FDA Approves Combo Pill for Alzheimer’s Disease: The FDA has approved a combination pill for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease in people already being treated with both drugs.
The pill, called Namzaric, combines memantine hydrochloride extended-release (Namenda) and donepezil hydrochloride (Aricept).
The two drugs are often prescribed together. About 70% of people on Namenda XR are also on Aricept, says David Nicholson, PhD, in a statement. He's the senior vice president of global brands R&D for drugmaker Actavis.
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Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
Study set for brain stimulation device to help restore memory - The Washington Post
Study set for brain stimulation device to help restore memory - The Washington Post: Has our reliance on iPhones and other instant-info devices harmed our memories? Michael Kahana, a University of Pennsylvania psychology professor who studies memory, says maybe: “We don’t know what the long-lasting impact of this technology will be on our brains and our ability to recall.” Kahana, 45, who has spent the past 20 years looking at how the brain creates memories, is leading an ambitious four-year Pentagon project to build a prosthetic memory device that can be implanted into human brains to help veterans with traumatic brain injuries. He spoke by telephone with The Post about what we can do to preserve or improve memory.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Sleep Apnea May Raise Risk for Dementia | Everyday Health
Sleep Apnea May Raise Risk for Dementia | Everyday Health: Older men who have breathing difficulties or spend less time in deep sleep may be at greater risk of brain changes that can precede dementia, a new study suggests.
Experts said the findings don't prove that breathing disorders, including sleep apnea, lead to dementia. But they add to evidence that poor sleep may play a role in some older adults' mental decline.
Experts said the findings don't prove that breathing disorders, including sleep apnea, lead to dementia. But they add to evidence that poor sleep may play a role in some older adults' mental decline.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Stressful relationships tied to mental decline | Fox News
Stressful relationships tied to mental decline | Fox News: Having close personal relationships in middle age that cause stress, problems or worries, may contribute to a decline in thinking ability in older age, according to a new study.
“Any relationship involves both positive and negative exchanges, especially those close relationships that are most likely to evoke ambivalent sentiments,” said lead author Jing Liao of University College London.
“Any relationship involves both positive and negative exchanges, especially those close relationships that are most likely to evoke ambivalent sentiments,” said lead author Jing Liao of University College London.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Is it really Alzheimer's? Treatable condition mimics symptoms of dementia | Fox News
Is it really Alzheimer's? Treatable condition mimics symptoms of dementia | Fox News: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological disorder in which an excess of fluid collects in the brain’s ventricles. It usually affects people over the age of 60, and it’s a progressive disease that will worsen over time. But what the doctor didn’t say to the Warners— and what is perhaps the most important part of a NPH diagnosis— is that the condition is treatable, and, in fact, it can be completely reversed.
Not willing to accept the neurologist’s suggested fate, the Warners sought the help of Dr. Norman Relkin, an associate professor of clinical neurology and neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, who has been leading research on NPH and Alzheimer’s disease.
Not willing to accept the neurologist’s suggested fate, the Warners sought the help of Dr. Norman Relkin, an associate professor of clinical neurology and neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, who has been leading research on NPH and Alzheimer’s disease.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Friday, September 26, 2014
Exercising may improve brain health in old age | Fox News
Exercising may improve brain health in old age | Fox News: The researchers examined the brain scans of the participants to look at how structurally sound the white matter was. One way they did this was by looking for lesions called "white matter hyperintensities," which are common in older people.
The results showed that the more people engaged in moderate or vigorous exercise, the fewer white-matter lesions they had
The results showed that the more people engaged in moderate or vigorous exercise, the fewer white-matter lesions they had
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Healthy living may slow early dementia: study | Reuters
Healthy living may slow early dementia: study | Reuters: A program that emphasizes healthy eating, brain and social engagement, physical activity and heart health may slow dementia among people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, says a new preliminary report from Sweden.
The findings can’t guarantee that healthy living will prevent Alzheimer’s disease but they add to growing evidence that suggests overall health is tied to dementia risk.
The findings can’t guarantee that healthy living will prevent Alzheimer’s disease but they add to growing evidence that suggests overall health is tied to dementia risk.
Strong vitamin D-dementia link surprises researchers | Endocrinology Update
Strong vitamin D-dementia link surprises researchers | Endocrinology Update: Older people who do not get enough vitamin D may be doubling their risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, according to a large study that has surprised researchers.
“We expected to find an association between low Vitamin D levels and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but we actually found that the association was twice as strong as we anticipated,” says Dr David Llewellyn, co-author of the study published in the journal Neurology.
“We expected to find an association between low Vitamin D levels and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but we actually found that the association was twice as strong as we anticipated,” says Dr David Llewellyn, co-author of the study published in the journal Neurology.
Friday, July 25, 2014
To Keep Your Smarts, Exercise More than Just Your Brain
Why do some people, as they age, “keep their smarts”—that is, they maintain their cognitive functions well—and others do not? A number of longitudinal studies indicate that the successful agers share four traits:
They are more mentally active.
They are more physically active.
They maintain a sense of their social engagement. In other words, they see themselves as still having roles to play in life—in their families, communities, or even in continuing employment.
They pay attention to controlling the risk factors for disease of the heart and brain. They may stop smoking, control their blood pressure, keep cholesterol within normal limits by diet or medications, and/or recognize and treat diabetes.
Moreover, it appears that these factors reinforce one another: the more of them people follow, the better.
Click here for the rest of the article.
They are more mentally active.
They are more physically active.
They maintain a sense of their social engagement. In other words, they see themselves as still having roles to play in life—in their families, communities, or even in continuing employment.
They pay attention to controlling the risk factors for disease of the heart and brain. They may stop smoking, control their blood pressure, keep cholesterol within normal limits by diet or medications, and/or recognize and treat diabetes.
Moreover, it appears that these factors reinforce one another: the more of them people follow, the better.
Click here for the rest of the article.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Sleep disorders may raise risk of Alzheimer’s, new research shows - The Washington Post
Sleep disorders may raise risk of Alzheimer’s, new research shows - The Washington Post: Sleep disturbances such as apnea may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, while moderate exercise in middle age and mentally stimulating games, such as crossword puzzles, may prevent the onset of the dementia-causing disease, according to new research to be presented Monday.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease – What’s The Link? | Brain Blogger
Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease – What’s The Link? | Brain Blogger: Recent studies propose a common pathophysiology between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. The similarities in the pathophysiology have given way to the thought that Alzheimer’s disease could be viewed as a new form of diabetes mellitus. The reasons for such an implication are not so complex and are as follows.
Amyloid plaques are seen in diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease patients
The pathology of Alzheimer’s disease is still a hotly debated topic. However, researchers have proposed certain characteristic features of Alzheimer’s diseases that are attributed to the damage caused to the brain. They include the formations of certain protein deposits: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The interesting fact is that these deposits are also seen in the brain autopsies of patients who died with diabetes.
Amyloid plaques are seen in diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease patients
The pathology of Alzheimer’s disease is still a hotly debated topic. However, researchers have proposed certain characteristic features of Alzheimer’s diseases that are attributed to the damage caused to the brain. They include the formations of certain protein deposits: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The interesting fact is that these deposits are also seen in the brain autopsies of patients who died with diabetes.
Feeding the Brain’s Curiosity Helps Delay Alzheimer’s, Study Says - Bloomberg
Feeding the Brain’s Curiosity Helps Delay Alzheimer’s, Study Says - Bloomberg: Lifelong intellectual activities such as playing music or reading kept the mind fit as people aged and also delayed Alzheimer’s by years for those at risk of the disease who weren’t college educated or worked at challenging jobs, the researchers said in the study published today in JAMA Neurology.
More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, and the number is expected to triple by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Today’s findings show that intellectual enrichment pursued over a lifetime may help reduce the number of people who will develop the disease, the authors said.
More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, and the number is expected to triple by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Today’s findings show that intellectual enrichment pursued over a lifetime may help reduce the number of people who will develop the disease, the authors said.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Newly identified compound may halt progression of Alzheimer's disease
Newly identified compound may halt progression of Alzheimer's disease: Without a steady supply of blood, neurons can't work. That's why one of the culprits behind Alzheimer's disease is believed to be the persistent blood clots that often form in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, contributing to the condition's hallmark memory loss, confusion and cognitive decline.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Breakthrough in Alzheimer's Disease: AFFiRiS Halted Clinical Progression in Alzheimer Patients Upon Treatment With AD04 in a Phase II Clinical Study - MarketWatch
Breakthrough in Alzheimer's Disease: AFFiRiS Halted Clinical Progression in Alzheimer Patients Upon Treatment With AD04 in a Phase II Clinical Study - MarketWatch: AFFiRiS announced today the results of a phase II study in Alzheimer patients. AFFiRiS' proprietary compound AD04 is the first drug ever to demonstrate clinical and biomarker effects consistent with disease modification in Alzheimer patients. Upon treatment with AD04, effects consistent with disease modification were achieved for at least 18 months in 47% of treated patients. This beneficial effect was dose dependent and more effective in early disease patients. Furthermore, prevention of hippocampal decline was correlated with the beneficial impact on clinical progression and was statistically significant. Therefore, these results for the very first time meet all of the criteria for disease modification as defined by US and European Regulatory Agencies FDA (Food and Drug administration) and EMA (European Medicines Agency).
A Word from Dr. Pfenninger: Seven risk factors for Alzheimer's disease
A Word from Dr. Pfenninger: Seven risk factors for Alzheimer's disease: Each time something like this happens to us, especially as we add on a few years in our life, the thought remotely crosses through our minds that perhaps we are getting Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Okay, so maybe it doesn’t happen all the time, but in a busy, active life there are many decisions made every day and things need to be remembered that we forget. When we can’t remember all 102 items, we become concerned.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Distrusting and Cynical? You May be Hurting Your Brain: Dementia Linked to Cynical Distrust
Distrusting and Cynical? You May be Hurting Your Brain: Dementia Linked to Cynical Distrust: Cynical distrust is defined as the belief that others are mainly motivated by selfish concerns. It's actually been associated with other health problems in the past, such as heart disease. That's why scientists decided to take a closer look at cynical distrust and see how else it might impact an individual.
Are You a Cynic? The Unexpected Way It Could Affect Your Health | TheBlaze.com
Are You a Cynic? The Unexpected Way It Could Affect Your Health | TheBlaze.com: The study, published the American Academy of Neurology’s journal “Neurology,” is the first to examine the relationship between cynical distrust, a belief that others are motivated by selfish concerns, and dementia. Previous research has looked at the link between such an attitude and other health issues.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Workplace Solvents Linked to Long-Term Memory, Thinking Problems – WebMD
Workplace Solvents Linked to Long-Term Memory, Thinking Problems – WebMD: A new study of French power company retirees finds that those who were exposed to solvents and benzene on the job -- even decades earlier -- were more likely to score poorly on memory and thinking tests.
The findings don't directly confirm that the chemicals harmed the mental powers of the former workers, and it was not clear if those with more thinking problems face more issues getting through their day-to-day lives.
The findings don't directly confirm that the chemicals harmed the mental powers of the former workers, and it was not clear if those with more thinking problems face more issues getting through their day-to-day lives.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Common antidepressant may halt plaque growth associated with Alzheimer’s | Fox News
Common antidepressant may halt plaque growth associated with Alzheimer’s | Fox News: New research published in the journal Science Translational Medicine reveals that the frequently prescribed antidepressant citalopram, also known as Celexa, could play a role in halting the progression of the brain-wasting disease.
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Antidepressants like citalopram offer hope by targeting the brain’s amyloid beta proteins, which seem to be responsible for triggering the plaque build-up associated with the decline of memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients.
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Antidepressants like citalopram offer hope by targeting the brain’s amyloid beta proteins, which seem to be responsible for triggering the plaque build-up associated with the decline of memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Alzheimer's disease could be as much about lifestyle as aging : Wsj
Alzheimer's disease could be as much about lifestyle as aging : Wsj: Obesity, smoking, stress and other factors may have as much to do with getting Alzheimer’s as aging does, said Dr. Mark Sager, longtime director of WRAP until he retired last month.
“What we view as a disease of old age is actually a disease of lifestyle and environment to some extent,” Sager said.
A University of California-San Francisco study in 2011 found that seven factors — diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, depression, physical inactivity and low educational attainment — contribute to up to half of Alzheimer’s cases.
“What we view as a disease of old age is actually a disease of lifestyle and environment to some extent,” Sager said.
A University of California-San Francisco study in 2011 found that seven factors — diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, depression, physical inactivity and low educational attainment — contribute to up to half of Alzheimer’s cases.
The seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease progression - Thegardenisland.com: Opinion
The seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease progression - Thegardenisland.com: Opinion: In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease there is no memory loss and a medical professional would not note any dementia. In the second stage of the disease, the individual may feel that they are having memory issues. They may forget familiar words or where they put something, but a medical examination would not reveal anything, and family and acquaintances would not notice any signs of dementia.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Dad With Alzheimer's Gets His Speech Back When He Sees His Dog
Dad With Alzheimer's Gets His Speech Back When He Sees His Dog: Late-stage Alzheimer's disease can be a cruel and brutal thing, as the loss of vocabulary gives way to the inability to speak at all. That's the situation Lisa Abeyta's father finds himself in most days, but there's one thing that seems to help: the family dog.
Abeyta caught this video of her dad getting his speech back for a rare moment, to tell the dog, "Why don't I take care? I'll take you, and you take me."
Abeyta caught this video of her dad getting his speech back for a rare moment, to tell the dog, "Why don't I take care? I'll take you, and you take me."
New approach to Alzheimer's treatment found in novel class of compounds - Medical News Today
New approach to Alzheimer's treatment found in novel class of compounds - Medical News Today: Researchers publishing in the journal Nature Chemical Biology have described a new class of compounds, called "pharmacologic chaperones," which could aid in a completely new approach to how Alzheimer's disease is treated.
The team explains that a so-called retromer protein complex plays an important part in neurons by steering away amyloid precursor protein (APP) from a part of the cell where it is split, creating amyloid-beta - a potentially toxic byproduct regarded as a hallmark of Alzheimer's.
The team explains that a so-called retromer protein complex plays an important part in neurons by steering away amyloid precursor protein (APP) from a part of the cell where it is split, creating amyloid-beta - a potentially toxic byproduct regarded as a hallmark of Alzheimer's.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Young blood reverses some impacts of aging in mice - Technology & Science - CBC News
Young blood reverses some impacts of aging in mice - Technology & Science - CBC News: In a paper published in Nature Medicine, biologists led by Tony Wyss-Coray of Stanford University and Saul Villeda of the University of California San Francisco described two ways of exposing old mice to young blood. They either injected plasma from 3-month-old mice (young adults) into 18-month olds, which are near the end of their lifespan, or surgically connected the circulatory system of a young mouse to that of an old one.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
A major advance in understanding Alzheimer's disease
A major advance in understanding Alzheimer's disease: We introduce first a fairly large protein molecule with the horrendous name “repressor element 1 silencing transcription factor” -- thankfully abbreviated REST. I think most of us have wondered how some persons retain their mental capacities for decades after their peers have succumbed to dementia. We tended to think maybe they did not develop plaques, etc. But researchers have had a deeper version of the question: How is it that some aged persons have all the usual molecular components of AD but still retain full cognitive function? It appears that REST just may be the answer.
In young persons, REST is produced in low levels. But as we move into maturity and advanced age, the genes producing REST become more active, making REST as a protective factor for the neurons (brain cells). We have identified a number of genes that normally kill off aging cells that are losing their function (call these cell killers), and we know others that become active in the progression of AD. REST counters both these processes to protect the neurons.
In young persons, REST is produced in low levels. But as we move into maturity and advanced age, the genes producing REST become more active, making REST as a protective factor for the neurons (brain cells). We have identified a number of genes that normally kill off aging cells that are losing their function (call these cell killers), and we know others that become active in the progression of AD. REST counters both these processes to protect the neurons.
Finding May Explain Why Women More Likely Develop Alzheimer's | Science/AAAS | News
Finding May Explain Why Women More Likely Develop Alzheimer's | Science/AAAS | News: Scientists haven’t pinpointed a definitive cause for Alzheimer’s disease—a fatal brain disorder that robs people of their memory and cognitive abilities. But now researchers have uncovered an intriguing clue about why more women than men develop the condition. A particular gene variant, found in a quarter of the population and long known to raise people’s risk for the disease, seems less menacing in men, new research shows. The findings could have implications for potential gender-specific treatments, some Alzheimer’s investigators suggest
Sun News : Scientists reverse memory loss in mice with Alzheimer's
Sun News : Scientists reverse memory loss in mice with Alzheimer's: Spanish researchers have developed a gene therapy that reverses memory loss in mice in the initial stages of Alzheimer's disease.
The therapy consists of injecting a gene into the brain that causes the production of a protein called Crtc1, which is blocked in patients with the disease. The gene is injected into the hippocampus, a region of the brain essential to memory processing.
The therapy consists of injecting a gene into the brain that causes the production of a protein called Crtc1, which is blocked in patients with the disease. The gene is injected into the hippocampus, a region of the brain essential to memory processing.
Laughter may be the best medicine for age-related memory loss - Medical News Today
Laughter may be the best medicine for age-related memory loss - Medical News Today: We are all familiar with the saying, "laughter is the best medicine." And this motto may ring true when it comes to tackling age-related memory loss; a new study from Loma Linda University in California finds that humor may reduce brain damage caused by the "stress hormone" cortisol, which in turn, improves memory.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Knitting may help prevent Alzheimer's disease - Coeur d'Alene Press: Healthy Community
Knitting may help prevent Alzheimer's disease - Coeur d'Alene Press: Healthy Community: Did you know that women age 60 and older have a one in six chance of getting Alzheimer's disease in their lifetime? Women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's compared with breast cancer, according to a report from the Alzheimer's Association.
The good news is, you may be able to delay or even prevent Alzheimer's disease if you knit when you are in your 50s and 60s. The Mayo Clinic team found that those who spent their 50s and early 60s reading, playing games and engaging in various craft hobbies, including knitting and quilting, had a 40 percent lower risk of memory impairment than those who didn't have hobbies. In later life, these same activities reduced the risk by between 30 and 50 percent.
The good news is, you may be able to delay or even prevent Alzheimer's disease if you knit when you are in your 50s and 60s. The Mayo Clinic team found that those who spent their 50s and early 60s reading, playing games and engaging in various craft hobbies, including knitting and quilting, had a 40 percent lower risk of memory impairment than those who didn't have hobbies. In later life, these same activities reduced the risk by between 30 and 50 percent.
Smart shoe insoles aims to help track patients with Alzheimer's disease - WTOP.com
Smart shoe insoles aims to help track patients with Alzheimer's disease - WTOP.com: As doctors explore why more seniors are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, science is coming up with a way to help counteract a major problem related to the disease -- wandering -- with GPS technology.
So far, the problem hasn't been about applying GPS technology to finding patients, says George Mason University professor Andrew Carle. It was finding a way to hide it from Alzheimer's sufferers prone to taking off unfamiliar items, such as a bracelet, that contained the GPS.
But what about shoes?
So far, the problem hasn't been about applying GPS technology to finding patients, says George Mason University professor Andrew Carle. It was finding a way to hide it from Alzheimer's sufferers prone to taking off unfamiliar items, such as a bracelet, that contained the GPS.
But what about shoes?
New Clues to Alzheimer’s - NYTimes.com
New Clues to Alzheimer’s - NYTimes.com: One promising study, led by researchers at Harvard Medical School, was published online Wednesday in the journal Nature. It identified a protein that typically increases in old age and appears to protect brain cells from dying. In patients who develop Alzheimer’s, the protein, called REST, is in short supply and out of position. In patients who have yet to suffer cognitive losses, the protective protein is still present and in the right spot (the nucleus of a neuron) to be effective even if those patients have the brain tangles and plaques long associated with Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer's Hits Women Hardest, Report Finds - NBC News.com
Alzheimer's Hits Women Hardest, Report Finds - NBC News.com: Women are carrying the bigger burden of Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S., according to a new report — making up not only most of the cases, but paying more of the cost of caring for the growing population of people with the mind-destroying illness.
The new report from the Alzheimer’s Association paints Alzheimer’s as a disease that disproportionately affects women, both as patients and as caregivers. It points out that women in their 60s are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s over the rest of their lives as they are to develop breast cancer.
The new report from the Alzheimer’s Association paints Alzheimer’s as a disease that disproportionately affects women, both as patients and as caregivers. It points out that women in their 60s are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s over the rest of their lives as they are to develop breast cancer.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Senior Women Are Epicenter of Alzheimer’s as Most Likely Victims, Care Givers
Senior Women Are Epicenter of Alzheimer’s as Most Likely Victims, Care Givers: March 20, 2014 – Women are the “epicenter of Alzheimer’s disease” according to a new report from the Alzheimer’s Association that finds senior women at age 65 almost twice as likely as senior men to develop the disease. And, women in their 60s are about twice as likely to get AD in older age as they are breast cancer. But, that is not all of the burden for women: they about 2.5 times more likely than men to provide full-time care for AD victims.
Women: Alzheimer's more likely than breast cancer - CNN.com
Women: Alzheimer's more likely than breast cancer - CNN.com: Women age 60 and older have a 1 in 6 chance of getting Alzheimer's disease in their lifetime, and are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's compared with breast cancer, according to a report from the Alzheimer's Association.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Researchers find that brain cell regeneration may alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
Researchers find that brain cell regeneration may alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's disease is the most widespread degenerative neurological disorder in the world. Over five million Americans live with it, and one in three senior citizens will die with the disease or a similar form of dementia. While memory loss is a common symptom of Alzheimer's, other behavioral manifestations - depression, loss of inhibition, delusions, agitation, anxiety, and aggression - can be even more challenging for victims and their families to live with.
Now Prof. Daniel Offen and Dr. Adi Shruster of Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine have discovered that by reestablishing a population of new cells in the part of the brain associated with behavior, some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease significantly decreased or were reversed altogether
Now Prof. Daniel Offen and Dr. Adi Shruster of Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine have discovered that by reestablishing a population of new cells in the part of the brain associated with behavior, some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease significantly decreased or were reversed altogether
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Study: Alzheimer's May Kill As Many People As Heart Disease, Cancer - OzarksFirst.com
Study: Alzheimer's May Kill As Many People As Heart Disease, Cancer - OzarksFirst.com: Currently, heart disease and cancer are the first and second leading causes of death among Americans. However, researchers say the numbers are based on what is reported on death certificates, which could under-represent Alzheimer's-related deaths.
"Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are under-reported on death certificates and medical records," study author Bryan D. James, an epidemiologist with the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago, said in a press release. "Death certificates often list the immediate cause of death, such as pneumonia, rather than listing dementia as an underlying cause."
"Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are under-reported on death certificates and medical records," study author Bryan D. James, an epidemiologist with the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago, said in a press release. "Death certificates often list the immediate cause of death, such as pneumonia, rather than listing dementia as an underlying cause."
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Alzheimer’s disease: How the daffodil may be about to revolutionise treatment | Big Issue
Alzheimer’s disease: How the daffodil may be about to revolutionise treatment | Big Issue: Tradition has it that you get a welcome in the hillsides. But shepherd Kevin Stephens (below, right) is planning to supply something else entirely – a drug to fight Alzheimer’s, no less, extracted from the Welsh national flower, the humble daffodil. And the revolution is due to start next year.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Omega-3 backed for Alzheimer’s disease potential
Omega-3 backed for Alzheimer’s disease potential: "Our hypothesis is that stimulation of resolution of inflammation in Alzheimer's disease may result in reduced neuronal death in the brain, and in turn have a beneficial effect in disease progression and cognition,” explained Schultzberg.
“This is an entirely new approach and provides the opportunity to develop new treatment principles for Alzheimer's disease," she said.
“This is an entirely new approach and provides the opportunity to develop new treatment principles for Alzheimer's disease," she said.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Resolution of inflammation is altered in Alzheimer's disease
Resolution of inflammation is altered in Alzheimer's disease: New research from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows that the final stage of the normal inflammatory process may be disrupted in patients with Alzheimer's disease. A study published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia shows that levels in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of the molecules necessary for tissue recovery through the clearance of harmful inflammatory substances are lower than normal in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The study also showed association between the lower levels of these molecules with impaired memory function.
Friday, February 14, 2014
New Approach for Detecting & Caring for Alzheimer’s | Psych Central News
New Approach for Detecting & Caring for Alzheimer’s | Psych Central News: “With no cure, no effective treatment and not even a reliable, practical way to diagnose it, Alzheimer’s has become one of the most dreaded diseases of our time,” said Keith Black, M.D., director of Cedars-Sinai’s Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute.
Modern technology is on the cusp of detecting Alzheimer’s in its early stages.
Modern technology is on the cusp of detecting Alzheimer’s in its early stages.
Common infections linked with increased risk of memory decline | Business Standard
Common infections linked with increased risk of memory decline | Business Standard: A new research has found that exposure to common infections may up risk of memory decline, even if the infections never made you ill.
Researchers found an index of antibody levels caused by exposure to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 was associated with worse cognitive performance, including memory, speed of mental processing, abstract thinking, planning and reasoning ability.
Researchers found an index of antibody levels caused by exposure to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 was associated with worse cognitive performance, including memory, speed of mental processing, abstract thinking, planning and reasoning ability.
Having 2 Parents With Alzheimer's May Raise Risk of Early Brain Changes – WebMD
Having 2 Parents With Alzheimer's May Raise Risk of Early Brain Changes – WebMD: Middle-aged adults who are unfortunate enough to have both parents suffer from Alzheimer's disease may face yet another worry: an increased risk of early, Alzheimer's-related brain changes.
In a new study, researchers found that of more than 50 healthy adults, those with two parents affected by Alzheimer's were more likely to show certain abnormalities in brain scans.
In a new study, researchers found that of more than 50 healthy adults, those with two parents affected by Alzheimer's were more likely to show certain abnormalities in brain scans.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Wireless brain implant could help wounded soldiers, Alzheimer’s patients | Fox News
Wireless brain implant could help wounded soldiers, Alzheimer’s patients | Fox News: A wireless brain implant allowing wounded soldiers to recover motor skills lost through head trauma is currently being looked at by a Pentagon agency that is soliciting proposals from private companies to research -- and potentially build --the technology.
Elevated brain aluminium and early onset Alzheimer's disease in worker exposed to aluminium
Elevated brain aluminium and early onset Alzheimer's disease in worker exposed to aluminium: While aluminium is a known neurotoxin and occupational exposure to aluminium has been implicated in neurological disease, including Alzheimer's disease, this finding is believed to be the first record of a direct link between Alzheimer's disease and elevated brain aluminium following occupational exposure to the metal.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Natural plant compound prevents Alzheimer's disease in mice
Natural plant compound prevents Alzheimer's disease in mice: A chemical that's found in fruits and vegetables from strawberries to cucumbers appears to stop memory loss that accompanies Alzheimer's disease in mice, scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have discovered. In experiments on mice that normally develop Alzheimer's symptoms less than a year after birth, a daily dose of the compound—a flavonol called fisetin—prevented the progressive memory and learning impairments. The drug, however, did not alter the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, accumulations of proteins which are commonly blamed for Alzheimer's disease. The new finding suggests a way to treat Alzheimer's symptoms independently of targeting amyloid plaques.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Omega-3 intake linked to signs of brain aging | Reuters
Omega-3 intake linked to signs of brain aging | Reuters: Older women with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood had slightly less brain shrinkage than women with low fatty acid levels in a new study.
The results may suggest that omega-3s protect the brain from the loss of volume that happens with normal aging and is seen more severely in people with dementia, the researchers say.
The results may suggest that omega-3s protect the brain from the loss of volume that happens with normal aging and is seen more severely in people with dementia, the researchers say.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
High Vitamin-E Dose Slows Decline in Alzheimer's Patients, Study Finds - WSJ.com
High Vitamin-E Dose Slows Decline in Alzheimer's Patients, Study Finds - WSJ.com: A high daily dose of vitamin E slowed functional decline in patients diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease by about six months, according to a new study.
However, the research to be published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association, found no impact on memory and doctors said there was no evidence that vitamin E prevents the debilitating disease.
However, the research to be published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association, found no impact on memory and doctors said there was no evidence that vitamin E prevents the debilitating disease.
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