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New Research Creates Hope for the Alzheimer’s Community
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As this year is the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Alzheimer’s—and November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, I decided to highlight just a few of the small steps—and even leaps—made in dementia research in the recent past.
Clean it Up
An Associated Press story in late August drew attention to biologist Dr. Andrew Dillin, whose team of researchers at California’s Salk Institute for Biological Studies “discovered molecular janitors that clear away a sticky gunk blamed for Alzheimer’s disease—until they get old and quit sweeping up.” The findings could lead to drug research which would boost the brain’s cleaning force.
A Cup of Joe to Perk Up
A team of researchers published results in Neuroscience of their study where mice, bred to have a disease that mimics Alzheimer’s, were given either plain water or caffeine. The caffeinated mice over time were able to negotiate a maze with better results than their hydrated counterparts, raising hopes that a bit of caffeine could help slow disease progression in humans.
A New Category
Most physicians when trying to diagnose for Alzheimer’s or dementia use the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). But a screening tool developed by a team of Saint Louis University geriatricians seems to be detecting early cognitive problems missed by the MMSE. Early detection of Alzheimer’s and dementia can often lead to improved treatment.
Side note: SLU’s mental status examination tool is currently billed by some with the unfortunate acronym SLUMS.
Blood Work
An article in the journal Brain explained how researchers took a group of 1,000 people, half of whom had Alzheimer’s, and found that the blood of these patients had higher levels of two types of proteins. The elevated levels of these proteins are visible even before behavioral or cognitive changes that would indicate Alzheimer’s can be seen. This leads researchers to think that a blood test for Alzheimer’s is on the horizon.
A Tipple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
At the annual Society for Neuroscience conference in Atlanta, two researchers posited that moderate amounts of alcohol improved the memories of laboratory rats. (The human equivalent would be a few daily drinks.) The study was led by Ohio State University’s Matthew During, a professor of molecular virology, immunology and cancer genetics. During was hopeful that it would have far-reaching implications for diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Along with his colleagues, including University of Auckland postdoctoral researcher Margaret Kalev-Zylinska, During found a mechanism within neurons that seems to point to a link between moderate alcohol intake and memory improvement.
Another Reason to Eat Your Veggies
The October edition of Neurology published an article about a Rush University research team who studied 3,718 Chicago-area residents for a period of 6 years. All participants were over age 65. Cognitive testing and questionnaires informed the findings that consuming vegetables helps slows cognitive decline. Green leafy veggies were in the diets of many participants who experienced fewer cognitive issues. Also, the older a participant, the slower the decline—as long as 2 servings of veggies were eaten daily. Fruit consumption did not seem to have any effect. One theory is that vegetable are often eaten with fats, such as butter, oil or salad dressing, which helps absorption of vitamin E, a known fighter against cognitive decline.
And that’s just some of what’s new—until next month,
Lara Belonogoff
Looking for Alzheimer’s or dementia care in your area? Gilbert Guide lists nationwide long-term care facilities and services.
Posted in: Alzheimers & Dementia Care, Senior Care News, Senior Health
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[…] A collegue recently wrote a post on the latest research about Alzheimer’s and dementia. According to a study published earlier this year in the Annals of Internal Medicine, healthy people who exercised regularly cut their risk of dementia by 30−40 percent. While the study did not conclude that exercise eliminates the possibility of developing dementia, the findings indicate that physical activity may help delay onset by several years. Suggested activities include aerobics, weight training, walking, swimming and stretching—the last of which can be so much more than simply reaching for your toes… […]
I am not sure I am even typing on the right spot or that this is even considered for helping my situation. After EEG, MRI & PET scan, my mother was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia. We live in Tulsa, Oklahoma and my daughter and I would like to find some help on how to find the right doctor here. I realize Thursday, Tulsa had a snow storm coming and the doctor may have been concerned about the weather. However, she only told my mother what the PET scan showed, that she has Frontotemporal Dementia and to continue taking the arecipt and come back in three months. My daughter and I have had to look on the internet to find out what it is and how serious it is. So, is there any place to go to figure out what other choice of doctor we have? I appreciate anything you may have to offer. Sincerely, Kimm Coleman
Dear Kimm,
Gilbert Guide reviews long-term care options and as such I cannot dispense medical advice. However, there are some things you can do to hopefully dispel some of the frustration and confusion. First, it would be best to call your physician and ask for a more detailed explanation of your mother’s condition. You can find a great deal of information online, but a physician’s medical training teaches him or her how to sift through information and assess a situation. (Sometimes writing out a list before calling can prove helpful so that you don’t forget to ask everything that you have been thinking about. Also tell your physician what your exact concerns are.)
If after speaking with your mother’s physician you do not feel as if your questions have been answered sufficiently then you may need to find a new doctor, one that can provide your mother with the specialized care she needs and explain her condition to you in a satisfactory fashion. The search for a physician who satisfies both these requirements—along with whatever your specific insurance and financial concerns—can begin by contacting your mother’s primary physician to see if he or she can make a referral. I did a quick search online and found that the OU Physicians group in Oklahoma City has a Memory and Dementia Center. I have placed the link below this post. Although it is a drive from Tulsa calling them may prove fruitful to see what they suggest or if they know neurologists in your area.
Take care-and the best to you and your mother,
Lara Belonogoff
http://www.ouphysicians.com/specialties/adult/Neurology/CMLD.asp
My wife,58 years old, has just been diagnosed with early stages of demintia and I am going to put this site on my favorites. Not only is she having problems with it I am too as I am not a very patient man but I will stay with her. I look foward to any help we can get especially my wife it is hard to see a stong independent woman go thru this. I would like to know about any research going on. I was told the University of South Florida is doing extnsive research. I looked at their site and couldn’t find anything related to it.
Thank you Harry Pitt
After reading just a bit from this site and the reviews above I too will post this on my favorites. In truth, I cannot believe, or perhaps I don’t want to believe, that I am looking to this site for MY own health problems. I just turned 54, and I am finding it more and more difficult to remember things but most especially to learn new things. I look to you, or anyone, that may know of a study going on in the East Valley area, here in Phoenix. Also, if there is a support group I might attend. Thanks to all, kl
Dear Harry,
First, I would like to say that having a newly diagnosed spouse is a difficult situation for both of you. My thoughts are with you. I also am working on some more posts discussing coping strategies and various issues I learned more about during a recent Alzheimer’s Conference sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. In the interim I would strongly suggest you seek out a support group in your area. This is important in helping you develop skills to help not just yourself but also your wife through this difficult time.
The University of South Florida is doing research and does have some resources that are through the Byrd Institute. I have posted a link below.
Best,
Lara
http://www.byrdinstitute.org//research/byrdresearch.aspx
Dear Kathy,
Proper diagnosis is imperative. I urge you to speak with your physician and get a referral to a neurologist if necessary. For a support group in your area I would suggest contacting the Area Agency on Aging (1366 East Thomas Road, Suite 108, Phoenix, AZ, 85014) by calling 602-264-4357.
Best,
Lara
[…] For more information about new research on Alzheimer’s click here. […]
[…] You have dementia or your spouse has dementia. Although it is a part of your life, allowing it to overtake your life will not help you cope with it. With any chronic disease, patients are often told to stay positive. This will not always be possible, so make sure you have someone to talk to. Every panel member in the seminar I attended ardently stated that a dementia support group is necessary. Communication will help you get through this. Life can be frustrating—and a dementia diagnosis creates a veneer of aggravation, sadness and, sometimes, anger. You need to keep in mind what is important and what you do have control over. So how do you let go of things outside your control? Find the things that bring you joy or a sense of happiness and seek them out. On a recent post about Alzheimer’s research, one reader whose wife was diagnosed with dementia wrote in to say that patience wasn’t one of his virtues. While working to become more patient, you should also keep your sense of humor in the way a small child repeats his hotel room number to himself when in an unfamiliar setting—as you will get lost without it. […]
My wife has been slipping into Alzheimers since Oct. 06. The local physician prescribed “Aricept”. A local neurologist added “namenda”. I really don’t know what specialist she should be seeing. There seems to be no advisorary group in this area. I need help. I need to be led in the right direction. Thanks, Jerry Hess
Dear Jerry,
The Alzheimer’s Association runs a round-the-clock support line (800.272.3900). They will be the best place to start your search and to get information and guidance. Negotiating the territory of which drugs to take can be very difficult, especially as all the information is new to you. You might want to take a look at my posting about being an effective advocate as I am assuming you are your wife’s primary caregiver and as such have a whole host of issues.
Wishing both you and your wife the best,
Lara