Sildenafil and shingles vaccine show surprising promise against Alzheimer’s, suggests study

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Researchers have pinpointed three already approved medications that may be repurposed to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Instead of starting from scratch, scientists examined medicines that are currently used for other conditions to see whether any could help protect the brain.

The study, funded by Alzheimer’s Society and led by the University of Exeter, was published in Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy. Among the drugs reviewed, a shingles vaccine (Zostavax) emerged as the most promising candidate. Viagra (sildenafil) and a medication used to treat motor neurone disease (riluzole) also showed strong potential.

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Eye tests could spot signs of Alzheimer’s years before symptoms first appear, new research suggests

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A routine eye test could spot signs of Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms first appear, promising research has suggested.

Experts from City St George’s, University of London say early stage cognitive decline could soon be picked up by an AI tool rolled out in opticians and ophthalmologist offices that measures changes to blood vessels in the back of the eye.

The tool, which is being tested using the health records of more than 500,000 Britons, could help dementia patients be identified and treated before the disease significantly damages their brain.

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I was a doctor caring for Alzheimer’s patients. At 57, I became one. Here’s what’s next

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As an internal medicine doctor, I used to care for Alzheimer’s patients. Now, at just 60 years old, I am one. My diagnosis is not the future most people hope for — but there is finally a generation of Alzheimer’s treatments that work for many patients, and I am one of them.

Before my diagnosis, I was a busy, high-performing physician and a present husband and father. Over my career, I completed an internal medicine fellowship at Johns Hopkins, oversaw a medical practice and ran an academic clinic where I taught residents and medical students. I coached my kids’ basketball teams and served as a deacon at my church.

I was someone who helped others, not someone who needed help myself. Then, three years ago, everything changed.

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Your Lifestyle Choices Could Halve Your Dementia Risk

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Nearly half of dementia cases may be influenced by modifiable factors like smoking, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.

Research suggests that many dementia cases are connected to risk factors that people may be able to change. A new study from Lund University identifies several lifestyle and health conditions linked to two of the most common forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

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Should you test for Alzheimer’s disease?

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With cases rising at a rapid clip and expected to double to roughly 15 million US residents by 2060, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is expected to take a toll on those affected and their families. The global toll of those living with dementia is approximately 55 million, and women are two-thirds of those affected.

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Brain Training Games May Have Long-Term Benefits

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Older men and women who completed five to six weeks of a computerized brain training program showed benefits up to two decades later, according to a new report. The study found that those who engaged in a program designed to speed the brain’s processing were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease years down the road.

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