Memory Digest Weekly: New Alzheimer's Genes, Aspirin Headlines, and an Extra Year of School

Sent October 29, 2026 · All issues

Hello again. Here's this week in memory and dementia research in plain words, a few new guides, one tip, and a free printable. It takes about three minutes to read.

This week's research, in plain words

1. 48 new Alzheimer's risk genes, and what that means for your family. The largest genetic study of Alzheimer's yet, with DNA data from about 2.8 million people, found 127 regions of our DNA linked to risk, 48 of them new. Many point to the brain's immune and clean-up cells. It gives scientists new leads, but it doesn't mean a gene test can tell whether you'll get Alzheimer's, and age, health and habits still matter. Read our summary · Source: the study in Nature

2. The catch behind "aspirin linked to 70% lower dementia risk." A new look at a large trial of older adults found aspirin seemed to help only a small genetic group, and in that same group serious bleeding was about twice as common. Everyone else saw no dementia benefit. The researchers say it needs confirming, and no one should start aspirin to prevent dementia because of it. Read our summary · Source: Monash University

3. An extra year of school may lower dementia risk. When the UK raised its school-leaving age in the 1970s, it created a natural experiment. Comparing over 100,000 people born just before and after the cutoff, researchers found the extra year lowered dementia diagnoses, which supports the idea that a well-used brain copes better with damage later. Read our summary · Source: National Institutes of Health

New in the encyclopedia

• When Someone With Dementia Doesn't Recognize You: why it happens and how to respond gently.
• Should You Tell Someone With Dementia That a Loved One Has Died? A hard question, with kind options.
• Shadowing: When Someone With Dementia Follows You Everywhere, and how to get a break.
• White Matter Disease on a Brain Scan: What It Means, if that phrase showed up in a report.
• Why Do People With Dementia Sleep So Much? What's expected and when to call the doctor.

One caregiving tip: hand them the drink

People with dementia often don't feel thirsty or can't say so, and even mild dehydration can make confusion worse. Putting a glass in front of someone doesn't mean they'll drink it. Try offering small drinks every hour or two, placing the cup in their hand, and taking a sip yourself alongside them. Clear or brightly colored cups, soup, watermelon and ice pops all help. Some people with heart or kidney problems are told to limit fluids, so check with their doctor first. And if confusion comes on suddenly, get medical help right away. Read the full guide.

Free printable: 10 Warning Signs of Dementia Checklist

A large-print checklist of the 10 common early warning signs. Tick any changes you've noticed, see when it's time to call the doctor, and bring the sheet to the appointment. Download the PDF or see all free printables.

Have a question or a correction? Write to ask@memorydigest.com. Need help now? The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline is 800-272-3900.

Memory Digest shares general information only, not medical advice. Please talk with a doctor about any health concern.