July 6, 2008

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Alzheimer's Disease Center   [ Home >  Alzheimer's Disease >  More  Related Items ]   ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE - ARTICLES NEW Bright light helps people with dementia July 4, 2008 Bright light during the day improves symptoms in patients with dementia. Melatonin at night helps sleep as well. The findings relate to a better synchronization of circadian rhythms. Beware antipsychotic drugs in dementia June 20, 2008 People with dementia and their carers should be wary of using antipsychotic drugs to control behavioral problems. For a new study shows that this medication poses a risk of stroke, hospitalization, and death among people with dementia in the community. Anti-inflammatory drugs cannot ward off Alzheimer's June 6, 2008 Anti-inflammatory drugs do not protect from Alzheimer's disease. A study shows no improvement in cognitive function when people take naproxen or celecoxib. Dementia drugs don't deliver the goods April 25, 2008 The currently approved drugs for treating dementia do not help patients or carers much, according to a new review. Therefore they should not be prescribed as routine and there is an urgent need for new medications to treating this devastating disease. Ginkgo biloba shows some potential against cognitive decline March 10, 2008 Ginkgo biloba has long been valued as a supplement to aid memory, but scientific evidence has been limited. A clinical study now hints that it may help ward off cognitive decline, but more research is needed. Occupational Therapy for Dementia Patients (and Their Caregivers) June 28, 2007 Occupational therapy, specifically designed to improve an individual patient's daily functioning and reduce the burden on the primary caregiver, has been shown to produce improvement lasting at least 3 months in patients with mild to moderate dementia. Diagnosing Mild Cognitive Impairment May 3, 2007 Mild cognitive impairment is a stage midway between normal aging of the brain and Alzheimer's disease. A new type of PET scan has been developed that displays the plaques and tangles of Alzheimer's disease and, to a lesser degree, those seen in mild cognitive impairment. Can Curry Protect Against Alzheimer's? January 22, 2007 Blood cells (macrophages) from Alzheimer patients have lost their ability to absorb amyloid-beta protein, which is commonly seen in brain plaques of patients. Addition of curcumin (found in curry) to the test-tube restores this ability... A New Screening Test for Alzheimer's December 18, 2006 Researchers from Saint Louis University have developed a new test of mental functioning, called SLUMS, which is more efficient than the well-know Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) in diagnosing mild neurocognitive disorder, or minimal cognitive impairment. Eating Fish Can Help Prevent Alzheimer's (2) December 18, 2006 Older people who ate large amounts of fish - an average of 3 servings a week - consumed about 0.18 grams/day of an omega-3 fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid) and halved their risk of developing dementia over a 9-year period. Eating Fish Can Help Prevent Alzheimer's (1) December 4, 2006 Older New Yorkers who eat a Mediterranean-type diet have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (about half the risk, in fact). This seems to have a different mechanism of action from the known beneficial effects of the diet on cardiovascular conditions. Drink Fruit or Vegetable Juices and Avoid Alzheimer's November 6, 2006 Drinking a glass of fruit or vegetable juice three or more times weekly may fend off Alzheimer's, according to the results of an important study on Japanese Americans. And the findings provide data for a new line of research into the disease itself. The Role of Copper in Mental Decline with Age September 12, 2006 While too much saturated and trans fats in the diet can accelerate mental decline in aging, too much copper in addition to these 'bad' fats seems to make matters considerably worse. A study showing this is summarized here. Physical Function and Alzheimer's - Cause or Effect? July 28, 2006 Older people with low score in tests of physical function are more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's, in the next 6 years, according to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine. As Stroke Decreases, Dementia Increases June 5, 2006 Death from stroke has decreased in recent years. However, the occurrence of vascular dementia - the second-most common type after Alzheimer's - has increased in the survivors, according to the study summarized here. Collaboration in the Care of Alzheimer's Patients June 5, 2006 Guidelines exist for the optimal management of Alzheimer patients at home, but their effectiveness hasn't been fully studied, until now. A collaborative unit involving the primary care physician, an experienced geriatric nurse, and the caregiver has been shown to provide significantly improved care over 'usual care'. Watch Your Waist to Save Your Brain April 10, 2006 In older people the waist-to-hip measurement ratio is linked to the risk of developing Alzheimer's or dementia, according to a new report. Another reason to lose weight! Beat the Odds of Alzheimer's April 10, 2006 A new study shows that older people who take medication against blood pressure have a surprising side effect. They appear to have decreased odds of contracting Alzheimer's disease. The association is particularly strong for the potassium-sparing diuretics (water pills), such as spironolactone. Testosterone for Alzheimer's? March 13, 2006 Another study has shown that application of testosterone gel to the skin of Alzheimer patients is associated with a beneficial effect - this time, an improvement in quality-of-life scales. Physical Fitness Can Fight Off Dementia February 13, 2006 Everyone knows the health benefits of exercise. Now it's time to add the prevention of Alzheimer's disease to the list. A study shows that older people who exercised more than 3 times a week reduced their risk of developing dementia . . . Deal with Risk Factors for Alzheimer's, Now January 2, 2006 People double their risk for developing Alzheimer's if they have 3 important risk factors at age 50: obesity, high systolic blood pressure, and raised total cholesterol. It's best to deal with these factors as early as possible. . . Drinking Water and Alzheimer's July 13, 2005 If you're one of those people who walk about with a bottle of water in your hand, you might want to check the silica content - it could be relevant for your future mental functioning . . . Recognizing Pain in Alzheimer Patients May 25, 2005 Just because someone has Alzheimer's, doesn't mean they can't perceive pain. They may be unable to tell people about it, though. Different tests may be needed to help find out how bad the pain is in such patients. A Warning of Impending Alzheimer's? May 4, 2005 Old men - we mean those over 75 - tend to lose weight gradually. But more rapid weight loss that's not readily explained may indicate an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia appearing in the next few years. Vitamin E and Alzheimer's April 15, 2005 While vitamin E supplements don't seem to influence the development of Alzheimer's disease, the presence of vitamin E in the food does have a protective effect. A new study has an explanation - it's all in the different forms of tocopherols. A Drink at Dinner Time Isn't a Bad Idea . . . March 11, 2005 One drink a day for older women can improve their performance on tests of mental functioning. But with more than one, these benefits are lost, and the dangers of alcohol loom larger . . . In Alzheimer's, Not All ACE Inhibitors Are the Same November 10, 2004 If someone has Alzheimer's and also needs a blood pressure-lowering drug, and an ACE inhibitor is indicated, the choice should probably be one that crosses the blood-brain barrier, such as perindopril or captopril. Is Low Blood Pressure a Risk for Alzheimer's in People Over 75? July 29, 2004 A new study has shown that old people (over 75) with low blood pressure - particularly a low diastolic pressure - are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's. Smoking Causes Mental Deterioration in Later Life May 19, 2004 Here's one more link in the chain of evidence demonstrating the risk between smoking and developing Alzheimer's disease. Adding Memantine to Existing Drug Treatment Helps Alzheimer's April 8, 2004 Alzheimer's patients on cholinesterase drugs like donepezil, rivastigmine, or tacrine can be helped by adding a new type of drug, memantine, to their treatment. This has been shown in a new study, summarized here. Alzheimer's Related to Low Testosterone Levels? March 26, 2004 A study has shown that men who develop Alzheimer's disease are more likely to have a somewhat low level of testosterone; and this occurs well before Alzheimer's is diagnosed, suggesting that it's a cause, rather than an effect of the disease. Vitamins C and E Against Alzheimer's? March 12, 2004 Though we've often said that eating a healthy diet is probably better than taking vitamin supplements, there's now a case to be made for taking large doses of vitamins C and E together to ward off Alzheimer's disease . . . A New Approach to Treating Alzheimer's? February 12, 2004 An old drug, clioquinol, has shown promise in treating severe Alzheimer's disease. It helps to dissolve beta-amyloid, a constituent of the plaques found in the brain of people with the disease. Overweight Possibly Linked to Dementia in Older Women September 18, 2003 Being overweight increases the risk of several chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. New research indicates a possible link between being overweight and developing dementia later in life. One More Time . . .Use It or Lose It? July 25, 2003 Seniors can improve their chances of avoiding dementia - both Alzheimer's and other forms - by keeping mentally active: card games, board games, reading, writing, playing music, and so on. Aerobic Fitness May Preserve Mental Capabilities July 11, 2003 A recent study by University of California researchers showed that older adults who are more fit are more likely to remain mentally sharp than their sedentary peers. HRT: Another Nail in the Coffin? June 12, 2003 Combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT, using estrogen plus progestin) has now been found to double the risk of dementia in women over 65. There's now little reason to use HRT, except for low doses for very short periods to combat severe menopausal symptoms . . . Antioxidant Supplements: Can They Slow Mental Decline? June 5, 2003 A recent study suggests that taking antioxidant supplements may help stave off age-related mental decline. Moderate Alcohol Intake May Help Guard Against Dementia May 16, 2003 The health benefits of an occasional glass of wine just got another boost from science, as a new study suggests that a moderate intake of alcohol may reduce the risk of dementia. Help for Severe Alzheimer Disease April 30, 2003 There's long been a group of drugs that can help people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease - the cholinesterase inhibitors, e.g. tacrine, rivastigmine. Now there's news of a drug that may benefit those with advanced Alzheimer's - the NMDA inhibitor, memantine. Read about it here . . . Fat Intake Appears to be Tied to Alzheimer's Risk April 17, 2003 Scientists searching for a link between what we eat and how well we age have found an apparent link between the type of dietary fat and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Forgetfulness: It's Probably Not as Bad as You Think March 12, 2003 Many older people worry about becoming more forgetful. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. In the past, memory loss and confusion were considered a normal part of aging. The National Institute on Aging clarifies the situation in this AgePage . . . . Wine Linked to Better Mental Function in Seniors December 20, 2002 What's good for the heart may be good for the brain - a Danish study links wine intake with a reduced risk of dementia. Alzheimer's, Aromatherapy, and Bright Lights December 20, 2002 Two 'alternative medicine' treatments -- aromatherapy and a bright-light box -- have been found to be helpful in the management of severe Alzheimer's. And they don't have side effects . . . An Easy Way To Brighten Someone's Day December 6, 2002 Here's something almost anyone can do, to brighten up a Nursing Home resident's day. It shows you exactly how to become a 'Nursing Home Pen Pal'. How To Talk With The Doctor About Alzheimer's November 28, 2002 Doctors believe they are telling caregivers all they need to know about Alzheimer's, but caregivers think otherwise. Here are some tips to help you get more specific guidance from your doctor. Book Review: Love is Ageless November 4, 2002 If you want to know what it's like to have a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's -- what you can expect, and how you can learn to cope -- read this book. It's a collection of stories and poems by people who have gone through the experience that faces you, and who, despite fear, denial, and exhaustion, have emerged with a still deeper sense of love. Diet to Prevent Alzheimer's? October 25, 2002 Does what you eat affect your risk of getting Alzheimer's? Well, it certainly seems to, for some people... Vitamins Tied to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's August 8, 2002 Two studies add to what scientists know about antioxidants and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Are Two Cholinesterase Inhibitors Better Than One? July 26, 2002 Medication with a cholinesterase inhibitor has been shown to slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease. All the well-known cholinesterase inhibitors work on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), but one (rivastigmine) inhibits both AChE and a similar enzyme, butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Is this additional action important for treating Alzheimer's? Cholesterol Linked to Memory Skills in Seniors May 16, 2002 Some scientists think that high blood cholesterol levels may contribute to the development of dementia in older adults. Amino-Acid Tied to Alzheimer's Risk March 27, 2002 A new study reports that seniors with high blood levels of the amino-acid homocysteine are at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. Cause for a (Small) Celebration? March 7, 2002 We have referred to the beneficial effects of mild-to-moderate alcohol intake in previous articles. Here's further support for the idea that a little-of-what-you-fancy can help ward off Alzheimer's and other dementias . . . . How to Try to Avoid Alzheimer's March 7, 2002 It seems that a new risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is announced every day. How can you hope to find your way through the maze? Here's a path . . . . . . Leisure Activities Help the Brain Stay Sharp February 25, 2002 Keeping your brain busy, even with leisure activities like reading or visiting with friends, may help you stay mentally sharp. NSAIDs and Alzheimer Disease -- What to Do? December 19, 2001 The news that taking an NSAID (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) for 2 years may offer some protection against Alzheimer's disease is bound to raise the question - should I be taking one? The study that has led to this quandary is summarized here... Medication for Alzheimer's Disease November 28, 2001 Four drugs that increase the levels of acetylcholine in the brain offer the best approach we have at present to delay the progress of Alzheimer's disease. They are reviewed briefly here... Dear Diary: The Benefits of Writing about Your Feelings October 5, 2001 Can writing down your thoughts and feelings unburden the heart and help the body? Research shows that it can be helpful in venting negative feelings. Here's information on how to get started. The Genetics of Alzheimer's, Today October 5, 2001 Although we are learning more about how Alzheimer's may be inherited, the information is likely to prove more useful in designing new preventive drugs than in providing screening diagnostic tests Risk Factors for Alzheimer's August 10, 2001 Can you lower your risk of getting Alzheimer's? Statins to stop dementia? July 2, 2001 Blood lipids have been linked by some scientists to the development of dementia. A recent analysis has been reported that looked for possible benefits of 'statins' and other lipid-lowering agents on the occurrence of Alzheimers disease and other types of dementia . . . . . . Knowing the type of dementia is important! July 2, 2001 Between 15% and 25% of people with dementia have got what is called Lewy-body dementia. Its important that this type of dementia is recognized, as it tends to respond quite well to drugs of the cholinesterase inhibitors class, such as tacrine or rivastigmine, whereas it reacts badly to another drug class sometimes used in dementia - the neuroleptics. A controlled clinical study has compared the efficacy and safety of rivastigmine in patients with Lewy-body dementia . . . . . . . . Diabetes, high blood pressure and mild mental decline July 2, 2001 Aggressive treatment to control high blood pressure and diabetes before age 60 can significantly reduce the risk of a decline in mental ability associated with these disorders, according to the results of a recently published large-scale study. Video: How to Communicate with Someone Who Has Alzheimer's Disease July 2, 2001 We've already listed do's and don'ts for how to talk to someone with Alzheimer's, if you're inexperienced. Now a video is available that gives useful tips and answers to difficult problems that often face Alzheimer caregivers Dementia and survival rates - a re-evaluation July 2, 2001 People suffering from dementia may actually have a shorter life expectancy than was previously thought. An Alzheimer Diary February 28, 2001 What's it really like to have Alzheimer's? Chip Gruber, a social worker diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease 3 years ago, is keeping a diary, which he is pleased to share with others. Managing the Nutrition Needs of People with Alzheimer's Disease February 19, 2001 Consuming an adequate diet is just one of the challenges faced by people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. How To Continue Talking to Someone with Alzheimer's February 5, 2001 Previously we have given some Dos and Don'ts for talking to someone with Alzheimer's. Here are some further tips that may help you communicate better with someone who has difficulty in understanding you, or in expressing themselves in reply. Is tube feeding the right way to go? October 9, 2000 The use of tube feeding for older people with a fatal illness is growing rapidly. But is it the best approach for such patients? A recent analysis of the outcome after the most common of these procedures (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, or PEG) casts some doubt on its benefits. How To Talk To Someone With Alzheimer's September 28, 2000 It's not always easy to communicate effectively with someone with Alzheimer's. Here are some Dos and Don'ts that may help. They are often forgotten, even by family friends, relatives and caregivers. Alcohol and Cognitive Performance September 7, 2000 Everyone knows that consuming too much alcohol can make it a challenge to walk in a straight line, let alone think straight. But a study in the American Journal of Public Health. The hidden cost of caregiving July 21, 2000 Caring for an elderly person with disabilities is, or can be, extremely stressful. The result is caregiver burnout, which may lead to actual physical or mental illness. A recent study has examined the death rates for spousal caregivers . Does smoking stop you getting Alzheimer's disease? June 29, 2000 People who smoke are less likely to develop Parkinson's disease, and several small studies have been done suggesting a similar effect of smoking on Alzheimer's disease. However, the smoking habits of 34,000 men for over 40 years have been analyzed for the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease. How To Spot Caregiver Burnout June 8, 2000 The risk of burnout by family caregivers is well known, and it's important to be able to recognize the signs, so that timely help can be given. Here is a list. Can diabetes trigger Alzheimer's disease? March 24, 2000 It is well known that people with diabetes are likely to have problems with their circulation. Moreover, some studies have shown that a form of dementia, called vascular dementia, is commoner in people with diabetes... ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: The benefits and problems of postponing institutional care February 7, 2000 Why benefits and problems? Surely anything that makes it possible to keep Alzheimer's patients at home or in the community and delay their entry into institutional care must be beneficial! As verbal skills dwindle, does talking help? January 3, 2000 The cognitive losses caused by Alzheimer's disease and the other dementing illnesses can cause emotional upheavals for the victims. ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND OTHER FORMS OF DEMENTIA: The balance between medical treatment and caregiving November 29, 1999 The link between ageing and various forms of dementia is well established. Most sources report prevalence above the age of 65 as at least 5%. Delayed or imperfect diagnosis, especially of milder cases, could even raise this general estimate towards 10%. Is Alzheimer's disease inherited? November 3, 1998 Apart from longevity, family history is the principal risk factor for Alzheimer disease. It is not surprising, therefore, that those with a family history of this devastating disease are anxious to know more about its genetics. Having a first-degree relative with Alzheimer disease approximately doubles the risk of contracting it. The review summarized here considers our present state of knowledge on this subject. A quick screening test for Alzheimer's? October 5, 1998 As we get older and more forgetful, most of us have wondered at one time or another if we are candidates for Alzheimer disease. It has been claimed that there are up to 125 undiagnosed Alzheimer patients in a typical US primary care practice. Now that newer treatments are raising hopes that the condition can be relieved, it is important that this distressing condition is diagnosed swiftly and correctly. Unfortunately, the memory status tests used at present are time-consuming and not always as accurate as they should be. To ease this problem, two scientists from the University of Vermont have developed a 7-minute test to diagnose Alzheimer disease; they have tested its reliability by comparing results in patients with Alzheimer disease against those from age - and education - matched normal older persons.   RELATED ITEMS Chronic Back Pain Limits Brain Power January 3, 2008 A Low-Carb High-Fat Diet May Slow Brain Functioning December 20, 2007 Age Smart - Memory Minders December 6, 2007 Age Smart - Overcoming Obstacles November 22, 2007 Age Smart - Age Happy November 8, 2007 Age Smart - How to Age Well, Stay Fit, and be Happy October 11, 2007 Eating Fish Can Postpone Cognitive Decline August 14, 2007 Elder Rage - A Distressing Symptom Occurring in Some Alzheimer's Patients May 31, 2007 Mental Suffering in Alzheimer's Patients April 19, 2007 Genetic Testing for Disease May 8, 2006 Driving After a Stroke Or Another Severe Illness October 25, 2005 Unexpectedly, Extra Folate is Unhelpful in Older People August 3, 2005 Ginkgo's Benefits Don't Last Long August 3, 2005 Caregivers Need Sustained Support against Depression June 3, 2005 Eat Right to Suppress Homocysteine February 25, 2005 The Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Alzheimer's December 22, 2004 Not Too Much, But Not Too Little Cholesterol? 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