In a study presented today at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2016, researchers at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute have explored how some people may develop the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s but never develop symptoms. Alzheimer’s is typified by the build-up of amyloid protein in the brain, and Parkinson’s disease by the loss of a key chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine. However, it’s becoming clear that individuals can exhibit these changes but show no changes in their memory, thinking or day-to-day function. Using brain imaging data from large-scale studies into both diseases, the team identified regions of the brain associated with resilience to these changes, such as a key region in the memory centre of the brain which was preserved despite the build-up of amyloid. By mapping these potential protective networks in the brain, the researchers hope to identify potential new approaches to treat the disease as well as ways to indicate those most at risk.

Researchers in the US have presented findings indicating that individuals who have a history of complex occupations, involving work with other people, are better able to maintain memory and thinking skills in the presence of specific brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers across the world are keen to understand why some people experience memory decline or diseases like Alzheimer’s, while others don’t. At AAIC2016, two teams of researchers are presenting findings revealing clues to genetic and non-genetic factors influencing a person’s resilience to memory decline and Alzheimer’s.

A new study involving over 3,200 people has found that older men with a loss of the Y chromosome in some blood cells may be more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The research is published on Tuesday 24 May in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

Researchers analysing the health records of over 4 million people in the UK have confirmed a previously-reported link between high blood pressure and the risk of vascular dementia– the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. The study is published today (Wednesday) in the journal Stroke.