Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, a neurologic disease characterized by loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living, lasting at least six months, and not present from birth. AD usually occurs in old age, and is marked by a decline in cognitive functions such as remembering, reasoning, and planning.

Testing gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease

University Hospitals Case Medical Center testing gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease — Phase 2 study will examine effectiveness, safety of nerve growth factor in slowing AD – University Hospitals Case Medical Center is one of 12 sites conducting the first Phase 2 clinical trial of a gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The study uses a viral-based gene transfer system called CERE-110, which is designed to deliver nerve growth factor (NGF) into the brain.

Cell phone may boost memory in Alzheimer’s disease patients

Cell phone exposure may protect against and reverse Alzheimer’s disease — Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center study in mice indicates long-term exposure to cell phone signals may even boost normal memory. – The millions of people who spend hours every day on a cell phone may have a new excuse for yakking. A surprising new study in mice provides the first evidence that long-term exposure to electromagnetic waves associated with cell phone use may actually protect against, and even reverse, Alzheimer’s disease.

Ginkgo biloba does not appear to slow rate of cognitive decline

Compared with placebo, the use of G biloba, 120 mg twice daily, did not result in less cognitive decline in older adults with normal cognition or with mild cognitive impairment. – Older adults who used the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba for several years did not have a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to adults who received placebo.

Preparing for successful aging in the new year 2010

Preparing for successful aging — Successful Cognitive and Emotional Aging – It’s never too early or too late to start working toward the goal of improving brain health. So perhaps the New Year is the perfect time to consider how one achieves a long and satisfying life.

High leptin levels may protect against Alzheimer’s disease, dementia

Researchers find high leptin levels may protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found that higher leptin (a protein that controls weight and appetite) levels were associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and dementia.

Green tea may help brain disorder patients

Green tea chemical combined with another may hold promise for treatment of brain disorders – Researchers have found that combining two chemicals, one of which is the green tea component EGCG, can prevent and destroy a variety of protein structures known as amyloids. Amyloids are the primary culprits in fatal brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases.

Action on antipsychotic drugs and dementia, UK

UK Government takes action on antipsychotic drugs and dementia – A tough new action plan to tackle the over prescribing of antipsychotic drugs to people with dementia was announced by Care Services Minister Phil Hope in UK.

Extra virgin olive oil prevents Alzheimer’s disease

Oleocanthal may help prevent, treat Alzheimer’s disease – Natural compound in extra virgin olive oil targets toxic beta-amyloid proteins. – Natural compound, Oleocanthal, in extra virgin olive oil targets toxic beta amyloid proteins in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, revealed by US researchers. Extra virgin olive oil contains the highest amount of polyphenol antioxidants also.

Sleep loss may increase Alzheimer’s disease

Sleep loss linked to increase in Alzheimer’s plaques – Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease often disrupt sleep. The new researches indicate that sleep loss could play a role in the genesis of such disorders.

Health Newstrack