new life-changing drugs.


http://dlvr.it/TJgf3d

Sleepier during the day? For some older people, it's linked to twice the dementia risk

For women in their 80s, experiencing increasing sleepiness during the day over a five-year period is associated with double the risk of developing dementia during that time, according to a new study. The study does not prove that daytime sleepiness causes dementia; it only shows an association.


http://dlvr.it/TJgPzf

Life As a Caregiver: How to Make Tough Care Decisions

Many of us feel honored to provide care for our aging parents or ill spouses, but this honor can also present serious challenges. Even...


The post Life As a Caregiver: How to Make Tough Care Decisions appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TJg4Jl

Researchers unravel menopause timing, shedding light on ovarian aging and fertility

The research team has developed a theoretical framework that quantitatively predicts menopause timing. By analyzing how ovarian follicles transition through different stages, the researchers' model explains why menopause occurs and sheds light on individual variability and cross-population differences. These insights could improve fertility planning, inform health care decisions related to hormonal therapies and enhance our understanding of age-related health risks associated with ovarian aging.


http://dlvr.it/TJfc3Y

Focus on the gut-liver axis: Semisynthetic bile acid has anti-inflammatory effects on the gut

A research team has made further progress in the treatment of intestinal inflammation. A study shows that the semi-synthetic bile acid NorUDCA inhibits in the intestine the formation of pro-inflammatory T helper 17 cells (TH17) and at the same time promotes the generation of anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells. This could be a promising new therapeutic option for patients with TH17-mediated intestinal diseases.


http://dlvr.it/TJfVGv

Anti-amyloid drug shows signs of preventing Alzheimer's dementia

An experimental drug appears to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's-related dementia in people destined to develop the disease in their 30s, 40s or 50s, according to the results of a new study. The findings suggest -- for the first time in a clinical trial -- that early treatment to remove amyloid plaques from the brain many years before symptoms arise can delay the onset of Alzheimer's dementia.


http://dlvr.it/TJfG62

Family and Professional Caregivers Are More Alike Than Different

Most of us who are family caregivers know that, while we often experience a sense of fulfillment when we provide care for our loved...


The post Family and Professional Caregivers Are More Alike Than Different appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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* The Aftermath of Long-Term Caregiving: Is Stress the New Normal?
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http://dlvr.it/TJdvN2

Protective role of mitochondrial protein Mitofusin 2 in cellular health revealed

A research collaboration has found that besides regulating the fusion of mitochondria, Mitofusin 2 also ensures protein quality control. This discovery could open up new routes to treating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.


http://dlvr.it/TJdRNh

Psychological prehabilitation improves surgical recovery

A new analysis led by surgeons finds that psychological prehabilitation can significantly enhance recovery after surgery. The study found that psychological prehabilitation significantly reduces the length of hospital stay, pain, anxiety, and depression after surgery.


http://dlvr.it/TJdB1D

Uncovering the electrochemistry of condensates

Researchers are discovering the electrochemical properties of biomolecular condensates which could help in development of cancer or ALS treatments.


http://dlvr.it/TJcFCk

A new way to predict cancer's spread? Scientists look at 'stickiness' of tumor cells

By assessing how 'sticky' tumor cells are, researchers have found a potential way to predict whether a patient's early-stage breast cancer is likely to spread. The discovery could help doctors identify high-risk patients and tailor their treatments accordingly.


http://dlvr.it/TJc1Bb

Inflammatory messenger fuels Alzheimer's

Researchers have detailed the precise mechanism through which the inflammatory signaling molecule IL-12 contributes to Alzheimer's disease.


http://dlvr.it/TJbkwg

10 Tips to Help You “Unplug” from Caregiving

Jen has been caring for her parents for almost two years and she is quickly approaching caregiver burnout. A close friend booked and prepaid...


The post 10 Tips to Help You “Unplug” from Caregiving appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TJbYR4

Memory is impaired in aged rats after 3 days of high-fat eating

Just a few days of eating a diet high in saturated fat could be enough to cause memory problems and related brain inflammation in older adults, a new study in rats suggests.


http://dlvr.it/TJZpNm

Nature relieves physical pain: pain-related signals in the brain are reduced

Neuroscientists have shown that experiencing nature can alleviate acute physical pain. Surprisingly, simply watching nature videos was enough to relieve pain. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, the researchers found that acute pain was rated as less intense and unpleasant when watching nature videos -- along with a reduction in brain activity associated with pain. The results suggest that nature-based therapies can be used as promising complementary approaches to pain management.


http://dlvr.it/TJZh8j