http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/alzheimer's/ Read the latest research on Alzheimer's disease. Learn about Alzheimer's symptoms such as memory loss and senile dementia. Find out about Alzheimer's stages, causes and new treatments. en-us Sat, 25 May 2013 07:18:23 EDT Sat, 25 May 2013 07:18:23 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/alzheimer's/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130524104058.htm In the search for medication against Alzheimer's disease, scientists have focused on -- among other factors -- drugs that can break down Amyloid beta (A-beta). After all, it is the accumulation of A-beta that causes the known plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. The starting point for the formation of A-beta is APP. Fri, 24 May 2013 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130524104058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130524104046.htm Approximately a year ago, the journal Science published an article about bexarotene as a potential Alzheimer's drug -- a significant breakthrough and an important starting point for further Alzheimer's research. Now other researchers have tested this candidate drug in various Alzheimer's animal test models. Their results were different, as were those of two American study groups. Therefore, they have recommended that bexarotene should not be tested on patients. Fri, 24 May 2013 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130524104046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130523143737.htm Cinnamon: Can the red-brown spice with the unmistakable fragrance and variety of uses offer an important benefit? The common baking spice might hold the key to delaying the onset of -- or warding off -- the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Thu, 23 May 2013 14:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130523143737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130523143727.htm Aortic arch pulse wave velocity, a measure of arterial stiffness, is a strong independent predictor of disease of the vessels that supply blood to the brain, according to a new study. Thu, 23 May 2013 14:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130523143727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130523143541.htm An anti-cancer drug reverses memory deficits in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model, new research shows. The article reviewed previously published findings on the drug bexarotene, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Thu, 23 May 2013 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130523143541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130523143004.htm Teams of highly respected Alzheimer’s researchers failed to replicate what appeared to be breakthrough results for the treatment of this brain disease when they were published last year in the journal Science. Thu, 23 May 2013 14:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130523143004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130522123145.htm It is known that signs of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease can appear years before the disease becomes manifest; these signs take the form of subtle changes in the brain and behavior of individuals affected. For the first time, scientists have demonstrated the existence of such signatures for motor disorders belonging to the group of "spinocerebellar ataxias." Wed, 22 May 2013 12:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130522123145.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130521193952.htm Activating an enzyme known to play a role in the anti-aging benefits of calorie restriction delays the loss of brain cells and preserves cognitive function in mice, according to a new study. The findings could one day guide researchers to discover drug alternatives that slow the progress of age-associated impairments in the brain. Tue, 21 May 2013 19:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130521193952.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130521153940.htm Imagine a pharmaceutical prevention, treatment or even cure for Alzheimer's disease. It is almost impossible to overstate how monumental a development that would be and how it would answer the prayers of millions. Though science isn't there yet, a new study offers a tantalizing glimpse of potential solutions. Tue, 21 May 2013 15:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130521153940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520185428.htm A Mediterranean diet with added extra virgin olive oil or mixed nuts seems to improve the brain power of older people better than advising them to follow a low-fat diet, according to new research. Mon, 20 May 2013 18:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520185428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520154217.htm Researchers have pinpointed a catalytic trigger for the onset of Alzheimer's disease -- when the fundamental structure of a protein molecule changes to cause a chain reaction that leads to the death of neurons in the brain. Mon, 20 May 2013 15:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520154217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130519145635.htm A new study looking at sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and markers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neuroimaging adds to the growing body of research linking the two. Sun, 19 May 2013 14:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130519145635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130518153444.htm Alcohol treatment interventions work best when patients understand and are actively involved in the process. A first-of-its-kind study looks at the interactive effects of smoking status and age on neurocognition in one-month-abstinent alcohol dependent (AD) individuals in treatment. Results show that AD individuals who currently smoke have more problems with memory, ability to think quickly and efficiently, and problem-solving skills than those who do not smoke, effects which seem to become greater with increasing age. Sat, 18 May 2013 15:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130518153444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130515165027.htm The brain forms complex new circuits after damage to compensate for lost function, often far from the damaged region, life scientists report. The new study identified the exact regions of the brain that take over when the brain's hippocampus is damaged, and is the first demonstration of such neural circuit plasticity. Wed, 15 May 2013 16:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130515165027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130515163918.htm People who have skin cancer may be less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, according to new research. The link does not apply to melanoma, a less common but more aggressive type of skin cancer. Wed, 15 May 2013 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130515163918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130515094825.htm Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques aimed at mental and neurological conditions include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression, and transcranial direct current (electrical) stimulation (tDCS), have been shown to improve memory. Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) has also shown promise. Wed, 15 May 2013 09:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130515094825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130514185340.htm Forget apples -- lifting weights and doing cardio can also keep the doctors away, according a new study. Tue, 14 May 2013 18:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130514185340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130514112641.htm Using long-term patient data, scientists have found that many of the biomarkers for Alzheimer’s identified in recent years can help accurately predict the start of full-blown disease years in advance. Tue, 14 May 2013 11:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130514112641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130513202449.htm A drug known as J147 reverses memory deficits and slows Alzheimer's disease in aged mice following short-term treatment. The findings may pave the way to a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease in humans. Mon, 13 May 2013 20:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130513202449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130510075623.htm Researchers have used tiny doses of a leukemia drug to halt accumulation of toxic proteins in the brains of mice. They say their study offers a unique and exciting strategy to treat neurodegenerative diseases that feature abnormal buildup of proteins in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington's disease and Lewy body dementia, among others. Fri, 10 May 2013 07:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130510075623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130510075502.htm Scientists have found that the sharp rise of dementia and other neurological deaths in people under 74 cannot be put down to the fact that we are living longer. The rise is because a higher proportion of old people are being affected by such conditions -- and what is really alarming, it is starting earlier and affecting people under 55 years. Fri, 10 May 2013 07:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130510075502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509123412.htm Doctors should not have the right or responsibility to force-feed their patients with genomic information about their future health risks, according to bioethicists. They write in response to controversial recommendations from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics on the reporting of incidental findings in clinical genome sequencing. Thu, 09 May 2013 12:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509123412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130508213053.htm Scientists have identified a set of tests that could help identify whether and how Huntington’s disease (HD) is progressing in groups of people who are not yet showing symptoms. Wed, 08 May 2013 21:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130508213053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130508151345.htm In many neurodegenerative diseases the neurons of the brain are over-stimulated and this leads to their destruction. After many failed attempts and much scepticism this process was finally shown last year to be a possible basis for treatment in some patients with stroke. But very few targets for drugs to block this process are known. Wed, 08 May 2013 15:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130508151345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507195435.htm Scientists have discovered that cholinesterase inhibitors allow signals to enter the brain with less background noise. And the drugs work in the sensory cortices, not the more sophisticated processing regions. Tue, 07 May 2013 19:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507195435.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507134643.htm Some memory problems common to older adults may stem from an inability to segment daily life into discrete experiences, according to a new study. Tue, 07 May 2013 13:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507134643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507124809.htm Research on medications commonly taken by older adults has found that drugs with strong anticholinergic effects cause cognitive impairment when taken continuously for as few as 60 days. A similar impact can be seen with 90 days of continuous use when taking multiple drugs with weak anticholinergic effect. Tue, 07 May 2013 12:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507124809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507095856.htm Scientists' picture of how a gene strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease harms the brain may have to be revised, researchers have found. Tue, 07 May 2013 09:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507095856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130506181619.htm Biologists have identified a gene, previously implicated in Parkinson's disease, that can delay the onset of aging and extend the healthy life span of fruit flies. This research has important potential implications for aging and disease in humans. The gene, Parkin, serves at least two vital functions. By increasing Parkin activity, the scientists extended the lifespan of the flies by more than 25 percent. Mon, 06 May 2013 18:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130506181619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130506181307.htm Researchers examines the relationship between families with exceptional longevity and cognitive impairment consistent with Alzheimer disease. Mon, 06 May 2013 18:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130506181307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130503230313.htm A key type of human brain cell developed in the laboratory grows seamlessly when transplanted into the brains of mice, researchers have discovered, raising hope that these cells might one day be used to treat people with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease, as well as and complications of spinal cord injury such as chronic pain and spasticity. Fri, 03 May 2013 23:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130503230313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130501101309.htm Scientists are much closer to developing a screening test for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. Wed, 01 May 2013 10:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130501101309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130501090720.htm Elderly patients who receive anesthesia are no more likely to develop long-term dementia or Alzheimer’s disease than other seniors, according to new research. The study analyzed thousands of patients using the Rochester Epidemiology Project -- which allows researchers access to medical records of nearly all residents of Olmsted County, Minn. -- and found that receiving general anesthesia for procedures after age 45 is not a risk factor for developing dementia. Wed, 01 May 2013 09:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130501090720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430161946.htm Biochemistry researchers have published conclusive scientific evidence that the gene ATP7A is essential for the dietary absorption of the nutrient copper. Their work with laboratory mice also provides a greater understanding of how this gene impacts Menkes disease as scientists search for a treatment. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430161946.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429164909.htm Scientists have identified how a defective protein plays a central role in a rare, lethal childhood disease known as giant axonal neuropathy, or GAN. GAN is an extremely rare and untreatable genetic disorder that strikes the central and peripheral nervous systems of young children. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429164909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130426135037.htm Neuroscientists show how turning down synthesis of a protein improves nerve, muscle function in a common neuropathy. A potential new treatment strategy for patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is on the horizon. This research may also have relevance for other diseases that result from misfolded proteins, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 and 2 diabetes, cancer and mad cow disease. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130426135037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130426115456.htm Intermittent fasting is all the rage, but scientific evidence showing how such regimes affect human health is not always clear cut. Now a scientific review suggests that fasting diets may help those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, alongside established weight loss claims. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130426115456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425132626.htm Scientists have discovered a potential strategy for developing treatments to stem the disease process in Alzheimer's disease. It's based on unclogging removal of toxic debris that accumulates in patients' brains, by blocking activity of a little-known regulator protein called CD33. Too much CD33 activity may promote late-onset Alzheimer's by preventing support cells from clearing out toxic plaques. Future medications that impede CD33 activity might help prevent or treat the disorder. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425132626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425132618.htm Most information about the cause of Alzheimer's is based on studies from animal models. Now, a study examines the brain tissue of deceased human patients and sheds light on dysfunctions in molecular networks in the brain that are at the root of Alzheimer's. By showing that the TYROBP gene plays a key role in disrupting immune system pathways in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, the study reveals a potential therapeutic target for preventing brain damage. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425132618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130424103128.htm Scientists have shown that mild traumatic brain injury after blast exposure produces inflammation, oxidative stress and gene activation patterns akin to disorders of memory processing such as Alzheimer's disease. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130424103128.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130423134027.htm A potential new way to fight obesity-related illness has been uncovered, thanks to a serendipitous finding. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130423134027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130423102124.htm Alzheimer's researchers know the disease is caused by toxic beta amyloid and tau lesions, yet, the recent failure of emerging therapies targeting these lesions suggest that successful treatments will require diagnosis of disease at its earliest stages. Now, by using computer-aided drug discovery, researchers are in the process of developing an imaging chemical that attaches predominantly to tau-bearing lesions in living brain, opening the door for earlier diagnosis – and better treatments for tau-involved conditions like Alzheimer’s, frontal temporal dementia and traumatic brain injuries. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130423102124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130422154837.htm The disrupted metabolism of sugar, fat and calcium is part of the process that causes the death of neurons in Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have now shown, for the first time, how important parts of the nerve cell that are involved in the cell’s energy metabolism operate in the early stages of the disease. These somewhat surprising results shed new light on how neuronal metabolism relates to the development of the disease. Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130422154837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130419075905.htm The risk of developing dementia may have declined over the past 20 years, in direct contrast to what many previously assumed. The decrease in dementia risk coincides with the general reduction in cardiovascular disease over recent decades, researchers said. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 07:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130419075905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418125742.htm Scientists have found that bursts of electrical pulses applied to the brain can manipulate the balance of two proteins crucial to the development of Alzheimer's disease. It represents a major advance in understanding how not only genetic mutations but also physiological mechanisms affect the development of the disease. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418125742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418124346.htm A bizarre twist on the usual way proteins are made may explain mysterious symptoms in the grandparents of some children with mental disabilities. The discovery may lead to better treatments for older adults with a recently discovered genetic condition called Fragile X-associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418124346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130417185901.htm Close family members of people with Alzheimer's disease are more than twice as likely as those without a family history to develop silent buildup of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130417185901.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130417164451.htm Neuroscientists have taken a major step in their efforts to help people with memory loss tied to brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130417164451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130417164444.htm Americans with brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS) who need to see a neurologist may face longer wait times or have more difficulty finding a neurologist, according to a new study. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130417164444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130417131811.htm Studying rats' ability to navigate familiar territory, scientists found that the hippocampus uses remembered spatial information to imagine routes the rats then follow. Their discovery has implications for understanding why hippocampal damage disrupts specific types of memory and learning in people with Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline. And because these mental trajectories guide the rats' behavior, the research model may be useful in future studies on higher-level tasks, such as decision-making. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130417131811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130415182507.htm Using insights gained from studying two much rarer disorders, Down Syndrome and Niemann Pick-C disease, researchers found that cholesterol wreaks havoc on the orderly process of cell division, leading to defective daughter cells throughout the body. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130415182507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130415151439.htm A review has found no evidence that drugs, herbal products or vitamin supplements help prevent cognitive decline in healthy older adults. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130415151439.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130412132229.htm Epidemiological studies have indicated that dietary habits and antioxidants from diet can influence the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130412132229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130412132214.htm Researchers found minor differences between genes that contribute to late-onset Alzheimer’s disease in African-Americans and in Caucasians. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130412132214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130411124008.htm The plaque deposits in the brain of Alzheimer's patients are surrounded by the brain's own immune cells, the microglia. But it still remains unclear what role microglia play in Alzheimer's disease. Do they help break down the plaque deposit? Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130411124008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130411123618.htm A new hypothesis has been developed on how Alzheimer's disease could occur. Protein spheres in the nucleus give the wrong signal for cell division. This may explain the degeneration and death of nerve cells in Alzheimer's patients. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130411123618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410192804.htm A new clinical pathway provides health workers with clear guidelines to help and advise dementia patients who still drive. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410192804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410131219.htm A significant breakthrough has been made towards developing an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Researchers have detailed how an enzyme in the brain interacts with a promising drug-like lead compound for Huntington's disease to inhibit its activity. Their findings demonstrate that it can be developed as an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410131219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410131118.htm Scientists have shed light on one of the major toxic mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. The discoveries could lead to a much better understanding of the Alzheimer’s process and how to prevent it. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410131118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410082415.htm The very serious hereditary disease HDLS was discovered in 1984 in Sweden. Many HDLS patients are still incorrectly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, MS or Parkinson’s disease, but researchers have now developed a more certain diagnosis method - and are seeking to find a treatment for the "unknown" neurological disorder. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410082415.htm