A new study shows that a combination of inflammation and hypoxia activates microglia in a way that persistently weakens the connection between neurons, contributing to brain damage in conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/uobc-scb031214.php
[3625]
(2014). Microglial CR3 Activation Triggers Long-Term Synaptic Depression in the Hippocampus via NADPH Oxidase.
Neuron. 82(1), 195 - 207.
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There's quite a bit of evidence now that socializing — having frequent contact with others — helps protect against cognitive impairment in old age. We also know that depression is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. |
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Problems with myelin — demyelination (seen most dramatically in MS, but also in other forms of neurodegeneration, including normal |
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The |
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It’s been unclear whether hormone therapy helps older women reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s or in fact increases the risk. |
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In a large Mayo Clinic study, self-reported diet was found to be significantly associated with the risk of seniors developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia over a four-year period. |
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A study using data from the Lothian Birth Cohort (people born in Scotland in 1936) has analyzed brain scans of 638 participants when they were 73 years old. |
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Caffeine has been associated with a lower of developing Alzheimer's disease in some recent studies. |
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Green tea is thought to have wide-ranging health benefits, especially in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, and diabetes. |
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I reported a few months ago on some evidence of a link between disturbed sleep and the development of Alzheimer’s. Now a mouse study adds to this evidence. |
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I’ve reported before on the growing evidence that metabolic syndrome in middle and old age is linked to greater risk of cognitive impairment in old age and faster decline. |
