Neurological Disorders
Alzheimer's Disease
Treatments Latest News
Cholesterol and Risk of Alzheimer's Reduced with Statins - [10/21/08]
Summary: A new study has proved that the use of statin drugs can reduce cholesterol and potentially prevent alzheimer's disease. This study found that the ongoing use of statin drugs can reduce the risk of alzheimer's disease by 67 percent with cholesterol-lowering therapies. "Overall, the evidence, with limited exceptions, suggests that statin therapy provides some level of benefit in treating individuals with AD, and prior statin use may reduce the risk of AD later in life," said the study authors.
Comment: Alzheimer's disease can be depressing and progressive. The prolonged use of statin drugs have been shown to improve alzheimer's disease and prevent it. This can help those with a genetic predisposition for this condition or those with advanced alzheimer's disease.
Read article - Medical News TODAY October 21, 2008
Drug Provides Potential Cure - [08/18/08]
Summary: A century old drug, methylene blue, may be able to provide a cure for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's by slowing the cellular aging. The dose required is very low, the equivalent of a few raindrops in four Olympic sized pools, but the small dose slows the cellular aging and improves mitochondrial functions, which helps people with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's to stay healthier for longer.
Comment: Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are often affected by aging, so this drug that slows aging could slow the progress of the diseases. The researchers believe that even though this drug was never previously considered as a treatment it could provide a higher quality of life for those with the diseases. They also believe that after more research methylene blue could become a commonplace drug like aspirin, and that it could also be prescribed as a blood thinner.
Read article - ScienceDaily August 18, 2008
Alzheimer's Disease Vaccine May Be a Promising New Treatment - [06/23/08]
Summary: Researchers from Saint Louis University are investigating the effectiveness of a new intravenous drug for Alzheimer's patients. The researchers hope the drug will be able to boost the body's immune system to combat Alzheimer's disease. The treatment has the potential to treat Alzheimer's disease, rather than simply relieve symptoms as most current treatments do.
Comment: About 2,050 participants are sought at approximately 200 study sites in the United States and Canada. Those eligible may be 50 to 88 years old and must have a caregiver to accompany them to all clinic visits. The caregivers also should see the volunteer at least five times a week during the study.
Read article - Health News Digest. June 23, 2008.
Gamma-Secretase Modulator Fights Alzheimer's Disease in Three Ways - [06/11/08]
Summary: A new kind of drug is being tested to see whether it slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Called a gamma-secretase modulator (GSM), fights plaques in the brain three ways: 1) blocking production of amyloid beta protein in the brain, 2) keeping the proteins from forming clumps, and 3) boosting production of shorter pieces that make the longer ones less "sticky."
Comment: This article helps explain how amyloid proteins form plaques in the brain and the association of these plaques with Alzheimer's disease. Although Alzheimer's disease is incurable, this research is a step closer to halting its progression.
Read article - msnbc.com. June 11, 2008.
Not All Samples Are "Free" - [04/24/08]
Summary: Alzheimer's disease can be an expensive to treat. So it may seem as if your doctor is doing you a favor to offer you free samples of medicines. But samples are often for very expensive brand-name medicines. When the sample runs out, you get to pay for them--often at a higher co-pay.
Comment: This article outlines five questions you should ask your doctor before accepting samples, such as how long you'll be taking the drug, and whether a generic or cheaper alternative is available. The article also links to other articles with advice on cutting the cost of your prescription drugs, including two reports on how to enroll in drug assistance programs and how to find the best prices on prescription medications.
Read article - CNN.com. April 24, 2008.
Many Conditions are Relieved by Practicing Yoga - [04/18/08]
Summary: Yoga is becoming an increasingly popular means of relieving pain and increasing comfort for people with many different types of disabilities. Many patients practice adaptive yoga, which takes into consideration a patients wants and concerns as well as their limitations. Those with multiple sclerosis, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, post-surgical conditions, Parkinson's disease, stroke, arthritis, or simply a very sedentary lifestyle have been helped by doing yoga.
Comment: Instructors have noted that yoga helps students strengthen muscles and increase mobility in joints. It also aids patients in relaxation techniques as they learn to breathe better and gain a better sense of their body. If you have a disability and are struggling with managing your body or symptoms yoga could be a very good option.
Read article - CNN.com. April 18, 2008.
New Website Information Helps Consumers Compare Hospitals - [03/28/08]
Summary: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this month posted new survey information at the Hospital Compare website, offering consumers more insight about the hospitals in their communities. The website provides three critical types of information about healthcare providers: quality information, patient satisfaction survey information, and pricing information for specific procedures. This information can help consumers make effective decisions about the quality and value of the healthcare available to them through local hospitals.
Comment: Much of the information is based on the first nationwide survey of patients about their experience during a hospital stay. Although the pricing and volume information pertains specifically to Medicare payments, the quality and satisfaction results provide useful comparison data for any patients, regardless of who pays for the services. A link to the Hospital Compare website is provided below.
Read article - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. March 28, 2008.
Read article - Hospital Compare website.
Drug's Claim of "Instant" Cure Clarified - [01/16/08]
Summary: Several newspapers reported on an arthritis drug said to "reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer's in minutes." However, the drug was tested in a single patient for short-term effects only.
Comment: This article clarifies the circumstances surrounding the sensational story. It illustrates how easily an extraordinary event can be misrepresented and generalized.
Read article - Medical News Today. January 16, 2008.
Alzheimer's Disease, Memantine, and Others - [01/11/08]
Summary: Memantine shows promise as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, but only in a narrow concentration range and for suitable patients groups.
Comment: This article responds to another article by the drug's developers, clarifying the memantine's suitability and comparative benefits.
Read article - Medical News Today. January 11, 2008.
Cancer Drug May Restore Memory - [12/04/07]
Summary: The cancer drug bryostatin may stimulate new connections in the brain, suggesting that the drug may be able to repair and restore memory lost from Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and head trauma.
Comment: The observations were made in laboratory rats and have yet to be replicated in clinical trials. Yet they are encouraging, since no other drugs have yet been proven effective at repairing memory loss.
Read article - Health News Digest. December 4, 2007.