what a silly study! They look at free T4, the weakest thyroid hormone and found high levels to be associated with dementia. However, they failed to assess free T3, the most biologically active, and reverse T3, inactive. This study was like they intentionally blinded themselves of the body's physiology to study dementia. This is the problem with a lot of research today: they have forgotten their foundation.
Many older adults struggle with poor free T4 to free T3 conversion and high reverse T3 conversion. So, without knowing what these clients were doing in these pathways makes their conclusion obsolete.
This was the WHI review of data as it pertains to dementia and cognitive decline in women. The take home here is that the data provides little evidence for premarin with or without medroxyprogesterone acetate in > 65 for prevention of dementia. However, this is in women > 65 and studies show that younger women do indeed receive benefit, especially in those with early ovary removal. Another point here, MPA (medroxyprogesterone acetate) increases cognitive decline. Just don't take MPA, it is a bad drug all the way around!
meta-analysis found no high level of evidence to support Huperzine A in the treatment of vascular dementia. The conclusion sounds scientifically sound, but when you look at the studies included: this is a meta-analysis of 1 of Huperzine A and vascular dementia. This one study was of 14 participants only and they found improvement in daily functioning.
There are a lot of animal studies that point out benefits of huperzine A and even the mechanisms of action, but human studies are lacking. That is a better conclusion.
No benefit to memory for post menopause women with estradiol therapy. This study looked at early and late menopause estrogen therapy. The study also found no harm. Only abstract available here. These studies would do more scientific benefit if they would follow hormone levels. This study did not touch on dementia; other studies have shown benefit from estrogen therapy in preventing dementia in women.
elevated 2 hour post prandial OGTT associated with all-cause dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Interestingly, the association was not found with fasting glucose levels.
the use of insulin in diabetes is associated with a 430% increase risk of developing dementia. Wow!! Just the present of Diabetes, almost doubled the risk. Add in extra insulin and it is like throwing fuel to the fire that exists in the brain.
higher cholesterol levels associated with a decreased dementia risk in the elderly population. Stop the press!! Yes, basic physiology tells us this. The brain loves cholesterol, cholesterol is needed. The question is: what will be the impact of "neurodegenerative diseases" by the overzealous use of statins?
Untold risk of early ovary removal appears to be cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia. The earlier the age of removal, the more the increased risk of cognitive decline.