Latest news with #Neurology
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
One scan to identify nine types of dementia
Imagine being able to scan the brain and identify nine types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. This AI tool could be tremendously helpful, especially in hospitals that lack neurologists. — TNS A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that helps clinicians identify brain activity patterns linked to nine types of dementia, using a single, widely-available scan, has been developed by researchers in the United States. The tool, StateViewer, helped identify the dementia type in 88% of cases, according to a study published online on June 27 (2025) in Neurology , the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. It also enabled clinicians to interpret brain scans nearly twice as fast and with up to three times greater accuracy than standard workflows. The researchers from Mayo Clinic trained and tested the AI on more than 3,600 scans, including images from patients with dementia and people without cognitive impairment. This innovation addresses a core challenge in dementia care: identifying the disease early and precisely, even when multiple conditions are present. As new treatments emerge, timely diagnosis helps match patients with the most appropriate care when it can have the greatest impact. The tool could bring advanced diagnostic support to clinics that lack neurology expertise. Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. Alzheimer's disease – the most common form – is now the fifth-leading cause of death globally. Diagnosing dementia typically requires cognitive tests, blood draws, imaging, clinical interviews and specialist referrals. Even with extensive testing, distinguishing conditions such as Alzheimer's, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia remains challenging, including for highly experienced specialists. 'Every patient who walks into my clinic carries a unique story shaped by the brain's complexity,' says Mayo Clinic Neurology Artificial Intelligence Program director and neurologist Dr David Jones, who directed the development of the tool. 'That complexity drew me to neurology and continues to drive my commitment to clearer answers. 'StateViewer reflects that commitment – a step toward earlier understanding, more precise treatment, and one day, changing the course of these diseases.' To bring that vision to life, he worked alongside data scientist Dr Leland Barnard, who leads the AI engineering behind StateViewer. 'As we were designing StateViewer, we never lost sight of the fact that behind every data point and brain scan was a person facing a difficult diagnosis and urgent questions,' Dr Barnard says. 'Seeing how this tool could assist physicians with real-time, precise insights and guidance highlights the potential of machine learning for clinical medicine.' The tool analyses a fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan, which shows how the brain uses glucose for energy. ALSO READ: Using radiotracers and PET scans to diagnose dementia It then compares the scan to a large database of scans from people with confirmed dementia diagnoses and identifies patterns that match specific types, or combinations, of dementia. Alzheimer's typically affects memory and processing regions, Lewy body dementia involves areas tied to attention and movement, and frontotemporal dementia alters regions responsible for language and behaviour. ALSO READ: What is frontotemporal dementia? Bruce Willis' condition explained The AI tool displays these patterns through colour-coded brain maps that highlight key areas of brain activity, giving all clinicians, even those without neurology training, a visual explanation of what the AI sees and how it supports the diagnosis. The researchers plan to expand the tool's use and will continue evaluating its performance in a variety of clinical settings. – Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service
Medical News Today
2 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
What are the different types of dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that result in a loss of memory, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities. There are many different forms of dementia, and they occur due to changes in certain brain regions. Dementia is a general term that refers to a group of conditions that result in a progressive decline of brain functioning. These conditions can cause problems with memory, thinking, language, mood, emotions, and the ability to perform daily typically occurs due to changes in the brain that impact nerve cells or neurons, damaging a person's cognitive abilities. This article explores five different types of diseaseAccording to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for roughly 60% to 80% of cases of dementia in the United are still unsure of the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease. However, it likely relates to changes in the brain, such as shrinking of certain regions, inflammation, and blood vessel damage that results in problems with memory and thinking indicates that many different factors, such as genetics and lifestyle behaviors, contribute to Alzheimer's disease. However, age is the biggest risk factor for the condition, with most people developing Alzheimer's disease at 65 years of age or disease progresses in stages, with worsening symptoms. Common symptoms can include:memory problemsthinking and reasoning difficultieslanguage problemsmood changesvision and hearing changesVascular dementiaVascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Society. It describes a form of dementia that occurs due to restrictions in blood flow to the brain. Inadequate blood flow can damage and eventually kill cells in the brain, resulting in a decline in thinking skills. People over the age of 65 are more likely to develop vascular experts refer to conditions that interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia. There are different types of vascular dementia that occur due to different blood supply problems to the brain. For example, vascular dementia can occur following a of vascular dementia can vary depending on the severity of blood vessel damage and the part of the brain it affects. Symptoms may be most obvious following an event that damages blood vessels, such as a stroke. For example, the Alzheimer's Association notes that post-stroke changes in thinking and perception can include:confusiondisorientationdifficulty speaking or understanding speechdifficulty balancing and walking problemsnumbness or paralysis on one side of the face or bodyCommon early signs of damage to blood vessels in the brain may include:impaired planning and judgmentuncontrolled laughing and cryinginability to pay attentionimpaired function in social settingstrouble finding the right wordsLewy body dementiaLewy body dementia is the third most common form of dementia. It occurs due to brain deposits of a protein known as alpha-synuclein, or Lewy bodies. There are two types of Lewy body dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease are currently unsure why Lewy bodies develop in the brain, or exactly how they cause dementia. However, the Alzheimer's Society notes that these protein deposits appear to disrupt the typical functioning of nerve cells, interfering with communication between brain body dementia usually develops over many years. These protein deposits can develop in the brain for a long time before a person presents with symptoms. Although it is possible for younger people to have Lewy body dementia, it usually begins at age 50 or older. Symptoms of Lewy body dementia can include:changes in thinking and reasoningmemory lossvisual hallucinationsproblems staying awakesleep disruptionParkinsonism, such as slow movement, tremors, or rigidityFrontotemporal dementiaFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a form of dementia that tends to occur at a younger age than other dementias. Roughly 60% of people with FTD are 45 to 64 years old. The condition was formerly known as Pick's disease, but health experts changed the name to reflect the brain areas the disease impacts. The Alzheimer's Association notes that while researchers do not fully understand the cause of FTD, many people with this form have proteins, known as tau and TDP-43, inside the nerve cells in their brain. The buildup of these proteins damages the neurons and eventually causes cell deathAccording to the Alzheimer's Society, there are two main types of FTD. Behavioral variant FTD describes when damage occurs to the frontal lobes. These lobes are present behind the forehead and help with processing information. As such, behavioral variant FTD can cause symptoms with behavior and progressive aphasia FTD refers to damage to the temporal lobes. These lobes are present on eitherside of the head and help with the understanding of speech. As such, damage to the temporal lobes can cause difficulty with language. This can cause symptoms like difficulty formulating words in a sentence, or affect a person's dementiaIn some cases, people may develop multiple types of dementia. This is known as mixed dementia. When an older adult develops dementia, it is likely due to a combination of different types, rather than just a single type. According to the Alzheimer's Society, roughly 1 in 10 people with a diagnosis of dementia may receive a diagnosis of mixed it can be difficult to diagnose mixed dementia, as a doctor is likely to base their diagnosis on the main type of disease they think is present and causing symptoms. The Alzheimer's Association notes that a combination of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia is the most common such, there is no fixed set of symptoms for mixed dementia. The symptoms a person experiences can vary depending on the type of dementia they The treatment a person receives will depend on the type of dementia they have. Currently, there is no cure for dementia. However, treatments are available to help slow the progression of the may include a combination of medications and non-medical treatment, such as therapies and person-centered care. These treatments may help to improve or stabilize memory, thinking skills, and behavioral can also help address other issues that may affect everyday tasks, such as problems with mobility, speech, and swallowing.»FIND CARE:Find a dementia specialist in your area is an umbrella term for conditions that cause a gradual decline in thinking processes, such as memory, problem-solving, and speech. There are many different forms of dementia, which develop for different reasons. Some common types of dementia include Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia occurs due to changes in the brain that damage and kill nerve cells. This results in a variety of symptoms, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problems with language and who suspects themselves or a loved one is experiencing dementia should speak with a healthcare professional.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Air pollution exposure may raise risk of meningioma brain tumour, new research finds
Breathing polluted air daily may do more harm than we thought—especially to your brain. A new Danish study published in Neurology has found a potential link between long-term air pollution exposure and a higher risk of developing meningioma, a typically non-cancerous but serious type of brain tumour. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The research followed nearly four million adults over 21 years and revealed that exposure to ultrafine particles—like those from traffic and diesel fumes—was associated with increased tumour risk. These findings add to growing evidence that air pollution doesn't just affect your lungs and heart—it may impact brain health too. Meningioma brain tumour development linked to air pollution in large-scale study A new large-scale has found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution over long periods may face an increased risk of developing meningioma—a type of brain tumour that is typically non-cancerous but can still cause serious health problems. Published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the study followed nearly four million Danish adults over a span of 21 years. Researchers tracked the development of tumours of the central nervous system and found that approximately 16,600 participants were diagnosed during that period—of which 4,600 cases were meningioma. What is meningioma brain tumour and why is it a concern? Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumour. While usually benign (non-cancerous), they can grow large enough to press on nearby brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels, potentially leading to neurological symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, or seizures. Because they grow slowly, they can go unnoticed for years. Ultrafine particles in air pollution linked to higher brain tumour risk To estimate long-term pollution exposure, researchers assessed air quality in participants' neighborhoods—particularly traffic-related emissions, diesel exhaust, and ultrafine particles such as those found in smoke and vehicle fumes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The analysis revealed a clear link between higher air pollution levels and increased risk of meningioma, especially in those exposed to ultrafine particles. However, no strong connection was observed between air pollution and more aggressive or cancerous tumours, such as gliomas. According to lead study author , a senior scientist at the Danish Cancer Institute, these findings add to the growing understanding that air pollution doesn't just harm the lungs and heart—but may also affect the brain. 'While research on the health effects of ultrafine particles is still in its early stages, these findings point to a possible link between traffic-related ultrafine particle exposure and the development of meningioma,' said Hvidtfeldt in a statement. How can air pollution affect brain health? Although the study does not establish direct causation, it strengthens the growing body of evidence suggesting that airborne pollutants can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially triggering inflammation or damage to brain tissue. Previous research has found that ultrafine particles, due to their small size, may penetrate deeply into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and reach the brain, where they may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases or cognitive decline. Other known risk factors for meningiomas brain tumour While the exact cause of meningioma is still unclear, other recognised risk factors include: Radiation exposure, especially during childhood Hormonal factors (more common in women) Genetic conditions such as Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) This study sheds new light on the possible role of environmental triggers like air quality in meningioma development. While the findings are significant, researchers noted several limitations. Pollution exposure was estimated based on outdoor air quality in residential areas and did not account for time spent indoors or at work, where pollution levels can differ. The authors emphasised that more detailed studies are needed to confirm these results and explore whether reducing air pollution could help lower the risk of developing brain tumours.
United News of India
6 days ago
- Health
- United News of India
Exposure to dirty air linked to increased risk of common brain tumor: Study
New Delhi, July 10 (UNI) A recent large-scale Danish study has revealed that ultrafine particles in air pollution can cross the blood-brain barrier and may increase the risk of developing tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), particularly meningiomas --the most common type of primary brain tumor. The findings published in journal Neurology add to growing evidence that air pollution's harmful effects extend beyond respiratory and cardiovascular health, potentially affecting the brain as well. Given the high pollution burden in Indian metropolitan areas such as in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, the study's implications are particularly relevant for Indian urban populations. Cities frequently exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for PM2.5 and NO₂, with vehicular emissions, construction activities, and industrial sources contributing significantly to overall pollution levels. The study, which followed nearly four million Danish adults over a period of 21 years, found that individuals with the highest exposure to UFPs and other pollutants—including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and elemental carbon—had a markedly higher risk of developing meningiomas compared to those with the lowest exposure levels. 'Various types of air pollution have been shown to have negative effects on health, and ultrafine particles are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and may directly affect brain tissue,' said Dr. Ulla Hvidtfeldt, lead author and researcher at the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen. The study utilised national registries and residential histories to estimate personal exposure to air pollution, and applied advanced modelling techniques to account for both local traffic emissions and broader environmental sources. While no strong associations were identified between pollution and more aggressive brain tumours such as gliomas, the study's findings underscore the broader public health implications of chronic exposure to air pollution. Notably, the study acknowledged certain limitations, including the inability to account for indoor air quality or occupational exposure, both of which could influence an individual's cumulative exposure to pollutants. Experts argue that while more research is required to confirm causal links, these findings offer yet another compelling reason to implement stringent air quality controls. 'If cleaning up our air can help lower the risk of brain tumours, that could make a real difference for public health,' said Dr. Hvidtfeldt.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What Your Nightmares May Be Trying to Tell You About Your Health
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." New research suggests that there's a link between having regular nightmares and dying early. People who had weekly nightmares were three times as likely to die early as those who had them less often. Doctors say there are a few possible reasons for this. Nearly everyone has a nightmare here and there, but up to 6% of people struggle with frequent nightmares. Not only are those terrifying to experience, but new research suggests having regular nightmares could raise the risk of dying early. The study, which was presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2025, analyzed data from nearly 2,500 children between the ages of 8 and 10, and 183,012 adults between the ages of 26 and 86. The researchers discovered that adults who said that they had weekly nightmares were more than three times more likely to die prematurely (which they defined as before the age of 70) compared to people who said they never or rarely had nightmares. The researchers discovered that having weekly nightmares was more strongly linked with premature death than other well-known risk factors like smoking, having obesity, following a poor diet, and being physically inactive. Meet the experts: W. Christopher Winter, M.D., a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast; Thea Gallagher, Psy.D., clinical associate professor at NYU Langone Health and cohost of the Mind in View podcast If you have regular nightmares, it's understandable to be concerned. Here's what sleep specialists and a psychologist want you to keep in mind. There are a few reasons why someone may have nightmares. 'It can stem from stress and anxiety, along with depression,' says Thea Gallagher, Psy.D., clinical associate professor at NYU Langone Health and cohost of the Mind in View podcast. 'Sometimes people get nightmares if they have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or post-traumatic stress symptoms.' But there are other things that can be behind nightmares, says W. Christopher Winter, M.D., a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast. 'While psychological factors probably play a role, there is emerging evidence that it can also relate to neurotransmitter imbalances—think, depression—or increased activity in the amygdala, a part of our brain responsible for emotional processing,' he says. Nightmares may even be caused by a 'simple sleep disruption of any source,' including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and noisy bedmates, Dr. Winter says. Substance use, eating late, and even certain medications may raise your risk of having nightmares, too, Gallagher says. The researchers didn't find one definitive reason why nightmares might raise the risk of early death, but there are some theories. One is that having regular nightmares leads to faster biological aging—that accounted for about 40% of the higher-than-usual mortality risk, according to the researchers. The reason for this is likely elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which are usually released in the body when someone has a nightmare, the researchers explained. That speeds up the aging process of cells, raising the risk of early death. Lack of sleep that can come with nightmares or be the cause of nightmares may also raise the risk of early death, especially if someone is experiencing this often, Dr. Winter says. 'The link between sleep apnea alone and increased dreaming and nightmares is more than enough by itself to explain the findings in this study,' he says. Dr. Winter points out that nightmares may be a 'marker of sleep quality or health quality' in general. Meaning, the nightmares may not cause poor sleep, poor sleep may cause the nightmares. Gallagher agrees. 'Nightmares may be indicative of underlying mental health and/or medical issues, which we know can put you at risk for premature aging and death,' she says. Having nightmares may even make people want to sleep less, and lack of sleep raises the risk of early death, Dr. Winter points out. 'There is evidence to support the idea that frequent nightmares often put a significant amount of psychological stress on people—they avoid sleep and engage in other behaviors that put health at risk,' he says. Because nightmares have so many different potential causes, Dr. Winter says it can be helpful to work with a healthcare provider to try to pinpoint what's behind them. Some medications, like zolpidem (Ambien) and varenicline (Chantix) are linked to having vivid dreams and nightmares. If you're on one of these and nightmares are a concern, Gallagher says it can be helpful to talk to your prescribing doctor to see if there is another option to consider. Cognitive therapy may also help, especially if the nightmares seem to be related to trauma. 'We want to process the trauma,' Gallagher says. 'It will find a way to scare you in your sleep if you haven't processed it in the daytime.' That usually involves trying to make meaning of these thoughts and memories to try to make them feel less scary by facing them with the help of a mental health professional, Gallagher says. Beyond that, Gallagher suggests doing your best to practice good sleep hygiene, including keeping a consistent sleep and wake schedule, limiting the use of stimulants and alcohol before bed, and having a calming bedtime routine. Again, it's completely normal to have a nightmare here and there. But if these are a regular thing for you and it's disrupting your quality of life, it's time to talk to a healthcare provider about the next steps. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
