Dementia Archives

Study of dementia and healthy brain aging in Black Americans extended for 5 years

January 18, 2024

The Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR) will be funded for another 5 years by the National Institute on Aging, with a $24 million grant.

Working at a mentally challenging job linked to lower chance of later cognitive decline

April 14, 2023

A new study from Kaiser Permanente Division of Research investigators suggests one factor in late-life cognitive decline may be how intellectually challenging a person’s job is.

Atrial fibrillation may increase risk for dementia

March 8, 2023

Large Kaiser Permanente study finds a 13% greater risk of being diagnosed with dementia after a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, with stronger associations seen in younger, healthier people.

State-level educational quality linked to risk of dementia

February 13, 2023

People attending schools in states with higher state-level educational quality are less likely to develop dementia in late life, according to a new Kaiser Permanente analysis published in JAMA Neurology.

Higher risk of dementia for older adults living with HIV

December 1, 2021

A study reviewing 16 years of patient data found nearly double the rate of dementia among people with HIV compared with those without HIV. The rate of dementia decreased over time for both groups but remained higher for those with HIV, reported research published in the journal AIDS.

Diverse new class of postdoctoral fellows adds to research strength

October 19, 2021

The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research postdoctoral research program drew one of its largest-ever classes of fellows this year, building the strength of DOR’s research portfolio. Seven fellows cover fields from diet to dementia, cancer to clinical informatics, to women’s and children’s health, and more.

Longtime women’s health study SWAN tackles the challenges of aging

May 11, 2021

A long-term study that has produced important insights into menopause and women’s health at midlife is starting its 27th year with new federal funding from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at 7 sites including the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland.

Kaiser Permanente to study statins’ effect on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

December 7, 2020

The potential for statins — a widely prescribed class of cholesterol-lowering medication — to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias will be explored in a 4-year study led by Division of Research investigator Catherine Schaefer, PhD.

5 Questions for… Paola Gilsanz

April 22, 2020

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research staff scientist Paola Gilsanz, ScD, is exploring the reasons for the unequal distribution of dementia risk among genders and ethnic groups.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Associated with Increased Dementia Risk in People with Type 1 Diabetes

September 26, 2018

As people with type 1 diabetes age, new research from Kaiser Permanente shows how traumatic brain injury could be a risk factor for their developing dementia.

Early Adversity, Birthplace Contribute to Lifelong Racial Disparities in Dementia Risk

September 28, 2017

Two studies presented by Kaiser Permanente researchers Rachel Whitmer, PhD, and Paola Gilsanz, ScD, at an Alzheimer’s conference in July found that early life adversity and birthplace contribute to racial disparities in dementia rates, and that these disparities persist even among the oldest of the elderly.

Major New Study to Demonstrate Value of PET Scans in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

May 20, 2015

By Ann Wallace, Senior Communications Specialist, Division of Research A new, $100 million, four-year study will determine the clinical usefulness...

Depression Increases Risk of Dementia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

December 21, 2011

Depression in patients with diabetes is associated with a substantively increased risk of development of dementia compared to those with...

Heavy smoking doubles risk of Alzheimers or vascular dementia

January 21, 2011

The first study to look at the long-term effects of heavy smoking on dementia risk found that heavy smoking –...

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