Alzheimer's Disease Archives - TPR: The Public's Radio

This photo, taken from above, looks down at a wooden table, on which is lying a model of a pink human brain and a small blue dumbbell on each side of it.

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This form of mental exercise may cut dementia risk for decades

by Jon Hamilton February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

A study finds that people who did one specific form of brain training in the 1990s were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over the next 20 years.

Three scientists learned they carry genes that significantly increase their risk for Alzheimer’s. Here's how they're grapping with the news, and working to keep their brains healthy.

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These scientists found Alzheimer’s in their genes. Here’s what they did next

by Jon Hamilton September 2, 2025September 2, 2025

Three scientists learned they carry genes that dramatically increase their risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Now they’re working to keep their brains healthy.

A big new study finds that diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes can significantly enhance the health of aging brains.

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Trying to keep your brain young? A big new study finds these lifestyle changes help

by Jon Hamilton July 28, 2025July 28, 2025

A study of more than 2,100 people ages 60 to 79 found that an intensive two-year program of mental and physical activities, along with a heart-healthy diet, improved memory and thinking.

This illustration shows a pink human brain with stick legs and stick arms. The pink stick arms are holding up a black barbell with black disk-shaped weights on each end. The background is light blue.

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Even healthy brains decline with age. Here’s what you can do

by Jon Hamilton July 16, 2025July 17, 2025

Scientists are finding ways to minimize the effects of aging on the brain. Here are some ways to keep it healthy.

Joe Walsh embraces his wife, Karen, in a medical office.

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Can this nasal spray slow down Alzheimer’s? One couple is helping scientists find out

by Jon Hamilton May 30, 2025May 30, 2025

Joe Walsh is the first Alzheimer’s patient to be treated with an experimental nasal spray designed to reduce inflammation in the brain.

New tests of blood and spinal fluid could help doctors quickly identify patients who would most benefit from treatment.

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Latest Alzheimer’s lab tests focus on memory loss, not brain plaques

by Jon Hamilton April 2, 2025April 2, 2025

New tests of blood and spinal fluid can identify people experiencing memory loss from Alzheimer’s disease.

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After an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, a new job gave a father ‘dignity’ and ‘purpose’

by Laura Kwerel March 4, 2025

When Paul Cotter’s father began to show signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, he lost job after job. Then, a small local company offered him a role that helped rebuild his sense of purpose.