Research From Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Professor Offers Clues to Alzheimer’s Disease

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An organic compound found in red wine — resveratrol — has the ability to neutralize the toxic effects of proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, according to research led by Rensselaer Professor Peter M. Tessier. The findings, published in the May 28 edition of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, are a step toward understanding the large-scale death of brain cells seen in certain neurodegenerative diseases.

“We’ve shown how resveratrol has very interesting selectivity to target and neutralize a select set of toxic peptide isoforms,” Tessier said. “Because resveratrol picks out the clumps of peptides that are bad and leaves alone the ones that are benign, it helps us to think about the structural differences between the peptide isoforms.”

Isoforms are different packing arrangements of a particular peptide. Deformations of a particular peptide — the Aβ1-42 peptide — have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Improperly folded peptides have been shown to collect in accumulations called “plaques” within the brain. Those plaques are often found near areas of cell death in diseased brains.

It is not clear that resveratrol is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, Tessier said. However, the molecule has garnered interest in recent years for its potential impact on cancer and aging.

In their research, Tessier and his co-authors generated Aβ peptides packed together in five unique isoforms, or “arrangements” (monomer, soluble oligomer, non-toxic oligomer, fibrillar intermediates and amyloid fibrils). In their experiments, three of these arrangements were toxic to human cells, two were not.

Next, the researchers introduced resveratrol.

The resveratrol reacted with the toxic arrangements of the Aβ1-42 peptide, neutralizing their toxicity.

It did not affect the non-toxic arrangements.

“The surprise is that this molecule can target some of these packing arrangements that are toxic and rearrange them into packing arrangements that are not toxic. For those forms that are non-toxic, it doesn’t change them,” Tessier said.

Intriguingly, Tessier said, one of the toxic arrangements (the soluble oligomer) and one of the non-toxic arrangements (the non-toxic oligomer) were indistinguishable by various methods. And yet the resveratrol only affected the toxic arrangement.

The point, Tessier concludes, is that the seemingly identical non-toxic and toxic arrangements must have some distinguishing feature yet to be discovered, raising questions for future study.

“We have two things that look very similar, but one is toxic and the other isn’t,” Tessier said. “What is it that makes the bad one bad and the good one good?”

The research produced several other findings, Tessier said, including reliable methods of generating the arrangements Tessier’s team produced, and formation of one arrangement which had previously been unknown.

Last week, Tessier was named as a 2010 Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences by the Pew Charitable Trusts.The distinction includes an award of $240,000 over four years and inclusion into a select community of scientists that includes three Nobel Prize winners, three MacArthur Fellows, and two recipients of the Albert Lasker Medical Research Award, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Tessier was also recently awarded a five-year, $411,872 Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER) from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research in the related field of protein thermodynamics and aggregation.

The CAREER Award is given to faculty members at the beginning of their academic careers and is one of NSF’s most competitive awards, placing emphasis on high-quality research and novel education initiatives.

Tessier joined the Rensselaer faculty in 2007 following a postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. He received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maine, and went on to earn his doctoral degree in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware.

Top ten activities for celebrating the Fourth of July with those who have dementia

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10. Arrange flowers real of fake. You can use red, white and blue flowers to make the bouquet or centerpiece look patriotic.

9. Plan a picnic or a party from beginning to end

8. Have a picnic perhaps using the ideas from your plans. If the person with dementia does not want to go outside, no problem, have the picnic inside.

7. Go to the beach or the park. Go at off times to avoid the crowd. You can always go on different day. Again if you fear a negative reaction to going to the beach, bring the beach to your home. Get some sand, sea shells and other beach paraphernalia.

6 Have a small get together at home. Hire or have someone to assist the ADRD person.

5. Draw some patriotic pictures. You can use paints, magic markers or crayons. Fireworks are easy to draw.

4. Read a........more of the Top ten, 4th of July, activities for those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Great gifts for dads with dementia

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What will you do with your father or friend who has dementia this Father's Day?

Make him and his caregiver SMILE

How you ask

First you, as the loved one, caregiver, health care professional, or friend, must be upbeat and animated. You must show a genuine interest in them and their problems. This can be difficult. That is why it is suggested that you attend a support group. Don't go through this alone. You will find that many caregivers are in a similar situation to yours. Talking about issues you face will, at the very least, make you feel better. You probably will get some good ideas as well. Groups meet everyday in most areas. here should be a group in your area. Contact your local Alzheimer's Association for more information. You can even join an online support group. Here are a couple: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mymotherhasalzheimers/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/alzheimers/

Now you are ready to give your dementia friend a brighter day.

As stated earlier the book, Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals has made over 100,000 persons with dementia happier. It has done this by giving them a brighter day.

How, you ask:

This book improves the dementia persons' day because:
*Baby pictures capture their attention and make them smile

*Focusing on one photograph at a time is not confusing.

*Large print statements are easy to read.

*Activity ideas hold their attention.

*Remembering the "good old days" is fun

*Creative thoughts boost their self esteem

*Focusing on feelings is effortless for them

*Singing familiar songs puts them in a good mood

*Laughter releases endorphins

*Unwanted behavior is lessened.

*Looking at the book independently improves their personal worth

*Visits from friends and family increase because of the visitor packet

Another way you can make those with dementia feel better is to be complimentary. In the early stages, these individuals often realize that something is wrong. Thus telling them good things about themselves and focusing on the abilities they still have rather than on what abilities they have lost.is important.

In addition to sharing the book, you must help the memory challenged person communicate. He may have trouble word finding. Fill in the blanks for him. At the same time, be complimentary and allow ample time for a response.

Also make sure you give out plenty of hugs. Please note that there are a few dementia folks that do not like to be touched.

You can still encourage a dementia person to do many of the activities that he enjoyed by adapting and modifying them. You could also have all but one or two steps of a project completed ahead of time. Then ask the memory impaired person to finish the task with your assistance, if necessary.

Also helpful is establishing a daily routine that has flexibility. Allow plenty of time to get ready to do something. Have something special in your back pocket in case you have to wait for someone else to get ready.

A must is. NEVER argue. That is a lose, lose situation. Because the dementia person is convinced that his perception of reality is correct and arguing with him will just upset him. You NEVER want to do that since aggressive behavior is likely to follow.

If you get into a situation where the dementia person displays unwanted behavior, divert and redirect .his attention. In other words do something to stop the unwanted behavior, then, redirect him to another activity. The book is a great tool for refocusing and redirecting inappropriate conduct.

The use of therapeutic fiblets (an untruth told to a person with dementia to make him feel better) is a helpful tool to reduce unwanted behavior and will make the dementia individual feel better. For example, he is feeling bad because he thinks he has to pick up his friend in town. In reality, his friend died ten years ago. Tell him someone else is picking up his friend today or say, Before we go, lets pack a snack, or I have to do the dishes. Can you(the dementia person) help me. Get into a discussion about snacks or dishes or his favorite sports team or something else he is interested in. Never tell him his friend is dead. He will be devastated because he will think he is hearing this news for the first time.

Always go with the flow. If things go s planned consider yourself lucky. Expect the unexpected. Try not to get upset if a dementia person displays unwanted behavior in public. Rather find the positive in the situation and go with it.

And remember no matter what, smile and laugh. Tell corny jokes. Regale funny family stories. Just have a good belly laugh every now and then especially if you see or feel tension rising.

Finally, take advantage of adult day care. If you are the primary caregiver for a person with dementia, these settings offer you a much needed break. They also offer the memory challenged person a fun place to be. These centers offer creative ways to get the memory challenged involved. There should be one in your area. For help finding one, contact your local Alzheimer's Association. Many centers have used the book, Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals, to increase the happiness of their clients

Over 100,000 people with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia are happier because of the book, Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals which, as Dr. Paul Raia says, is a treasure-trove of therapeutic activities that can bring joy and purpose to those with a cognitive impairment. Also key in bringing happiness is the use of all the above suggestions

Now anyone you know with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia can be happier too.

The author is donating money to the Alzheimer's Associatopn for each book that is sold

Strategies for Coping With Senile Dementia

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eHow

Dementia refers to the loss of mental functioning. It slowly progresses over time. Having a diagnosis of dementia does not mean your life is over. It means it will be different than you had planned.
Experiencing a wide range of emotions is normal just as with the news of any serious disease.
Make your life as good and as easy to cope with as possible by sticking to these important strategies.

Physical Functioning


Exercise is importantTaking responsibility for your physical well being is important in slowing the decline and coping with dementia. Going to a doctor who is an expert in dementia, on a regular basis, insures that you will get the best treatment possible. Eat a healthy diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables and fish. Exercise at least five days a week for 30 minutes per workout. Doing these things will not only make you feel better and slow down the progression of dementia but will likely promote better sleep.
Going outside and getting plenty of sunshine makes you feel better and boosts your vitamin D level. Adequate vitamin D helps reduce dementia symptoms.

Mental Stimulation


Stay mentally activeEngaging in mentally stimulating and other favorite activities everyday keeps your dementia from progressing as rapidly and helps you to cope better. Try a wide variety of activities. Modify activities with the help of a family member or friend, if necessary, to ensure success.
Going to the senior center in your town is a good option. Most provide transportation. All encourage socialization and offer a wide range of activities.
At home, trying more difficult tasks at the times of the day when you are most focused and most alert is best. Give yourself enough time to work on jobs like paying bills or balancing your checkbook.
Keep a written schedule of your days events including appointments.
When staying at home by yourself is difficult and unsafe, attending adult day care is a good choice because they provide activities that those with cognitive impairments enjoy that are success oriented.

Precautions and Safety

Make sure your home is safe. Injury from falling is...read all of Strategies for Coping With Senile Dementia

Options for Eldercare

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eHow

As baby boomers age and become part of the elder community, more will be unable to care for themselves. One option for them is to stay in their home, but they will need outside services because of limitations they may have. Another option is for them to move to an assisted living setting. Some will not be able to afford assisted living facilities or their disabilities will be so severe that they cannot stay in assisted living, so their option will be to live at a nursing home. Much depends on their disabilities, their financial situation, and their family's support.

In Home Care

If a frail elder is going to live at home, he is going to need a number of services. He may need "meals on wheels" or something similar where meals are brought into him twice daily. He will need someone to do light housekeeping. He may need someone to go shopping for him and may need someone to do daily personal care and medication management. Socialization is extremely important. Most communities have senior centers or councils on aging where seniors can go to get together with their peers to participate in fun, meaningful activities. Some even provide transportation to and from the center as well as trips to the local library and shopping center. Some elders cannot go to a senior center because they need more help than the center can provide. Adult day care provides more structure and assistance. Many provide transportation as well.

There are great services out there, but how do you know which ones you or your elder loved one will qualify for? You will need to find out the cost of these services. A good place to start to get information is your local elder services agency. These agencies have professionals on staff who will be able to assist you.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities provide housing, meals, and personal services for their residents. They are also called an ALF. They provide care to a wide variety of residents and provide a ... read all of Options for Eldercare

Caregiving and Dementia

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eHow

Caring for someone with dementia at home is a difficult job that can become overwhelming at times. Each day is different with new challenges and opportunities because the caregiver must cope with changing behaviors and levels of ability of the person with dementia. As with any other demanding situation, the better you care for yourself, the more knowledge you have and the more help you can get, the better you will be able to care for your loved one with dementia.

Dementia

Dementia is the result of damage to brain cells because of head injury, stroke, brain tumor or diseases such as Alzheimer's. Dementia is a brain disorder that affects memory, the ability to learn and communicate, think clearly, have good judgment and exercise caution. These changes make it difficult for people with dementia to care for themselves. Dementia often causes changes in personality and mood. Disruptive behavior can result which can create a burden on caregivers.

Caregiving

Caregiving is assistance to another person who is disabled, ill or needs help with daily activities. The caregiver most often must handle the mental, physical, psychological and social needs and well-being of the elderly person needing care. Caregivers include spouses, adult children and other relatives and friends. According to the Alzheimer's Association, almost 11 million Americans provide unpaid care to a person with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. There are support and resources available to assist caregivers so they can be successful in their role. Using these resources makes it possible to provide the best quality of care to their loved ones and to themselves. To learn more about the resources that are available, contact your local Alzheimer's Association. Also your local elder services group can help you find the support and assistance you need. The Alzheimer's Foundation has a free quarterly publication with many tips and ideas for caregivers.

Activities

Keeping the body and mind of a dementia patient active is an ...read all of Caregiving and Dementia

Dementia After Anesthesia

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It is recognized that there is difficulty with mental functioning after surgery in the elderly, according to an article in the June 2003 issue of Clinical Anesthesiology. It now has an official name, which is post-operative cognitive dysfunction. It is sometimes called POCD. There is limited knowledge on how to predict it and reduce its risk. Local anethesia can have the same or worse effects as general anesthesia. It has some similarities to other dementias. It has a number of differences as well.
Dementia
Dementia is a chronic, progressive decrease in the functioning of the brain. The most evident feature is short-term memory loss. Dementia involves other cognitive function problems such as inappropriate behavior, poor judgment, and inability to learn and communicate, think clearly and keep safe. It may be the result of a number of medical conditions, the most common of which is Alzheimer's disease. The symptoms of dementia most often get worse over time, rather than coming on suddenly after an event such as surgery.

Post Operative Cognitive Dysfunction

Post-operative cognitive dysfunction is a... read all of Dementia After Anesthesia

Effective Communication With Dementia

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eHow

The Alzheimer's Association reports that over 5.3 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. You may have loved one with dementia. Communication between the two of you is important. As his dementia progresses, communicating with him becomes more challenging. It is helpful to get to know the deficits and special needs your loved one dementia has and how to compensate for his losses.
Dementia
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functions because of changes in the brain. These changes may be the result of disease or trauma. According to an article in the August 25, 2005, issue of the Senior Journal, low blood flow in the brain can cause dementia. In Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, there is the build up of abnormal proteins which cause brain damage. The changes may happen slowly or quickly. The communication ability of persons with dementia gets worse as the disease progresses.
Cognition
Cognition is the process of learning, thinking and perceiving. Many cognitive functions are affected by dementia. They include memory, reasoning, decision making, judgment, spatial orientation and communication. Every person with dementia has different combinations of cognitive difficulties depending on which part of his brain is damaged. The only common problem initially is loss of short term memory. As the disease progresses, most people with dementia experience communication difficulties.

Difficulties
Some people with dementia may have difficulty finding the correct word to use when they are trying to tell you something. Even though their speech may be fluent, it makes no sense. This is called expressive aphasia. Others with dementia may not be able to comprehend what you are trying to tell them. This is receptive aphasia.

As the dementia progresses, its victims lose their reading and writing ability which are also forms of communication. They often no longer understand the proper way to converse with you. They may...Read all of Effective Communication With Dementia

Medical Definition of Delirium & Dementia

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Delirium and dementia are the most common causes of lack of mental functioning according to the Merck Manual. People with either or both of these disorders are unable to increase, retain, and use knowledge in the normal fashion. Delirium and dementia may occur together, but their medical definitions are quite different.
Delirium
Delirium starts quite suddenly, causes changes in mental functioning, and is often reversible according to the medical definition. Delirium affects mainly attention. People with delirium are often disoriented, unable to think clearly, and may be hyper one minute and in a sleep-like state the next. There are many causes of delirium. It may occur at any age. It is more common in older people because of changes in the brain that occur with age. Delirium affects 15 percent to 50 percent of hospitalized people who are 70 or older, according to the Merck Manual. It is common among nursing home residents.
Dementia
A person with dementia gets worse over time. The disease slowly progresses and is most often irreversible. Dementia usually affects a person's short-term memory first. The other problems that a person with dementia may have include difficulty with language, planning ahead and judgment, simple mathematical calculations, and movement according to the medical definition. Age is a common risk factor for dementia. As the disease progresses, mental functions....read all of Medical Definition of Delirium & Dementia