Recent research has already shown a connection between dementia and suicide risk. Scientists from Great Britain have now investigated in a current publication to what extent the suicide risk differs between various types of dementia. Understanding the differences is of great importance for several reasons. Suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and suicide deaths are usually counted under...
After decades of stagnating research, there's renewed momentum: new monoclonal antibodies against amyloid deposits, such as Lecanemab or Donanemab, are directly targeting the disease mechanisms of Alzheimer's dementia for the first time. Previous medications could only alleviate symptoms, but not slow the progression of the disease. How promising are the new drugs – and…
Hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings – the menopausal phase can cause various physical and mental changes in women. Memory performance and other cognitive abilities, such as concentration and attention, can also be influenced by hormonal changes during this life stage. To alleviate the various symptoms of menopause, menopausal hormone replacement therapy can be used in...
In recent years, knowledge about risk factors for dementia diseases has significantly increased. For a long time, factors such as high blood pressure, lack of exercise, and smoking were the focus. Current research findings are now shedding new light on often underestimated risk factors such as visual impairments and eye diseases. For instance, in 2024, an international team of dementia experts, who...
Pioneer in dementia care and family caregiver research: For his outstanding achievements in dementia research and volunteer work, Prof. Dr. med. Elmar Gräßel was today honored with the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. The award was presented to Prof. Dr. med. Elmar Gräßel by Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder at a...
In medical research, the use of cannabinoids is gaining increasing importance – including in the treatment of dementia. The primary focus is on alleviating behavioral and psychological symptoms such as aggressive behavior, sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite. But what scientific findings exist on this topic? What therapeutic potentials...
Umweltfaktoren rücken immer mehr in den Mittelpunkt der Forschung über die Entstehung von Krankheiten wie zum Beispiel der Alzheimer-Krankheit. Verschiedene Studien zeigen, dass Luftverschmutzung die kognitiven Fähigkeiten negativ beeinflussen kann und sogar als Risikofaktor für Demenzerkrankungen gilt. Doch wie wirken Feinstaub, Stickstoffdioxid und andere Luftschadstoffe auf das Gehirn? Und welche …
The exact causes of Alzheimer's dementia are still unclear. While age is considered the most significant risk factor, genetics are increasingly coming into focus in research. This raises numerous questions: What role do genetic factors play in the development of dementia? What is the risk of developing dementia if...
Digital technologies open up new possibilities in therapeutic work with older people – especially in memory work. In the context of life story-oriented conversations, personal memories are to be evoked with the help of images, videos, and objects. This can promote mental activity and increase the well-being of people with memory impairments. Such…
The goal of digiDEM Bavaria is to improve the long-term living situation of people with dementia and their caregivers – especially in rural regions. To this end, we survey people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and their caregivers about the course of their illness and their…
