Posts Tagged alzheimers
Alzheimer’s Fears: Research Isn’t Helping
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on April 15, 2011
Alzheimer’s runs in my family. Not that anyone has been tested, but I’ve seen great aunts and uncles suffer from it. My grandmother died in her early 50s so her body didn’t have time to develop it. I do know that my father is terrified of the disease. He has told me that if he goes out on a boat and never comes back, that will be why.
There is a lot of research on Alzheimer’s and what
causes it, but so far they are learning better ways to identify it earlier so you’ll know if you might be at risk for getting it, but they haven’t figured out very much about how to treat it and stop it’s progression. Delay it a little, yes, but still at some point your mind is gone and your spouse or children or strangers have to take care of everything for you and you won’t even realize it. The newest study, conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and printed in the journal
Neurology, shows that there are physical signs of brain atrophy as many as ten years before symptoms ever develop.
I know that this could be a step, and maybe even THE step, that finds the cure for this debilitating disease. But knowing that I’m going to have it would be scary, maybe too scary. It would certainly send my father to the dock to outfit his boat for that last trip so he was ready when he felt it was time. Getting a genetic predisposition test and recognizing symptoms may allow you to be treated and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s, but I think I’ll wait until they have a cure to go along with the death sentence.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Start Early to Prevent Dementia in Old Age
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, DNA / Paternity, Wellness on November 12, 2010
Many people are afraid of finding out that they may get Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia, primarily because there is no treatment. Would you want to know that you won’t recognize your spouse or children and that you won’t be able to take care of yourself? Maybe not, if there was nothing you could do to stop it! Then every slip of the tongue or forgetful moment could cause a panic attack. Would you be able to look forward to your “golden” years? I don’t know if I would. Because most people don’t think about it until they already have full blown symptoms, there isn’t much that can be done. New research is being developed that could detect signs of dementia in patients in their 40s that could allow for preventive changes in diet and exercise that could delay or even prevent the disorder.
One test, a computer screening test, takes only 30 seconds and identifies white matter lesions in the temporal lobe that appear to be related to early signs of dementia. Another is a verbal screening test, dubbed the “Sweet 16″ for the 16 questions in the test that appears to be as effective or better than the current standard test the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) which identifies dementia symptoms in older patients allowing for quick and easy detection. There are also Genetic Predisposition Tests that can look at your overall genetic pattern and possible risk of Alzheimer’s and other diseases. Knowing that there are more ways being developed that can identify this dreaded disease and preventive measures you can take means maybe we won’t have to get in a boat and sail off in the sunset to avoid burdening our loved ones.
Alzheimer’s Has a High Price Tag
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on October 12, 2010
There are many reasons to continue research into what causes Alzheimer’s and how to prevent it, not least of which is the high cost this cruel disease exacts in financial terms. Alzheimer’s Disease International, a non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom, presented in their 2010 World Alzheimer Report the financial burden placed on society by those suffering with the disease. The medical costs of care are higher in wealthier countries because more of the care is provided by healthcare professionals. In developing countries the cost is much lower, not due to lack of care, but because the care is provided at home by family members and not by professionals. The time expended is still very high and poses a burden to families.
The report indicated that the costs of dementia will rise significantly. Alzheimer’s Disease International recommends that cost effective medical and social strategies need to be developed to assist the families and the individuals affected throughout the course of the illness. Additionally, evidence-based prevention strategies need to be developed and implemented. Tests can provide information about individuals’ risks of contracting the disease but the financial burden isn’t lessened by early detection.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Is Inflammation Causing Your Body to Age Faster?
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on April 16, 2010
Several studies have shown that high levels of an inflammatory cytokine, IL-6, can lead to many of the symptoms that we typically associate with aging. A cytokine is a substance that is secreted by specific cells of the immune system which carry signals locally between cells, and thus have an effect on other cells. The Type 2 cytokines, including IL-6, favor antibody responses and dysregulation or problems with their response have been linked with chronic inflammation.
Inflammation over time can cause such muscle loss, anemia, Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance, poor immune function, depression, anxiety, an inability to think clearly, cancer and even, strokes and heart attacks. There are certain specific illnesses and environmental toxins that can increase the amount of inflammatory cytokines that our bodies produce and if we can avoid as many of these as possible, perhaps we could delay some of the negative aspects of aging. These include chronic, unrelieved stress, untreated or unseen infections, exposure to certain toxins, such as herbicides and pesticides and pro-inflammatory fats like vegetable fats. Living in the US, it is impossible to avoid all of these and there are tests that can measure the level of C-Reactive Protein in your system, which is an indication of inflammation, so you know if you should take action to reduce chronic inflammation. There is something you can do to feel healthier as you age.
Alzheimer’s Disease More Prevalent in African Americans and Hispanics
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, DNA / Paternity on March 9, 2010
New research reported by the Alzheimer’s Association states that Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias may go unrecognized in African Americans and Hispanics who may not be as familiar with it and are less likely to get a formal diagnosis. This often delays treatment because there is a large gap between the time that the family recognizes the cognitive impairment and the time that a doctor is seen for treatment. Although the disease still shows up most often in white males, specific minority groups are much more likely to develop the syndrome. The specifics of why African Americans and Hispanics have a predisposition for the disease are not known, but they are more likely to have hypertension and diabetes which are known risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. DNA lab tests are available to determine your genetic predisposition for specific conditions, including Alzheimer’s, as compared to others in the population. Be aware of your risk factors and know the signs and symptoms of conditions for which you may have a tendency!
CDC H1N1 Flu Updates:- Press Briefing Transcript: Dr. Thomas Frieden's Remarks at the 2010 Influenza Workshop for Journalists
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- UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update