| Man at 40 Study shows that the brain function starts to slow around age 40. Dr. Bruce Yankner from Harvard Medical School has already identified the genes which play the key roles. Because of the wide differences in gene activity among people, individuals may approach a stage of "old age" at different rates. Reference: The Brain May Start to Age at 40 Years, Reuters, June 10, 2004. |
BACKGROUND
Alzheimer's Disease affects an estimated 4.5 million Americans. It
starts out with mild memory loss and confusion. It is an incurable and
leads to destroy of the brain leaving patients helpless and death.
Former US President Ronald Reagan died with Alzheimer's, was
diagnosed 10 years ago.
INTRODUCTION
Alzheimer's disease was first described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a
German physician in 1906. It is a disorder that causes the gradual
loss of brain cells, leading to dementia. Dementia is collection term for
several symptoms related to a decline in thinking skills, including a
gradual loss of memory, problems with reasoning or judgment,
disorientation, difficulty in learning and loss of language skills.
Alzheimer's disease advances at different rates for different people.
The duration of the illness may vary from a few years to 20 years.
The areas of the brain that control memory and thinking skills are
affected first. Then, cells die in other regions of the brain. Eventually,
the patient will need complete care. If the individual has no other
serious illness, the loss of brain function itself will cause death.
RISK FACTORS AND MEDICAL TREATMENT
Risk Factors for Alzheimer's disease include age, family history, high
blood pressure and high cholesterol. Big Blood pressure drop may
also lead to Alzheimer's [1]. The disease is highly related to amyloid
plaques. Medical Treatment includes cholinesterase inhibitors,
Vitamin E, antidepressant, anxiolytics and antipsychotics. Alternative
treatments include ginkgo biloba/ginseng combo [research findings],
niacin [2] huperzine A and acetyl-L carnitine
[1] Ed Edelson, HealthDay, Jul 1, 2004.A
[2] Anthony J. Brown, MD, Niacin may protect against Alzheimer's, Reuters, Jul 15, 2004
RECENT RESEARCH FINDINGS
According to a study led by Dr. Zoe Arvanitakis, the risk of developing
Alzheimer's disease increases by 65% among people aged 65 or
older who suffer from diabetes mellitus.
Form of Diabetes Increases Risk of Alzheimer's Disease, HEALTH-AFP, May 17, 2004.
Aricept helps slow down the onset of Alzheimer's patients.
New Drug Helping to Slow Down Onset of Alzheimer's Disease, Voice of America, April
14, 2005.
Dimebon was once used to treat hayfever significantly improves
symptoms in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It is
not clear exactly how the drug works but it has been shown in animals
to have a protective effect on nerve cells in the brain.
Alzheimer's drug trial 'promise' BBC July 18 2008
High insulin level raises risk for Alzheimer disease. Inflammation is
shown to be a pathogenetic factor for Alzheimer disease.
In a randomized crossover trial, sixteen healthy adults with mean age,
68.2 years received infusions of saline or insulin on separate
mornings. The researchers found that Insulin increased CSF levels of
F(2)-isoprostane and cytokines (both P<.01), as well as plasma and
CSF levels of Abeta42.
Thus, moderate hyperinsulinemia [high insulin level] can elevate
inflammatory markers and Abeta42 in the periphery and the brain,
thus high insulin level can increase the risk of Alzheimer disease.
Fishel MA et al Hyperinsulinemia Provokes Synchronous Increases in Central
Inflammation and {beta}-Amyloid in Normal Adults.Arch Neurol. 2005 Aug 8 2005
An ingredient in green tea, called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)
may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. In a study of mice, EGCG
decreased the production beta-amyloid.
Green Tea Compound Stops Alzheimer's in Mice HealthDay Online Publication, September
21, 2005
Daydreaming and Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers studied the brain activity of 764 people, including those
suffered from Alzheimer's disease, those with dementia and healthy
individuals. They found that the areas of the brain that young, healthy
people use when daydreaming are the same areas that fail in people
suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
Daydreaming linked to Alzheimer's Los Angeles Time, CA, Online Publication, Aug 29
2005.
A beta vaccine for Alzheimer disease
Prevention of beta amyloid deposition is one of the most promising
target of the treatment for Alzheimer's disease. One of an interesting
immune-mediated strategies is known as A beta vaccination.
After active and passive immunization of amyloid precursor protein
(APP) gene- transgenic mice showed significant reduction of beta
amyloid deposits in the brain and the immunized mice showed
improvement in cognitive functions.
However, in human studies, about 6% of patients who received the
vaccine developed meningoencephalitis. However, an autopsy of a
subject who had had the meningoencephalitis showed the
disappearance of senile plaques Tabira T Treatment of Alzheimer
disease: A beta vaccine Rinsho Shinkeigaku. 2004 Nov;44(11):
778-80.
ROLE OF QUINOLINIC ACID IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Researchers have identified a toxin (called quinolinic acid) which may
play a key role in the onset of Alzheimer's, raising hope that a drug
targeting the toxin could be developed to slow the degenerative brain
disease.
Dr Karen Cullen from the University of Sydney said, "Quinolinic acid
may not be the cause of Alzheimer's disease, but it plays a key role in
its progression." It kills nerve cells in the brain, leading to dysfunction
and death, the scientists said. Other researchers have already found
quinolinic acid neurotoxicity in the brains of dementia patients.
Quinolinic acid is part of a biochemical pathway called the kynurenine
pathway which is also found in other brain disorders, including
Huntington's disease and schizophrenia. There were several drugs in
an advanced stage of development for other conditions which
targeted this pathway and that these drugs, which still need to be
tested, could be used to complement other treatments for Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's is a brain-destroying disease that affects millions of
people around the world. As the population gets steadily older,
experts estimate numbers will balloon to as many as 16 million in the
United States alone by 2015. Outward symptoms start with memory
loss, which progresses to complete helplessness as brain cells are
destroyed. In the brain, neurons die as messy plaques and tangles of
protein form.
Source: Alzheimer's toxin may be key to slowing disease
Reuters 04 Aug 2005 08:34:53 GMT
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED @ 2008 zhion . DO NOT COPY NOR
TRANSFER THIS ARTICLE TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR BLOGS.
[1] Study: Exercise slows Alzheimer's brain atrophy AP July 28 2008- [2]
Exercise 'slows down Alzheimer's' BBC 14 July 2008 [3] Life With a Partner
Minimizes Alzheimer’s Risk By MedHeadlines • Aug 2nd, 2008 • Category:
Alzheimer's Disease, Lifestyle, Medical Research, Neurology
Alzheimer's Disease affects an estimated 4.5 million Americans. It
starts out with mild memory loss and confusion. It is an incurable and
leads to destroy of the brain leaving patients helpless and death.
Former US President Ronald Reagan died with Alzheimer's, was
diagnosed 10 years ago.
INTRODUCTION
Alzheimer's disease was first described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a
German physician in 1906. It is a disorder that causes the gradual
loss of brain cells, leading to dementia. Dementia is collection term for
several symptoms related to a decline in thinking skills, including a
gradual loss of memory, problems with reasoning or judgment,
disorientation, difficulty in learning and loss of language skills.
Alzheimer's disease advances at different rates for different people.
The duration of the illness may vary from a few years to 20 years.
The areas of the brain that control memory and thinking skills are
affected first. Then, cells die in other regions of the brain. Eventually,
the patient will need complete care. If the individual has no other
serious illness, the loss of brain function itself will cause death.
RISK FACTORS AND MEDICAL TREATMENT
Risk Factors for Alzheimer's disease include age, family history, high
blood pressure and high cholesterol. Big Blood pressure drop may
also lead to Alzheimer's [1]. The disease is highly related to amyloid
plaques. Medical Treatment includes cholinesterase inhibitors,
Vitamin E, antidepressant, anxiolytics and antipsychotics. Alternative
treatments include ginkgo biloba/ginseng combo [research findings],
niacin [2] huperzine A and acetyl-L carnitine
[1] Ed Edelson, HealthDay, Jul 1, 2004.A
[2] Anthony J. Brown, MD, Niacin may protect against Alzheimer's, Reuters, Jul 15, 2004
RECENT RESEARCH FINDINGS
According to a study led by Dr. Zoe Arvanitakis, the risk of developing
Alzheimer's disease increases by 65% among people aged 65 or
older who suffer from diabetes mellitus.
Form of Diabetes Increases Risk of Alzheimer's Disease, HEALTH-AFP, May 17, 2004.
Aricept helps slow down the onset of Alzheimer's patients.
New Drug Helping to Slow Down Onset of Alzheimer's Disease, Voice of America, April
14, 2005.
Dimebon was once used to treat hayfever significantly improves
symptoms in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It is
not clear exactly how the drug works but it has been shown in animals
to have a protective effect on nerve cells in the brain.
Alzheimer's drug trial 'promise' BBC July 18 2008
High insulin level raises risk for Alzheimer disease. Inflammation is
shown to be a pathogenetic factor for Alzheimer disease.
In a randomized crossover trial, sixteen healthy adults with mean age,
68.2 years received infusions of saline or insulin on separate
mornings. The researchers found that Insulin increased CSF levels of
F(2)-isoprostane and cytokines (both P<.01), as well as plasma and
CSF levels of Abeta42.
Thus, moderate hyperinsulinemia [high insulin level] can elevate
inflammatory markers and Abeta42 in the periphery and the brain,
thus high insulin level can increase the risk of Alzheimer disease.
Fishel MA et al Hyperinsulinemia Provokes Synchronous Increases in Central
Inflammation and {beta}-Amyloid in Normal Adults.Arch Neurol. 2005 Aug 8 2005
An ingredient in green tea, called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)
may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. In a study of mice, EGCG
decreased the production beta-amyloid.
Green Tea Compound Stops Alzheimer's in Mice HealthDay Online Publication, September
21, 2005
Daydreaming and Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers studied the brain activity of 764 people, including those
suffered from Alzheimer's disease, those with dementia and healthy
individuals. They found that the areas of the brain that young, healthy
people use when daydreaming are the same areas that fail in people
suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
Daydreaming linked to Alzheimer's Los Angeles Time, CA, Online Publication, Aug 29
2005.
A beta vaccine for Alzheimer disease
Prevention of beta amyloid deposition is one of the most promising
target of the treatment for Alzheimer's disease. One of an interesting
immune-mediated strategies is known as A beta vaccination.
After active and passive immunization of amyloid precursor protein
(APP) gene- transgenic mice showed significant reduction of beta
amyloid deposits in the brain and the immunized mice showed
improvement in cognitive functions.
However, in human studies, about 6% of patients who received the
vaccine developed meningoencephalitis. However, an autopsy of a
subject who had had the meningoencephalitis showed the
disappearance of senile plaques Tabira T Treatment of Alzheimer
disease: A beta vaccine Rinsho Shinkeigaku. 2004 Nov;44(11):
778-80.
ROLE OF QUINOLINIC ACID IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Researchers have identified a toxin (called quinolinic acid) which may
play a key role in the onset of Alzheimer's, raising hope that a drug
targeting the toxin could be developed to slow the degenerative brain
disease.
Dr Karen Cullen from the University of Sydney said, "Quinolinic acid
may not be the cause of Alzheimer's disease, but it plays a key role in
its progression." It kills nerve cells in the brain, leading to dysfunction
and death, the scientists said. Other researchers have already found
quinolinic acid neurotoxicity in the brains of dementia patients.
Quinolinic acid is part of a biochemical pathway called the kynurenine
pathway which is also found in other brain disorders, including
Huntington's disease and schizophrenia. There were several drugs in
an advanced stage of development for other conditions which
targeted this pathway and that these drugs, which still need to be
tested, could be used to complement other treatments for Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's is a brain-destroying disease that affects millions of
people around the world. As the population gets steadily older,
experts estimate numbers will balloon to as many as 16 million in the
United States alone by 2015. Outward symptoms start with memory
loss, which progresses to complete helplessness as brain cells are
destroyed. In the brain, neurons die as messy plaques and tangles of
protein form.
Source: Alzheimer's toxin may be key to slowing disease
Reuters 04 Aug 2005 08:34:53 GMT
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED @ 2008 zhion . DO NOT COPY NOR
TRANSFER THIS ARTICLE TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR BLOGS.
[1] Study: Exercise slows Alzheimer's brain atrophy AP July 28 2008- [2]
Exercise 'slows down Alzheimer's' BBC 14 July 2008 [3] Life With a Partner
Minimizes Alzheimer’s Risk By MedHeadlines • Aug 2nd, 2008 • Category:
Alzheimer's Disease, Lifestyle, Medical Research, Neurology
| Alzheimer's Disease updated in Aug. 2008 |
New Article
Pregnenolone
A few studies showed that
pregnenolone benefits older
animals such as
24-month-old rats, in term
of memory enhancement by
stimulating acetylcholine
release in the adult
hippocampus.
Pregnenolone
A few studies showed that
pregnenolone benefits older
animals such as
24-month-old rats, in term
of memory enhancement by
stimulating acetylcholine
release in the adult
hippocampus.
MAJOR NUTRIENT
DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butein
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorella
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Wheat Grass
Whey
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Blood Pressure
Lowering Herbs
Cholesterol
Lowering Herbs
Supplements for
Cadiovascular
Diseases
Coenzyme Q and
Creatine for
Parkinson's
disease?
DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butein
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorella
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Wheat Grass
Whey
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Blood Pressure
Lowering Herbs
Cholesterol
Lowering Herbs
Supplements for
Cadiovascular
Diseases
Coenzyme Q and
Creatine for
Parkinson's
disease?
How Do We Minimizes Alzheimer’s Risk?
Dr. Robyn A. Honea at the University of Kansas found that
patients with early Alzheimer's disease who exercised
regularly had less deterioration in the areas of the brain
which control memory. [1]
The researchers found that patients with early Alzheimer's
had a "significant relationship" between the size of
hippocampus, unlike healthy older adults. Those patients
with better fitness ratings had less brain tissue atrophy and
those with worse fitness had more brain damage. [1]
Dr Jeffrey Burns, from the University of Kansas School of
Medicine, said, "People with early Alzheimer's disease may
be able to preserve their brain function for a longer period
of time by exercising regularly and potentially reducing the
amount of brain volume lost. Evidence shows decreasing
brain volume is tied to poorer cognitive performance, so
preserving more brain volume may translate into better
cognitive performance." [2]
Men and women living with a partner in mid-life are less
likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of age-
related dementia. Previous studies have proven that an
active lifestyle that includes a spouse or life partner is
generally more socially and intellectually stimulating than a
solitary lifestyle.
A study shows that people with a spouse or partner in mid-
life are 50% less likely to develop age-related dementia than
people alone in mid-life. Death of a spouse or partner
before middle age seemed to have the most serious
consequences where Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are
concerned. [3]
Dr. Robyn A. Honea at the University of Kansas found that
patients with early Alzheimer's disease who exercised
regularly had less deterioration in the areas of the brain
which control memory. [1]
The researchers found that patients with early Alzheimer's
had a "significant relationship" between the size of
hippocampus, unlike healthy older adults. Those patients
with better fitness ratings had less brain tissue atrophy and
those with worse fitness had more brain damage. [1]
Dr Jeffrey Burns, from the University of Kansas School of
Medicine, said, "People with early Alzheimer's disease may
be able to preserve their brain function for a longer period
of time by exercising regularly and potentially reducing the
amount of brain volume lost. Evidence shows decreasing
brain volume is tied to poorer cognitive performance, so
preserving more brain volume may translate into better
cognitive performance." [2]
Men and women living with a partner in mid-life are less
likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of age-
related dementia. Previous studies have proven that an
active lifestyle that includes a spouse or life partner is
generally more socially and intellectually stimulating than a
solitary lifestyle.
A study shows that people with a spouse or partner in mid-
life are 50% less likely to develop age-related dementia than
people alone in mid-life. Death of a spouse or partner
before middle age seemed to have the most serious
consequences where Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are
concerned. [3]
 |  |  |  |
