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Understand Key Factors of Dementia and Clinical Trials

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Dementia has no cure

Dementia is not a single disease; the word dementia is used to describe a set of related symptoms caused by damage to the brain. Dementia causes patients to develop progressively worsening symptoms that affect memory, problem-solving ability, emotional stability, and ability to carry out daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of dementia cases. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, lewy body disease, alcohol-related dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and HIV-related dementia.

Risk factors of Dementia and Clinical Trials

Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells. Depending on the area of the brain that is damaged, dementia can affect different people differently. Risk factors for dementia also differ depending on the type of dementia. The following are the most common risk factors:
  • Aging 
  • Family history/genetics
  • Smoking and alcohol use
  • Mid-life hearing loss
  • Obesity
  • Inactivity
  • Depression
  • Low social contact
  • High blood pressure
  • Low levels of education
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Air pollution
 

Clinical Features of Dementia

The signs and symptoms of dementia vary widely depending on the type. Symptoms generally start out slowly and then gradually worsen. Dementia results in cognitive and psychological changes such as:
  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty with language and communication
  • Difficulty with remembering paths and direction
  • Difficulty with problem-solving and reasoning
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Personality changes
  • Depression
  • Paranoia
  • Agitation
  • Hallucination
  • anxiety
 

Diagnosing of Dementia

Dementia can be difficult to diagnose because of its wide array of symptoms and similarities with other diseases such as delirium and depression. Dementia in its earlier stages may be difficult to distinguish from normal aging. A health practitioner may use brain scans to aid in diagnosis. A brain biopsy can provide a definite diagnosis, but can mostly only be performed post-mortem.

Doctors conduct a thorough exam of medical history, genetic history, patient’s symptoms, and a physical examination to reach a diagnosis. Symptoms must be present for at least six months in order for it to be considered dementia.

Treatment and Management of Dementia

Although few types of dementia are reversible, most cannot be cured. Focus is instead on management of symptoms. Doctors may prescribe medication such as cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, and other medication to treat other symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbances, agitation, and hallucination.

However, some research suggests that education and a strong support system of caregivers and family members can improve dementia. Exercise programs have also been found to be beneficial for dementia patients.

Treatment Modalities currently undergoing Clinical Trials

Brain inflammation measurement: Several studies have found that inflammation of the brain contributes to dementia. A clinical trial to test whether two new drugs, 11C-MC1, and 11C-PS13 can help measure the inflammation of the brain using PET imaging (Positron emission tomography) is underway. Being able to measure the inflammation of the brain can help increase understanding of dementia, which in turn paves the way to discover better management or even treatment modalities.

Weighted blanket: Some hospitalized patients with dementia can behave with aggression and agitation, making caring for them difficult for their caregivers and family members. A clinical trial to see if something as simple as providing the patients with a weighted blanket can decrease the patients’ agitation level is ongoing. Researchers will provide patients with weighted blankets, whose weights will be based on the patients’ weights, under the supervision of their nurses. Researchers and nurses will then evaluate the patients’ behavior during the morning after the patients have used the weighted blankets.

Community paramedic coaching program: A pilot study to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a community paramedic coaching program for caregivers of persons with dementia is underway. Paramedics will coach participants in 1-2 hour in-house sessions and over the phone for a period of 12 months. Researchers will then evaluate whether this reduces emergency visits to the hospital for the persons with dementia and whether participants will continue through the program for 12 months and consider it helpful and effective.

Innovatively designed memory care room: A memory care room is being reconstructed and retrofitted with innovative designs with the objective of improving the quality of life of patients with dementia and reducing the burden on caregivers. A pilot study to test the room is underway. Patients with dementia will be housed in the newly reconstructed memory care room for 12 months during which their quality of life, sleep quality, the progression of dementia-related symptoms, and mood will be assessed. Researchers will also assess the impact living in the room has on caregivers’ burden.

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WOOP intervention program: A pilot study to trial a WOOP (Wish Outcome Obstacle Plan) intervention program for spouses of people with early-stage dementia is underway. Researchers will instruct the spouses on the WOOP program, who will then use it every day for sixteen days. Researchers will then assess the participants’ goal attainment, emotional regulation skills, psychological health, and support quality.

Methylphenidate extended release oral capsule: Methylphenidate (MPH) is a drug approved by the FDA to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. A clinical trial to test whether MPH will help mood and cognition in persons with Alzheimer’s disease is underway. The study will take place completely virtually. The medication will be shipped directly to the participants’ homes. Participants will be asked to take the drug once a day for 16 weeks. Participants will also be asked to wear a Fitbit activity tracker. Their cognition and mood will be assessed through other assessment tasks performed at various points during the study. 

 
Alzheimer's and Dementia Resources
About Alzheimer's and Dementia
Understand Key Factors of Dementia and Clinical Trials

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Breton A, Casey D, Arnaoutoglou NA (February 2019). "Cognitive tests for the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the prodromal stage of dementia: Meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies". International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 34 (2): 233–242.

Larson EB, Yaffe K, Langa KM (December 2013). "New insights into the dementia epidemic". The New England Journal of Medicine. 369 (24): 2275–77.

Jenkins C, Ginesi L, Keenan B (2016-01-26). Dementia care at a glance. Chichester, West Sussex.


Rohrer JD, Knight WD, Warren JE, Fox NC, Rossor MN, Warren JD (January 2008). "Word-finding difficulty: a clinical analysis of the progressive aphasias". Brain. 131 (Pt 1): 8–38.

Islam M, Mazumder M, Schwabe-Warf D, Stephan Y, Sutin AR, Terracciano A (February 2019). "Personality Changes With Dementia From the Informant Perspective: New Data and Meta-Analysis". Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. 20 (2): 131–137.


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This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. CenTrial Data Ltd. does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Treatments and clinical trials mentioned may not be appropriate or available for all trial participants. Outcomes from treatments and clinical trials may vary from person to person. Consult with your doctor as to whether a clinical trial is a suitable option for your condition. Assistance from generative AI tools may have been used in writing this article.