Health Citizens – European Research Institute

Tag: Dementia

  • The association between H. pylori infection and cognitive deterioration: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    The association between H. pylori infection and cognitive deterioration: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    The association between cognitive decline and H. pylori infection remains controversial, with some evidence suggesting that H. pylori eradication may slow the progression of the disease.

    A new meta-analysis reviewed 16 studies to explore whether H. pylori affects cognitive function and whether cognitive decline is linked to higher rates of infection.

    The analysis found that people with H. pylori infection had a higher risk of cognitive decline, especially when cognitive dysfunction and dementia were combined. However, the infection was not clearly linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Conversely, people with Alzheimer’s disease were more likely to have H. pylori infection than those without, though the association was weaker for other forms of dementia.

    These findings suggest a bidirectional relationship in which H. pylori may contribute to cognitive decline, and certain cognitive conditions may increase susceptibility to infection. The study also highlights the need for more well-designed research to fully understand this complex interaction.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-025-03160-8

    Reference

    Elhady, M.M., Zidan, A., Rabea, E.M. et al. The association between H. pylori infection and cognitive deterioration: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Med Res 30, 846 (2025)

  • Seniors Neuropsychological Disorders Patients & EU Fundamental Rights

    Seniors Neuropsychological Disorders Patients & EU Fundamental Rights

    Proposal:  Safeguarding dementia & other neuropsychological disorders patients’ and caregivers’ rights through strategic litigation in Europe

    Proposed Implementation: 2026 to 2029

    Call: CERV-2025-CHAR-LITI – Call for proposals to promote civil society organisations’ awareness of, capacity building and implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

    Topic: CERV-2025-CHAR-LITI

    Type of Action: CERV-PJG- CERV Project Grants

    Proposed Budget: 421 359,58€

    Keywords: dementia, Strategic litigation, EU Charter, rights, neuropsychological disorders, seniors

    Objective: Seniors with dementia or other neuropsychological disorders face some of the highest risks of rights violations in the EU, ranging from unequal access to services and healthcare, to neglect, abuse, and discrimination. Despite the protection offered by the EU Charter of fundamental rights, their rights often remain unrecognized or unenforced. Caregivers, who can play a crucial role in safeguarding these rights, frequently lack adequate knowledge and support to act as advocates. Most civil society organizations working with them have not yet used the potential of strategic litigation, thus missing an important opportunity to defend and promote their rights.

    The project addresses this gap by empowering seniors with dementia or other neuropsychological disorders and their caregivers, while strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, legal professionals & practitioners, Ombuds Institutions, equality bodies & national human rights institutions to use the EU Charter for advocacy and strategic litigation.

    The project’s impact will be threefold: 

    -Empowerment and dignity for seniors with dementia or other neuropsychological disorders, who will gain accessible tools (home toolkit) and dedicated support (rights advocators) to make their voices heard.

    -Strengthened advocacy and protection by caregivers, volunteers, and professionals, who will act as “rights advocators” and ensure continuity beyond the project’s lifespan.

    -Systemic change through capacity building of organizations, institutions & professionals across Europe, making rights enforcement a shared and ongoing responsibility.

    By combining empowerment of individuals with structural capacity-building, the project will help transform awareness into action and action into systemic change, ensuring that the rights of seniors with dementia or other neuropsychological disorders are not only recognized in principle but fully enforced in practice across the EU.

    Partners:

    • Challedu Astiki Mi Kerdoskopiki Etaireia
    • Health Citizens – European Institute
    • Koinofeles Somateio Arogis Kai Frontidas Ilikiomeel 
    • Kentro Evropaikou Syntagmatikou Dikaio Idryma 
    • Erevnitiko Idrima
    • Cooperativa Sociale Cooss Marche Onlus Societa
    • Komiteen for Sundhedsoplysning
  • Neuropsychological Disorders, Seniors and Fundamental Rights

    Neuropsychological Disorders, Seniors and Fundamental Rights

    Proposal: Strategic Litigation to Address Seniors Rights in European Union

    Proposed Implementation:  2025 to 2027

    Call:  CERV-2024-CHAR-LITI – Promote civil society organisations’ awareness of, capacity building and implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

    Topic: CERV-2024-CHAR-LITI-LITIGATION

    Type of Action: Type of Action: CERV-PJG – CERV Project Grants

    Proposed Budget: 508 057,40€

    Keywords: Strategic Litigation, Seniors, Neuropsychological disorders, Dementia, civil society organizations, capacity building, legal professionals and practitioners, human rights defenders, EU Charter

    Objective: the project aims to promote Strategic Litigation actions and enforcement of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights to address breaches of the rights of Seniors and especially those with neuropsychological disorders. The project intends to form a community of practice to share knowledge and improve the multistakeholder cooperation and exchange of good practices among civil society organizations , human rights defenders, legal professionals and practitioners, Ombuds Institutions, equality bodies and independent human rights bodies.

    The project also wants to develop tools on how to use EU Charter for strategic litigation of Seniors, developing the organizations ability to develop a litigation strategy and communicate and advocate on fundamental rights of Seniors under the Charter. As well as conducting research on case studies, and creating an advocacy campaign with short videos and podcasts on social media workshops increasing the awareness and knowledge of the key target groups and general public of seniors’ rights under EU law.

    Partners:

    • Challedu
    • Health Citizens – European Institute
    • Corporation for Succor and Care of Elderly and Disabled
    • Kentro Evropaikou Syntagmatikou Dikaio Idryma 
    • Erevnitiko Idrima
    • Cooperativa Sociale Cooss Marche Onlus Societa
  • Impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication on age‑specific risk of incident dementia in patients with peptic ulcer disease: a nationwide population‑based cohort study

    Impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication on age‑specific risk of incident dementia in patients with peptic ulcer disease: a nationwide population‑based cohort study

    A large South Korean cohort study from 2024 examined whether peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy influence dementia risk in adults aged 55–79.

    Using national health insurance data from 2002–2015 and propensity score matching, researchers assessed overall dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) over 5–10 years. While the researchers did not directly verify the presence of the bacteria, their findings were based on treatment history.

    The results showed that PUD was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, with a stronger link for overall dementia than for AD. Eradication therapy itself did not markedly change overall risk, but later treatment was associated with greater dementia risk, highlighting the importance of timely management. Age-stratified analyses also indicated elevated AD risk, particularly in individuals in their 60s and 70s.

    Overall, the findings suggest that PUD is a risk factor for dementia in older adults, and that early treatment of H. pylori infection may play a role in prevention strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-024-01284-z

    Reference

    Kang, D.W., Lee, JW., Park, M.Y. et al. Impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication on age-specific risk of incident dementia in patients with peptic ulcer disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study. GeroScience 47, 1161–1174 (2025).

  • Improving Health in Alzheimer’s Patients

    Improving Health in Alzheimer’s Patients

    Proposal: Adapted Physical Activity and Awareness Training to Improve Health in Alzheimer’s Patients and Their Entourage

    Proposed Implementation: 2024 to 2026

    Call: EU4H-2023-PJ – EU4H Action Grants 2023

    Topic: EU4H-2023-PJ-04

    Type of Action: EU4H-PJG – EU4H Project Grants

    Proposed Budget:    596 289,60€

    Keywords: Alzheimer, Physical Activity Practices, Physical Activity, Health, Inequality

    Objective: Dementia is one of the most significant public health concerns in the European Union with around 10 million people living with this condition. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is expected to double in the next 30 years with the increase in the aging population. As a consequence, a part of the population will risk becoming dependent on carers and specific socio-medical services.

    As a result, this will increase health costs for the EU. The project’s overall objective is to contribute to prevent dependency, thus reducing the expenditure of the European healthcare system on Alzheimer disease and other neurological cognitive impairments by providing to patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer and/or dementia with adapted physical activity practices to help slow down the progress of the disease and manage their symptoms. 

    To achieve these objectives, actions will focus on people who have been diagnosed with dementia at a pre-symptomatic early stage and with MCI-minor cognitive impairment. First, this will be achieved through a person-centered physical activity programme with the support of functional ability training and guidelines for a healthier lifestyle. It will support 500 patients by means of 50 person-centered physical activity sessions over the course of one year across 3 European countries. 

    Second, the project aims to raise awareness on physical activity as a tool to manage neurological diseases and as a tool to prevent the progression of cognitive impairment symptoms (such as memory loss, problems communicating etc.) and to create an integrated care model for dementia patients with a 3-staged approach 1st test, 2nd evaluate and 3rd implement. The project will provide a sustainable model by constant evaluation process and sharing the results across the European member states. 

    Third, an online “Train the Trainer” programme will provide a foundation for further upskilling of health care practitioners, physical activity trainers and caregivers.

    Partners:

    • Fundacion Siel Bleu España
    • Health Citizens – European Institute
    • Siel Bleu Ireland
    • Sport Initiative et Loisir Bleu Association
    • Alzheimer Catalunya Fundació
  • Helicobacter pylori Infection Is Associated with Long-Term Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Two-Year Follow-Up Study

    Helicobacter pylori Infection Is Associated with Long-Term Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Two-Year Follow-Up Study

    Helicobacter pylori infection is usually known for causing stomach problems, but it may also affect brain health. This research study published in 2023 followed 268 older adults with memory complaints for two years to see whether H. pylori infection was linked to cognitive decline.

    While at the beginning of the study, people with and without H. pylori performed similarly on memory tests, over the two-year follow-up, those with a history of infection showed greater declines in their Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. After taking into account age, sex, education, genetic risk factors and common medical conditions, H. pylori infection was still associated with a significantly higher risk of cognitive decline, with infected participants more likely to lose three or more MMSE points and showing a faster rate of decline over time.

    These findings suggest that H. pylori infection may contribute to progressive cognitive deterioration in older adults with memory complaints and may be relevant in understanding pathways linking infection and dementia.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-221112

    Reference

    Wang J, Yu N-W, Wang D-Z, et al. Helicobacter pylori Infection Is Associated with Long-Term Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Two-Year Follow-Up Study. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2023;91(4):1351-1358.