Twin study suggests dementia shortens lifespans even in siblings without the disease +++++

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/twin-study-suggests-dementia-shortens-lifespans-even-siblings-without-disease?utm_source=nia-eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news-20240610 NIA-funded researchers found that among sets of twins in which one has dementia, the other may have an increased risk of a shortened lifespan, even if that person does not have the disease. Researchers map neural connections key to wakefulness in the human brain https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/researchers-map-neural-connections-key-wakefulness-human-brain?utm_source=nia-eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news-20240610 Human consciousness requires a person to be both awake and aware. While neuroscientists have learned a great deal from research about the underlying brain networks that sustain awareness, surprisingly little has been known about the networks that keep us awake.Human consciousness requires a person to be both awake and aware. While neuroscientists have learned a great deal from research about the underlying brain networks that sustain awareness, surprisingly little has been known about the networks that keep us awake. Study defines major genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/study-defines-major-genetic-form-alzheimers-disease?utm_source=nia-eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news-20240610 A small portion of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease cases are known to be genetically determined. These include early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer’s. In these conditions, almost everyone with the associated gene variants will develop the disease. Symptoms typically begin between 40 and 60 years of age. Clinical, pathological, and biomarker changes follow a predictable sequence. Digital speech analysis may provide earlier warning of frontotemporal degeneration https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/digital-speech-analysis-may-provide-earlier-warning-frontotemporal-degeneration?utm_source=nia-eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news-20240610 Recognizing early changes in speech may help identify people with genetic risk for frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) before they have symptoms, according to an NIA-funded study. The results, published in Neurology, suggest that digital speech analysis may be a useful clinical tool for earlier warning of FTD. Computational models may predict need for nursing care among older adults with dementia https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/computational-models-may-predict-need-nursing-care-among-older-adults-dementia?utm_source=nia-eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news-20240610v Using large, nationally representative data samples from NIA-funded sources, researchers have used computational modeling to predict the need for nursing home level of care in older adults who have dementia. Having these estimates may help those with dementia and their families as they discuss future care plans. These findings were published in JAMA Internal Medicine.