Gum disease may quietly damage the brain, scientists warn

People with gum disease may have higher levels of brain white matter damage, a new study finds. Researchers observed that participants with gum disease had significantly more white matter hyperintensities, even after accounting for other risk factors. The findings hint that chronic oral inflammation could subtly impact the brain, especially in older adults. More research is needed, but keeping gums healthy might protect the mind too.


http://dlvr.it/TP0dHl

Biryani or Mental Health: It’s All About the Layers

When you open a pot of biryani, the first thing that hits you is the aroma, rich, warm, and inviting. But to truly taste it, you have to dig deeper. Beneath that top layer of golden rice lies hidden ingredients, spices, meat or vegetables, caramelized onions, each contributing to the dish’s complex flavor. Our mental […]


http://dlvr.it/TP09v9

How to Make Life Easier and Safer for Older Adults with Low Vision

Many people would consider losing their eyesight one of the worst losses they could endure. While most of us will not suffer...


The post How to Make Life Easier and Safer for Older Adults with Low Vision appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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Your IQ may determine how well you hear in a crowd

New research reveals that intelligence plays a key role in how well people process speech in noisy environments. The study compared neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals and found that cognitive ability predicted performance across all groups. This challenges the idea that listening struggles are solely due to hearing loss, emphasizing the brain’s role in decoding complex soundscapes.


http://dlvr.it/TNzdm3

Scientists find hidden brain damage behind dementia

A University of New Mexico scientist is revealing what might be one of the most overlooked causes of dementia — damage in the brain’s tiny blood vessels. Dr. Elaine Bearer has created a new way to classify these changes, showing that many people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s also suffer from vascular damage that quietly destroys brain tissue. Even more surprising, she’s finding microplastics inside the brain that appear linked to inflammation and memory loss.


http://dlvr.it/TNzXfz

Scientists reverse Alzheimer’s in mice with groundbreaking nanotech

Researchers used supramolecular nanoparticles to repair the brain’s vascular system and reverse Alzheimer’s in mice. Instead of carrying drugs, the nanoparticles themselves triggered natural clearance of amyloid-β proteins. This restored blood-brain barrier function and reversed memory loss. The results point to a revolutionary new path for treating neurodegenerative diseases.


http://dlvr.it/TNyzC2

Mistakes to Avoid When Caregiving for Someone Living with Alzheimer’s

Most of us who have cared for someone living with dementia have tried our best to determine how best to provide that...


The post Mistakes to Avoid When Caregiving for Someone Living with Alzheimer’s appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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Why women live longer than men, explained by evolution

An international team of researchers led by scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, working with 15 collaborators around the world, has conducted the most comprehensive study yet of lifespan differences between the sexes in mammals and birds. Their findings shed new light on one of biology’s enduring mysteries: why males and females age differently.


http://dlvr.it/TNyXmn

Surgery beats Ozempic for long-term health, Cleveland Clinic finds

Weight-loss surgery dramatically outperformed GLP-1 medications in improving longevity and reducing heart, kidney, and eye complications for people with obesity and diabetes. Over 10 years, patients lost far more weight and required fewer medications. Experts say surgery continues to offer survival advantages even in the age of potent obesity drugs.


http://dlvr.it/TNyRFL

Some Mildly Risky Behavior Might Be Necessary for Your Elder’s Mental Health

Dear Carol: My dad, 72, has been adventurous all his life, and that spirit doesn’t seem to be dampened by aging or even...


The post Some Mildly Risky Behavior Might Be Necessary for Your Elder’s Mental Health appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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Millions could be living with hidden smell loss after COVID without knowing

A massive NIH-backed study reveals that COVID-19’s toll on smell may be more widespread and lasting than most realize. Even patients without noticeable symptoms often performed poorly on scent tests, raising safety and health concerns. Because smell loss can signal deeper neurological issues, experts are calling for routine testing and exploring new treatments.


http://dlvr.it/TNxSbc

Scientists find immune drug that could halt skin cancer’s deadly spread

Researchers found that pembrolizumab, an immune-activating cancer drug, lowered the risk of distant metastases in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma after surgery. Though recurrence rates overall weren’t significantly changed, the results hint at a meaningful benefit in preventing cancer spread. The nationwide trial, one of the largest of its kind, underscores the promise of immunotherapy for rare, aggressive cancers.


http://dlvr.it/TNxMTT

The Advantages of Not Arguing with Someone Who Has Dementia

“Where’s my college ring?” This had become Dad’s mantra during some months of his early demented years. I knew he hadn’t gotten...


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Fat may secretly fuel Alzheimer’s, new research finds

New research from Houston Methodist reveals how obesity may directly drive Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists discovered that tiny messengers released by fat tissue, called extracellular vesicles, can carry harmful signals that accelerate the buildup of amyloid-β plaques in the brain. These vesicles even cross the blood–brain barrier, making them powerful but dangerous connectors between body fat and brain health.


http://dlvr.it/TNwPvf

Your skin could warn of hidden mental health trouble

People experiencing their first psychotic episode who also have skin conditions such as rashes or itching are at greater risk of depression and suicidal thoughts, according to new research presented at the ECNP meeting. Scientists found that 25% of these patients experienced suicidal ideation, compared with only 7% of those without skin issues. The study suggests that dermatological symptoms could serve as early warning markers for worse psychiatric outcomes.


http://dlvr.it/TNwDG4

Scientists discover a hidden gene mutation that causes deafness—and a way to fix it

Scientists have identified mutations in the CPD gene as a key cause of a rare congenital hearing loss, revealing how disruptions in arginine and nitric oxide signaling damage sensory cells in the ear. Using mouse and fruit fly models, the team showed that restoring arginine levels or using sildenafil improved cell survival and hearing function.


http://dlvr.it/TNvNZ6

Simple therapies outperform drugs for knee arthritis pain relief

A sweeping analysis of nearly 10,000 patients reveals that knee braces, hydrotherapy, and exercise stand out as the most effective non-drug therapies for knee osteoarthritis. Unlike common pain medications that carry risks, these low-cost and accessible options reduce pain, improve mobility, and could shift treatment guidelines toward safer, drug-free approaches.


http://dlvr.it/TNvG2m

Fear Is Behind Adult Daughter’s Seemingly Selfish Behavior

Dear Carol: I’m a middle-aged, working mom. Life has been stressful, but manageable. My question is about my parents who are in...


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Doctors stunned by a cheap drug’s power against colon cancer

A Scandinavian clinical trial has revealed that low-dose aspirin can halve the risk of colon and rectal cancer recurrence in patients with specific genetic mutations. The research, involving over 3,500 patients, is the first randomized study to confirm aspirin’s powerful effect in this context. The findings suggest aspirin could become a widely available, inexpensive precision medicine, reshaping cancer treatment strategies globally.


http://dlvr.it/TNtbtl

Why the brain’s GPS fails with age, and how some minds defy it

Stanford scientists found that aging disrupts the brain’s internal navigation system in mice, mirroring spatial memory decline in humans. Older mice struggled to recall familiar locations, while a few “super-agers” retained youthful brain patterns. Genetic clues suggest some animals, and people, may be naturally resistant to cognitive aging. The discovery could pave the way for preventing memory loss in old age.


http://dlvr.it/TNtTs8

The Difference between Palliative Care and Hospice Explained

Many people have heard of hospice care but they mistakenly think that it’s just a way to help cancer patients be more...


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Popular cholesterol drugs may help prevent dementia

A massive genetic study found that naturally lower cholesterol is linked to a dramatically reduced risk of dementia. The research simulated the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs and showed up to an 80% lower risk for certain genetic profiles. Scientists believe high cholesterol may contribute to dementia through atherosclerosis and small blood clots. Long-term trials could confirm whether medications can replicate this protective effect.


http://dlvr.it/TNssJQ

Scientists finally see what sparks Parkinson’s

Researchers have finally seen and measured the tiny alpha-synuclein oligomers that may ignite Parkinson’s disease. With the ultra-sensitive ASA-PD imaging method, they captured these clusters in brain tissue, finding larger and more numerous versions in patients with Parkinson’s. The discovery could mark a turning point in diagnosing and treating the disease, revealing the first visible signs long before symptoms appear.


http://dlvr.it/TNslDC

Building Emotional Resilience While Caring for Two Chronically Ill Parents

Caring for one aging parent can be overwhelming but caring for two parents with chronic mental health conditions like a mother with dementia and a father with schizophrenia can feel like you are constantly trying to keep your head above water. The emotional weight of watching your parents change, sometimes not even recognizing you, while […]


http://dlvr.it/TNsDcD

Brain fog during menopause? Here’s what’s really going on

Menopause brings profound shifts not just in hormones but in the very structure of the brain. Scientists have found that gray matter in regions tied to memory and thinking can shrink, while white matter may show damage linked to blood flow issues. Yet there’s hope — evidence points to partial recovery and adaptive changes postmenopause.


http://dlvr.it/TNrh5G

Scientists reversed brain aging and memory loss in mice

Cedars-Sinai researchers created “young” immune cells from human stem cells that reversed cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s symptoms in mice. The treated animals showed better memory and healthier brain structures. The cells seemed to protect the brain indirectly, possibly through anti-aging signals in the blood. The findings suggest a new, personalized path to slowing brain aging.


http://dlvr.it/TNrfC9

Caregiver or Care Partner? What Evolving Terminology Means

Decades ago, when I began my caregiving life, I just did what I did. I’m not sure I was referred to as...


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Why Mental Wellness Should Be a Priority in Employee Benefits Packages

In boardrooms across industries, leaders talk about talent like it’s the engine of their business. But engines need care to keep running. The truth many companies are waking up to is this: the strength of an organization is tied directly to the mental and emotional well-being of its people. Mental health isn’t a soft issue […]


http://dlvr.it/TNr82Q

Bird flu hiding in cheese? The surprising new discovery

Researchers discovered that avian influenza (H5N1) can survive in raw milk cheese made from contaminated milk, even after the 60-day aging process required by the FDA. However, highly acidic cheeses like feta showed no signs of the virus, suggesting acidity plays a crucial protective role. Animal tests revealed that while ferrets could be infected by drinking contaminated raw milk, eating raw milk cheese didn’t cause infection, possibly due to lower viral contact.


http://dlvr.it/TNqcHb

A “toxic duo” may be the hidden trigger behind Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists have uncovered a toxic alliance between Aβ and fibrinogen that may explain how Alzheimer’s disease begins. The two proteins together create stubborn clots that damage blood vessels and spark inflammation in the brain. These effects appear even at very low concentrations and disrupt the blood-brain barrier, paving the way for neurodegeneration. The findings highlight a potential new therapeutic target for early intervention.


http://dlvr.it/TNqRKt

The Emotional Impact of Losing a Loved One to Dementia

“Carol!” The hospice nurse’s voice was quiet but urgent. I instinctively knew what was happening. She had been shifting Dad’s position so...


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New crystal camera lets doctors see inside the body like never before

Scientists have created a perovskite-based gamma-ray detector that surpasses traditional nuclear medicine imaging technology. The device delivers sharper, faster, and safer scans at a fraction of the cost. By combining crystal engineering with pixelated sensor design, it achieves record imaging resolution. Now being commercialized, it promises to expand access to high-quality diagnostics worldwide.


http://dlvr.it/TNpMxJ

Can Ozempic help you cut back on alcohol? Researchers think so

Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other GLP-1 drugs appear to slow alcohol absorption and blunt its intoxicating effects, according to new research. The study found participants on these medications felt less drunk despite consuming the same amount of alcohol. This could point to a safer, faster-acting way to help people reduce drinking—distinct from traditional treatments that target the brain directly.


http://dlvr.it/TNnK4M

Humor Can Provide Armor Against Deep Sorrows of Caregiving

One of the positive parts of being a family caregiver is the opportunity for emotional growth. We can develop increased compassion, patience,...


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These 80-year-olds have the memory of 50-year-olds. Scientists finally know why

SuperAgers defy normal aging by keeping sharp memories and healthy brains well into their 80s. Northwestern scientists discovered that these individuals either resist the buildup of harmful brain proteins or remain unaffected by them. Their brains stay structurally youthful, and their strong social lives may help protect cognition. The findings could inspire new ways to delay or prevent dementia.


http://dlvr.it/TNmLC3

These 80-year-olds have the memory of 50-year-olds. Scientists finally know why

SuperAgers defy normal aging by keeping sharp memories and healthy brains well into their 80s. Northwestern scientists discovered that these individuals either resist the buildup of harmful brain proteins or remain unaffected by them. Their brains stay structurally youthful, and their strong social lives may help protect cognition. The findings could inspire new ways to delay or prevent dementia.


http://dlvr.it/TNmL33

Scientists discover brain circuit that can switch off chronic pain

Scientists have pinpointed Y1 receptor neurons in the brain that can override chronic pain signals when survival instincts like hunger or fear take precedence. Acting like a neural switchboard, these cells balance pain with other biological needs. The research could pave the way for personalized treatments that target pain at its brain source—offering hope for millions living with long-term pain.


http://dlvr.it/TNmFl8

Two common drugs could reverse fatty liver disease

Researchers at the University of Barcelona found that combining pemafibrate and telmisartan significantly reduces liver fat and cardiovascular risks in MASLD models. The drug duo works better together than alone, likely due to complementary mechanisms. They also uncovered a new role for the PCK1 protein in fat metabolism.


http://dlvr.it/TNlbBq

How to Get Rid of the Urine Smell When Incontinence Accidents Happen

Dear Carol: I feel like my home is becoming contaminated territory! My Dad is a sweetheart, but he’s got dementia and has...


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Scientists just debunked the calcium and dementia myth

A long-term Australian study found that calcium supplements do not raise dementia risk in older women, countering previous fears. The research followed more than 1,400 participants for nearly 15 years and revealed no harmful cognitive effects. Scientists say these results should reassure those using calcium to prevent osteoporosis, though more research is needed across broader populations.


http://dlvr.it/TNlQyd

Tiny eye implant becomes the first FDA-approved therapy for rare blindness

For people with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), an orphan retinal disorder that gradually destroys central vision, there have long been no approved treatment options. But now, a new study sponsored by Neurotech Pharmaceuticals and spearheaded by investigators at Scripps Research and the National Institutes of Health offers compelling evidence that vision loss can be slowed with a neuroprotective surgical implant.


http://dlvr.it/TNknGT

Bladder Cancer: Incontinence Can Be a Side Effect

Bladder cancer isn’t a common condition, but the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 83,730 new cases of bladder cancer...


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Why alcohol blocks the liver from healing, even after you quit

Alcohol doesn’t just damage the liver — it locks its cells in a strange “in-between” state that prevents them from healing. Even after someone quits drinking, liver cells often get stuck, unable to function normally or regenerate. Scientists have now traced this problem to runaway inflammation, which scrambles the cell’s instructions and silences a key helper protein. By blocking these inflammatory signals in lab tests, they were able to restore the liver’s healing ability — a finding that could point to new treatments beyond transplants.


http://dlvr.it/TNjYwy

Tiny brain nanotubes found by Johns Hopkins may spread Alzheimer’s

Johns Hopkins scientists uncovered microscopic “nanotube” channels that neurons use to transfer toxic molecules. While this process clears waste, it can also spread harmful proteins like amyloid-beta. Alzheimer’s-model mice showed more nanotubes early on, hinting at a link to disease development. Researchers hope to one day control nanotube formation as a potential therapy.


http://dlvr.it/TNjBVP

Powerful new painkiller ADRIANA shows promise in ending opioid dependence

Japanese scientists have developed ADRIANA, a non-opioid painkiller that could provide powerful relief without the dangers of addiction. With successful trials already completed, large U.S. studies are now underway, raising hopes for a safer future in pain treatment.


http://dlvr.it/TNhSHn

People with Dementia Find Renewed Confidence While Playing In Orchestra

Alzheimer’s is a global issue that is on track to bankrupt worldwide health systems if a cure is not found. Therefore, funding...


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Advocating the Right Way at Doctor Appointments

By Jenny Reynolds, MSW, LCSW, CMC Joining a loved one at a doctor’s appointment can feel tricky. You want to help without taking over. Here are five things not to do so your loved one stays at the center of the conversation.     Top 5 Things NOT to do when Advocating for a Loved One … Continue reading Advocating the Right Way at Doctor Appointments →


The post Advocating the Right Way at Doctor Appointments appeared first on Aging Life Care Association.


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Scientists find the brain’s hidden pulse that may predict Alzheimer’s

Researchers at USC have created the first method to noninvasively measure microscopic blood vessel pulses in the human brain. Using advanced 7T MRI, they found these tiny pulsations grow stronger with age and vascular risk, disrupting the brain’s waste-clearing systems. The discovery may explain how circulation changes contribute to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.


http://dlvr.it/TNgTTZ

Blood test spots hidden mesothelioma that scans can’t see

New research suggests that immunotherapy given before and after surgery could help patients with diffuse pleural mesothelioma, one of the most challenging cancers to treat. A phase II clinical trial tested immunotherapy in resectable cases, with promising results presented at the World Conference on Lung Cancer.


http://dlvr.it/TNg7RB

Lewy Body Dementia: Caregivers’ Personal Experiences

According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA), Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive brain disease. They say that it also...


The post Lewy Body Dementia: Caregivers’ Personal Experiences appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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