Tag Archives: cognitive decline

August 19, 2024 · 8:00 am

Study suggests link between shingles, cognitive decline risk

Is it just me, or are you inundated with pharmaceutical ads about shingles? The Shingrix vaccine ad blast is virtually in constant rotation on the streaming channels I watch. At this point, anyone 50 and older should have gotten the message about the threat of shingles as one grows older.

The commercial came on again as I was writing this blog post!

Now that I’ve turned 50, shingles is officially on my radar. I had chicken pox as a kid, so I’m at increased risk. The two-dose Shingrix vaccine is effective, but can trigger adverse reactions so those interested should consult their doctor.

A new study that suggests there could be a link between shingles and cognitive decline.

The latest study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed data from three large independent studies that have been collecting data since the mid-1970s and mid-1980s. Researchers determined from their analysis that an episode of shingles was associated with an approximately 20% higher long-term risk of cognitive decline. The risk was greatest for men who are APOE ε4 carriers, a significant genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

What could be the link between shingles and cognitive decline? The connection is not fully understood and will require further research, but inflammation may play a role. Vaccination may help reduce the risk of shingles-related cognitive decline, but more research is needed, according to the study.

Even without a potential link to dementia, shingles is a painful condition that can lead to significant, long-term symptoms. But for those of us already at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, understanding how other conditions may trigger cognitive decline is worth monitoring.

For caregiver tips, check out my Caregiver Product Recommendations page, with a list of products that I used while caring for my parents.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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April 22, 2024 · 8:00 am

Can your job impact your risk of cognitive decline?

A new study suggests that the type of work on does over the course of their life could impact their risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

The study, published in Neurology, tracked and analyzed the health and occupational data for 7,000 Norwegians over a roughly 30-year period. The individual’s occupation was categorized by researchers based upon its cognitive demand: for example, a factory worker’s repetitive tasks vs a doctor’s more complex duties. Teacher was the most common occupation in the higher cognitive demand category.

The study found that those with routine jobs were linked to a 66% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment and a 37% greater risk of dementia compared to those with jobs that were more cognitively demanding. As has been found in other studies, higher education offers a cognitive health protective benefit, offsetting some of the negative impact from repetitive jobs.

My father worked as a freight checker most of his life, a physical, blue-collar job that was repetitive in nature. In his later years, he worked as a security guard, which offered little mental stimulation. While my father didn’t have a lot of formal education as an adult, he was self-taught in areas he cared deeply about by being a voracious reader. He read deeply complex topics such as war strategy.

While the study’s findings are interesting, people have lives beyond their career choice. Some people may choose a routine job to pay the bills, so they can save their energy for hobbies such as playing a musical instrument or chess. My job requires a great deal of data analysis, and I also enjoy word puzzles and jigsaw puzzles.

We know that dementia can strike anyone, regardless of occupation. It makes sense to engage in mentally stimulating activity on a routine basis, whether it’s at work or a hobby.

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March 18, 2024 · 8:00 am

New study sheds new light on cognitive decline’s impact on speech functions

Changes in speech and word recall can be among the earlier signs of cognitive decline. We’ve all experienced this, no matter what the age: “It’s on the tip of my tongue!” While not always a precursor to Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, it’s important to recognize changes and talk to your doctor about them.

A recent study, albeit with a small sample size of 125 people, shed new light on what is a frustrating yet common complaint among older adults: difficulty in finding words. Among the findings: “Overall reaction time for word retrieval (controlling for psychomotor slowing) was the best predictor of spontaneous WFD (word finding difficulty) and executive function decline, suggesting processing speed as the key factor, and that verbal reaction time may be an important clinical measure.”

AI software was used to extract data such as speech speed, word variety and pauses in speech, according to The Conversation report. The study participants also completed a series of tasks designed to gauge executive function ability, and the results found a link between age-related decline in executive task ability and speech pace.

The findings are interesting but of course more research will be needed with a larger study group. If confirmed, the findings could help in forming more accurate tests for cognitive decline.

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December 4, 2020 · 6:03 pm

The Link between Dementia and Mismanaged Finances — Dealing with Dementia

My father began to struggle with money issues years before other signs of dementia became apparent. He would argue with clerks because he thought they overcharged him and had trouble paying for items in cash, especially if change was involved. He began to carry a large wad of bills around and would dump large piles of coins on the bed in an attempt to “sort” them but there was no organization taking place. Your loved ones may have more subtle signs of financial issues due to cognitive decline, but it is important to monitor.

Read more below from Kay Bransford of Dealing with Dementia.

Eureka! What I recognized anecdotally for years is now published research that concluded financial symptoms of cognitive issues are surfacing up to six years before a formal clinical diagnosis. SIX YEARS. You are noticing changes in your own thinking, or you are seeing changes in a loved one that is concerning, but the primary care…

The Link between Dementia and Mismanaged Finances — Dealing with Dementia

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