Wednesday, June 26, 2013

New drug reverses loss of brain connections in Alzheimer's

New drug reverses loss of brain connections in Alzheimer's: The first experimental drug to boost brain synapses lost in Alzheimer's disease has been developed by researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute. The drug, called NitroMemantine, combines two FDA-approved medicines to stop the destructive cascade of changes in the brain that destroys the connections between neurons, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Olive oil helps protect brain from Alzheimer's and related dementias: study - NY Daily News

Olive oil helps protect brain from Alzheimer's and related dementias: study - NY Daily News: Want to keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay? A new study suggests upping your intake of olive oil.

While the Mediterranean liquid gold has long been touted for its multiple health benefits, a team of scientists from the University of Louisiana identified a specific component in olive oil that they say protects nerve cells from damage brought on by Alzheimer’s disease.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Protects Against Alzheimer's Disease - Study

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Protects Against Alzheimer's Disease - Study: Consumption of extra virgin olive oil has been linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its benefit may lie in one component of olive oil that helps shuttle the abnormal AD proteins out of the brain.

Balancing mitochondrial dynamics in Alzheimer's disease

Balancing mitochondrial dynamics in Alzheimer's disease: Many diseases are multifactorial and can not be understood by simple molecular associations alone. Alzheimer's disease (AD)is associated with toxic transformations in two classes of protein,amyloid beta and tau, but they do not explain the full underlying pathology. On the cellular scale, much of the real-time morphological changes in neurons can be attributed to their underlying mitochondrial dynamics—namely fission, fusion, and the motions between these events. Last year, researchers from Harvard Medical School made the intriguing discovery that alterations in tau could lead to a doubling in the length of mitochondria. This week, they published a review article in Trends in Neuroscience, in which they seek to explain the primary features of AD in terms of mitochondrial dynamics.

7NEWS - Couple inspire study of coconut oil, Alzheimer's disease - Staying Healthy Story

7NEWS - Couple inspire study of coconut oil, Alzheimer's disease - Staying Healthy Story: Taking coconut oil is a scientifically untested and unproven treatment for Alzheimer's, dismissed by much of the scientific community. But Dr. Newport's collection of positive anecdotes about nearly 275 patients who used coconut oil intrigued researchers at the University of South Florida's Byrd Alzheimer's Institute.

Byrd researchers recently received a $250,000 grant from a private foundation to conduct what is thought to be the first clinical trial of the effects of coconut oil on mild to moderate cases of Alzheimer's disease.

"There are people who, when I tell them we're running a coconut-oil study, they chuckle," said David Morgan, the chief executive officer of Byrd. "But there's a rational basis for it."

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Commonly prescribed drugs may influence the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease

Commonly prescribed drugs may influence the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease: Multiple drug classes commonly prescribed for common medical conditions are capable of influencing the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. The findings are published online in the journal PLoS One.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Can cinnamon prevent Alzheimer's?

Can cinnamon prevent Alzheimer's?: The paper, as summarized in a research note, examines two compounds found in cinnamon: cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin. Based on experiments, these two compounds have been shown to prevent the development of the filamentous "tangles" found in the brain cells that characterize Alzheimer's. This means that the compounds prevent the breakdown of certain proteins, seen critical to the onset of the disease.

Yummy foods that also help your brain

Yummy foods that also help your brain: 8. Spices. Some spices are loaded with antioxidants and can be an easy way to improve diet without much effort. Oregano, cinnamon, curry, ginger, turmeric and black pepper are your best options.

Remember that at the end of the day, a healthy diet combined with weight control and exercise are the best things you can do to shield and protect your brain as you age.

Cinnamon Might Just Be the Spice of Life | Care2 Healthy Living

Cinnamon Might Just Be the Spice of Life | Care2 Healthy Living: For years medical reports have shown that certain types (and dosages) of cinnamon can help in the lowering of blood sugar levels for diabetics. Additionally, other studies have found that cinnamon may reduce inflammation, have antioxidant effects, and even fight bacteria. Now comes news published in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease that cinnamon could help ward off Alzheimer’s disease.

7 ways to cut your diabetes risk | Fox News

7 ways to cut your diabetes risk | Fox News: Cinnamon may be an ace at lowering blood sugar levels, research in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine said. Rich in nutrients called polyphenols, the sweet spice may help insulin do its job more effectively. Sprinkle some into your morning joe or mix it into an oatmeal snack.

So maybe coconut oil isn't so great after-all? | The Border Mail

So maybe coconut oil isn't so great after-all? | The Border Mail: “My research review confirms oily fish or fish supplements are important for heart health and should be a regular part of our weekly diet,” Associate Professor Colquhoun said.

According to the Heart Foundation, healthy adults should consume two to three serves of oily fish a week and if not, should take fish oil supplements.

USF Battles Alzheimer’s With Coconut Oil | News Talk Florida | Florida's Leader In News

USF Battles Alzheimer’s With Coconut Oil | News Talk Florida | Florida's Leader In News: Taking coconut oil is a scientifically untested and unproven treatment for Alzheimer’s, dismissed by much of the scientific community. But Dr. Newport’s collection of positive anecdotes about nearly 275 patients who used coconut oil intrigued researchers at the University of South Florida’s Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute.

Byrd researchers recently received a $250,000 grant from a private foundation to conduct what is thought to be the first clinical trial of the effects of coconut oil on mild to moderate cases of Alzheimer’s disease.

A Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Diabetes Risk - NewsFix.ca

A Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Diabetes Risk - NewsFix.ca: The Mediterranean diet is based on a high intake of legumes, nuts, fish, olive oil and vegetables. It also includes a relatively low consumption of meat and dairy products and moderate intake of alcohol. Previous studies have suggested that a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart attack and heart-related death. In a study investigators from University of Navarra, Spain reported that people who eat a Mediterranean-style are less likely to develop diabetes.

Coconut & Krill Oil's Benefits Debunked | Stuff.co.nz

Coconut & Krill Oil's Benefits Debunked | Stuff.co.nz: A leading heart health expert has backed oily fish or fish supplements as vital while dismissing claims about the health benefits of coconut and krill oil.

Associate Professor David Colquhoun, a cardiologist at the University of Queensland School of Medicine along with Wesley and Greenslopes Private Hospitals, said the value of fish oil and its health benefits have recently been questioned.

Coconut Oil for Alzheimer’s Disease?

Coconut Oil for Alzheimer’s Disease?: A comprehensive literature review found only two studies examining the impact of coconut oil in humans though neither study dealt with ADRD. Research on dementia leading to diminishing cerebral glucose metabolism has reported on the benefit of ketone food. More controlled research is needed about the value of ketone foods, such as the varieties of coconut oil and MCT Oil. Though well researched the FDA-regulated (2009) ketone-medical-food Axona® which contains some coconut oil ingredients has shown evidence of cognitive improvements in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease but more research is needed to clarify individual sensitivities, side effects, and health risks such as acidosis or hypocalcemia, possible with long-term use by people with ADRD.

Progress in Lipid Research - Fish, docosahexaenoic acid and Alzheimer’s disease

ScienceDirect.com - Progress in Lipid Research - Fish, docosahexaenoic acid and Alzheimer’s disease: Cognitive decline in the elderly, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is a major socio-economic and healthcare concern. We review here the literature on one specific aspect of diet affecting AD, that of the ω3 fatty acids, particularly the brain’s principle ω3 fatty acid – docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA has deservedly received wide attention as a nutrient supporting both optimal brain development and for cardiovascular health. Our aim here is to critically assess the quality of the present literature as well as the potential of ω3 fatty acids to treat or delay the onset of AD

Friday, June 7, 2013

Anti-Cancer Drug Reverses Alzheimer's disease | Medical News and Health Information

Anti-Cancer Drug Reverses Alzheimer's disease | Medical News and Health Information: Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health have found that an anti-cancer drug is effective in reversing the memory deficits in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

Researchers were able to verify that bexarotene, a drug most commonly used to fight lymphoma, does significantly improve cognitive deficits in mice expressing gene mutations linked to human Alzheimer's disease.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Signs of Alzheimer's Disease: 10 Things You Should Know | PBS NewsHour

Signs of Alzheimer's Disease: 10 Things You Should Know | PBS NewsHour: In the meantime, the New York-based Alzheimer's Foundation of America has compiled a list of "10 Things You Should Know About Alzheimer's Disease" -- how to recognize it early and steps every family impacted should take to plan for the future.