Published Monday, 20 October 2025 -Issue #6
3 Quick Bites: Last Week in Dementia News
Fewer Allied Health Referrals for People Living with Dementia
Monash University – 15 October 2025 • Read it here
Story
A study in Australia found that only about 36% of dementia patients are referred by GPs to allied health services like physiotherapists, occupational therapy etc , compared to higher rates for stroke or Parkinson’s patients. Using data from over 690,000 people, it shows a clear gap in care for dementia. These services could really help improve daily life for those affected.
Why it matters
Fewer referrals may mean missed chances to support independence and help with challenges like mobility or communication for loved ones with dementia and their families. It highlights yet again the gap in how dementia is managed compared to other long-term conditions.
My take
This is something many families will recognise. Access to physio, OT or speech therapy can make a real difference. If it hasn’t been offered, it definitely worth asking for it. You can read more in my article Why Dementia Rehabilitation Matters
Footnote: Allied health services in Australia usually refers to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dietetics and similar rehabilitation support.
Dementia risk for people who quit smoking in middle age ‘same as someone who never smoked’
The Guardian – 14 October 2025 • Read it here
Story
An international study followed 9,436 adults aged 40-89 from 12 countries over 18 years. Half quit smoking during the study, while half continued, and researchers matched them by age, sex, and education. Data from major aging studies revealed that those who quit experienced a slower cognitive decline in memory and verbal fluency compared to those who kept smoking, regardless of the age that they stopped smoking.
Why it matters
Smoking has long been flagged as a modifiable risk factor for dementia, but this study adds a very strong suggestion that quitting smoking can bring real brain health benefits, even later in life. It reframes smoking cessation not just as a heart and lung issue, but as a dementia prevention tool.
My take
This was an observational study, not a trial. Smoking and health conditions were self-reported. The study only looked at two cognitive areas, and while the improvement was modest, it was consistent. The study doesn’t prove that quitting prevents dementia altogether but it does suggest that stopping might reduce risk, slow decline, and give a better chance of keeping cognitive function stronger for longer.
Why African Americans are Twice as Likely to Get Alzheimer’s
Level- 13 Oct 2025 • Read it here
Story
A new study looked at brain tissue from 207 Black/African American donors (125 with Alzheimer’s, 82 without) and found 482 genes that acted differently in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s. One key gene, ADAMTS2, showed significantly higher activity. Many of the changes involved how brain cells manage energy, the mitochondrial pathways, and the findings show that some Alzheimer’s risk in African Americans may be linked to genetics, not just social or health-care differences.
Why it matters
Alzheimer’s is about twice as common in Black/African American populations than in white Americans. This research starts to uncover why: it shows that genes and biological pathways specific to this group are involved, meaning treatments and diagnostic tools need to reflect ancestry to work best for everyone.
My take
This is a meaningful step for inclusive research, but it’s still early. It uses donated post-mortem brain tissue (so it shows correlation not causation), the sample is relatively small. But it does highlight the need for research to include people from all backgrounds, it must prioritize diversity to uncover why Alzheimer’s hits certain groups harder like African Americans.
I hope you found something in here that helped breakdown the news. Thanks for reading!