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, 26 May 2012 15:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 15:05:01 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/2012/05/120522200629.htm Pathological aging (PA) is used to describe the brains of people which have Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like pathology but where the person showed no signs of cognitive impairment whilst they were alive. New research shows that PA and AD brains contain similar amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and that while on average AD brains contain more Aβ there was considerable overlap in Aβ subtypes. These results suggest that PA may simply be an early stage of AD. Tue, 22 May 2012 20:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522200629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522161338.htm Research demonstrates how dying or damaged brain cells give rise to autoantibodies in blood that can be reliable biomarkers for early AD diagnosis. Key mechanism mirrors process common to autoimmune disorders. Tue, 22 May 2012 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522161338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135147.htm When brain cells start oozing too much of the amyloid protein that is the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, the astrocytes that normally nourish and protect them deliver a suicide package instead, researchers report. Tue, 22 May 2012 13:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518081358.htm According to new research, one "bad" fat -- saturated fat -- was found to be associated with worse overall cognitive function and memory in women over time. By contrast, a "good" fat -- mono-unsaturated fat was associated with better overall cognitive function and memory. Fri, 18 May 2012 08:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518081358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140016.htm ApoE4, a well-known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease triggers a cascade of signaling that ultimately results in leaky blood vessels in the brain, allowing toxic substances to pour into brain tissue in large amounts, scientists report. Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140010.htm Common variants of the ApoE gene are strongly associated with the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease, but the gene's role in the disease has been unclear. Now, researchers have found that in mice, having the most risky variant of ApoE damages the blood vessels that feed the brain. Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141401.htm Researchers have identified a major pathway leading to brain cell death in mice with neurodegenerative disease. They were able to block the pathway, preventing brain cell death and increasing survival in the mice. Thu, 10 May 2012 14:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113348.htm Research suggests a new approach to improving memory and interrupting disease progression in patients with a form of cognitive impairment that often leads to full-blown Alzheimer’s disease. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123850.htm New research describes a potential new therapeutic approach for improving memory and modifying disease progression in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. The study finds that excess brain activity may be doing more harm than good in some conditions that cause mild cognitive decline and memory impairment. Wed, 09 May 2012 12:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507164328.htm A study on a handful of people with suspected mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) suggests that a device that sends continuous electrical impulses to specific “memory” regions of the brain appears to increase neuronal activity. Results of the study using deep brain stimulation, a therapy already used in some patients with Parkinson’s disease and depression, may offer hope for at least some with AD, an intractable disease with no cure. Mon, 07 May 2012 16:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507164328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507164326.htm Greater purpose in life may help stave off the harmful effects of plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study. Mon, 07 May 2012 16:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507164326.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507164215.htm Depressive symptoms that are present in midlife or in late life are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, according to a new report. Mon, 07 May 2012 16:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507164215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507102049.htm Badly controlled diabetes are known to affect the brain causing memory and learning problems and even increased incidence of dementia, although how this occurs is not clear. But now a study in mice with type 2 diabetes has discovered how diabetes affects a brain area called hippocampus causing memory loss, and also how caffeine can prevent this.  Mon, 07 May 2012 10:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507102049.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184831.htm A new study suggests that eating foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, chicken, salad dressing and nuts, may be associated with lower blood levels of a protein related to Alzheimer's disease and memory problems. Wed, 02 May 2012 18:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184706.htm A drug prescribed for Alzheimer's disease does not ease clinically significant agitation in patients, according to first randomized controlled trial designed to assess the effectiveness of the drug (generic name memantine) for significant agitation in Alzheimer's patients. Wed, 02 May 2012 18:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502132956.htm A highly toxic beta-amyloid – a protein that exists in the brains of Alzheimer's disease victims – has been found to greatly increase the toxicity of other more common and less toxic beta-amyloids, serving as a possible "trigger" for the advent and development of Alzheimer's, researchers have discovered. Wed, 02 May 2012 13:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502132956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501183101.htm A new mouse model of delirium has provided an important insight into the mechanisms underlying the condition, bringing together two theories as to its causes. Tue, 01 May 2012 18:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501183101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501182759.htm Researchers have succeeded in developing a biosynthetic polyphenol that improves cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The findings provide insight in determining the feasibility of biosynthetic polyphenols as a possible therapy for AD in humans, a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no cure. Tue, 01 May 2012 18:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501182759.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501182753.htm Scientists now have a better understanding of how precise memories are formed. The study looked at the cells in our brains, or neurons, and how they work together as a group to form memories. Tue, 01 May 2012 18:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501182753.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134201.htm You think your computer has a lot of memory … if you keep using your computer you may, too. Combining mentally stimulating activities, such as using a computer, with moderate exercise decreases your odds of having memory loss more than computer use or exercise alone, a new study shows. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134201.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430192619.htm Researchers have found novel compounds that disrupt the formation of amyloid, the clumps of protein in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease believed to be important in causing the disease's characteristic mental decline. The so-called "spin-labeled fluorene compounds" are an important new target for researchers and physicians focused on diagnosing, treating and studying the disease. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430192619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426143806.htm Scientists have discovered that the gas nitric oxide (NO), produced in all cells of the human body for natural purposes, plays a fundamental regulatory role in controlling bacterial function, via a signaling mechanism called S-nitrosylation (SNO), which binds NO to protein molecules. In addition, the researchers discovered a novel set of 150 genes that regulate SNO production and disruption of these genes created bacterial cell damage resembling the cell damage seen in many common human diseases. Collectively these data point to new classes of antibiotics and several new disease treatments. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426143806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135230.htm Scientists have unraveled a process by which depletion of a specific protein in the brain contributes to the memory problems associated with Alzheimer's disease. These findings provide new insights into the disease's development and may lead to new therapies that could benefit the millions of people worldwide suffering from Alzheimer's and other devastating neurological disorders. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135230.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115314.htm Scientists have used powerful computational tools and laboratory tests to discover new support for a once-marginalized theory about the underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425094358.htm The protective effects of an active cognitive lifestyle arise through multiple biological pathways, new research suggests. For some time researchers have been aware of a link between what we do with our brains and the long term risk for dementia. In general, those who are more mentally active or maintain an active cognitive lifestyle throughout their lives are at lower risk. New research throws some light on what may be happening at the biological level. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425094358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424142339.htm Researchers have reported a new understanding of a little-known process that happens in virtually every cell of our bodies. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424142339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424095704.htm Toxic prions in the brain can be detected with self-illuminating polymers. The originators, at Linköping University in Sweden, has now shown that the same molecules can also render the prions harmless, and potentially cure fatal nerve-destroying illnesses. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424095704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162403.htm Cognitive decline is a pressing global health care issue. Worldwide, one case of dementia is detected every seven seconds. Mild cognitive impairment is a well recognized risk factor for dementia, and represents a critical window of opportunity for intervening and altering the trajectory of cognitive decline in seniors. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162403.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162227.htm Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable, progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting over five million people worldwide, and is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. Currently, intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment is being explored in multiple off-label uses other than immunotherapy, including AD. Several clinical studies assessing the tolerability and efficacy of IVIG in Alzheimer's disease subjects are in progress with inconsistent outcomes. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162221.htm The neuron-killing pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which begins before clinical symptoms appear, requires the presence of both amyloid-beta (a-beta) plaque deposits and elevated levels of an altered protein called p-tau. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423104741.htm Olympic boxers can exhibit changes in brain fluids after bouts, which indicates nerve cell damage. This is shown in a study of 30 top-level Swedish boxers. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423104741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420105831.htm Neuroscientists have observed correlations between increases in both soluble and plaque-forming beta-amyloid -- a protein implicated in the disease process -- and dysfunctional developments on several levels: individual cortical neurons, neuronal circuits, sensory cognition, and behavior. Their results show that these changes progress in parallel and that, together, they reveal distinct stages in Alzheimer's disease with a specific order in time. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420105831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420104529.htm Researchers have shown that brain plaques in mice are associated with disruption of the ability of brain regions to network with each other. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420104529.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418203530.htm Daily physical activity may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline, even in people over the age of 80, according to a new study. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418203530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416154048.htm O-GlcNAc regulatory system adds complexity in cell regulation, could eventually provide new drug targets. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416154048.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416115026.htm Use of a new drug to detect the beta-amyloid plaques in the brain that are hallmark signs of Alzheimer's disease may help doctors diagnose the disease earlier. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416115026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416100445.htm Researchers have identified the fundamental role played by the Nurr1 gene in neuron survival associated with synaptic activity. The discovery allows scientists to study a new target that could help to understand the relationship between alterations in neural connections, which are known to cause early cognitive deficit, and the neurodegeneration characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416100445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416095057.htm Injection of a small amount of clumped protein triggers a cascade of events leading to a Parkinson’s-like disease in mice, according to a new article. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416095057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415151347.htm Scientists have advanced understanding of the genetic components of Alzheimer's disease and of brain development with two new studies. The first study has found that certain versions of four genes may speed shrinkage of a brain region involved in making new memories. The brain area, known as the hippocampus, normally shrinks with age, but if the process speeds up, it could increase vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease, the research suggests. The second article identifies two genes associated with intracranial volume -- the space within the skull occupied by the brain when the brain is fully developed in a person's lifespan, usually around age 20. Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415151347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415150123.htm A global team has mapped the human genes that boost or sabotage the brain's resistance to a variety of mental illnesses and Alzheimer’s disease. The study also uncovered new genes that explain individual differences in brain size and intelligence. Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415150123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084105.htm Grid computing, long used by physicists and astronomers to crunch masses of data quickly and efficiently, is making the leap into the world of biomedicine. Researchers have networked hundreds of computers to help find treatments for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. They are calling their system the 'Google for brain imaging.' Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410210948.htm A new technique for analyzing brain images offers the possibility of using magnetic resonance imaging to predict the rate of progression and physical path of many degenerative brain diseases, report scientists. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410210948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410101908.htm Alzheimer's disease (AD) is now the sixth leading cause of death among Americans, affecting nearly 1 in 8 people over the age of 65. There is currently no treatment that alters the course of this disease. However, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that changes in the way the body handles iron and other metals like copper and zinc may start years before the onset of AD symptoms. A new study shows that reducing iron levels in blood plasma may protect the brain from changes related to AD. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410101908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131427.htm Researchers show in detail how three genes within human embryonic stem cells regulate development, a finding that increases understanding of how to grow these cells for therapeutic purposes. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404161835.htm New research finds that a person’s memory declines at a faster rate in the two- and-a-half years before death than at any other time after memory problems first begin. A second study shows that keeping mentally fit through board games or reading may be the best way to preserve memory during late life. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404161835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404102953.htm A new gene that causes early onset of Alzheimer's disease has been discovered, researchers say. The research scientists showed that in the families of five of 14 patients suffering from the disease, mutations were detected on the gene SORL1. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404102953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403172156.htm Scientists have enhanced our understanding of how a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease keeps young brains healthy, but can damage them later in life -- suggesting new research avenues for treating this devastating disease. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403172156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120401135356.htm Scientists think they have found a way to prevent and possibly reverse the most debilitating symptoms of a rare, progressive childhood degenerative disease that leaves children with slurred speech, unable to walk, and in a wheelchair before they reach adolescence. The findings may also offer clues to treating other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120401135356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330123056.htm The deposition of amyloid beta in the brain of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease is the focus of much research into both its cause and treatment. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330123056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327215601.htm Just as the familiar sugar in food can be bad for the teeth and waistline, another sugar has been implicated as a health menace and blocking its action may have benefits that include improving long-term memory in older people and treating cancer. Progress has been made toward finding such a blocker for the sugar — with the appropriately malicious-sounding name “oh-glick-nack.” Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327215601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326160819.htm Repeated stress triggers the production and accumulation of insoluble tau protein aggregates inside the brain cells of mice, say researchers. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326160819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120323134908.htm Insulin resistance in the brain precedes and contributes to cognitive decline above and beyond other known causes of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120323134908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120323134601.htm Scientists have developed a new method for measurement of aggregated beta-amyloid – a protein complex believed to cause major nerve cell damage and dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. The new method might facilitate diagnosis and detection as well as development of drugs directed against aggregated beta-amyloid. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120323134601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321142024.htm Researchers have developed a computer program that has tracked the manner in which different forms of dementia spread within a human brain. They say their mathematical model can be used to predict where and approximately when an individual patient's brain will suffer from the spread, neuron to neuron, of "prion-like" toxic proteins -- a process they say underlies all forms of dementia. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321142024.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321105120.htm Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia may spread within nerve networks in the brain by moving directly between connected neurons, instead of in other ways proposed by scientists, such as by propagating in all directions, according to new research. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321105120.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320195338.htm New research in humans reveals that the so-called FKBP52 protein may prevent the Tau protein from turning pathogenic. This may prove significant for the development of new Alzheimer’s drugs and for detecting the disease before the onset of clinical symptoms. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320195338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319163757.htm An antioxidant combination of vitamin E, vitamin C and alpha-lipoic acid was not associated with changes in some cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease in a randomized controlled trial, according to a new study. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319163757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319095017.htm Scientists have developed a novel technique that tracks diseased proteins behaving badly by forming clusters in brain diseases such as Huntington's and Alzheimer's. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319095017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319094803.htm Microglia are the first line defense of the brain and are constantly looking for infections to fight off. Overactive microglia can cause uncontrolled inflammation within the brain, which can in turn lead to neuronal damage. New research shows that, honokiol (HNK) is able to down-regulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory enzymes in activated microglia via Klf4, a protein known to regulate DNA. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319094803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319094757.htm Researchers have shown that nanocellulose stimulates the formation of neural networks. This is the first step toward creating a three-dimensional model of the brain. Such a model could elevate brain research to totally new levels, with regard to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, for example. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319094757.htm