David M. Holtzman and Ashley I. Bush have been awarded the 2003 Potamkin Prize for their work on amyloid accumulation and oxidation in Alzheimer's disease. Their research has provided essential basic foundation for understanding how to treat the pathology related to amyloid accumulation.
A new study suggests that family history of heart disease and a genetic predisposition to stress may be key factors in the development of early heart disease. Men with a positive family history tend to develop heart disease 12 years earlier than those without, and experience higher stress levels
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded Virginia Tech's Conservation Management Institute a contract to develop a national database for chronic wasting disease (CWD) research. The database will enable scientists to share information on the disease, improving their ability to address it nationwide.
A recent NHLBI study found a link between low levels of endothelial progenitor cells and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The study suggests that these cells play a crucial role in repairing damaged blood vessels, and their depletion may contribute to the progression of heart disease.
Researchers found that more than 1.5 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which is triggered by the protein gluten and can cause various gastrointestinal symptoms. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, used a multi-center approach to screen over 13,000 people across 32 states.
Researchers at Wake Forest have identified a gene responsible for two rare kidney diseases, familial juvenile hyperuricemic nephropathy and medullary cystic kidney disease Type 2. The discovery may lead to early detection and improved treatment options for affected individuals.
A new genetic test can identify patients with diabetes at high risk for heart disease, potentially saving lives through early intervention. Researchers analyzed the haptoglobin gene in a population-based study and found that individuals with one form of the gene were five times more likely to develop heart disease.
A study of 16 patients with active multiple myeloma found that FDG PET scans accurately identified those at high risk, revealing disease spread outside the bone marrow. The scan also showed promise in identifying new disease sites for patients with relapsing disease, suggesting its potential as a complementary diagnostic tool.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new treatment for Gaucher disease by using small molecules to partially correct the genetic defect that underlies most cases of the disease. The therapy targets the most common mutation and could be more convenient and less costly than current enzyme replacement therapy.
Two studies found that patients with kidney disease are at increased risk of death after a heart attack, receiving less-aggressive treatment. Meanwhile, researchers report four cases of muscle damage caused by statins, highlighting the need for closer monitoring.
Scientists have identified a gene involved in autoimmune disease using molecular techniques on mouse models. The research aims to develop more specific treatments by understanding the role of histamine receptors in autoimmune disease.
Research by Dr. Lisa Ellerby at the Buck Institute suggests that calpain, a naturally occurring enzyme, plays a key role in Huntington's disease progression. The study uses post-mortem tissue and cell culture models to show that calpain activation is involved in brain damage.
A study by Dr. Anne B. Newman found that people with cardiovascular disease have a 30% increased risk of dementia, primarily due to vascular dementia caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain. Preventing cardiovascular disease may be an effective measure for preventing dementia in older adults.
A study by the University of Minnesota Rasmussen Center found high prevalence of covert and overt cardiovascular disease in healthy individuals. Early screening using non-invasive testing can detect risk contributors, such as family history of heart disease.
A study of German subjects found periodontal disease bacteria in carotid artery samples, supporting the 'infectious burden' hypothesis that oral infection plays a role in atherogenesis. The study also identified multiple types of bacteria, suggesting a complex relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified chromosomal regions linked to the age at onset of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study found evidence for age-at-onset genes on chromosomes 10, 1, 4, and 8, which could lead to new avenues of research to delay disease onset.
Researchers found diseased gums release higher levels of bacterial pro-inflammatory components, which can travel to organs like the heart and cause harm. The study supports earlier findings suggesting periodontal disease may trigger cardiovascular disease through oral bacterial components.
Scientists have identified the PKHD1 gene as the cause of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a life-threatening genetic disorder. The discovery provides a genetic roadmap for understanding how the disease progresses, paving the way for more accurate diagnoses and treatments.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified the gene causing an inherited form of childhood kidney disease associated with renal failure and neonatal death. The discovery may improve prospects for gene testing and diagnosis of this life-threatening disease in young children, which affects one in 20,000 Americans.
Researchers identified a specific mutation in the presenilin 1 gene that increases beta amyloid expression, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study found 18 unrelated families with the same mutation, suggesting a common ancestral origin.
A study led by Dr. Jeffery M. Vance found significant evidence of linkage between the tau gene and late-onset Parkinson's in three single nucleotide polymorphisms. The research suggests that normal variations in the tau protein may make individuals more susceptible to the disease.
Researchers found a significant drop in deaths from meningococcal disease, with a death rate of just under 9% among children admitted between 1995 and 1998. The authors attribute the decline to increased awareness of the disease, improved treatment delivery, and the introduction of the meningococcal C vaccine.
Menkes' disease is a fatal illness caused by copper deficiency, affecting male infants typically, causing death by age 3. Researchers now study the normal function of the gene involved in development and what causes its absence or defect., The disease is named for John Menkes who first described it at Columbia University in 1962.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute identify a new gene, IBD5, on chromosome 5 that increases susceptibility to Crohn's disease. The study provides a strong case for building a haplotype map of the human genome, which could make finding disease-causing genes faster and cheaper.
A UCSF study found that significant reductions in heart disease risk factors have saved over 430,000 deaths annually, with population-wide dietary changes and widespread use of medications being cost-effective.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found a possible link between estrogen and reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. The study reviewed medical records of female patients with Parkinson's disease to examine the association with menopause type, age, and postmenopausal hormone therapy.
The Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) has received a five-year grant of $54 million to conduct clinical trials and research on new approaches to treating and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers aim to delay the onset of the disease and have already made significant progress in the past decade.
A new study found that patients with periodontal disease have higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation associated with cardiovascular risks. The study suggests a possible link between oral bacteria and heart disease, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good gum health.
A large-scale clinical trial tested two investigational drugs, remacemide and Coenzyme Q10, to slow the progression of Huntington's disease. While Coenzyme Q10 seemed to improve the condition after one year, the overall results are inconclusive as to its effectiveness in slowing down the disease.
Men with constipation were nearly three times as likely to develop Parkinson's disease over the next 24 years compared to those without constipation. The study suggests a potential link between bowel movement frequency and the risk of developing Parkinson's, highlighting the importance of understanding how the disease progresses.
A prospective study reveals coeliac disease patients experience a substantial excess of deaths, particularly within the first three years after diagnosis and those with malabsorption symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent mortality, as delay in diagnosis and poor treatment adherence can significantly worsen outcomes.
Researchers used voxel-compression mapping to identify early structural brain changes in individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease. The study found that progressive atrophy began 3 years or more before symptom onset, suggesting a presymptomatic phase of increased tissue loss.
Research found that periodontal disease may increase a person's risk for respiratory disorders like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Patients with poor periodontal health had nearly a one-and-a-half times greater risk of developing COPD. Improved oral health may help prevent the progression of COPD.
Researchers in New Zealand tracked the health of 1,000 children from birth to age 26, revealing that attachment loss, pockets, and bleeding gums are common signs of periodontal disease. The study emphasizes the need for regular dental screenings and proper oral hygiene practices to prevent chronic periodontal disease.
Research examines 117 twins and finds that genetics account for 48-59% of periodontal disease differences. The study suggests identifying people at high risk before symptoms appear may lead to new treatment avenues.
A study of 196 people with and without Parkinson's disease found that coffee use was associated with a lower risk of developing the disease. Heavier coffee drinkers exhibited fewer instances of the disease, while tobacco chewers and alcoholics were also less likely to develop the condition.
A recent study found that men are twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease compared to women. The risk of developing the disease increases with age for both men and women. Researchers are still unsure why Parkinson's is more common in men, but one theory suggests that estrogen may protect women from the disease.
A new Mayo Clinic study suggests that coffee drinkers may have less than half the risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to non-coffee drinkers. The study found that individuals who consumed four or more cups of coffee per day had an average age of onset eight years older for the disease.
A study by the American Heart Association found that individuals with heart attacks are more likely to have periodontal disease, a type of gum tissue inflammation. The researchers believe that high blood levels of C-reactive protein may be linked between the two conditions.
Researchers found that patients with periodontal disease had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein in their blood than those without gum disease, indicating an increased risk of future heart attacks. The study suggests that treating severe gum disease may help reduce CRP levels and the risk of another heart attack.
A University at Buffalo study has found that people with severe gum disease are twice as likely to suffer a stroke due to blocked arteries. Periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk for cerebrovascular events, particularly non-hemorrhagic strokes.
Researchers at the University of Washington School of Dentistry found no link between periodontal disease and chronic coronary heart disease. Despite shared risk factors, their analysis of over 8,000 people showed only a slight connection.
The NHLBI has launched a 10-year study to find new ways of detecting heart disease early, before symptoms appear. The $68 million Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) will collect data on various risk factors, including calcium deposits in coronary arteries and pulse waves at the radial artery.
The study found that low-income African-American women are unaware of the high risk of cardiovascular disease among black women and do not consider it a health priority. They understand the link between diet and heart disease but lack knowledge about obesity, diabetes, and smoking's impact on cardiovascular disease.
A study by Jefferson researchers found that blocking the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) protein can prevent diabetic kidney disease in mice. The antibody treatment prevented kidney scarring and renal failure, offering hope for a new treatment option for humans with type 2 diabetes.
A recent study found that areas with greater biodiversity of small mammals have lower rates of Lyme disease. This is due to a decrease in the number of infected tick nymphs, which are most active during summer and hard to detect.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine confirms Requip's efficacy in managing early Parkinson's disease symptoms with a low risk of developing dyskinesias. Patients taking Requip alone were seven times more likely to remain dyskinesia-free than those on levodopa alone.
A door-to-door campaign in Auckland, New Zealand raised awareness of meningococcal disease among at-risk populations. The campaign, initiated in 1998, used lay educators to visit over 11,000 homes and deliver key messages about the disease.
Researchers found that people exposed to pesticides were approximately two times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those not exposed. In-home exposure to insecticides carried the highest risk of developing the disease.
Researchers at UB School of Dental Medicine found a strong link between obesity and gum disease, with overweight individuals showing a 50% increased risk of severe periodontal disease. The study also suggests that bacteria in the mouth may contribute to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A study found that electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) scans are significantly better than traditional risk factors in categorizing heart disease risk. Combining EBCT with risk factors improved the ability to assess an individual's heart disease risk, making it a useful tool for early treatment and prevention.
A recent study found that the genetic marker associated with periodontal disease in people of European heritage is barely present in Chinese populations. This suggests that oral hygiene habits, smoking, and other risk factors may be more important in explaining the high prevalence of periodontal disease in Chinese populations.
Researchers at NIAID's Rocky Mountain Laboratories have identified a new class of compounds that slow the development of prion diseases in mice. The compounds, which include drugs used in cancer therapy, block the conversion of normal prion protein to an altered form, delaying disease progression. If successful in humans, this treatmen...
A new transgenic mouse model has been developed to simulate Parkinson's disease and related disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. The model shows impaired motor function and protein deposits in specific brain regions associated with the diseases, offering a new tool for studying and treating these conditions.
New research published in Gut journal found no evidence that measles virus is associated with Crohn's disease. The study isolated particles from the gut tissue of patients and compared them to healthy tissue samples, but found high levels of related cells in all types of samples.
Researchers establish direct link between prions causing mad cow disease and new-variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, challenging the species barrier theory. The study used transgenic mice to demonstrate that the strain of prion responsible for mad cow disease also causes new-variant CJD.
A study of 14 patients with refractory Crohn's disease found that all participants responded to thalidomide treatment, with significant improvements in disease activity and fistula closure. The median daily steroid dose fell by over 70%, indicating a potential steroid-sparing effect.
Paul Coleman, a renowned neuroscientist, has been awarded $1 million by the Alzheimer's Association to investigate the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease. His research team aims to develop a simple test that can detect the disease in its initial stages, potentially allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A new study found that heart disease begins to develop in childhood, with well-developed plaque deposits present in one in six teenagers. The study used ultrasound to examine the arteries of recently-transplanted hearts from people who were free of known heart disease.
Researchers found striking variations in heart disease rates across the US, with states with high cigarette smoking rates and lower educational levels having higher mortality rates. Lifestyle factors are believed to contribute significantly to early death from heart disease, particularly in male baby boomers.