Michaelangelica Posted May 28, 2008 Author Report Posted May 28, 2008 Latest news25 million affected by dementia, as Terry Pratchett steps-up fight against the disease20th May 2008 Terry Pratchett An Alzheimer’s Research Trust survey has revealed that 25 million people in the UK are touched by dementia. The poll results are released as Terry Pratchett announces he is to become a Patron of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust. The YouGov poll, commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, found that 42% of the population – 25 million people – know a close friend, family member or someone else with dementia. 700,000 people in the have the disease.Latest news - Alzheimer's Research TrustCheck out if your local (Uk) member is supporting thisUK Parliament - Early Day Motions By Details What is the Canadian & USA Alzheimer's Charity/Research body? Quote
Michaelangelica Posted May 29, 2008 Author Report Posted May 29, 2008 These two reports are abit scaryLatest newsScottish scientists explain dementia, as poll reveals half of all Scots affected.28th May 2008 Calum Sutherland Scotland’s top scientists are presenting their research on dementia to the public, as an Alzheimer’s Research Trust poll reveals that almost half of all Scots are touched by the disease.Latest news - Alzheimer's Research TrustLatest newsReport finds dementia crisis worsening, as calls grow for more dementia research funding28th May 2008 Rebecca Wood of the Alzheimer's Research Trust The King’s Fund’s ‘Paying the Price’ report shows the UK to be facing a dementia crisis, underlining the urgent need for further research into Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The report forecasts that in the next 18 years the 582,827 people with dementia in England alone is set to increase by 61% to just shy of 1 million.Latest news - Alzheimer's Research TrustSome Good news:-Latest newsAnti-inflammatory drugs may reduce dementia risk29th May 2008 drugs US researchers have reported that different types of anti-inflammatory drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be equally effective at reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.The research, published in Neurology, found that the risk reduction was independent of whether the person was taking ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen. Previous research indicated that a particular group of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, might be more beneficial than another group that includes naproxen and aspirin.The researchers examined data from 13,499 people and found that those who used NSAIDs had a 23% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who had never used NSAIDs. The study's author, Dr Peter Zandi, from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, said, “This is an interesting finding because it seems to challenge a current theory that the NSAID group which includes ibuprofen may work better in reducing a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s.Latest news - Alzheimer's Research Trust Quote
Michaelangelica Posted May 30, 2008 Author Report Posted May 30, 2008 COMING UP ALL IN THE MIND: When words and science meetSaturday 31 May 1.05pm, Radio NationalStefan Merrill Block’s debut novel, The Story of Forgetting, is a clever tale about familial Alzheimer’s disease. Spanning time and place, it's the surprising story of a gene, a fantasy land where memory is absent, a hunchback, and one boy’s quest to understand the disease stealing his mother’s mind. And, Canadian emergency physician, Dr Vincent Lam, takes us inside the lives of four young doctors in his compelling debut, Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures.All In The Mind Quote
Michaelangelica Posted June 9, 2008 Author Report Posted June 9, 2008 More on dietBlueberries may reverse memory decline, Reading University findsBy Rebecca Smith, Medical EditorLast Updated: 5:19PM BST 06/06/2008Eating blueberries can improve memory and could lead to a new treatment for Alzheimer's Disease, researchers have said. Scientists have found that chemicals in the fruit can reverse age-releated decline in memory. The team at Reading University found the equivalent of a punnet of blueberries a day, between 120g and 150g, significantly improved the memory of rats.. . .However, this study indicates that rather than acting as simple antioxidants, flavonoids may interact directly with nerve cells. The team believe the flavonoids may work by improving communication between cells and encourage nerves that carry electrical signals in the brain to regenerate.Blueberries may reverse memory decline, Reading University finds - Telegraph Quote
Michaelangelica Posted June 9, 2008 Author Report Posted June 9, 2008 More on dietBlueberries may reverse memory decline, Reading University findsBy Rebecca Smith, Medical EditorLast Updated: 5:19PM BST 06/06/2008Eating blueberries can improve memory and could lead to a new treatment for Alzheimer's Disease, researchers have said. Scientists have found that chemicals in the fruit can reverse age-releated decline in memory.The team at Reading University found the equivalent of a punnet of blueberries a day, between 120g and 150g, significantly improved the memory of rats.. . .However, this study indicates that rather than acting as simple antioxidants, flavonoids may interact directly with nerve cells. The team believe the flavonoids may work by improving communication between cells and encourage nerves that carry electrical signals in the brain to regenerate.Blueberries may reverse memory decline, Reading University finds - Telegraph Quote
Michaelangelica Posted June 11, 2008 Author Report Posted June 11, 2008 Results For "antipsychotic therapy older adults dementia" - SearchMedica - Professional Medical Search Results For "Alzheimer statin" - SearchMedica - Professional Medical Search Red/Purple Group(beets, eggplant, purple grapes, red wine, grape juice, prunes, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, red apples)These are loaded with powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins believed to protect against heart disease by preventing blood clots. They may also delay the aging of cells in the body. There is some evidence they may help delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.Joie de Vivre! - What Color is Your Diet?: Booknotes Quote
Michaelangelica Posted June 18, 2008 Author Report Posted June 18, 2008 An interesting page on Alzheimer's from Stanford uni * Some important FACTS about dementia include: * A person with dementia is not insane, necessarily psychotic, or learning disabled. * There are many different types of dementia. Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, it is not the only kind. * Patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions may have dementia. * Frontal Temporal Dementia involves an impairment in the ability to plan and organize. * What may seem like aggressive behavior may be an indication of fear, anger, dissatisfaction, particularly in the early stages of dementia. * Persons with dementia are not necessarily incompetent, particularly in the early and intermediate stages. Persons with mild dementia may be able to comprehend and make choices about their own health. Often, some problems are overlooked in assessing a person’s well being and may be confused with dementia. There may be competing causes as to why a person develops certain symptoms, which may or may not be dementia. Here are some things to watch: * A fall is not always just a fall. It could be an indication of macular degeneration or poor balance. * People with dementia may have other disabilities including, for example, trouble walking, poor balance, and sleep problems. * Forgetfulness may indicate a medication interaction. * Sometimes persons with dementia may speak very well despite the onset of other symptoms that reveal dementia. * Some persons with early onset dementia try to compensate for it and hide it. * Persons with depression and dementia often exhibit the same symptoms including loss of interest, withdrawing, and apathy. The two conditions may occur simultaneously and be misdiagnosed. For more information: Movement Disorders Team at StanfordOur Team - Stanford Hospital & Clinics - Stanford University Medical Center Alzheimer’s Association - Northern California and Northern NevadaNorcal Home Stanford’s “Farewell to Falls” program helping older adults prevent falls:Farewell to Falls Program - Stanford Hospital & Clinics - Stanford University Medical Center Geriatric Health Services – Stanford Hospital & ClinicsGeriatric Health Services, Geriatric Health Services, older adults, Geriatric Health - Stanford Hospital & Clinics - Stanford University Medical Centerhttp://www.shlnews.org/?p=21 Quote
Michaelangelica Posted June 18, 2008 Author Report Posted June 18, 2008 An interesting page on Alzheimer's from Stanford Hospital * Some important FACTS about dementia include: * A person with dementia is not insane, necessarily psychotic, or learning disabled. * There are many different types of dementia. Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, it is not the only kind. * Patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions may have dementia. * Frontal Temporal Dementia involves an impairment in the ability to plan and organize. * What may seem like aggressive behavior may be an indication of fear, anger, dissatisfaction, particularly in the early stages of dementia. * Persons with dementia are not necessarily incompetent, particularly in the early and intermediate stages. Persons with mild dementia may be able to comprehend and make choices about their own health. Often, some problems are overlooked in assessing a person’s well being and may be confused with dementia. There may be competing causes as to why a person develops certain symptoms, which may or may not be dementia. Here are some things to watch: * A fall is not always just a fall. It could be an indication of macular degeneration or poor balance. * People with dementia may have other disabilities including, for example, trouble walking, poor balance, and sleep problems. * Forgetfulness may indicate a medication interaction. * Sometimes persons with dementia may speak very well despite the onset of other symptoms that reveal dementia. * Some persons with early onset dementia try to compensate for it and hide it. * Persons with depression and dementia often exhibit the same symptoms including loss of interest, withdrawing, and apathy. The two conditions may occur simultaneously and be misdiagnosed. For more information: Movement Disorders Team at StanfordOur Team - Stanford Hospital & Clinics - Stanford University Medical Center Alzheimer’s Association - Northern California and Northern NevadaNorcal Home Stanford’s “Farewell to Falls” program helping older adults prevent falls:Farewell to Falls Program - Stanford Hospital & Clinics - Stanford University Medical Center Geriatric Health Services – Stanford Hospital & ClinicsGeriatric Health Services, Geriatric Health Services, older adults, Geriatric Health - Stanford Hospital & Clinics - Stanford University Medical CenterDementia - Myths and Realities : Notes from the Doc Talks i am not sure if this is a FREE downloadable video or notMemory Matters This video provides a basic understanding of Alzheimer's disease and examines the ways it affects people living with or caring for those affected by it. Some important issues that often need to be discussed and decided upon to prepare for the future include appointing guardians, power of attorneys, discussing and changing activities (eg. whether to avoid or stop driving). It offers practical advice on dealing with everyday life to make living with Alzheimer's disease more manageable, through experiences shared by people living with the disease. Medical professionals also discuss treatments that can slow down the progress of the disease, and organisations that offer support. * Aricept * Alzheimer's disease * Memory loss symptoms * Tips for carers of dementia patients lifestyleMedical Videos Quote
Michaelangelica Posted June 19, 2008 Author Report Posted June 19, 2008 New hope offered to Alzheimer's sufferersSource: ABC NewsPublished: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 7:42 AESTExpires: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 7:42 AEST Alzheimer's Australia has released a study offering new hope for the hundreds of thousands of Australians whose lives are affected by the disease. Tags: alzheimers-and-dementia, australiaAvailable Formats * Windows Media (Broadband) * Windows Media (Dial-up) * Real Media (Broadband) * Real Media (Dial-up) New hope offered to Alzheimer's sufferers - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Quote
Michaelangelica Posted June 19, 2008 Author Report Posted June 19, 2008 New hope offered to Alzheimer's sufferersSource: ABC NewsPublished: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 7:42 AESTExpires: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 7:42 AEST Alzheimer's Australia has released a study offering new hope for the hundreds of thousands of Australians whose lives are affected by the disease. Tags: alzheimers-and-dementia, australiaAvailable Formats * Windows Media (Broadband) * Windows Media (Dial-up) * Real Media (Broadband) * Real Media (Dial-up) New hope offered to Alzheimer's sufferers - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Quote
Ganoderma Posted June 19, 2008 Report Posted June 19, 2008 anyone here ever looked into Tabernaemontana divaricata? i am growing it for its nice flowers and just learned of some studies when researching its chems. http://www.research.nu.ac.th/home/proc3/poster%20health/poster_%C7%D4%B7%C2%EC%CA%D8%A2%C0%D2%BE_6_6.pdf Biomedical Engineering Center :: Chiang Mai UniversityABSTRACT We have demonstrated that Tabernaemontana divaricata extract (TDE) acts as a novel reversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor in vivo. To investigate the physiological properties of TDE in slices of hippocampus we used extracellular recordings of field potential, and found that TDE significantly reduced field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) elicited by paired-pulse stimulation of Schaffer collateral pathways in the CA1 hippocampus. The reduction in potentials was prevented by atropine, but not by pancuronium, and was not accompanied by evident changes in the EPSP waveform. The modulation of glutamatergic synaptic responses in the CA1 hippocampus with TDE was similar to the effect of exogenous acetylcholine (ACh). These findings suggest that TDE, an AChE inhibitor, acts to increase endogenous synaptic ACh levels, which influences the reduction of excitatory transmission in the CA1 hippocampus. Paired-pulse facilitation with TDE application was reliably increased, indicating that the depressed synaptic responses occurred through the reductions in transmitter release. Our findings describe novel characteristics of TDE as an AChE inhibitor in the hippocampal circuit. Therefore, TDE may be of benefit in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the future. Supported by TRF-RMU 4880013 (SC), TRF-RMU4980001 (NC), Fac of Medicine Endowment Fund, CMU (AP, SC, NC) and Biomedical Engineering Center, CMU Quote
Michaelangelica Posted June 20, 2008 Author Report Posted June 20, 2008 Systematic review on the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2008 Jun;14(2):209-23 Authors: Man SC, Durairajan SS, Kum WF, Lu JH, Huang JD, Cheng CF, Chung V, Xu M, Li M A systematic review was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of herbal medications (HM), as either monotherapy or adjunct to orthodox medications (cholinesterase inhibitors and nootropic agents, OM) for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Sixteen studies testing different HM were included. Out of the 15 HM monotherapy studies, 13 reported HM to be significantly better than OM or placebo; one reported similar efficacy between HM and OM. Only the HM adjuvant study reported significant efficacy. No major adverse events for HM were reported and HMs were found to reduce the adverse effects arising from OM. Imbalance in ethnicity among participants was observed; gender distribution was unclear. Heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria, interventions and outcome measures hindered comprehensive data analysis. Studies comparing HM with OM suggest that HM can be a safe, effective treatment for AD, either alone or in conjunction with OM. Methodological flaws in the design of the studies, however, limited the extent to which the results could be interpreted. Among various HMs, the safety and tolerability of EGb761 was best established. Further multi-center trials with large sample size, high methodological qualities and standardized HM ingredients are necessary for clinical recommendations on the use of HM in treating AD. PMID: 18560132 [PubMed - in process] Quote
Michaelangelica Posted June 23, 2008 Author Report Posted June 23, 2008 Keep them quite and manageable.(much cheaper). Similar to what happens to psychiatric Patients a la -One though over the Cooko'os Nest"Drug-free dementia?Alison Benjamin argues that without properly funded dementia care drugs will continued to be over usedJune 20, 2008 2:08 PM Ivan Lewis's announcement yesterday of a review to restrict the use of "chemical cosh" drugs for people with dementia inevitably grabbed the headlines at the launch of the consultation of the first ever National Dementia Strategy. With the Alzheimer's Society estimating that a staggering 100,000 dementia patients are wrongly given drugs to subdue them, usually in care homes, the move should be welcome. But we also need to ask why care home staff are heavily sedating people with dementia. From talking to specialist providers of dementia care, it is clear that most care homes are unable to cope with the increasing number of residents who have some form of dementia. Staff aren't trained how to recognise signs of dementia, nor how to deal with the often agitated or aggressive behaviour it can unleash, and there often aren't enough staff to provide the personalised, tailored care that the residents desperately need. Unfortunately, people with dementia often annoy or even scare the other residents, who are more than happy when their noisy neighbour is shut up, whatever the method. Drug-free dementia? | Joe Public | guardian.co.uk Use of 'chemical cosh' drugs to be restricted · Review of treatment of dementia patients· Inappropriate prescribing 'cutting lives short' * Sarah Boseley, health editor * The Guardian, * Friday June 20, 2008 * Article history The use of so-called "chemical cosh" antipsychotic drugs to subdue people with dementia will be curbed as part of a government strategy to help the growing numbers of people with the condition.Use of 'chemical cosh' drugs to be restricted | Society | The Guardian Quote
Michaelangelica Posted June 23, 2008 Author Report Posted June 23, 2008 Keep them quite and manageable.(much cheaper). Similar to what happens to psychiatric Patients a la -One though over the Cooko'os Nest"Drug-free dementia?Alison Benjamin argues that without properly funded dementia care drugs will continued to be over usedJune 20, 2008 2:08 PM Ivan Lewis's announcement yesterday of a review to restrict the use of "chemical cosh" drugs for people with dementia inevitably grabbed the headlines at the launch of the consultation of the first ever National Dementia Strategy. With the Alzheimer's Society estimating that a staggering 100,000 dementia patients are wrongly given drugs to subdue them, usually in care homes, the move should be welcome. But we also need to ask why care home staff are heavily sedating people with dementia. From talking to specialist providers of dementia care, it is clear that most care homes are unable to cope with the increasing number of residents who have some form of dementia. Staff aren't trained how to recognise signs of dementia, nor how to deal with the often agitated or aggressive behaviour it can unleash, and there often aren't enough staff to provide the personalised, tailored care that the residents desperately need. Unfortunately, people with dementia often annoy or even scare the other residents, who are more than happy when their noisy neighbour is shut up, whatever the method. Drug-free dementia? | Joe Public | guardian.co.uk Use of 'chemical cosh' drugs to be restricted · Review of treatment of dementia patients· Inappropriate prescribing 'cutting lives short' * Sarah Boseley, health editor * The Guardian, * Friday June 20, 2008 * Article history The use of so-called "chemical cosh" antipsychotic drugs to subdue people with dementia will be curbed as part of a government strategy to help the growing numbers of people with the condition.Use of 'chemical cosh' drugs to be restricted | Society | The Guardian Embryo law 'will hit Alzheimer's cure research' - Telegraph Embryo law 'will hit Alzheimer's cure research' By Nic Fleming, Science CorrespondentLast Updated: 1:01pm GMT 21/01/2008 Research into new treatments for diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's will be delayed by new laws limiting stem cell research, a group of leading scientists say. Under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Bill any work involving the use of cloned embryonic stem cells will require the consent of its donor. A group of 29 scientists including three Nobel prizewinners warned in a letter that the provision would deny them access to tissue banks which act as libraries of the genes that trigger the serious diseases they want to study.advertisement Much of the tissue was collected before it became possible to clone embryos, meaning patients would not have been able to consent to their genetic material being used for work of this kind. Seeking retrospective permission will not be possible as most of the tissue was donated anonymously. "Such stem cell lines would be of great value in understanding how diseases develop, as well in the search for therapies,"Embryo law 'will hit Alzheimer's cure research' - Telegraph Quote
Monomer Posted June 28, 2008 Report Posted June 28, 2008 Researcher Answers Questions About the Newly Discovered Alzheimer's Genetic Risk Factor, CALHM1 Scientists have discovered a new Alzheimer's disease gene called CALHM1. That genetic risk factor is common, and while it's not as big a risk as another genetic variant called ApoE4, it is "extremely significant" and may lead to new Alzheimer's treatments, researcher Philippe Marambaud, PhD, tells WebMD. We have provided very strong evidence in this recent publication that this risk factor is found in a gene that represents a new calcium channel. A calcium channel is a protein that allows entry into the cells, and in this case, we believe into the neurons, of the calcium ion. Calcium ions are very important signals inside the cells to generate a mechanism related to memory formation, for instance. But also, what we found is that these signals lead to the modulation of the so-called APP processing. The APP processing is a very important pathway that leads to the production of the amyloid peptide. The amyloid peptide is a building block of senile plaque. There is a hypothesis right now in the field that amyloid plaque, but also amyloid peptides before they aggregate into plaque, may be the toxic element in the disease. So basically, we found a link between the genetics of the disease, with this susceptibility factor, and the production of the amyloid peptides, which is very important. Quote
Monomer Posted July 1, 2008 Report Posted July 1, 2008 'Good' cholesterol dementia risk Too little of one type of cholesterol has been linked by research to memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. UK and French scientists studied 3,673 civil servants, revealing low levels of "good" cholesterol were associated with poor memory. Doctors might be able to uncover high-risk patients using blood tests, they said in a US heart journal. But other experts said the study did not yet support larger diet trials aiming to boost levels. The relationship between levels of HDL, or "good", and LDL, or "bad" types of cholesterol is thought to be important in the development of other serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Higher levels of HDL, in particular, are believed to protect against damage to blood supply caused by the narrowing of the arteries. There is also evidence that "good" cholesterol can influence the laying down of the beta-amyloid "plaques" that are a distinctive feature in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Quote
Michaelangelica Posted July 7, 2008 Author Report Posted July 7, 2008 Cold Sore Virus Might Play Role In Alzheimer's ScienceDaily (Jan. 3, 2007) — A gene known to be a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease puts out the welcome mat for the virus that causes cold sores, allowing the virus to be more active in the brain compared to other forms of the gene. The new findings, published online in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, add some scientific heft to the idea, long suspected by some scientists, that herpes somehow plays a role in bringing about Alzheimer's disease.Cold Sore Virus Might Play Role In Alzheimer's Researchers Investigate (Horrors!) Nicotine's Potential Benefits IN work that sounds a little like scientific blasphemy, medical researchers have begun paying increasing attention to some beneficial effects of nicotine that were first noticed in cigarette smokers. After years of quiet discussion among scientists, hints that cigarettes can protect against some diseases or improve the outcome of others have led to growing interest in finding out why. This has focused attention on nicotine, tobacco's most active ingredient, as a potential treatment for several major health problems, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. MOREResearchers Investigate (Horrors!) Nicotine's Potential Benefits - New York Times Quote
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