Racial disparities in dementia are due to social determinants of health, with genetic ancestry playing no role, according to a new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The study, which was based on a long-running population-based survey in four Latin American countries, helps explain why people of predominantly […]
Category: Research
Modifying homes for stroke survivors saves lives, extends independence (Links to an external site)
Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked. For the survivors, the ensuing brain damage can lead to lifelong disabilities, making mundane tasks, such as using the toilet and taking a shower, risky ventures.
Repurposed drug may help stabilize vision in rare disease (Links to an external site)
Roughly 50 families scattered across the world share ultra-rare variants in a particular gene. Silent for years, the inherited mutations make themselves known when patients reach the fourth decade of life. Changes in vision start a cascade of symptoms. Five to 20 years later, the illness is fatal.
Study aims to understand genetics of Parkinson’s disease in Black people (Links to an external site)
Erin Foster, an associate professor of occupational therapy, and Scott Norris, MD, an associate professor of neurology, have established a site at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis for the Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease (BLAAC PD) study, an international study aimed at understanding the gene changes that may lead to […]
Understanding role of T cells in Alzheimer’s disease is aim of new grant (Links to an external site)
There is increasing evidence that the immune system is involved in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Most research has focused on the innate immune system and its role in mediating neuroinflammation and degeneration.
‘A study to give us hope’: Lifestyle changes improve Alzheimer’s symptoms for some (Links to an external site)
Looking back, Tammy Maida, 67, said things started to change in her late 50s. At first, she would lose track of her belongings: her keys multiple times a day, a ring, eyeglasses, her purse. She would drive to the grocery store in her hometown of San Jose, California, and forget where she parked the car. […]
Are Ocrelizumab and Ofatumumab Safe During Pregnancy? (Links to an external site)
Anne Cross, MD, FAAN, professor of neurology at Washington University, who was not involved with the studies, said that, coupled with similar findings from a research group in Germany and an earlier analysis from Dr. Bove’s group, the data on ocrelizumab are “very reassuring.”
Subtle cognitive decline precedes end to driving for older adults (Links to an external site)
One of the thorniest decisions facing older adults is when to give up their keys and stop driving. A new study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis could provide guidance in helping seniors plan ahead. The researchers found that impaired cognitive function foreshadows the decision for many seniors to stop […]
Sleep Apnea Reduced in People Who Took Weight-Loss Drug, Eli Lilly Reports (Links to an external site)
The pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly announced on Wednesday that its obesity drug tirzepatide, or Zepbound, provided considerable relief to overweight or obese people who had obstructive sleep apnea, or episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.
Alzheimer’s disease progresses faster in people with Down syndrome (Links to an external site)
Nearly all adults with Down syndrome will develop evidence of Alzheimer’s disease by late middle age. A new study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that the disease both starts earlier and moves faster in people with Down syndrome, a finding that may have important implications for the treatment […]