The gene most often associated with Alzheimer's disease doesn't provide a complete picture of overall risk, according to researchers who analyzed family histories of the disease.
Previous research has shown that people with the E4 variant of the APOE gene have a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's, but this new Duke University Medical Center-led study is one of only a few to examine the role of both APOE and family history together.
"We've learned that APOE genotype does not tell the whole genetic story. Other genes may be acting independently of APOE to influence someone's risk for developing the disease," lead investigator Kathleen A. Welsh-Bohmer, director of Duke's Bryan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, said in a Duke news release.
The study included more than 5,000 people in Cache County, Utah, who were 65 and older when they were enrolled in the study in 1995. About 3,000 of the participants who provided DNA and details about their family history of Alzheimer's were grouped according to the family history of the disease and whether they had the APOE E4 variant.
"Over an average of seven and a half years of observation, the people who experienced the most significant cognitive decline had a family history of the disease and one or more copies of APOE E4," Kathleen M. Hayden, an assistant professor of geriatric psychiatry, said in the Duke news release.
"For this reason, researchers should focus not only on people at risk because of the APOE gene, but also those who have a family history of Alzheimer's disease. Conversely, studying those who survive to late old age without disease is important to discover genes that may offer protection against the disease."
The study was expected to be presented Tuesday at the Alzheimer's Association's International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease, in Chicago.
"These data provide further evidence that we must explore other genetic avenues to learn more about who is at risk for cognitive decline and dementia," Welsh-Bohmer said.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Four medications, tacrine (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine tartrate (Exelon) and galantamine (Razadyne, formerly known as Reminyl), may slow the intellectual decline in some people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. These drugs (called cholinesterase inhibitors) increase the brain's levels of acetylcholine, which helps to restore communication between brain cells. Another medication, memantine (Namenda), has been shown to stabilize memory in people with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. It is the first in a new class of medications called NMDA receptor antagonists.
Other strategies used to help people with Alzheimer's include psychotherapy techniques (reality orientation and memory retraining) and medications to relieve depression and calm agitated behavior.
As much as possible, you should follow a regular exercise routine, maintain normal social contacts with family and friends and continue intellectual activities. In addition to regularly scheduled doctor visits, patients and their families should take advantage of community resources and support groups. Discuss any safety concerns, especially driving, with the doctor.
Although several nonprescription products claim to improve mental function, the scientific evidence to support this claim is weak. Check with your doctor before taking any nonprescription medication, especially if you are taking a prescription medication for heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure or mental illness or if you have problems with your heart or liver.
Other strategies used to help people with Alzheimer's include psychotherapy techniques (reality orientation and memory retraining) and medications to relieve depression and calm agitated behavior.
As much as possible, you should follow a regular exercise routine, maintain normal social contacts with family and friends and continue intellectual activities. In addition to regularly scheduled doctor visits, patients and their families should take advantage of community resources and support groups. Discuss any safety concerns, especially driving, with the doctor.
Although several nonprescription products claim to improve mental function, the scientific evidence to support this claim is weak. Check with your doctor before taking any nonprescription medication, especially if you are taking a prescription medication for heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure or mental illness or if you have problems with your heart or liver.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Ten warning signs of Alzheimer's disease
The following list of warning signs was developed by the Alzheimer's Association. It includes common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Individuals who show several of these symptoms should seek medical advice for a complete evaluation.
1) Memory loss
2) Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3) Problems with language
4) Disorientation to time and place
5) Poor or decreased judgment
6) Problems with abstract thinking
7) Misplacing things
8) Changes in mood or behavior
9) Changes in personality
10) Loss of initiative
1) Memory loss
2) Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3) Problems with language
4) Disorientation to time and place
5) Poor or decreased judgment
6) Problems with abstract thinking
7) Misplacing things
8) Changes in mood or behavior
9) Changes in personality
10) Loss of initiative
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Alzheimer's Disease and Diabetes
According to researchers at Northwestern University, insulin could have a link to a disorder of the brain, Alzheimer's disease. Some researchers are calling Alzheimer's disease "type 3" diabetes.
While insulin helps convert food into cellular energy, it has a different function in the brain, a means to learn and make new memories.
The brain's "memory function" fails in the face of an insulin shortage. Scientists also knew that Alzheimer's patients' brains have lower levels of insulin and are insulin resistant.
This finding will help shape future research in Alzheimer's therapy one of which could be in the development of drugs that can make brain cells' insulin receptors more responsive to the hormone.
Both diseases share many traits and risk factors, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and metabolic disorders.
While insulin helps convert food into cellular energy, it has a different function in the brain, a means to learn and make new memories.
The brain's "memory function" fails in the face of an insulin shortage. Scientists also knew that Alzheimer's patients' brains have lower levels of insulin and are insulin resistant.
This finding will help shape future research in Alzheimer's therapy one of which could be in the development of drugs that can make brain cells' insulin receptors more responsive to the hormone.
Both diseases share many traits and risk factors, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and metabolic disorders.
Monday, October 22, 2007
If You Have Alzheimer's
Having Alzheimer's disease does not mean that your life is not over. It means dealing with some life changes sooner than you had anticipated. You still can have a meaningful and productive life if you take care of your physical and emotional health.
To improve physical health you should concentrate on the following:
1) Get regular checkups.
2) Take your medication.
3) Eat healthy foods.
4) Exercise every day.
5) Rest when you are tired.
6) Drink less alcohol.
Once diagnosed to have Alzheimer’s disease, you may experience a range of emotions, including (But the feelings you may be experiencing are normal):
1) fear of losing people important to you
2) loneliness because no one seems to understand what you are going through
3) loss of the way you used to see yourself
4) depression or anger about the way your life is changing
The following suggestions are helpful to help you take care of your emotional needs:
1) Write in a journal about your experiences and feelings.
2) Join a support group. To find one in your area, check with your local Alzheimer's Association office.
3) Talk to your physician, who can determine if there is an appropriate treatment.
4) Share your feelings with your friends and family.
5) Do the activities you enjoy as long as you are able.
To improve physical health you should concentrate on the following:
1) Get regular checkups.
2) Take your medication.
3) Eat healthy foods.
4) Exercise every day.
5) Rest when you are tired.
6) Drink less alcohol.
Once diagnosed to have Alzheimer’s disease, you may experience a range of emotions, including (But the feelings you may be experiencing are normal):
1) fear of losing people important to you
2) loneliness because no one seems to understand what you are going through
3) loss of the way you used to see yourself
4) depression or anger about the way your life is changing
The following suggestions are helpful to help you take care of your emotional needs:
1) Write in a journal about your experiences and feelings.
2) Join a support group. To find one in your area, check with your local Alzheimer's Association office.
3) Talk to your physician, who can determine if there is an appropriate treatment.
4) Share your feelings with your friends and family.
5) Do the activities you enjoy as long as you are able.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
New Alzheimers Breakthrough
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Saturday, September 15, 2007
Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
The doctor will first determine whether the patient has any of the following problems:
1) Memory lapses,
2) Difficulty using language,
3) Problems learning and retaining new information,
4) Difficulty following directions or handling complex tasks,
5) Episodes of poor judgment or unusual or risky behaviors.
The doctor will perform a neurological examination (to check the brain and nerves), as well as a brief mental state examination, which includes visual, writing and memory testing. He would also check for other illnesses that can cause symptoms that resemble Alzheimer's disease. Testing may include blood tests to make sure that blood chemistry and the levels of vitamin B-12 and thyroid hormone are normal.
In some cases, the doctor may order a brain imaging study to be more certain that there is not some other reason for the symptoms. The results of a computed tomography (CT) scan, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and a positron emission tomography (PET) scan cannot diagnose Alzheimer's with certainty.
1) Memory lapses,
2) Difficulty using language,
3) Problems learning and retaining new information,
4) Difficulty following directions or handling complex tasks,
5) Episodes of poor judgment or unusual or risky behaviors.
The doctor will perform a neurological examination (to check the brain and nerves), as well as a brief mental state examination, which includes visual, writing and memory testing. He would also check for other illnesses that can cause symptoms that resemble Alzheimer's disease. Testing may include blood tests to make sure that blood chemistry and the levels of vitamin B-12 and thyroid hormone are normal.
In some cases, the doctor may order a brain imaging study to be more certain that there is not some other reason for the symptoms. The results of a computed tomography (CT) scan, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and a positron emission tomography (PET) scan cannot diagnose Alzheimer's with certainty.
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