Study: Happiness in early adulthood may protect against dementia

While research has shown that poor cardiovascular health can damage blood flow to the brain increasing the risk for dementia, a new study led by Kristine Yaffe Lab's and the UCSF Center for Population Brain Health's Willa Brenowitz, PhD, indicates that poor mental health may also take its toll on...

Postdoc Christina Dintica awarded by Alzheimer's Association

Christina Dintica, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and member of the Kristine Yaffe Lab, has been awarded an Alzheimer's Association Research Fellowship! Under the mentorship of Dr. Yaffe and UT Health San Antonio's Dr. Mohamad Habes, Dr.

Study: Depressive symptoms associated with cognitive impairment

Our findings, published in Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, suggest early adulthood depressive symptoms may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment independent of mid- or late-life depressive symptoms. Read more here.

Dr. Yaffe gives Grand Rounds for Cleveland Clinic

A new working definition for "brain health"

Brain health is an important focus for coming decades due to population aging. Although the term "brain health" is increasingly used in lay and professional settings, a clear definition of the term is lacking. The study team conducted an analysis of the concept of brain health to inform policy,...

Study: Early adulthood BMI correlates with late-life dementia

A new study from Health ABC data, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, examined the independent association of body mass index (BMI) in early adulthood with dementia incidence among men and women. Read more here.

Study: Link between Agent Orange exposure and dementia diagnosis

Is Agent Orange exposure associated with an increased risk of dementia diagnosis in US veterans of the Vietnam era? In this study of more than 300,000 veterans, those with Agent Orange exposure in their medical records were nearly twice as likely as those without exposure to receive a dementia...

Dr. Yaffe speaks at 2021 NIH Alzheimer's Research Summit

On April 19-22, 2021, leading scientists and other innovators, public health advocates, and other stakeholders met for a virtual summit showcasing progress in Alzheimer’s disease research. Participants also identified gaps and opportunities toward the goal of precision medicine for Alzheimer’s...

Study: TBI and risk of sleep disorders in U.S. Veterans

To test the hypothesis that veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have an increased subsequent risk of sleep disorders, the authors studied the longitudinal association between TBI and incident sleep disorders in nearly 200,000 veterans. Read the full article in Neurology.

Study: Association between mild cognitive impairment and suicide risk

Is the risk of suicide attempt increased in patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, and does the recency of diagnosis matter? In this propensity-matched cohort study of 147,595 older adults, the risk of suicide attempt was higher in patients with recently diagnosed MCI...