News as of 2/8/98
For more information call Ed Cabic
410-992-7197
The local Florence Bain Alzheimer Information is at
http://www.connext.net/~seniors/infoad.htm
Imaging May Allow Early and Accurate AD Diagnosis - Non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can examine two alterations to the brains's hippocampus, the center of memory and cognitive thinking, and the results can be used to increase early diagnosis of AD.
Over 3 Million with AD in US in 2015 - The General Accounting Office issued a report with this prediction and noted in 1995 there were just over 2 million cases.
Early Diagnosis of AD Has Many Benefits - Alzheimer's Association states that it is important to identify the actual cause so a person can receive proper care.
Frasier Star David Hyde Pierce Warns Congress That AD Can Bankrupt Medicare --He requests an additional $100 million in AD research at NIH over the current budget of $340 million. He says 4 million now suffer from AD.
Dementia Common in Over 100s - Extreme longevity is nearly always accompanied by severe declines in mental function, according to study of Dutch centenarians in Neurology.
Gene May Quicken Onset of Dementia - David Borchelt of Johns Hopkins reports in Neuron that the gene APP, when flawed, accelerates the pace at which plaques form inside the brain of a person with AD.
Donepezil Improves AD Patients' Ability to Function - Study published in Neurology shows this drug, sold as Aricept, improves AD patient's cognition and ability to function.
Enzyme Protects Brain Cells - Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), a potent antioxidant enzyme, may protect nerve cells in the brain against damage caused by stroke and AD.
"Miracle" Vitamin E is Cited as "Nutrient of the Year" by Health Magazine - Among many benefits they cite is a study demonstrating that Vitamin E slowed progression of AD.Gene Points to AD Therapy - Mutations in the presenilin-1 (PS1) gene are a major cause of familial AD. It is believed that inhibition of PS1 activity is a potential target for therapy in AD.
Incontinence Drug Can Affect Memory - Oxybutynin chloride, a drug commonly prescribed to treat incontinence, may cause memory problems in the elderly.
Onset of AD Damage Accelerated in Mice with Two Genetic Defects - Mutations in the beta amyloid precursor protein and the presenilin 1 gene have the identical effect of increasing the production of beta amyloid, which accumulates in brain lesion called plaques, a hallmark of AD. These mice can be used to speed the drug screening process.
Scientist Close in On a Test for AD - A test which measures the AD7c-NTP protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid may soon be used to provide an early diagnosis of AD. A urine test for this protein will be disclosed in 1998 by Nymox Pharmaceutical Corp.
Rats Receiving Ginkgo Biloba Learn Quicker, Live 20% Longer than Controls - Ginkgo biloba is prescribed widely in Europe to improve brain function improves learning and memory in rats and prolongs their life.
Herb, Trasina, May Have Memory-Facilitating Function in AD - The herbal formulation used in classical Indian (India) system of medicine may aid in memory facilitation in AD.
Notes:
Reuters Health ( http://www.reutershealth.com) used to have their past articles available to the public for free. They have gone to a subscription service. You can do a recent search, but you only obtain titles and you can not obtain the free copies. They do have recent articles up at their web site for a short period of time.
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