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Dementia describes clusters of symptoms associated with brain decline that gradually worsen over time Common signs of dementia include reduced concentration, memory loss, and confusion The goal of research is to understand the complex mechanisms that cause dementia in order to thwart them
Some of the most important advances in dementia research have linked lifestyle factors to the risk of developing dementia
New research by scientists at the University of Cambridge may have discovered a new method to mitigate the risk
Research suggests that cold water immersion may help strengthen the brain’s defenses against dementia and other degenerative diseases
The discovery came about after scientists discovered high levels of the ‘cold shock’ protein – RBM3 – in the bloodstream of swimmers at London’s Parliament Hill Lido
The compound has been shown to slow the onset of dementia and even repair some of the damage it causes in mice
According to Professor Giovanna Mallucci, who heads the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Cambridge, the discovery raises hopes of developing new drug treatments to ward off the threat of dementia
The research, which is preliminary at this point, builds on our understanding of the hibernation mechanism that all mammals possess, which is caused by exposure to cold temperatures
The link with dementia is in the destruction and creation of synapses – the connections between brain cells
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This precipitates the symptoms associated with dementia – including memory loss – and eventual brain cell death
What caught Professor Mallucci’s attention was the fact that brain connections are lost during the hibernation of animals like bears, hedgehogs and bats lie down to sleep in ‘winter
About 20-30% of their synapses are destroyed as their bodies prepare for a long, cold winter
Scientists say this renewal repairs vital connections in the brain, delaying the progression of brain decline
Professor Mallucci, who led the research, told the BBC the results prove that humans, just like hibernating animals, can produce the proteins needed to delay the onset of dementia
She clarified that the find shouldn’t encourage people to dive into cold water in an attempt to avoid dementia
It can cause hypothermia – a dangerous drop in body temperature below 35 ° C (normal body temperature is around 37 ° C)
Professor Mallucci instead said that the overriding goal was to find a drug capable of triggering the production of this protein, which could protect the brain
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Dementia, common cold
Global news – UK – Groundbreaking study finds link between cold water and risk of developing dementia