Size of brain parts linked to dementia risk

Studies on the relationship between the hippocampus and human memory are expected to bring positive signals in providing methods to identify early stages, effective prevention and treatment measures. memory loss diseases.

Studies show that the small hippocampus increases the risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias. People with better memory test results tend to have a larger hippocampus.
These two seahorse-shaped brain structures deep inside the brain are important in navigating, storing, and recalling memories. In people with dementia, the hippocampus is often the first area of ​​the brain to be damaged.

In the latest study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Research and Therapy, researchers received informed consent from 226 people. Of these, 34 had Alzheimer's disease, 95 had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 25 had normal memory, and 72 had other dementias. The average age of the study participants was 68, but people with Alzheimer's disease were significantly older than those with normal memory.
All participants were asked to complete verbal and spatial memory tests (people with Alzheimer's disease have problems with spatial perception, leaving them disoriented in familiar places or not recognizing familiar people). Next, the participants will have an MRI of the brain to observe the size of the hippocampus.
Results showed that hippocampal size and memory association were more pronounced in spatial observation tests than in verbal tests. This suggests that spatial memory tests may be a better modality for assessing dementia risk.
The study also points to the limitations of clinical trials that focus only on verbal memory testing and emphasizes that spatial memory testing plays a more important role in assessing risk. risk of Alzheimer's disease.

The hippocampus is a vulnerable area of ​​the brain in Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, studies were conducted to try to link the size of the hippocampus to memory capacity (as measured by memory tests).
Studies of the hippocampus are important in identifying and diagnosing memory problems, contributing to the improvement of memory tests and how it can be used to measure memory in a meaningful way. the most effective.
The number of nerves is different for each person. Therefore, scientific studies are also aiming to expand on many different subjects to provide the most accurate and objective prediction of the risk of memory problems and dementia.
Studies on the hippocampus and its association with memory are also expected in the development of the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease, determining the stage of the disease at which treatments work best.
There are many methods for diagnosing dementia, possibly based on several neurological organs. However, this diagnosis requires patients to be performed at reputable, specialized facilities and with a team of experienced and qualified doctors to get accurate images and results.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has been and continues to be fully equipped with modern diagnostic facilities such as: PET/CT, SPECT/CT, MRI..., myelogram, blood test. blood, Lumbar puncture, neurological testing, ... to diagnose dementia, as well as many other neurological diseases.
After having an accurate diagnosis of the disease and stage, the patient will be consulted to choose the most appropriate and effective treatment methods. The treatment process is always closely coordinated with many specialties: Diagnostic Imaging, Biochemistry, Immunology, Cardiology, Stem Cells and Gene Technology, Psychology, Nutrition.. . to bring the highest efficiency as well as comfort to the patient. After undergoing the treatment phase, the patient will also be monitored and re-examined to determine whether the treatment is effective or not.

Reference source: webmd.com