Articles tagged with Alzheimer Disease
A Phase I study conducted at UCSD showed promising early indications of reduced disease advancement in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The subjects who successfully completed the surgery showed a 50% reduction in their annual rate of decline on one of the measured cognitive scales.
Researchers identified a series of genes related to mitochondrial metabolism in brain cells that were more active in mice with Alzheimer's disease. These genes are thought to provide new insights into the disease's early cellular changes and may lead to the development of novel interventions.
Recent studies have identified key molecular markers of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, revealing a complex role of amyloid proteins in the condition. These findings have significant implications for developing new treatments that target the underlying processes driving the disease.
A new study demonstrates that donepezil, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's, may also improve memory and cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. More than 65% of those treated with donepezil reported improved memory, compared to 32% on placebo.
Drs. Thal and Nitsch receive the Potamkin Prize for their groundbreaking research on effective therapies to treat and prevent Alzheimer's disease. Their work has revitalized hopes for a vaccine and slowed cognitive decline in patients.
A new study of people with newly diagnosed Alzheimer disease found that median survival period was significantly shorter than similar-aged individuals. The severity of cognitive impairment and other factors were strongly associated with decreased survival. Meanwhile, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for alcoho...
Researchers found that people with Alzheimer's disease survived about half as long as similar-aged individuals without the disease. Poor scores on memory tests predicted shorter survival times after diagnosis, while walking problems, congestive heart failure, and diabetes were also significant predictors of reduced life expectancy.
A large-scale Swedish study found that low vitamin B12 levels are associated with poorer memory in older adults with a high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study also showed that genetic factors, such as the apolipoprotein E gene, interact with nutritional deficiencies to affect cognitive function.
Researchers discovered that deleting two related genes linked to inherited Alzheimer's disease causes memory loss, nerve cell death, and brain degeneration in mice. The study suggests that blocking the function of these genes may worsen the disease, providing a new perspective on its cause.
Researchers found that apoE4 produced by neurons is susceptible to fragmentation, leading to increased tau phosphorylation and damaging brain cells. The study suggests targeting a neuron-specific enzyme to prevent Alzheimer's disease progression.
Two American journalists, Fauber and Singer, are selected for American Academy of Neurology Journalism Fellowships to attend the 56th Annual Meeting in San Francisco. They will learn about latest advances in neurology research and treatment, and make contacts with experts in the field.
A new study suggests that nicotine may protect the brain by inhibiting the activation of microglia, a key step in nerve cell death. The researchers identified the alpha-7 acetylcholine receptor subtype as the specific site where nicotine binds to block microglial activation.
Researchers explore simple measures to improve the lives of nursing home residents with dementia. Simple pleasures like warm water bottles, fleece muffs, and creating memory boxes can reduce agitation and promote calmness.
A new hypothesis suggests that Alzheimer's disease arises from inflammation, leading to the creation of abnormal metabolites that modify amyloid beta proteins. These misfolded proteins accumulate into fibrils and plaques, causing neuronal loss and contributing to the disease.
A new study supports the use of PET scans in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in its early stages. The study identifies a new PET technique that can clearly identify brain connections altered by Alzheimer's, leading to higher accuracy in diagnosing the condition.
Researchers found a link between olfactory dysfunction and excess tau proteins in brain structures important for smelling. The study used genetically engineered mice to evaluate the effect of tau protein overexpression on smell perception.
A new animal model has been created to evaluate the effectiveness of an Alzheimer's vaccine, with promising results in clearing brain amyloid and reversing cognitive decline. The study involved vaccinating rhesus monkeys with beta-amyloid, a protein fragment suspected of disrupting nerve cells in the Alzheimer brain.
Dr. Leon Thal, Chair of the UCSD Department of Neurosciences, will receive the Potamkin Prize for his groundbreaking research on Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative diseases. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of the cause, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Research at Joslin Diabetes Center reveals that insulin resistance in the brain may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Studies using genetically altered mice found a marked reduction in insulin signaling proteins, leading to excessive phosphorylation of tau protein, a hallmark of brain lesions in Alzheimer's.
Scientists propose that alterations in cholesterol and ceramide contribute to neurodegenerative cascade destroying neurons in Alzheimer's disease. Oxidative stress triggered by beta amyloid peptide leads to ceramide accumulation, causing nerve cell death.
A study of 1,036 individuals from 266 families discovered that genetics significantly impacts memory performance, accounting for up to 80% of the variation. The influence of genes on memory abilities was stronger than previously thought and appears to be relatively unaffected by the presence of Alzheimer's disease.
The study found that lifetime stroke risk is 21% in women at age 55, while men have a 17% risk. Blood pressure significantly increases the risk of stroke across all ages. Lifestyle changes to control blood pressure can reduce stroke risk.
A study by NIH researchers found that low free testosterone levels may be associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older men. The study, conducted on 574 men aged 32-87, revealed a 26% decrease in AD risk for every 50% increase in free testosterone index.
Researchers found that free testosterone was associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease in men. A Netherlands study also linked higher consumption of fatty fish to reduced impaired cognitive function and speed. In contrast, higher dietary cholesterol intake was associated with increased risk of impaired memory and flexibil...
A new imaging agent, Pittsburgh Compound B, provides a unique view of amyloid plaques in the living human brain. This breakthrough discovery may contribute to understanding how Alzheimer's disease begins and grows, as well as develop effective treatments.
Researchers discovered that apolipoprotein E and clusterin proteins can delay amyloid plaque formation in mice with Alzheimer's-like brain damage. The findings imply that these proteins cooperate to suppress Abeta protein levels and deposition, paving the way for future drug or gene therapy treatments.
Researchers found memantine significantly improved cognitive function, activities of daily living, behavior, and clinical global status in patients with moderate to severe AD. Treatment with memantine maintained cognitive function, while placebo was associated with decline.
A new study aims to investigate the effects of valproate on reducing agitation and slowing memory deterioration in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Researchers will also examine the drug's impact on brain volume loss and cell product manufacturing in Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers used AFM to study the effects of two monoclonal antibodies on beta amyloid peptide aggregation. The m266.2 antibody effectively inhibited protofibril formation, suggesting a promising approach for understanding conformational diseases like Alzheimer's.
A JAMA study validates a new class of drugs for treating advanced Alzheimer's, improving cognitive function and daily life. The combination of memantine and donepezil shows statistically significant benefits for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.
A study of over 17,000 individuals found that regular use of vitamin E and C supplements, especially in combination, may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. While individual supplements showed no significant effect, multivitamins with higher doses of these vitamins offered some protection.
A study of 4,740 elderly residents found that combining individual vitamin E and C supplements reduced AD prevalence and incidence by significant margins. The researchers suggested that higher doses of these vitamins may offer protection against Alzheimer's disease when taken together.
Research suggests that changes in brain chemistry are more likely responsible for memory problems associated with normal aging, rather than cell loss. Analyzing data from past studies and ongoing research, experts aim to find cost-effective ways to extend knowledge on maintaining general brain health.
Researchers have identified four key characteristics that reliably distinguish Lewy body dementia (DLB) from Alzheimer's disease (AD). These include daytime drowsiness, falling asleep during the day, staring into space, and disorganized speech. The discovery aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of DLB.
Researchers found a strong link between increased stroke risk and lower cognitive function in individuals who have never had a stroke or dementia. The study suggests that preventing stroke risk factors may also help prevent cognitive decline.
A new study suggests that using IQ-adjusted norms can help identify high-functioning people at risk of developing pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease. By scoring against an individual's higher ability level, researchers found more accurate predictions than standard norms.
A novel model of human brain aging identifies midlife breakdown of myelin as a key factor in the onset of Alzheimer's disease later in life. Lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, education, and treatment with common medications may help prevent myelin degradation.
A recent study using MRI has found significant volume loss in the hippocampus, a key role player in memory functions, among patients with Korsakoff's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that awareness of these clinical and radiological similarities can aid in early detection of each disorder.
Researchers found that brain scans show increased metabolic activity in the temporal cortex, where Alzheimer's disease commonly develops, in adults with Down syndrome. The study suggests that this may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's, potentially allowing for early detection using a common PET scan procedure.
Researchers developed a novel metal-protein attenuating compound (MPAC) to target beta-amyloid interactions and slow cognitive decline. The pilot phase 2 clinical trial found that plasma beta-amyloid levels declined in patients taking the compound, while those on placebo levels increased.
A clinical trial of Prana's Alzheimer's disease drug, PBT-1 (Clioquinol), has shown a significant reduction in AD development. The study found an average change in score at 24 weeks of about 1.5 points on PBT-1 and about 8.9 on placebo.
Researchers found a significant association between stroke and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older patients. Patients with a history of stroke were 60% more likely to develop AD, with the risk highest among those with established vascular risk factors.
A study of older Catholic nuns found that those prone to negative emotions like depression and anxiety were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that psychological distress may be a risk factor for the disease, rather than an early sign.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine developed a new technique to measure brain volume, identifying healthy individuals who would later develop memory impairment. The study found that the medial-temporal lobe shrank considerably more in people with Alzheimer's disease compared to those without it.
A study found that people with Alzheimer's disease show increased activation in the default network, a set of interconnected brain areas responsible for passive mental processes. This could be an attempt to compensate for memory problems caused by normal aging or Alzheimer's.
Researchers found one presenilin gene mutation associated with variable age of onset AD (from 35 to 85 years old) and two new presenilin gene mutations linked to early onset AD at age 49 to 54 years old. The study confirms the clinical manifestation of PS1 and PS2 gene mutations in Alzheimer's disease is similar to other dementias.
A Phase II study found dronabinol significantly reduced behavioral agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The medication also improved caregivers' burden and daily living skills.
A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery by visualizing damaged nerve connections in living mice and tracking them over time. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of the underlying processes involved in Alzheimer's disease and potentially unlock new treatments.
A nicotine metabolite, cotinine, may improve memory and protect brain cells from diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Cotinine also displays antipsychotic properties, potentially offering a safer alternative to existing therapies.
The study found that oxidation damages certain kinds of messenger RNA, leading to abnormal protein processing and neuronal death. Researchers discovered specific types of mRNA susceptible to oxidative damage, which may contribute to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have found that a new vaccine can diminish symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by increasing clearance of amyloid beta protein from the brain. The study used monkeys and showed that vaccinating them with synthetic amyloid beta peptide enhanced clearance, leading to reduced plaques and improved cognitive function.
Researchers found a physical interaction between herpes virus and amyloid precursor protein (APP), suggesting a potential clue to Alzheimer's disease. The discovery may lead to further investigations into the role of the virus in the disease.
A new study reveals that PET scans can significantly improve the accuracy of predicting Alzheimer's disease progression in patients with early memory complaints. By analyzing brain metabolic patterns, doctors can better diagnose and intervene earlier, potentially delaying cognitive decline.
A recent study identified distinct genes linked to late-onset Alzheimer's disease in families with average age at onset of 80 years or older. The researchers also found a region on chromosome 2 associated with early-onset Alzheimer's disease between ages 50 and 60.
Researchers found that donepezil increased levels of N-acetylaspartate and slowed hippocampal deterioration, leading to improved cognition. The study used magnetic resonance imaging to track brain changes among patients taking the medication.
Researchers discovered a major new finding on the genetics of Parkinson's disease, focusing on the activity of alpha synuclein. The study found that an abnormal triplication of genes on chromosome 4 leads to excessive protein buildup, causing Parkinson's symptoms.
Researchers analyzed data from twin pairs to find a link between leisure activities and reduced cognitive impairment. The study found that greater overall participation in intellectual-cultural activities, such as reading or joining clubs, was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that gamma-secretase cleaves both amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch interchangeably, treating them as interchangeable substrates. The study suggests a new approach to inhibiting gamma-secretase activity without interfering with its role in Notch signaling.
The JAK2 enzyme plays a dual role, protecting brain cells from Alzheimer's disease and blocking cell death pathways. However, it also causes damage to blood vessels in diabetics, leading to hypertension, kidney failure, and other age-related diseases.
Researchers aim to enroll 75 men and women at three sites over three years to assess nicotine's effect on memory loss. The study, funded by a $1.5 million grant, will provide insights into potential treatments for mild cognitive impairment.