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Dementia

Dementia
This condition – which robs people of their memory, their ability to think and make decisions – affects more than 55 million worldwide. Here’s where you’ll learn what you can do about dementia, from changing your lifestyle to lower your risk of getting it to spotting the warning signs in older people. Discover the latest news on potential drugs to treat, even cure, the disease, and the best ways to manage it.
Chinese medical experts have created an ultra-efficient stem cell treatment for Parkinson’s disease that has achieved remarkable results in clinical trials. Picture: Shutterstock Images
Science

Chinese scientists develop promising stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s

New biotech allows ‘seeds’ planted in the brain to differentiate into new nerve cells, reshaping its neural network.

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Wellness

How many steps should you walk for minimum brain health decline?

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong police search for missing elderly man, 87, with dementia

Wellness

A new ‘fuel tank’ approach to ageing could cut dementia risk

Intrinsic Capacity focuses on what people can and cannot do as they get older to help them make lifestyle changes to offset weaknesses.

A new approach to ageing that measures cognition, mobility, psychological health, sensory function and vital capacity might help prevent or delay dementia. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Why does this influencer celebrate her diabetes? To help inspire others

A woman with type 1 diabetes on living ‘a fabulous life’ with the disease, plus a look at wellness resorts catering to people with diabetes.

Wellness

Free Hong Kong therapy sessions help long-distance carers ‘feel less alone’

Being a carer for an ageing relative in another country can be draining. Red Door Counselling’s weekly online sessions are here to help.

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Wellness

How having a strong sense of purpose can reduce dementia risk

Two separate studies have found that having meaning in your life can lower dementia risk by 19 per cent and 28 per cent, respectively.

Volunteering in the community is a proven way to stoke a sense of purpose in life as we age. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Quitting smoking after 40 linked to slower memory decline by up to 50%

Research shows quitting smoking, even later in life, is associated with better memory and language skills than if people continue to smoke.

Wellness

What is the Green Mediterranean diet and is it your brain’s best ally?

The plant-focused Green Mediterranean diet delivers even more brain benefits than the regular Mediterranean diet, experts say.

United States

Governor says Trump deploying troops to Chicago due to ‘dementia’, fixations

J.B. Pritzker calls Donald Trump ‘mentally impaired’ as the US president considers invoking the Insurrection Act.

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Members of the Texas National Guard at a military facility in Elwood, southwest of Chicago. Photo: TNS
Wellness

Any amount of alcohol increases dementia risk, study finds. Why is it so bad?

A sobering new report challenges previous suggestions that light to moderate drinking may have a protective effect against dementia.

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Any amount of alcohol may increase the risk of dementia, according to a new study led by the University of Oxford. Photo: Shutterstock
Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

How Ann Hui skilfully tackled dementia in lauded Hong Kong film Summer Snow

Hui’s 1995 film Summer Snow presented a warm and gentle picture of Alzheimer’s disease, a stigmatised subject in Hong Kong at the time.

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Wellness

Her mum had dementia. She wrote a book about it. Here’s what she’s learned

On World Alzheimer’s Day, Anthea Rowan shares dementia truths gleaned from caring for her mum and years of research and speaking to experts.

Wellness

Over 60? It’s not too late – exercising body and mind can ward off dementia

Research shows that regardless of age, training your body and brain can boost your cognition and resilience against dementia.

Combining physical exercise, cognitive training and lifestyle changes can boost brain health and resilience against dementia in later life, research suggests. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Digital technology helps prevent dementia among the elderly, study suggests

US researchers find that older adults who use computers, smartphones and the internet have lower rates of cognitive impairment.

A US study has found lower rates of dementia in older adults who use computers, smartphones and the internet. Experts say it could have to do with the complex challenges devices present to users, and the way they foster social connections. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Don’t drink enough water? 9 side effects you should know about

Not drinking enough water can affect you in many surprising ways beyond just thirst and headaches. Two doctors spell out the details.

Wellness

Want to provide the best care for a dementia sufferer? Put yourself first

With many dementia carers dying before the person they are caring for does, Irish psychologist Dr Sabina Brennan talks about prioritisation.

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Wellness

Is copper an unsung hero in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease?

Copper helps support cognitive functions that can help prevent Alzheimer’s, experts say, with food sources including shellfish and mushrooms.

Copper is a key player in brain function, building connective tissues and supporting blood health. Our bodies cannot produce it, so we must get it from our diet, sometimes from supplements. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

This man injects snake venom to boost immunity. How can you increase yours?

Our immune systems are affected by everything from feeling hungry to our age. Exercise, a good diet, vaccines and sleep all help.

Wellness

How do cats with dementia offer people with Alzheimer’s disease new hope?

A new study finds similarities between cat and human brains when it comes to dementia, making them a ‘perfect natural model for Alzheimer’s’.

Wellness

Brain scan predicts dementia risk by reading brain’s ‘hidden ageing clock’

A new type of MRI scan detects how quickly someone is ageing and how likely they are to develop dementia long before symptoms might surface.

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Scientists examine brain scan images in a laboratory. A new MRI tool called DunedinPACNI has been unveiled that can predict dementia risk and ageing through brain scans. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

New study confirms the best lifestyle for preventing cognitive decline as we age

Challenge your brain, use olive oil instead of butter, and get moving with friends – plus, it’s never too late to start.

It’s never too late to start learning something new – and improving your brain health in the process – according to a new study. Photo: Shutterstock
United States

Explainer | What is this brain injury that the New York shooter said he had?

‘Study my brain,’ the shooter said in a note found in his wallet that claimed he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

China Future Tech briefing

Biomedicine | China makes strides in brain-computer interface tech race

US and Chinese start-ups vie to commercialise tech that would transform the lives of amputees, the disabled and neurodegenerative disease patients.

Wellness

Losing one of your senses? It could be an early dementia sign, experts say

It’s not just memory loss that is a sign of potential cognitive impairment, but changes in touch, taste, smell, hearing and vision, too.

Hearing loss contributes to dementia for several reasons. The brain must work much harder to understand sounds, leaving it with less capacity to lay down memories, for example. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

The anti-ageing benefits of HRT, from more collagen to better brain health

New studies suggest that hormone replacement therapy for women in menopause can help them age well and might diminish disease risks.

While HRT is prescribed primarily to manage the symptoms of menopause, it comes with many additional health benefits for women as they age. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Why nightmares could increase your risk of dementia in later life

Experts say that frequent nightmares can be a marker of earlier dementia and even a driver of it, with cortisol being the main culprit.

Wellness

Are you developing Parkinson’s disease? Earwax may show if you are at risk

Earwax tests could help with early Parkinson’s detection, Chinese researchers discover, offering hope for improved diagnosis and prevention.

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