eScience
Eureka
in Health & Medicine
Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School, the University of Cambridge and the University of Michigan, have for the first time identified a relationship between Vitamin D, the "sunshine vitamin", and cognitive impairment in a large-scale study of older people. The importance of these findings lies in the connection between cognitive function and dementia: people who have impaired cognitive function are more likely to develop dementia. The paper will appear in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Geriatric Psychology and Neurology. The study was based on data on almost 2000 adults aged 65 and over who participated in the Health Survey for England in 2000 and whose levels of cognitive function were assessed. The study found that as levels of Vitamin D went down, levels of cognitive impairment went up. Compared to those with optimum levels of Vitamin D, those with the lowest levels were more than twice as likely to be cognitively impaired.
Vitamin D is important in maintaining bone health, in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and in helping our immune system. In humans, Vitamin D comes from three main sources – exposure to sunlight, foods such as oily fish, and foods that are fortified with vitamin D (such as milk, cereals, and soya drinks). One problem faced by older people is that the capacity of the skin to absorb Vitamin D from sunlight decreases as the body ages, so they are more reliant on obtaining Vitamin D from other sources.
According to the Alzheimer's Society, dementia affects 700,000 people in the UK and it is predicted that this figure will rise to over 1 million by 2025. Two-thirds of sufferers are women, and 60,000 deaths a year are attributable to the condition. It is believed that the financial cost of dementia to the UK is over £17 billion a year.
Dr. Iain Lang from the Peninsula Medical School, who worked on the study, commented: "This is the first large-scale study to identify a relationship between Vitamin D and cognitive impairment in later life. Dementia is a growing problem for health services everywhere, and people who have cognitive impairment are at higher risk of going on to develop dementia. That means identifying ways in which we can reduce levels of dementia is a key challenge for health services."
Dr Lang added: "For those of us who live in countries where there are dark winters without much sunlight, like the UK, getting enough Vitamin D can be a....read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Brain-aging gene identified, opening door for new treatment
McKnight's
Long Term Care
Scientists at the Université de Montréal have discovered a gene that is responsible for the aging of neurons in the brain and central nervous system. This finding could lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's.
The gene, called Bmi1, prevents the activation of certain other brain functions, and also prevents the accumulation of free-radicals in the brain, which can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, according to research authors. Without the gene, the aging process of the brain and the eye was dramatically accelerated in laboratory mice, the research shows.
The primary risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is age, researchers say. By controlling this gene, they hope to be able to reduce pathological aging of the brain and central nervous system, thus preventing the development of those degenerative diseases. The study appears in......read the whole article
click here for more dementia information
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Long Term Care
Scientists at the Université de Montréal have discovered a gene that is responsible for the aging of neurons in the brain and central nervous system. This finding could lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's.
The gene, called Bmi1, prevents the activation of certain other brain functions, and also prevents the accumulation of free-radicals in the brain, which can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, according to research authors. Without the gene, the aging process of the brain and the eye was dramatically accelerated in laboratory mice, the research shows.
The primary risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is age, researchers say. By controlling this gene, they hope to be able to reduce pathological aging of the brain and central nervous system, thus preventing the development of those degenerative diseases. The study appears in......read the whole article
click here for more dementia information
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Positive Outlook Cuts Chances of Dementia
US News and World Report
New research suggests relaxed, outgoing people less likely to get Alzheimer's
By Tate Gunnerson
HealthDay Reporter
(HealthDay News) -- Sociable people who don't sweat the small stuff may be more likely to remember the small stuff as they age, suggests new research exploring the link between personality and the incidence of Alzheimer's disease."Older people who are active, outgoing and relaxed may be less likely to develop dementia," said study author Hui-Xin Wang, with the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
The study, published in the Jan. 20 issue of Neurology, adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between personality traits, lifestyle and Alzheimer's disease.
According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer's disease currently affects between 2.4 million and 4.5 million Americans, and that number will increase significantly as the population ages unless the disease can be effectively treated or prevented.
Researchers questioned 506 older people about their personality traits and lifestyle, to measure their sociability and disposition to stress. After six years, 144 people had developed some sort of dementia, but researchers discovered that calm, more relaxed people, whether they had active social lives or not, were 50 percent less likely to develop dementia than those who had higher levels of neuroticism.
People who were both calm and outgoing, with active social lives, were also 50 percent less likely to develop dementia.
The study found that......read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
New research suggests relaxed, outgoing people less likely to get Alzheimer's
By Tate Gunnerson
HealthDay Reporter
(HealthDay News) -- Sociable people who don't sweat the small stuff may be more likely to remember the small stuff as they age, suggests new research exploring the link between personality and the incidence of Alzheimer's disease."Older people who are active, outgoing and relaxed may be less likely to develop dementia," said study author Hui-Xin Wang, with the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
The study, published in the Jan. 20 issue of Neurology, adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between personality traits, lifestyle and Alzheimer's disease.
According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer's disease currently affects between 2.4 million and 4.5 million Americans, and that number will increase significantly as the population ages unless the disease can be effectively treated or prevented.
Researchers questioned 506 older people about their personality traits and lifestyle, to measure their sociability and disposition to stress. After six years, 144 people had developed some sort of dementia, but researchers discovered that calm, more relaxed people, whether they had active social lives or not, were 50 percent less likely to develop dementia than those who had higher levels of neuroticism.
People who were both calm and outgoing, with active social lives, were also 50 percent less likely to develop dementia.
The study found that......read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Fruit Rich in Polyphenols Protects Against Alzheimer's Disease, Cognitive Decline
NaturalNews) Fruits rich in polyphenols may help protect against the oxidative stress that has been linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, according to a study conducted by researchers from three Korean universities and published in the Journal of Food Science.
"Our study demonstrated that antioxidants in the major fresh fruits consumed in the United States and Korea protected neuronal cells from oxidative stress," the researchers wrote. "Therefore, additional consumption of fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges may be beneficial to ameliorate chemopreventive effects in neurodegenerative disease."
Researchers took a cancer cell line derived from the forebrains of rats, intended to simulate human neurons. These cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide after being treated with varying concentrations of fruit extracts.
Treatment with fruit extracts led to a...read the whole article
For more dementia information,click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
"Our study demonstrated that antioxidants in the major fresh fruits consumed in the United States and Korea protected neuronal cells from oxidative stress," the researchers wrote. "Therefore, additional consumption of fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges may be beneficial to ameliorate chemopreventive effects in neurodegenerative disease."
Researchers took a cancer cell line derived from the forebrains of rats, intended to simulate human neurons. These cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide after being treated with varying concentrations of fruit extracts.
Treatment with fruit extracts led to a...read the whole article
For more dementia information,click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Friday, January 23, 2009
Does Universal Health Care Affect Attitude Toward Dementia?
Science News
ScienceDaily— A new study has found that in spite of their universal health care system which facilitates access to free dementia care, older adults in the United Kingdom are less willing to undergo dementia screening than their counterparts in the U.S. because the Britons perceive greater societal stigma from diagnosis of the disease than do Americans
Researchers surveyed 125 older adults in Indianapolis and 120 older adults in Kent, England, on their opinions on the perceived harms and benefits of dementia screening. None of those surveyed had been diagnosed with dementia, however significantly more of the U.K. participants (48 percent) had close friends or relatives who have or had Alzheimer's disease compared to U.S. participants (27 percent).
The study of public attitudes toward early detection of dementia across different health-care systems was conducted by researchers from Indiana University in the United States and the universities of Kent and London in the United Kingdom.
"From my prospective, it was a genuine surprise that having a....read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
ScienceDaily— A new study has found that in spite of their universal health care system which facilitates access to free dementia care, older adults in the United Kingdom are less willing to undergo dementia screening than their counterparts in the U.S. because the Britons perceive greater societal stigma from diagnosis of the disease than do Americans
Researchers surveyed 125 older adults in Indianapolis and 120 older adults in Kent, England, on their opinions on the perceived harms and benefits of dementia screening. None of those surveyed had been diagnosed with dementia, however significantly more of the U.K. participants (48 percent) had close friends or relatives who have or had Alzheimer's disease compared to U.S. participants (27 percent).
The study of public attitudes toward early detection of dementia across different health-care systems was conducted by researchers from Indiana University in the United States and the universities of Kent and London in the United Kingdom.
"From my prospective, it was a genuine surprise that having a....read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
New Product for Those with Dementia
A new product for those with Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, and others will be coming out in March. This product will be most helpful to their caregivers as well
Reuters
Kimberly-Clark revamps Depend line for men, women
By Jessica Wohl
CHICAGO, (Reuters) - Kimberly-Clark Corp (KMB.N) is overhauling its Depend line to offer disposable underwear tailored to men and women as it prepares for an influx of aging Americans who need incontinence products.
Depend has been around for nearly 25 years, but this is the first time it is offering separate versions of absorbent underwear for men and women.
The products, which look more like traditional cotton underwear than an adult diaper, will be available in North American stores in March and appear in Europe later in 2009.
While Depend is a smaller business than other Kimberly-Clark products such as Huggies diapers or Kleenex tissues, it expects an aging population will help boost sales.
Baby Boomers, the generation of Americans born between 1946 and 1964, are heading toward retirement with the oldest set to turn 65 in 2011. Many of them are already caring for parents who may use incontinence products.
Underwear currently accounts for about 75 percent of Depend brand sales.
Six unisex versions of Depend underwear will be replaced by six versions for women and two versions for men. The new products have different leg openings and other changes to fit men's and women's bodies. They offer 28 percent better leakage protection.......read the rest of the article
Preview these new depend products
For more dementia information, click here
For alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Reuters
Kimberly-Clark revamps Depend line for men, women
By Jessica Wohl
CHICAGO, (Reuters) - Kimberly-Clark Corp (KMB.N) is overhauling its Depend line to offer disposable underwear tailored to men and women as it prepares for an influx of aging Americans who need incontinence products.
Depend has been around for nearly 25 years, but this is the first time it is offering separate versions of absorbent underwear for men and women.
The products, which look more like traditional cotton underwear than an adult diaper, will be available in North American stores in March and appear in Europe later in 2009.
While Depend is a smaller business than other Kimberly-Clark products such as Huggies diapers or Kleenex tissues, it expects an aging population will help boost sales.
Baby Boomers, the generation of Americans born between 1946 and 1964, are heading toward retirement with the oldest set to turn 65 in 2011. Many of them are already caring for parents who may use incontinence products.
Underwear currently accounts for about 75 percent of Depend brand sales.
Six unisex versions of Depend underwear will be replaced by six versions for women and two versions for men. The new products have different leg openings and other changes to fit men's and women's bodies. They offer 28 percent better leakage protection.......read the rest of the article
Preview these new depend products
For more dementia information, click here
For alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
When to stop Aricept and Namenda
Alzheimer's and Dementia Weekly
Question:
My mom has been taking Aricept for three years and Namenda for two. She is in Assisted Living and continues to decline. I am not sure that these meds are helping her at all. The physician does not want to take her off the meds because she "May or May not" face a decline.
My question is: how do you go about getting good information on when its time to stop the meds, or do you have stay on them forever.
Answer:
Nurse Dina
The decision of if or when to discontinue medications varies from individual to individual. This type of decision must be made in collaboration with the treating physician who will hopefully have the patient's entire treatment plan in mind when deciding.
Certain medications can be stopped abruptly. Others require being slowly tapered down. The medications in question slow the progression of the disease but do not cure it. There is a good chance that there would be a more.....read the whole answer
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer/s and dementia activities, click here
Question:
My mom has been taking Aricept for three years and Namenda for two. She is in Assisted Living and continues to decline. I am not sure that these meds are helping her at all. The physician does not want to take her off the meds because she "May or May not" face a decline.
My question is: how do you go about getting good information on when its time to stop the meds, or do you have stay on them forever.
Answer:
Nurse Dina
The decision of if or when to discontinue medications varies from individual to individual. This type of decision must be made in collaboration with the treating physician who will hopefully have the patient's entire treatment plan in mind when deciding.
Certain medications can be stopped abruptly. Others require being slowly tapered down. The medications in question slow the progression of the disease but do not cure it. There is a good chance that there would be a more.....read the whole answer
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer/s and dementia activities, click here
Monday, January 19, 2009
Dementia looks different in diabetic brain: study
Rueters
By Julie Steenhuysen
CHICAGO (Reuters) - People with diabetes who develop dementia have different types of brain changes than others with dementia, a finding that could change the way drug companies think about treatments for Alzheimer's, U.S. researchers said on Monday.
"It suggests that there may be two pathways contributing to the dementia," Suzanne Craft of the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound in Washington, who worked on the study, said in a telephone interview. "These two pathways may require different forms of treatment."
Her study, reported in the Archives of Neurology, is among the first to compare different brain injuries in diabetics and others with dementia, and it found some curious differences.
Non-diabetics with dementia had an excess of sticky clumps in the brain known as beta-amyloid plaques, while diabetics, especially those who took insulin, had injuries to small blood vessels in the brain known as arterioles and more swelling in nerve tissue, Craft and colleagues found.
She said most of the people in the study had Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, and most shared similar symptoms of dementia before their deaths.
"Despite those similarities, they had very........read the whole article
Click here to see more dementia information
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
By Julie Steenhuysen
CHICAGO (Reuters) - People with diabetes who develop dementia have different types of brain changes than others with dementia, a finding that could change the way drug companies think about treatments for Alzheimer's, U.S. researchers said on Monday.
"It suggests that there may be two pathways contributing to the dementia," Suzanne Craft of the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound in Washington, who worked on the study, said in a telephone interview. "These two pathways may require different forms of treatment."
Her study, reported in the Archives of Neurology, is among the first to compare different brain injuries in diabetics and others with dementia, and it found some curious differences.
Non-diabetics with dementia had an excess of sticky clumps in the brain known as beta-amyloid plaques, while diabetics, especially those who took insulin, had injuries to small blood vessels in the brain known as arterioles and more swelling in nerve tissue, Craft and colleagues found.
She said most of the people in the study had Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, and most shared similar symptoms of dementia before their deaths.
"Despite those similarities, they had very........read the whole article
Click here to see more dementia information
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Sunday, January 18, 2009
New film documents a family coming to grips with Alzheimer's
By Kate Adams
BayToday.ca
The Film "Forgetful Not Forgotten" depicts the story of a family coming to grips with the realities of early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. John Wynn was diagnosed with the disease at the young age of 57. His son Chris decided to chronicle his family's journey to John's final days. This is a moving and heart breaking film. Forgetful Not Forgotten weaves past and present, to both celebrate the man who was, and mourn the painfully slow and steady disappearance of the man he became.
This film is about the Changes Alzheimer's brings to patients lives and it shows the impacts the disease has on family and friends. Chris takes us to the medical world of Alzheimer's diagnostics and preventions.
The film is a tribute to Chris and his family's personal journey and the effects of an increasingly common disease. It delivers a message of.......read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
BayToday.ca
The Film "Forgetful Not Forgotten" depicts the story of a family coming to grips with the realities of early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. John Wynn was diagnosed with the disease at the young age of 57. His son Chris decided to chronicle his family's journey to John's final days. This is a moving and heart breaking film. Forgetful Not Forgotten weaves past and present, to both celebrate the man who was, and mourn the painfully slow and steady disappearance of the man he became.
This film is about the Changes Alzheimer's brings to patients lives and it shows the impacts the disease has on family and friends. Chris takes us to the medical world of Alzheimer's diagnostics and preventions.
The film is a tribute to Chris and his family's personal journey and the effects of an increasingly common disease. It delivers a message of.......read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
For Those Whose Lives Are Touched By Loved Ones With Dementia
simplifyingmotherhood
Trish Berg
I received a neat little workbook in the mail, and wanted to share the information with you all.
If you have a family member with any memory loss, this is for you.
My dad, Peter, was one of the most intelligent people I ever knew. He was an engineer, an inventor. He had worked on the NASA missions in the 60's back when they were flying the Apollo aircraft out in space. He helped design huge plants out west that turned shale into oil. He traveled around the country to work on various engineering project over my lifetime, and I never thought his life would have come down to what it did.
My dad suffered a stroke just before Mike and I were married in 1991. My parents had been divorced since I was 8 year sold, so I only visited my dad during my growing up years (a subject for a whole different column.)
After his stroke, he lost his engineering job in AL where he was living at the time. He had lost all his engineering abilities. He looked normal on the outside, but his brain was not remembering things.
So he moved to Rhode Island and got a new job there. He got that engineering job based on his resume (which was quite impressive) and his salesmanship (again, quite impressive). Once he began working, it became clear to his new boss that he was not able to perform the work. So he was fired.
Then he tried to get a cashier's job at a department store. He was hired and then quickly fired. This intelligent man, this inventor of things, could not remember how to run a simple cash register.
He fell into a deep depression and did not leave his apartment for over a month.
That's when his landlady called me here in Ohio to let me know what was going on.
We had no idea what my dad had been going through at that point.
As soon as we found out, with the financial help of my mom and step-father, and my in-laws, we drove to RI, picked up my dad, loaded a U-Haul, and moved him in with Mike and me.
That was in 1992. We cared for my dad until his death in 1997. He was only 64 years old when he died. So young. So sad.
During those 5 years of caring for my dad, I learned a lot about dealing with a loved one with memory loss. Peter had dementia, and though his long term memory was good, his short term, memory was terrible.
He could talk to you about.......read the post
********From Susan Berg**********************
Some slight memory loss is normal as we age. However this memory loss should not impact our daily lives.
Mainly what we see in normal aging is that it takes people longer to retrieve information stored in their brain.
In order to maintain our brain and keep it working properly, we should do some basic things
Eat right
Stay mentally and physically active
and NOT partake in any bad habits such as smoking or heavy alcohol consumption.
There has been a lot of research on supplements, new drugs and other devices to prevent, stop and repair memory loss.
However what works right NOW is taking care of yourself.
Make sure to visit her blogs
My blog
http://dementia.today.com/
shares information on what you can do to prevent dementia. Sometimes I site new research studies on various aspects of memory decline, improvement, and even memory activities for those with dementia. Right now I am talking about New Year's resolutions that are sure to keep your brain in tip top shape
On my blog
http://alzact.today.com/
I discuss activities to keep those with dementia mentally and physically active. Caregivers, Activities Directors, other health care professionals, and anyone interested in dementia care can use these activities.
On my blog
http://dementiatips.blogspot.com/
I discuss ways to to maximize positive relationships with those who have Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, I teamed up with Brian Willie of the Alzheimer's Legal Resource Center to share helpful tips on paying for dementia care as well.
read the whole post
finally if you would like to make money blogging, not a get rich quisk scheme or anything like that go to dementia.today.com and click on the red box on the right which says "Get Paid to Blog"
Thanks for your attention
Trish Berg
I received a neat little workbook in the mail, and wanted to share the information with you all.
If you have a family member with any memory loss, this is for you.
My dad, Peter, was one of the most intelligent people I ever knew. He was an engineer, an inventor. He had worked on the NASA missions in the 60's back when they were flying the Apollo aircraft out in space. He helped design huge plants out west that turned shale into oil. He traveled around the country to work on various engineering project over my lifetime, and I never thought his life would have come down to what it did.
My dad suffered a stroke just before Mike and I were married in 1991. My parents had been divorced since I was 8 year sold, so I only visited my dad during my growing up years (a subject for a whole different column.)
After his stroke, he lost his engineering job in AL where he was living at the time. He had lost all his engineering abilities. He looked normal on the outside, but his brain was not remembering things.
So he moved to Rhode Island and got a new job there. He got that engineering job based on his resume (which was quite impressive) and his salesmanship (again, quite impressive). Once he began working, it became clear to his new boss that he was not able to perform the work. So he was fired.
Then he tried to get a cashier's job at a department store. He was hired and then quickly fired. This intelligent man, this inventor of things, could not remember how to run a simple cash register.
He fell into a deep depression and did not leave his apartment for over a month.
That's when his landlady called me here in Ohio to let me know what was going on.
We had no idea what my dad had been going through at that point.
As soon as we found out, with the financial help of my mom and step-father, and my in-laws, we drove to RI, picked up my dad, loaded a U-Haul, and moved him in with Mike and me.
That was in 1992. We cared for my dad until his death in 1997. He was only 64 years old when he died. So young. So sad.
During those 5 years of caring for my dad, I learned a lot about dealing with a loved one with memory loss. Peter had dementia, and though his long term memory was good, his short term, memory was terrible.
He could talk to you about.......read the post
********From Susan Berg**********************
Some slight memory loss is normal as we age. However this memory loss should not impact our daily lives.
Mainly what we see in normal aging is that it takes people longer to retrieve information stored in their brain.
In order to maintain our brain and keep it working properly, we should do some basic things
Eat right
Stay mentally and physically active
and NOT partake in any bad habits such as smoking or heavy alcohol consumption.
There has been a lot of research on supplements, new drugs and other devices to prevent, stop and repair memory loss.
However what works right NOW is taking care of yourself.
Make sure to visit her blogs
My blog
http://dementia.today.com/
shares information on what you can do to prevent dementia. Sometimes I site new research studies on various aspects of memory decline, improvement, and even memory activities for those with dementia. Right now I am talking about New Year's resolutions that are sure to keep your brain in tip top shape
On my blog
http://alzact.today.com/
I discuss activities to keep those with dementia mentally and physically active. Caregivers, Activities Directors, other health care professionals, and anyone interested in dementia care can use these activities.
On my blog
http://dementiatips.blogspot.com/
I discuss ways to to maximize positive relationships with those who have Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, I teamed up with Brian Willie of the Alzheimer's Legal Resource Center to share helpful tips on paying for dementia care as well.
read the whole post
finally if you would like to make money blogging, not a get rich quisk scheme or anything like that go to dementia.today.com and click on the red box on the right which says "Get Paid to Blog"
Thanks for your attention
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Alzheimer's Breakthrough
CBS Channel 12
West Palm Beach, Florida
A possible breakthrough in the battle against Alzeheimer's disease.
More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer's.
Ohio State researchers are testing a new drug that may be able to change the course of the disease.
the drug works like a vaccine... given every three months or so.
it's in the final stage of testing. Dr. Debra Cherry, Executive Vice-president of the Alzheimer's Association said, "What this vaccine does, is it enters the brain and it picks up the plaques and cleans them from the brains of people with alzheimer's. What we may be able to do is stop the progression of the disease in those who are already affected and perhaps if we find people early enough prevent them from developing the symptoms of alzheimer's disease."
Hundreds of patients will be given the drug through an I-V.
If it's successful, the next step.......read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
West Palm Beach, Florida
A possible breakthrough in the battle against Alzeheimer's disease.
More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer's.
Ohio State researchers are testing a new drug that may be able to change the course of the disease.
the drug works like a vaccine... given every three months or so.
it's in the final stage of testing. Dr. Debra Cherry, Executive Vice-president of the Alzheimer's Association said, "What this vaccine does, is it enters the brain and it picks up the plaques and cleans them from the brains of people with alzheimer's. What we may be able to do is stop the progression of the disease in those who are already affected and perhaps if we find people early enough prevent them from developing the symptoms of alzheimer's disease."
Hundreds of patients will be given the drug through an I-V.
If it's successful, the next step.......read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Monday, January 12, 2009
Gender insight in Alzheimer's study
Press Association
A faulty gene on the female X chromosome may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease in women, scientists said.
The discovery is the first evidence of a sex-specific risk factor for the disease.
Scientists identified a variant in the gene PCDH11X that significantly correlated with susceptibility to late-onset Alzheimer's disease (Load).
When the data was analysed to account for sex, the association was found to be almost entirely confined to women.
PCDH11X lies on the female X chromosome, one of the "packages" of DNA inside the cell nucleus.
It provides the coded building instructions for a protein called protocadherin, which promotes cell-to-cell adhesion and central nerve system signalling.
There is some evidence that...read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
A faulty gene on the female X chromosome may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease in women, scientists said.
The discovery is the first evidence of a sex-specific risk factor for the disease.
Scientists identified a variant in the gene PCDH11X that significantly correlated with susceptibility to late-onset Alzheimer's disease (Load).
When the data was analysed to account for sex, the association was found to be almost entirely confined to women.
PCDH11X lies on the female X chromosome, one of the "packages" of DNA inside the cell nucleus.
It provides the coded building instructions for a protein called protocadherin, which promotes cell-to-cell adhesion and central nerve system signalling.
There is some evidence that...read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New Year's resolutions for caregivers
Now that the new year is here, it is a good time to think about your role as a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia
OurAlzheimer's.com
The promise of a new year may seem daunting if you're caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, but not if you see it as an opportunity for a fresh start.
Take advantage of the 2009 calendar in front of you by finally tackling the issues that frequently get brushed aside.
January is an ideal time to revisit your present and future caregiving situation by addressing:
legal issues( discussed at dementia tips
financial concerns
your loved one's changing needs
conversations with other family members
Update or create a care plan
It may be necessary to work with a professional to review your loved one's long-term plan. A geriatric specialist can help you identify the resources and establish a plan that meets both your needs and those of your loved one, says, Mauri Malka, who manages caregiver training and support groups.
Questions to consider include:
Is the plan still realistic?
Has your loved one's condition deteriorated recently?
Is it still possible to care for your loved one at home?
If not, what other options exist?.......read the whole article
For more information about dementia New Year's resolutions, click here
For Alzheimer's activities see what this expert has to say
OurAlzheimer's.com
The promise of a new year may seem daunting if you're caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, but not if you see it as an opportunity for a fresh start.
Take advantage of the 2009 calendar in front of you by finally tackling the issues that frequently get brushed aside.
January is an ideal time to revisit your present and future caregiving situation by addressing:
legal issues( discussed at dementia tips
financial concerns
your loved one's changing needs
conversations with other family members
Update or create a care plan
It may be necessary to work with a professional to review your loved one's long-term plan. A geriatric specialist can help you identify the resources and establish a plan that meets both your needs and those of your loved one, says, Mauri Malka, who manages caregiver training and support groups.
Questions to consider include:
Is the plan still realistic?
Has your loved one's condition deteriorated recently?
Is it still possible to care for your loved one at home?
If not, what other options exist?.......read the whole article
For more information about dementia New Year's resolutions, click here
For Alzheimer's activities see what this expert has to say
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Lawmakers pushing for Amber-like alert for elderly
Chicago Tribune
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin would join 12 other states that use an emergency alert system to notify the public when seniors with dementia go missing under a proposal being worked on in the Legislature.
It's called Silver Alert and it operates much like the Amber Alert for endangered children.
The emergency alert system would.......read the whole article
Here is a comment from the article
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For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin would join 12 other states that use an emergency alert system to notify the public when seniors with dementia go missing under a proposal being worked on in the Legislature.
It's called Silver Alert and it operates much like the Amber Alert for endangered children.
The emergency alert system would.......read the whole article
Here is a comment from the article
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Friday, January 9, 2009
Dehydration and dementia
Alzheimer's and Dementia Weekly
Problem: My dad has not been drinking on his own . He used to stop by the sink and get a drink in the kitchen many times a day. Now I can not get him to take any water or Juice during the day .I have offered a wide variety of Gatorade, juice, or hot cocoa . He does drink a small glass of OJ and cup of coffee for breakfast . Then milk for lunch and dinner . That is it He says he is not thirsty and does not want the drink . How harmful is this ? Dad has demensia . He has been slowly progressing downward and not fully aware of what is going on around him. Does he not realize he is thirsty or does and forgets ? He is eating really well but losing the weight
Possible Solution offered by Nurse Dina: Here are some things you might try to increase your dad's fluid intake: First, if possible, avoid caffeinated beverages as they tend to have diuretic properties. Try serving foods that have a high water content such as yogurt, jello, nutritious soups, fruit shakes and the like. Speak with your doctor and see if he recommends nutritional supplements like Ensure.
If your dad is eating but loosing weight, he should...read the rest
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Problem: My dad has not been drinking on his own . He used to stop by the sink and get a drink in the kitchen many times a day. Now I can not get him to take any water or Juice during the day .I have offered a wide variety of Gatorade, juice, or hot cocoa . He does drink a small glass of OJ and cup of coffee for breakfast . Then milk for lunch and dinner . That is it He says he is not thirsty and does not want the drink . How harmful is this ? Dad has demensia . He has been slowly progressing downward and not fully aware of what is going on around him. Does he not realize he is thirsty or does and forgets ? He is eating really well but losing the weight
Possible Solution offered by Nurse Dina: Here are some things you might try to increase your dad's fluid intake: First, if possible, avoid caffeinated beverages as they tend to have diuretic properties. Try serving foods that have a high water content such as yogurt, jello, nutritious soups, fruit shakes and the like. Speak with your doctor and see if he recommends nutritional supplements like Ensure.
If your dad is eating but loosing weight, he should...read the rest
For more dementia information, click here
For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Thursday, January 8, 2009
9 Genes Are Linked to Alzheimer's
US NEWS and World Report
Finding also bolsters tie between vitamin D and the brain disease
HealthDay News) -- Researchers have identified nine genes that might make people more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
In addition, they confirmed earlier reports that a variation in the vitamin D3 receptor gene, on chromosome 12, might also increase risk for Alzheimer's. Low levels of vitamin D have been found in people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, leading researchers to suspect a link....read the whole article
Here is some addtitional information about dementia
For Alzheimer's activities suggested by an expert, click here
Finding also bolsters tie between vitamin D and the brain disease
HealthDay News) -- Researchers have identified nine genes that might make people more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
In addition, they confirmed earlier reports that a variation in the vitamin D3 receptor gene, on chromosome 12, might also increase risk for Alzheimer's. Low levels of vitamin D have been found in people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, leading researchers to suspect a link....read the whole article
Here is some addtitional information about dementia
For Alzheimer's activities suggested by an expert, click here
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
A protein that protects against Alzheimer's?
e! Science News
Research on the mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, stroke, dementia, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, to name a few, has taken a step forward thanks to the work of biological sciences Ph.D. student Sonia Do Carmo, supervised by Professor Éric Rassart of the Université du Québec à Montreal (UQAM) Biological Sciences Department, in collaboration with researchers at the Armand-Frappier Institute and the University of Valladolid in Spain. Do Carmo and her collaborators have successfully demonstrated the protective and reparative role of apolipoprotein D, or ApoD, in neurodegenerative diseases. Their discovery suggests interesting avenues for preventing and slowing the progression of this type of illness.
These studies were inspired by work done ten years ago by Professor Rassart's team, who then discovered increased levels of ApoD in the brains of people with several types of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's. The team hypothesized that this protein might play a protective and restorative role but were....read the whole story
Click here for more dementia information
For outstanding dementia activities, click here
Research on the mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, stroke, dementia, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, to name a few, has taken a step forward thanks to the work of biological sciences Ph.D. student Sonia Do Carmo, supervised by Professor Éric Rassart of the Université du Québec à Montreal (UQAM) Biological Sciences Department, in collaboration with researchers at the Armand-Frappier Institute and the University of Valladolid in Spain. Do Carmo and her collaborators have successfully demonstrated the protective and reparative role of apolipoprotein D, or ApoD, in neurodegenerative diseases. Their discovery suggests interesting avenues for preventing and slowing the progression of this type of illness.
These studies were inspired by work done ten years ago by Professor Rassart's team, who then discovered increased levels of ApoD in the brains of people with several types of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's. The team hypothesized that this protein might play a protective and restorative role but were....read the whole story
Click here for more dementia information
For outstanding dementia activities, click here
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Axona, a new drug for Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's and dementia weekly
Axona is a new medical food product for the clinical dietary management of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Axona has been shown in randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials to safely improve cognitive function and memory in patients diagnosed with mild-to-moderate AD. It will be marketed as an adjunctive therapy to currently approved AD drugs. Axona will be administered under physician supervision and dispensed by prescription, in accordance with applicable FDA regulations.
Axona provides........read the whole article
Foe more dementia information, click here
For ASlzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Axona is a new medical food product for the clinical dietary management of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Axona has been shown in randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials to safely improve cognitive function and memory in patients diagnosed with mild-to-moderate AD. It will be marketed as an adjunctive therapy to currently approved AD drugs. Axona will be administered under physician supervision and dispensed by prescription, in accordance with applicable FDA regulations.
Axona provides........read the whole article
Foe more dementia information, click here
For ASlzheimer's and dementia activities, click here
Monday, January 5, 2009
Good News, Bad News on Alzheimer's Prevention
Psychiatric News
Clinical & Research News
Joan Arehart-Treichel
If avoiding Alzheimer's is one of your priorities, you might consider discarding your ginkgo tablets and enrolling in a continuing medical education course.
Many Americans believe that use of the herb Ginkgo biloba can help stave off development of Alzheimer's disease. However, results from a large clinical trial are sure to disappoint ginkgo proponents.
The trial, headed by Steven DeKosky, M.D., of the University of Virginia and a leading Alzheimer's scientist, was conducted at five academic medical centers throughout the United States. It included more than 3,000 community volunteers aged 75 or older with either normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment. It used a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind design.
Half the subjects took 120 mg of ginkgo twice a day, and half took a placebo twice a day. Subjects were evaluated every six months for dementia over the following six years. At the end of the six years, 523 subjects had developed dementia—277 in the ginkgo group and 246 in the placebo group.
Moreover, when the researchers looked to see whether.....read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
Amazing dementia activities can be found here
Clinical & Research News
Joan Arehart-Treichel
If avoiding Alzheimer's is one of your priorities, you might consider discarding your ginkgo tablets and enrolling in a continuing medical education course.
Many Americans believe that use of the herb Ginkgo biloba can help stave off development of Alzheimer's disease. However, results from a large clinical trial are sure to disappoint ginkgo proponents.
The trial, headed by Steven DeKosky, M.D., of the University of Virginia and a leading Alzheimer's scientist, was conducted at five academic medical centers throughout the United States. It included more than 3,000 community volunteers aged 75 or older with either normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment. It used a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind design.
Half the subjects took 120 mg of ginkgo twice a day, and half took a placebo twice a day. Subjects were evaluated every six months for dementia over the following six years. At the end of the six years, 523 subjects had developed dementia—277 in the ginkgo group and 246 in the placebo group.
Moreover, when the researchers looked to see whether.....read the whole article
For more dementia information, click here
Amazing dementia activities can be found here
Is Inflammation Causing Cancer, Arthritis and Alzheimer's?
PRweb
Inflammation is your immune system's way of protecting you from physical trauma or foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. It's supposed to be a short and powerful response. Unfortunately, the body doesn't turn off the inflammation switch and it ends up destroying the very tissues and organs it was meant to protect. We tend to think of inflammation as synonymous with arthritis. However, inflammation can strike anywhere in your body. It's a major contributor to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, and many more life-threatening conditions. Control inflammation and you control disease.
In her book, Prevent Cancer, Strokes, Heart Attacks and other Deadly Killers! Dr. Vijaya Nair, Harvard-trained M.D. FAMS, M.S. (Epid) says, "Inflammation is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it protects you. When you get a splinter, inflammation makes sure that immune cells arrive at the scene of the injury to kill any bacteria or viruses that may have entered the broken skin. That's what all that redness, heat, swelling, and pain is about. Your immune system is going to war! On the other hand, inflammation can kill you. It can cause diseases no one wants to get, like cancer, arthritis, heart disease, digestive tract diseases, macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome."
Inflammation is only supposed to stick around as long as a threat exists. That's why your inflammation levels shoot through the roof if you have a severe bacterial infection, but, quickly go back to normal once the bacteria is successfully eliminated. When the body doesn't turn off the inflammation response -- when all those inflammatory chemicals stay in the system for a long time -- it ends up destroying.....read the whole article
To learm more about dementia, click here
Are you interested in dementia activities? Here is a good place to start
Inflammation is your immune system's way of protecting you from physical trauma or foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. It's supposed to be a short and powerful response. Unfortunately, the body doesn't turn off the inflammation switch and it ends up destroying the very tissues and organs it was meant to protect. We tend to think of inflammation as synonymous with arthritis. However, inflammation can strike anywhere in your body. It's a major contributor to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, and many more life-threatening conditions. Control inflammation and you control disease.
In her book, Prevent Cancer, Strokes, Heart Attacks and other Deadly Killers! Dr. Vijaya Nair, Harvard-trained M.D. FAMS, M.S. (Epid) says, "Inflammation is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it protects you. When you get a splinter, inflammation makes sure that immune cells arrive at the scene of the injury to kill any bacteria or viruses that may have entered the broken skin. That's what all that redness, heat, swelling, and pain is about. Your immune system is going to war! On the other hand, inflammation can kill you. It can cause diseases no one wants to get, like cancer, arthritis, heart disease, digestive tract diseases, macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome."
Inflammation is only supposed to stick around as long as a threat exists. That's why your inflammation levels shoot through the roof if you have a severe bacterial infection, but, quickly go back to normal once the bacteria is successfully eliminated. When the body doesn't turn off the inflammation response -- when all those inflammatory chemicals stay in the system for a long time -- it ends up destroying.....read the whole article
To learm more about dementia, click here
Are you interested in dementia activities? Here is a good place to start
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Alzheimer's gene 'linked to Vitamin D'
Telegraph.com
Scientists have found a new Alzheimer's gene they believe could affect how our bodies use a vital vitamin.
By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent
Researchers hope that the breakthrough could one day lead to new treatments for the devastating neurological condition.
They believe that the gene could be connected to how the brain uses vitamin D, a lack of which has been linked to memory problems.
Scientists have previously found that the onset of the devastating condition was linked to the apolipoprotein E gene.
However, this is a "weak" gene, whose influence would not be enough to cause the illness.
The study looked at the genes of 492 patients who suffered from Alzheimer's disease and compared these to genes from 498 people who did not have the condition.
The analysis was detailed enough to identify single variants within DNA cells which are more common in patients with Alzheimer's.
The variation is close to the gene which uses vitamin D in the brain and has previously been linked to memory, the findings, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, show.
"It is possible that (this variation) is in a region that may play some sort of regulatory role (with......read the whole story
For more Alzheimer's disease and dementia information,click here
For Alzheimer's disease and dementia activities, click here
Scientists have found a new Alzheimer's gene they believe could affect how our bodies use a vital vitamin.
By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent
Researchers hope that the breakthrough could one day lead to new treatments for the devastating neurological condition.
They believe that the gene could be connected to how the brain uses vitamin D, a lack of which has been linked to memory problems.
Scientists have previously found that the onset of the devastating condition was linked to the apolipoprotein E gene.
However, this is a "weak" gene, whose influence would not be enough to cause the illness.
The study looked at the genes of 492 patients who suffered from Alzheimer's disease and compared these to genes from 498 people who did not have the condition.
The analysis was detailed enough to identify single variants within DNA cells which are more common in patients with Alzheimer's.
The variation is close to the gene which uses vitamin D in the brain and has previously been linked to memory, the findings, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, show.
"It is possible that (this variation) is in a region that may play some sort of regulatory role (with......read the whole story
For more Alzheimer's disease and dementia information,click here
For Alzheimer's disease and dementia activities, click here
Friday, January 2, 2009
Ground-breaking anti-amnesic and neuroprotective effects of Alzheimer's compound ANAVEX 1-41 published in Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
ATHENS, GREECE,PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Anavex Life Sciences Corp. ("ANAVEX") (OTCBB: AVXL), a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of novel therapeutics to treat Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases and cancer, announces that the anti-amnesic and neuroprotective effects of ANAVEX 1-41 are detailed in a paper published in the current edition of Neuropsychopharmacology. Currently in the late pre-clinical stage, ANAVEX 1-41 is one of the company's lead compounds for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuropsychopharmacology is an international scientific journal and the official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, which focuses on clinical and basic science contributions that advance our understanding of the brain and behaviour.
"The ANAVEX 1-41 results highlighted in this important paper clearly demonstrate the compound's efficacy, which can be attained at extremely.......read the whole article
For more information on dementia, click here
If you are interested in dementia activities, click here
"The ANAVEX 1-41 results highlighted in this important paper clearly demonstrate the compound's efficacy, which can be attained at extremely.......read the whole article
For more information on dementia, click here
If you are interested in dementia activities, click here
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