Dementia can sometimes be hereditary, but in most cases, it is not directly passed down from parent to child. The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, is typically influenced by a combination of age, lifestyle, and environmental factors rather than a single inherited gene. While having a family member with dementia may increase a person’s […]
Alzheimer's and Dementia
Cognitive Speed Training and Lowering Dementia Risk
Cognitive speed training—sometimes called processing speed training—focuses on improving how quickly the brain can take in, interpret, and respond to information. This type of training often uses computerized exercises that challenge participants to identify visual details, track multiple objects, or make rapid decisions under time pressure. For older adults, maintaining processing speed is critical because […]
Medical Conditions that can Mimic Dementia
Several medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble dementia but are not caused by progressive neurodegenerative disease. These conditions are often referred to as reversible or potentially treatable causes of cognitive impairment. Identifying them is critical, as proper treatment can significantly improve memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Depression is one of the most common conditions that can mimic […]
Behavioral Changes and Dementia
Dementia doesn’t only affect memory—it often brings noticeable changes in behavior and personality that can be confusing and emotionally challenging for both the person living with the condition and those who care about them. These changes happen as the disease affects different areas of the brain responsible for judgment, emotions, and social behavior. One of […]
What to Know About Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition that involves noticeable changes in memory or thinking skills, but these changes are not severe enough to significantly disrupt daily life. Many older adults diagnosed with MCI worry that it is an early stage of dementia. While MCI can increase the risk of developing dementia, it does not always lead […]
What to Know About New FDA-Approved Blood Tests for Diagnosing Alzheimer’s
Until recently, diagnosing Alzheimer’s in someone who is showing signs of memory loss or thinking difficulties often meant undergoing a brain scan (a PET scan) or a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to look for signs of amyloid or tau changes in the brain. These procedures can be expensive, invasive, or not easy to access. Now, […]
