Michaelangelica Posted January 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 One year on: Terry Pratchett - the year I could never forgetAlzheimer's left Terry Pratchett sometimes feeling down - but definitely not defeatedTerry Pratchett(Lauar Pannack)Terry Pratchett Sir Terry Pratchett cannot help wondering why it was this year - after 30 years as a bestselling writer - that he was honoured with a knighthood: 'All I know is. . .. . .Pratchett suffers from a rare variant of Alzheimer's known as posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), which appears to have spared his fertile mind from the disease's usual crashing wave. So when he looks around and asks for a second time, 'Did I drink my tea?', he puts the memory lapse down to the rushed way in which the tea was drunk. 'See, Alzheimer's can make you distrust yourself when in fact you may be right. Sometimes it is just old age. And no one is more neurotic about themselves than an author.. . .Not usually a man who's lost for words, the only one he could muster on the day his knighthood was announced was 'Flabbergasted!' Today he says: 'That still applies! But seriously, as a science-fiction writer, it is an achievement. Despite its popularity, sci-fi is still a ghetto genre. So when a hand of welcome comes from the Establishment, you can do nothing but shake it. One year on: Terry Pratchett - the year I could never forget - Times OnlineHe is not science-fiction or fantasy. He is a"terrypratchett" starting a new genre that needs a new name. A bit like Tolkien, who single handily spawned the revival in fantasy and made it respectable. (Although I'm sure Terry would hate to be called "respectable").He is among the world's top 3 selling authors. TP's books are life-affirming,great stories/yarns, irrelevant, satirical, funny, intelligent, iconoclastic, human, inclusive, gentle and strong, O shut-up MA His books are multi-layered and are the only books I can read and re-read and still find something new. The only other author I can do that with is Shakespeare. (Who, given his play King Lear", had first hand experience of Alzheimer's too) (What is it about journalist's and pun headlines-they can't help themselves can they?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted January 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Aβ catabolic pathway may offer an effective way to prevent as well as treat Alzheimer's diseaseup-regulation of these Aβ-catabolic targets offers a novel, effective way to tackle Alzheimer's. This approach is gaining increasing attention and researchers are interested in finding pharmacological activators of these enzymes (NEP, IDE etc.). In this context, it is interesting to note that a pre-approved drug for epilepsy, epilim (sodium valproate), has been shown to significantly elevate Neprilysin levels]A? catabolism - An important Alzheimer's disease therapeutic targetThe enzymes involved in Aβ degradation and clearance are- Neprilysin (NEP), . . . It is a great pity that doctors are prevented from prescribing drugs for other than what they have been approved for. You would think they could be trusted, if not some sort of request or review process with health authorities should be in place. Many drug companies may not bother to try to have their drug approved for other disorders given the expenseAnd how are they going to know if their drug is good for something else unless Docs. begin to ask for it to be used in other ways and reporting their findings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pamela Posted February 9, 2009 Report Share Posted February 9, 2009 new treatments may show promise from DiscoverTwo unconventional treatments for Alzheimer’s disease show promising early results. Both Rember (methylthioninium chloride) and Dimebon (dimebolin hydrochloride) appear to slow the mental decline associated with the illness. No effective medicines exist for Alzheimer’s, which is estimated to afflict more than 4 million people in the United States alone. The disease is characterized by a decline in cognition and function and usually strikes after age 60. Most Alzheimer’s treatments have targeted amyloid, the main protein component of the associated plaques that form in the brain; Rember is the first to target the tangled, abnormal fibers of a protein called tau. At an Alzheimer’s conference in Chicago, the drug, made by TauRx Therapeutics, was reported to slow the progress of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease by 81 percent over the course of a year. In a phase 2 trial of 321 people with mild to moderate disease, those on the drug stayed at about the same cognitive level for up to 19 months, while those on the placebo got worse. A final trial is expected to begin in 2009. The second drug, Dimebon, is an allergy drug used in Russia 20 years ago. A Lancet [subscription required] article in July reported that over 26 weeks of treatment, Dimebon significantly improved memory, thinking, and overall functioning in 68 Alzheimer’s patients, compared with a 66-member control group. Although researchers don’t know exactly how Dimebon does this, it may work by protecting mitochondria—the powerhouses of cells—from injury, says Rachelle Doody, the study’s lead author and a neurology professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. A phase 3 trial for the drug began recruiting participants in June #18: Two Alzheimer?s Drugs Show Promise | Alzheimer's | DISCOVER Magazine Michaelangelica 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted June 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2009 a warning on dementia treatment from the FDAZyprexa (olanzapine tablets) August 2008 WARNINGS BOXED WARNING WARNING: Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis — Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Analyses of seventeen placebo-controlled trials (modal duration of 10 weeks), largely in patients taking atypical antipsychotic drugs, revealed a risk of death in drug-treated patients of between 1.6 to 1.7 times the risk of death in placebo-treated patients. Over the course of a typical 10-week controlled trial, the rate of death in drug-treated patients was about 4.5%, compared to a rate of about 2.6% in the placebo group. Although the causes of death were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. Observational studies suggest that, similar to atypical antipsychotic drugs, treatment with conventional antipsychotic drugs may increase mortality. The extent to which the findings of increased mortality in observational studies may be attributed to the antipsychotic drug as opposed to some characteristic(s) of the patients is not clear. Zyprexa (olanzapine) is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis (see WARNINGS).http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/Safety-RelatedDrugLabelingChanges/ucm123272.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted June 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2009 Drug trialsDimebon and other drug trials Help for caregivers of Alzheimer’sAlzheimer's drug study in Orlando area offers hope to patientsAlzheimer's drug study in Orlando area offers hope to patients -- OrlandoSentinel.com Turmeric againHealthEating curry can prevent dementia: Researcher London (IANS): Eating Indian curry meal regularly can help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, an Indian-born researcher has told a meeting of British psychiatrists. Prof Murali Doraiswamy of Duke University in America told members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists at their annual meeting in the city of Liverpool that curcumin, an ingredient in turmeric can prevent changes in the brain by blocking the spread of amyloid plaques - toxic protein deposits thought to play a key role in Alzheimer's.The Hindu News Update ServiceandSpice of Life Might Help Prevent Alzheimer?s | Retirement on a Budget Vitamin DLack of Vitamin D Linked to Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia Lack of Vitamin D Linked to Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia New Tool Helps Predict Alzheimer’s RisksReuters May 29, 2009 Epoch Times - New Tool Helps Predict Alzheimer?s Risks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted June 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2009 Drug trialsDimebon and other drug trials Help for caregivers of Alzheimer’sAlzheimer's drug study in Orlando area offers hope to patientsAlzheimer's drug study in Orlando area offers hope to patients -- OrlandoSentinel.com Turmeric againHealthEating curry can prevent dementia: Researcher London (IANS): Eating Indian curry meal regularly can help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, an Indian-born researcher has told a meeting of British psychiatrists. Prof Murali Doraiswamy of Duke University in America told members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists at their annual meeting in the city of Liverpool that curcumin, an ingredient in turmeric can prevent changes in the brain by blocking the spread of amyloid plaques - toxic protein deposits thought to play a key role in Alzheimer's.The Hindu News Update ServiceandSpice of Life Might Help Prevent Alzheimer?s | Retirement on a Budget Vitamin DLack of Vitamin D Linked to Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia Lack of Vitamin D Linked to Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia New Tool Helps Predict Alzheimer’s RisksReuters May 29, 2009 http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/17495/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ntuc Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Generally speaking, it's a medical scenario of loss of brain cells / tissues due to senility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted June 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 As there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, protecting the health of your mind is key to ensuring neurological wellbeing.The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription details simple yet effect changes in lifestyle and diet that can help stave off the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s. With Australians living longer than ever before, the fear of ending our days unaware of what’s going on around is very real. Damage associated with Alzheimer’s occurs decades before symptoms appear so it’s never too early to start taking the health of your mind seriously. Dr Vincent Fortenesce is the Rehabilitation Director at the Fortanasce Neurology Centre in Arcadia, California and has over 20 years experience in dealing with medical issues. Through The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription, he helps you to identify your risk profile and follow a simple four-step program to brain health. The steps are:1. The Anti-Alzheimer’s anti-inflammatory diet2. Brain boosters (smart exercise for brain health)3. Brain boosters (mental challenges to build cognitive reserves)4. Rest and recovery (finding your circle of quiet) Also included in the book are chapters on how to obtain a medical diagnosis and the latest medical treatments available. Living with Alzheimer’s is a terrible way to end a life which has previously been rich in experiences and memories and can destroy family relationships. If simple steps can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, then surely they’re worth trying.RRP: $34.95Dr Vincent FortenesceRandom House http://www.aboutseniors.com.au/index.php/articles/category/seniors_health_information_and_resources#viagra_on_pbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted July 7, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 Studies: Coffee May Lower Alzheimer's RiskResearchers Think Caffeine May Reduce Inflammation in the Brain, Preventing Memory Loss * Play CBS Video Video Caffeine And Alzheimer's Can coffee prevent Alzheimer's disease? Dr. Jennifer Ashton talks to Maggie Rodriguez about how your morning cup of joe could help prevent memory loss. Two new studies have found that your morning cup of coffee might help treat or even prevent memory loss. Dr. Jennifer Ashton stopped by "The Early Show" to discuss these latest findings. As Dr. Ashton explained, the studies were done on mice. Studies: Coffee May Lower Alzheimer's Risk - The Early Show - CBS News See alsohttp://hypography.com/forums/watercooler/3221-smoking-tin-foil-2.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted July 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2009 Dementia - reduce yourr risk Alzheimer’s Australia runs a highly successful community education program called Mind your Mind. A consumer-focused booklet is available called “Mind your Mind - a user’s guide to dementia risk reduction”. Mind Your Mind - Alzheimers AustraliaAimed at people aged 40 plus, the user friendly booklet offers advice and strategies to help consumers understand how they can reduce their risk of dementia in later life and promote brain-healthy habits. While we cannot control all dementia risk factors, such as age and our genes, the good news is we can control our lifestyle and habits. Studies of large groups of people show that those who adopt ‘brain-healthy’ lifestyles do have a reduced risk of developing dementia. Changes in the brain may start decades before symptoms appear, so it is never too early to adopt brain-healthy habits. “Mind your Mind – a user’s guide to dementia risk reduction” outlines the seven signposts to a healthier life: * Mind your Brain. Intellectually stimulating activities such as crosswords, puzzles, reading, playing board games or musical instruments can reduce the risk of dementia in later life. * Mind your Body. There is now emerging evidence that, in addition to protecting us from heart disease, stroke and diabetes, regular exercise can reduce the risk of dementia. * Mind Your Diet. The link between diet and brain health is becoming increasingly recognised by health professionals. * Mind your Health Checks. Strokes, heart disease, cardiac rhythm abnormalities and diabetes are all risk factors for dementia. Regular checks of weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are recommended. * Mind your Social Life. Research shows that people who are regularly engaged in social interaction maintain their brain vitality. A recent study reported that leisure activities combining physical, mental and social activity may have beneficial effects in the prevention of dementia. * Mind your Habits. Risks associated with smoking include vascular degeneration, stroke and heart disease, all of which have been associated with increased risk of dementia. Moderate alcohol use may be protective of cognitive decline. Have two alcohol-free days per week. Reduce your stress and get a good night’s sleep. * Mind your Head. Wear seat belts, use headgear when cycling, and take care as a pedestrian. * A good rule of thumb is that whatever is good for your heart is also likely to be good for your brain. About dementia Dementia is a general term for more than 70 conditions causing progressive deterioration in thinking, memory and everyday abilities. While it is more common as people age, dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. We are now entering a period of rapid growth in the prevalence of dementia. There are an estimated 212,000 people in Australia with the condition and by 2050 this number is projected to increase to 730,000. National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500 Website: Alzheimers Australia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted July 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 A newsletter from the UK Alzheimer's UK research trustAlzheimer's Research Trust Latest News22/07/2009 Government must triple dementia research funding or 'pay price'ART leads scientists and charities in calling for the government's dementia research summit to 'end years of underfunding'. International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease takes place in ViennaART's Alison Cranage reports from the world's largest gathering of dementia scientists.Sir Terry Pratchett visits ART World-renowned fantasy writer Sir Terry Pratchett visited the office of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust and reaffirmed his support of the charity’s campaign for fairer government dementia research funding. Caffeine boosts memory in miceResearchers in the US have shown that caffeine can boost memory in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms. Parachute jump at 82 - in aid of ARTSt Ives octogenarian Sheila Wood is set to defy the conventions of fundraising by pensioners, when she swaps the more typical cake sale for a parachute jump in aid of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust. Study investigates alternative to antipsychoticsA new study from the Institute of Psychiatry, funded by the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, will investigate whether the use of memantine could be a safer replacement to commonly-prescribed antipsychotic drugs for relieving symptoms of agitation. New test improves dementia diagnosisCambridge scientists, funded by the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, have developed a test to help diagnose early dementia that is faster and more accurate than current tests. Follow @alzrestrust on TwitterTwitter users can follow the Alzheimer's Research Trust and keep up with the latest news at Alzheimer's Research (alzrestrust) on Twitter Click here for all the latest news stories on dementia research Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemit Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I was surprised to read in The New York Times that Walter Cronkite had died of "complications resulting from dementia," as announced by his son. Does that mean brain function was lost in the stem, causing respiratory or cardiovascular functions to stop? Thanks. --lemit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted July 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2009 Search for a Cure: Episode 02, 13/07/2009The Nerve Killer Amyloid – a protein which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Everyone has it in their body, but not everyone develops the disease. But why? And why does the risk increase with age? To the project pageDFG ScienceTVDFG ScienceTV - Search for a Cure Search for a CureMore than one hundred years ago, Alois Alzheimer described for the first time the disease that now bears his name. In spite of intense research, there is still no medication that can cure Alzheimer's. But the biologists working with Professor Haass at the Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich are hot on the tracks of the disease—with the help of the zebra fish. As en embryo, this fish is transparent, thereby allowing researchers to observe developments and changes in a living organism. Will the zebra fish help scientists to understand Alzheimer’s? DFG ScienceTV - A Look into the Brain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maikeru Posted August 8, 2009 Report Share Posted August 8, 2009 Studies: Coffee May Lower Alzheimer's Risk - The Early Show - CBS News See alsohttp://hypography.com/forums/watercooler/3221-smoking-tin-foil-2.html One more important reason to have a cuppa. :hyper: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted August 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Alcohol may deter dementiaThursday, 27 August 2009Australian National UniversityPeople who drink in moderation are25 per cent less likely to develop dementiathan those who abstain from alcohol.Image: iStockphoto“We found that light to moderate drinkers were 28 per cent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than non-drinkers, 25 per cent less likely to develop vascular dementia, and 26 per cent less likely to develop ‘any dementia’.” The meta-analysis analysed the outcomes of 15 research studies meeting rigorous scientific criteria exploring links between drinking and dementia, drawing on the results for more than 10,000 people worldwide.Alcohol may deter dementia (Science Alert) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted August 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 I just listened to this very interesting show on Younger Onset Dementia. YOD is very different from Alzheimer's and can strike as early as 30. It has a different presentation/symtamology and seems to be connected with loss of the inhibitory functions of the frontal lobe. Monday 31 August 2009 Younger onset dementiaDementia is not inevitable as you age, but it becomes increasingly common the older you get. However, in some rare cases dementia can occur in people at the age of 40, 50 or 60. In this program Lynne Malcolm speaks with a 74-year-old woman who is caring for her 56-year-old daughter who has a memory span of just two minutes; and with a neuroscientist who explains younger onset dementia, why it occurs, what the early signs are and how to treat and cope with the disease.The Health Report(Program will be available for download in a couple of days) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaelangelica Posted September 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2009 A meeting on in Sydney this weekAlzheimer's is being called the health crisis of the futureThe 7.30 Report - ABCYou need tonight's program.22/09/09 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.