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Alzheimer's

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Scientists have made progress in better understanding the human brain.

Want to know how you’ll die? Increasingly, the chances are it will be dementia

In 1974, there were just 338 deaths attributed to dementia. By 2023 that number had seen a near 5000 per cent increase.

  • Shane Wright

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Scientists have made progress in better understanding the human brain.

The good news about Alzheimer’s: There’s progress

Patients and doctors used to think there wasn’t much that could be done after an Alzheimer’s diagnoses. Things are changing.

  • Laurie McGinley
Australia leading causes of death.

How we die in Australia

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death for Australians since the 1960s. It’s about to be overtaken.

  • Shane Wright
MRI brain scans showing 10 different dementia types.

Diagnosing dementia is complicated. An algorithm could change that

Scientists in the US and Australia are using artificial intelligence to keep up with an estimated 78 million dementia cases by 2030.

  • Angus Thomson
Regular scans will be needed to monitor the brains of those taking the new Alzheimer’s drug Leqembie.

First new Alzheimer’s drugs in 20 years to bring hope for early-stage patients

Experts say two drugs expected to arrive in Australia soon have helped slow cognitive decline in trials and may be a key to widespread prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Wendy Tuohy
St Kilda GP Dr Nick Carr wants Victoria’s assisted dying laws brought into line with other states. But not everyone agrees.

Cherryl Barassi’s doctor says he should be allowed to raise assisted dying with patients

Dr Nick Carr said Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying laws need to be brought into line with other states, which allow doctors to raise the issue.

  • Broede Carmody
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Keri Kitay and her mother, Terry.

Just because she’s gone, doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate our mother today

When we were faced with our first Mother’s Day without Mom’s physical presence, we started a new tradition: my dad, brothers and I went to the cemetery to visit her.

  • Keri Kitay
Scientists hope a swab of saliva or drop of blood could reveal your risk of thousands of diseases. But is that a crystal ball worth looking in to?

The genetic ‘crystal ball’: Would you want to know which disease will kill you?

Your risk of cancer, heart attack and Alzheimer’s could be revealed with a swab of saliva. But the burgeoning DNA technology has significant flaws.

  • Angus Dalton
Mark Seymour

The conversation musician Mark Seymour wants Australians to have

Singer Mark Seymour can’t recall how long his mother, Paula, was living with dementia in the end. But he clearly remembers the point at which everything changed.

  • Natassia Chrysanthos
Boosting cognitive function can help prevent dementia.

How a doctor keeps her brain sharp

Many assume it’s time to break out Sudoku or crosswords, but socialising can be just as beneficial for your brain.

  • Evelyn Lewin

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/alzheimers-5ua