Researchers investigate the role the BMI1 gene plays in the onset and development of Alzheimer's disease. The study reports the loss of BMI1 triggers and increased production of amyloid beta and decreases neural ability to eliminate the protein.
Researchers report those who have had appendectomies have a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease. A new study reveals the appendix acts as a reservoir for proteins associated with the neurodegenerative disease.
A new study reports caffeine plus another compound found in the waxy coating of coffee beans may help protect the brain against Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have identified key risk factors for a violent sleep disorder known as REM sleep behavior disorder. According to the study, taking antidepressants, having PTSD and anxiety disorders increases the risk for violent episodes during sleep.
A new study reveals Hispanic Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease tend to survive significantly longer with the condition than people from other ethnoracial groups.
People with two common types of dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, have unique walking patterns. The gait type signals subtle differences between the two disorders. Those with Lew body dementia change their steps more, varying the step time and length. They also display more asymmetry in movement compared to those with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers say gait could be a clinical biomarker for dementia subtypes.
Lewy body disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, comprise of two distinct subtypes. One subtype originates in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) of the gut and spreads to the brain. The other originates in the brain, or enters the brain via the olfactory system, before spreading to the brainstem and PNS.
Researchers have identified two different shapes of alpha-synuclein associated with multiple systems atrophy (MSA) and Lewy body dementia. The structure of the protein is helical in MSA, causing the symptoms to occur more quickly and aggressively. In Lewy body dementia, the protein takes on a cylindrical form.
Researchers have created an artificial enzyme that stops alpha-synuclein from spreading. The findings could have positive implications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Combining PET neuroimaging with a specific intravenous radioactive compound allows researchers to distinguish Lewy Body Dementia from Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's in brain scans.
Study identified five genes, including two novel genes, associated with Lewy Body dementia. Researchers also found the genetic profiles of patients with LBD showed higher chances of also suffering from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease than other age-matched control subjects.
New findings reinforce the idea that dementia with Lewy bodies can be pathologically classified as two different and distinct disease types.