http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/caregiving/ Make informed caregiving and home health care choices for your loved ones. Read the latest research for caregivers on caregiving. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/caregiving/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215185850.htm Simple tests such as walking speed and hand grip strength may help doctors determine how likely it is a middle-aged person will develop dementia or stroke. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215185850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185119.htm Air pollution, even at levels generally considered safe by federal regulations, increases the risk of stroke by 34 percent, researchers have found. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206174207.htm A new scoring method can help doctors quickly decide which stroke patients will respond well to the clot-busting drug alteplase, according to a new study. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206174207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163756.htm A genetic variant that increases the risk of a common type of stroke has been identified by scientists. This is one of the few genetic variants to date to be associated with risk of stroke and the discovery opens up new possibilities for treatment. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141459.htm In the largest and longest head-to-head comparison of two anti-clotting medications, warfarin and aspirin were similar in preventing deaths and strokes in heart failure patients with normal heart rhythm, according to new research. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203113322.htm A new drug that showed promise in animal studies and an early clinical trial didn't improve disability among stroke patients, according to new research. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203113322.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203113319.htm The anti-blood clot regimen that adds the drug clopidogrel (Plavix) to aspirin treatment is unlikely to prevent recurrent strokes and may increase the risk of bleeding and death in patients with subcortical stroke, according to new research. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203113319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202164536.htm The traditional risk factors for stroke – such as high cholesterol – are not as accurate at predicting risk in postmenopausal women as previously thought. Instead, researchers say doctors should refocus their attention on triglyceride levels to determine which women are at highest risk of suffering a devastating and potentially fatal cardiovascular event. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202164536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202164531.htm Neurologists report success with a new means of getting rid of potentially lethal blood clots in the brain safely without cutting through easily damaged brain tissue or removing large pieces of skull. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202164531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202094604.htm The disparity in stroke-related deaths among black and white children dramatically narrowed after prevention strategies changed to include ultrasound screening and chronic blood transfusions for children with sickle cell anemia, according to new research. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202094604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202094600.htm Occasional erratic heart rhythms appear to cause about one-fifth of strokes for which a cause is not readily established. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202094600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202094558.htm Being anemic could more than triple your risk of dying within a year after having a stroke, according to new research. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202094558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201173217.htm For decades, researchers have debated whether Alzheimer's disease starts independently in vulnerable brain regions at different times, or if it begins in one region and then spreads to neuroanatomically connected areas. A new study strongly supports the latter, demonstrating that abnormal tau protein, a key feature of the neurofibrillary tangles seen in the brains of those with Alzheimer's, propagates along linked brain circuits, "jumping" from neuron to neuron. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201173217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094323.htm People with severe sleep apnea may have an increased risk of silent strokes and small lesions in the brain, according to a small study. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094321.htm Clot-busting drugs may be safe for patients who wake up experiencing stroke symptoms, according to preliminary research. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094317.htm Common infections in children pose a high risk of ischemic stroke, according to new research. In a review of 2.5 million children, the researchers identified 126 childhood ischemic stroke cases and then randomly selected 378 age-matched controls from the remaining children without stroke. They discovered that 29 percent of those who suffered a stroke had a medical encounter for infection in the two days preceding the stroke versus one percent of controls during the same dates. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094315.htm Severe, rapid memory loss may be linked to -- and could predict -- a future deadly stroke, according to new research. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094315.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092316.htm In an animal study, researchers found that decaffeinated coffee may improve glucose utilization in the brain, reducing the risk for Type 2 diabetes and the brain dysfunction associated with some neurological disorders. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131093054.htm In the US alone, at least 500,000 people suffer from Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to control his or her movement. New technology lets researchers observe the development of the brain cells responsible for the disease. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131093054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172310.htm Your risk of having a heart attack or stroke may be worse than you think. Currently, risk is assessed by projecting 10 years ahead. New research shows a young or middle-aged adult at low risk in the short term may be at high risk in the long term, if they have only one risk factor. This is the first study to examine the lifetime risk of heart disease in white and black men and women. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125162628.htm A new position statement issued by the American Academy of Neurology calls on neurologists to begin screening their patients for abusive or violent treatment by family, caretakers or others. Types of abuse include elder abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, cyberbullying and violence. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125162628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132603.htm Scientists have identified a protein that exacerbates symptoms of Parkinson's disease -- a discovery that could one day lead to new treatments for people who suffer from this devastating neurodegenerative illness. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125112703.htm A pilot study suggests infrared analysis of white blood cells is a promising strategy for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125112703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123114255.htm For most heart and stroke patients, it's probably safe to have sex. "For a patient who has sex with a familiar partner in a familiar setting, sexual activity generally is safe and no more strenuous than golf," a cardiologist said. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123114255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116112606.htm Scientists have deciphered a mechanism to prevent programmed cell death of nerve cells. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116112606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112162417.htm Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening genetic muscle disorder, most commonly triggered in those at risk by certain types of drugs used during anesthesia. Heat stroke, on the other hand, most commonly occurs in individuals in response to physical exertion in hot/humid environments. While their common triggers may differ, the signs associated with MH and heat stroke are remarkably similar – uncontrolled muscle contractions, dangerous increases in body temperature, and muscle breakdown leading to the release of toxins in the blood which may cause cardiac arrhythmias and death. A new medication may be effective in preventing certain forms of heat stroke. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112162417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111223350.htm Silent atrial fibrillation is very common and may be the cause of many strokes that previously could not be explained. In all, atrial fibrillation may be responsible for nearly one in five strokes. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111223350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111104056.htm Deep brain stimulation -- also known as DBS -- is effective at improving motor symptoms and quality of life in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, according to new research. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111104056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112046.htm Scientists have discovered that when mice with diabetes are injected with a specific protein, they experience the same brain lesions and disabilities that occur in human MS patients. Monitoring this brain lesion process through magnetic resonance imaging, scientists say they're on the path to treating MS more effectively. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103165004.htm Among obese individuals, having bariatric surgery was associated with a reduced long-term incidence of cardiovascular deaths and events such as heart attack and stroke, according to a new study. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103165004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135556.htm Bedside clinical evaluation can be optimized to diagnose spatial neglect, a disabling disorder that impedes recovery after stroke, according to stroke specialists. Often overlooked, it is associated with prolonged hospital stays, accidents, falls, safety problems and chronic functional disability. Early recognition and targeted cognitive rehabilitation may improve outcomes for the 30-50 percent of stroke survivors with this hidden disability that can be more disabling than paralysis. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120102180848.htm Demographics and clinical factors appear to be associated with survival in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), and the presence of dementia is associated with a significant increase in mortality, according to a new report. Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120102180848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229092038.htm New research links 'silent strokes,' or small spots of dead brain cells, found in about one out of four older adults to memory loss in the elderly. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229092038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140716.htm Medical researchers argue that vitamin therapy still has a role to play in reducing stroke. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219150915.htm Acupuncture significantly reduces levels of a protein in rats linked to chronic stress, researchers have found. They say their animal study may help explain the sense of well-being that many people receive from this ancient Chinese therapy. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219150915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215232548.htm Adding robotic assistance to standard rehab was more effective than traditional methods in helping severely impaired stroke survivors regain the ability to walk. The additional therapy was not beneficial for those with less impairment. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215232548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214162108.htm A new drug candidate may be the first capable of halting the devastating mental decline of Alzheimer's disease, based on the findings of a new study. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214162108.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214162054.htm Imagine waking up and being unable to see or recognize anything on the left side of your body. This condition, called hemispatial neglect, is common after a stroke that occurs on the right side of the brain. The current treatment of attention and concentration training using computer and pencil-and-paper tasks is inadequate. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214162054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190200.htm High levels of tau protein in fluid bathing the brain are linked to poor recovery after head trauma, according to a new study. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190200.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212221022.htm Atrophy in the hippocampus, the region of the brain known for memory formation and storage, is evident in Parkinson's disease patients with cognitive impairment, including early decline known as mild cognitive impairment, according to a new study. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212221022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124713.htm A method of classifying brain atrophy patterns in Alzheimer's disease patients using MRIs can also detect cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. Researchers also found that higher baseline Alzheimer's patterns of atrophy predicted long-term cognitive decline in cognitively normal Parkinson's patients. The study is published online in Brain. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209105746.htm Researchers have developed a new method to design antibodies aimed at combating disease. The surprisingly simple process was used to make antibodies that neutralize the harmful protein particles that are believed to lead to Alzheimer's disease. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209105746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173637.htm Blood pressure medicines reduced the risk of stroke by 22 percent in people with prehypertension. More than 50 million Americans have an increased risk of stroke due to prehypertension. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206151540.htm Studies of a protein that fruit flies use to sense heat and chemicals may someday provide solutions to human pain and the control of disease-spreading mosquitoes. Researchers have discovered how fruit flies distinguish the warmth of a summer day from the pungency of wasabi by using TRPA1, a protein whose human relative is critical for pain and inflammation. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206151540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206082606.htm Researchers have just begun a three-year project, which uses robots to help people to recover from strokes. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206082606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140527.htm Researchers have identified the area of the brain that controls our ability to correct our movement after we've been hit or bumped -- a finding that may have implications for understanding why subjects with stroke often have severe difficulties moving. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201163556.htm Swedish women who ate an antioxidant-rich diet had fewer strokes especially if they had no history of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. The findings persisted even after statistics were adjusted for other risk factors such as smoking and physical activity. Women with the highest level of antioxidants in their diet consumed about half their antioxidants from fruits and vegetables. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201163556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130120104.htm A new research report shows how scientists from the United Kingdom have developed a simple blood test to detect Parkinson's disease even at the earliest stages. The test is possible because scientists found a substance in the blood, called "phosphorylated alpha-synuclein," which is common in people with Parkinson's disease, and then developed a way to identify its presence in our blood. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130120104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129142015.htm A new study demonstrates a connection between a common solvent chemical and Parkinson's disease. The study looked at a cohort of human twins wherein one twin had been occupationally exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE) and other chemicals believed to be linked to development of Parkinson's. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129142015.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113000.htm A recent trial shows cognitive-behavioral therapy reduces functional disability and depressive symptoms in adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia. The psychological intervention was found to be safe and effective, and proved to be superior to disease management education. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113000.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121193923.htm Studies have shown that people who are overweight in middle age are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease decades later than people at normal weight, yet researchers have also found that people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease are more likely to have a lower body mass index (BMI). A current study examines this relationship between Alzheimer's disease and BMI. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121193923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121104058.htm Recovery after a stroke depends on the exchange of information between the brain hemispheres. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121104058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117141243.htm Factors such as low hemoglobin levels, increased systolic blood pressure, and male gender are linked to a higher risk of silent cerebral infarcts, or silent strokes, in children with sickle cell anemia, according to results from a large, first-of-its-kind study. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117141243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116162238.htm On the quest for safe, reliable and accessible tools to accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease, researchers have found a new way of diagnosing and tracking Alzheimer's disease, using an innovative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called arterial spin labeling (ASL) to measure changes in brain function. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116162238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141258.htm Sexually and physically abused girls may have higher risks for heart attacks, heart disease and strokes as adults, according to new research. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110191946.htm Having a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or "mini stroke," could lower your life expectancy, according to new research. Survival rates after TIA were 20 percent lower than expected nine years later, compared to the general population. The long-term effects of TIA were most serious for patients older than 65 and for patients with previous history of stroke and heart problems. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110191946.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125721.htm Atherosclerosis, commonly referred to as "hardening of the arteries," is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. The cause of atherosclerosis is not well understood but, for some time, chronic inflammatory immune responses have been implicated in driving disease pathology. Now, a new study identifies a type of immune cell that is not associated with promoting disease, but with protection against atherosclerosis. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109161246.htm People with Parkinson's disease may be more likely to have a movement disorder called leg motor restlessness, but not true restless legs syndrome as previous studies have suggested, according to a new study. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109161246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108200716.htm Patients with thickening and blockage of the internal carotid artery (supplies blood to the brain) and hemodynamic cerebral ischemia (insufficient blood flow to the brain, sub-type of stroke) who had a surgical procedure performed to improve blood flow in the artery did not have a reduced rate of stroke after two years compared to similar patients who received medical therapy alone, according to a new study. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108200716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151318.htm Researchers have developed new technology for monitoring brain aneurysms – an approach that is potentially less invasive and more accurate than current methods, and one that is simple enough for patients to use at home for frequent monitoring. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151318.htm