Alzheimer’s Research UK receives diagnostics funding boost
The US Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) has announced up to US$2m of funding for a collaborative research initiative led by Alzheimer’s Research UK to develop a digital toolkit of apps and wearables to detect the earliest stage of Alzheimer's.
The funding awarded to the Early Detection of Neurodegenerative Diseases (EDoN) initiative is part of the ADDF Diagnostics Accelerator (DxA), which challenges the global research community to innovate new diagnostic technologies for dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Scarring study could pave way for new MS treatment avenues
Brain and spinal cord scars in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) may reveal why they develop progressive disabilities, research suggests.
What happens to brain when a stroke occurs?
Over 100,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke each year, with there currently being around 1.2 million survivors living in the country.
Many people note that despite how common strokes are they remain unaware of what the actual causes of a stroke are. Depending on which of the two types develops, causes and outcomes can differ. What both have in common is they restrict blood flow to the brain. This leads to a reduction in the brain's oxygen levels, which can cause tissue damage.
Engineers develop ultrasound patch to monitor blood flow
Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed an ultrasound patch that can be worn on the skin. It monitors the blood flow through major arteries and veins deep within the body.
It is hoped that it could help clinicians diagnose cardiovascular conditions faster. It could also help to diagnose blockages in the arteries which could lead to strokes or heart attacks. The ultrasound patch continuously monitors blood flow as well as blood pressure and heart function in real-time. Assessing how much blood flows through a patient’s blood vessels could help diagnose blood clots, heart valve problems and poor circulation in the limbs. For many patients, blood flow is not measured during a regular visit to their doctors. It is usually assessed after a patient shows signs of cardiovascular problems.
Head injuries in rugby players linked to brain structure changes
A study of 44 rugby players, almost half of which had sustained a mild head injury while playing, has revealed a significant proportion had signs of white matter abnormalities.
It is the first study to assess long term changes in MRI images of professional rugby players. It also revealed abnormal changes in white matter volume over time. The researchers say that more work is needed to determine the long term effects of rugby on player’s brain health.
Seven devices that are revolutionising dementia care
Technology in the care system has come a long way, with the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the need for more remote assistive technology.
Although there is no cure for degenerative diseases like dementia, utilising technology can ease the burden on both carers and patients, particularly those living on their own.
Student creates innovative memory box to help dementia patients
A student from the Edinburgh Napier University has created a reminiscence therapy tool kit which is designed to help dementia patients recall past memories.
The Forget Me Not Box contains a number of tools that are used to activate the five senses, bringing joy to those with dementia while also helping retain their identity. The kit is fully customisable so patients can explore memories and senses that are unique to them. Its lid allows photographs to be displayed while the built-in speaker can play a patient’s favourite songs as well as voice notes from family and friends. The box’s taste cards come with photographs and descriptions of a person’s favourite foods, while the scent bottles allow them to recall familiar smells such as similar perfumes.
New partnership to show the power of music for dementia patients
A campaign group that promotes the use of music in care for dementia patients has formed a new partnership with one of the UK’s leading music organisations to promote its power.
Music for Dementia works with over 200 different organisations to show how integral songs and melodies can be for those with the disease and they have now added UK Music to its list. Dubbed the ‘Power of Music’, the partnership is looking to get more groups to recognise the impact this can have when it comes to improving overall health and wellbeing. Grace Meadows, campaign director at Music for Dementia, explained to NR Times a bit more about the collaboration. “It is a national campaign,” she said. “What we do is we advocate and call for music to be made an integral part of dementia care.
Ambassador scheme empowers care home residents
One care home organisation is giving its residents more purpose during their stay thanks to a unique scheme.
