How depression and dementia are related

Depression and cognitive impairment are among the most common conditions in older age. They often occur together. A recent study from South Korea systematically investigated how both conditions are linked and what the consequences are for diagnosis and treatment. The research team analyzed longitudinal studies, laboratory findings, imaging data, and clinical ...

Clear benefits for caregivers  

Caregivers and relatives do not only experience negative aspects of home care, but also positive effects that only arise through the caregiving activity. A research team from the University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) already demonstrated in 2023 that home care also has its positive sides. The goal of the researchers...

New digiDEM Bavaria Dementia Library®: Dementia knowledge portal as a key to greater health literacy 

Acquiring knowledge, early detection of dementia, improving quality of life: With the new offering, the digiDEM Bayern Demenzbibliothek® (Dementia Library®), a comprehensive and freely accessible knowledge portal is now available. It provides well-founded, scientifically validated, and generally understandable information on the topic of dementia to a broad audience. The goal of the new offering from digiDEM Bayern...

When memory fades: outpatient support services used too little and too late

Hausärztliche Versorgung, hauswirtschaftliche Hilfen oder die Inanspruchnahme einer Tagespflege: Lässt das Gedächtnis nach oder fällt zuhause die Orientierung immer schwerer, steigt der Bedarf an Unterstützung, um die Aufgaben des täglichen Lebens wie etwa Einkaufen oder Körperpflege zu meistern. Menschen mit leichten kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen nutzen dabei ambulante Unterstützungsangebote seltener als Menschen, …

„App on Prescription“: High Prices Despite Inadequately Proven Effectiveness 

Whether for smartphones, tablets, or as a web-based application on a PC: For over four years, doctors have been able to prescribe so-called digital health applications (DiGA). However, since their introduction, DiGAs, which are intended to improve healthcare, have often been the cause of conflicts between the stakeholders involved, such as...

Combined psychotropic medications can increase dementia risk

Benzodiazepines, antidepressants, or antipsychotics: Researchers from Canada and Ireland have investigated how psychotropic drugs affect the cognition of older adults. The scientists have identified a link between regular use of benzodiazepines, certain antidepressants, and antipsychotics, and cognitive decline in older adults. As researchers from Canada and...