World first midlife twin study reveals simple eye test could predict dementia

L-R: Dr Chris Karayiannis, Prof Velandai Srikanth and A/Prof
 Chris Moran from the National Centre for Healthy Ageing with
study participants Paul Carton and Gerry Carton.

A world first study mapping the thickness of the layers of the retina in 18 pairs of twins at midlife has found that it could be a marker of future dementia risk.

The paper, led by Associate Professor Christopher Moran and Professor Velandai Srikanth, from the National Centre for Healthy Ageing in Australia, and published in the journal, Scientific Reports, tested 18 pairs of twins recruited from Twins Research Australia, average age of 64 years and two thirds female.

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Diabetes and dementia: exploring the links

Professor Velandai Srikanth and Associate Professor Chris Moran
tease out the connections between type 2 diabetes and dementia in
their recent review. See also a recent video presentation from them.

by Anne Crawford

Studies have linked type 2 diabetes with dementia in later life for some years but the connection between the two conditions, causal or otherwise, is still to be clarified.

A review by researchers from the Department of Geriatric Medicine, Peninsula Health and Medicine, Central Clinical School has highlighted the need to further explore the potential mechanisms and pathways linking the two conditions.

Study links nocturnal blood pressure with diabetes and dementia

Dr Chris Karayiannis

by Anne Crawford

Monash University researchers investigating the association between Type 2 diabetes and dementia have found an interesting factor linking the diseases: the dipping of nocturnal blood pressure.

Dr Chris Karayiannis said the Peninsula Clinical School researchers were investigating the poorly understood mechanisms behind the increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia faced by people with type 2 diabetes.

Research suggests diabetes may affect brain atrophy earlier than thought

Prof Velandai Srikanth

by Anne Crawford

Studies by Monash University’s Peninsula Clinical School researchers have deepened knowledge about the link between type 2 diabetes and dementia, and suggest that the effect of diabetes on brain atrophy may begin in middle rather than old age.

The studies were conducted by researchers led by Professor of Medicine, Velandai Srikanth, who are considered international leaders in the field of diabetes and dementia.

Although it has been known for some years that having type 2 diabetes increases the risk of developing dementia, the mechanisms underlying that link have not been clear nor have many studies looked at changes in the brains of people with type 2 diabetes over time.

Harm risk tool for older patients of limited value: study

Identifying patients at risk from falling not a perfect process.
Image: Expert Institute

by Anne Crawford

Older people admitted to hospital face the risk of several adverse events such as falls, pressure injuries and malnutrition, which can cause substantial harm to them, distress to family and carers, and increased burden on inpatient services.