The Latest Research On Alzheimer's Disease
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-07-16/latest-research-alzheimers-disease
Among the top 10 causes of death in the U.S. Alzheimer's disease is the only one with no method to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. New research has generated hope among scientists and caregivers that treatment for the disease could come sooner than many dared to think possible. But there's good reason to be cautious. The outcomes of studies on several promising drugs are due this year. Researchers fear pharmaceutical companies might halt the search for treatments if the results are disappointing. A major international conference on Alzheimer's is in session this week in Vancouver, Canada. We'll provide the latest news from the conference and efforts to find a cure.
Guests
Randall Bateman
the Charles F. and Joanne Knight distinguished professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine and associate director of the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network (DIAN).
Brigid Reynolds
clinical care coordinator in the Memory Disorders Program at Georgetown University Medical Center.
George Vradenburg
co-founder and chairman of Us Against Alzheimer’s.
Reisa Sperling
professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and director of the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Comments
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I have heard that keeping the mind active with learning music, games languages etc can help delay alzheimer's. If so than watching TV probably accelerates it.
How do you obtain truly informed consent from patients who are already showing signs of impairment?
power of attorney?
My great grandmother, my grandmother, and my father all died with dementia and it was suspected but not tested that my father had Alzheimers disease. How can I participate in a study that might further knowledge?
My father-in-law was diagnosed with "senile dementia". An autopsy indicated it wasn't Altzheimers. For the family in their caregiving rolls, there seemed to be no difference yet the doctor made sure to make a distinction. Can you clarify?
Secondly, my mother had Parkinsons. Has there been a common thread between the various, progressive and deadly neurological conditions: a virus, a chemical imbalance, environmental or just plane worn out from old age?
Thank you,
Linda
Manassas, Virginia
Any studies of several family members with the disease.
My mother comes from a large family 2 older sisters are fine.
One sister and one brother have passed away from the disease. My mother has been diagnosed with "lewy body".
I now believe my grandmother may have had alz but was never diagnosed as such. I can't remember it being stated.
All developed in late 60s. Is this a clear sign of heredity?
My mother walked everyday but she was alone quite a bit.
Oh that's right, it's not a Prion Disease, how stupid of me to think that.
Once again Diane is a fail.
I am only 30 years old and my 57 year old mother was diagnosed with dementia about 1 year ago. We started seeing symptoms when she was only 54 but unfortunately my father was in such denial that we did nothing for her until recently and it was then too late for medication to be effective. I feel hopeless and wish there was SOMETHING we could do for my mother. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
my uncle is in the late stages of dementia. as they have no natural children of their own, my aunt has offered to have a brain autopsy to determine if there might be any beneficial information to be gained for myself and my brothers. i initially declined, but am wondering if i should be doing this for my children. thoughts?
I am a Masters prep RN with 39 yrs exper with adults with medical, chronic conditions. Have done home care visits as RN. Currenty do NOT see financial coverage as "Either iron lung OR drug research." Our caregivers in home for Alzhiemers clients provide enormous unpaid or low paid service at no cost to our society. We need more financial support for home and community based support for these caregives AS WELL AS drug research. Remember our caregivers do not make a profit ultimately either. Susan McEwan RN, MS now student in Dementia Care at Madonna University in Michigan. Thank you for your show, Diane
I think it's important to mention that when caretakers believe they have symptoms of Alzheimer's, stress and lack of sleep will cause many if not all of them. Forgetfulness is a prominent one.
My motehr in law had a complicated mental health history, in and out of institutions. One psychiatrist mentioned Louie Body Alzheimers in her 70'swhich she in fact showed on autopsy shortly after this diagnosis. I watched her become increasing unable to function as she aged. Is Louie Body familial?
My wife has a thyroid condition, likely B12 issues due to a vegetarian diet, and an additional family history of early onset Alzheimer’s. I was wondering if your guests have worked with patients having multiple factors for memory loss.
Can you comment on the correlation between the intake of high fructose corn syrup and Alzheimers?
What research has been done on aluminum in the brain? I heard that aluminum was more than normally abundant in the brains of people with the disease. My grandmother ate a TV dinner in an aluminum tray every day and drank iced tea from alumninum cans for the last years of her life and she had Alzheimer's for many, many years.
I am a Masters prepared RN with 39 yrs experience with adults with chronic medical diseases. I do not believe the finances of health care are "Either an iron lung or drug research". I have made home visits and taught nurse aides. The caregivers for Alzhiemer's provide our society with an enourmous unpaid or low paid service at great physical and emotional cost to themselves. We need improved funding for BOTH current home and community services for elders AND research. Please keep in mind the pharmacuetical companies will ultimately be reimbursed not only with Federal funds but also with profits. Thank you for your wonderful show. Susan McEwan, RN MS and current student in Dementia Care at Madonna University, Michigan.
I am a registered dietitian and frequently get questions about diet as related to preserving memory or preventing Alzheimers. I heard the comments on coconut oil. Are there any other specific dietary factors that may help preserve memory other than basic healthy eating habits?
Thank you
Are there any modern environmental triggers (e.g. metals (aluminum, iron), pesticides, food additives etc.) that may explain the rising rate of this disease in modern populations-?? How extensively has this been researched-?? Please elaborate.
There are many clinical trial opportunities in addition to those being conducted by NIH. The Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch can help you find a trial near you. Visit http://www.alz.org/research/clinical_trials/find_clinical_trials_trialma... or call 800.272.3900.
Diane, Axona is an FDA approved medical food similar to coconut oil. Clinical trials have shown that Axona improves cognitive function in some AD patients.
http://www.accerapharma.com/axona.html
Craig Cooney, Ph.D.
Hello All-
Most of your questions can be answered directly if you call the Alzheimer's Association. They have a 24/7 helpline and are prepared to answer all of your question. The number is 800.272.3900. By dialing this number, you can be connected to the chapter in your area, as there are Alzheimer's Association chapters for every state.
Also, for those of you wondering about clinical trials, the Alzheimer's Assoc. has a great program called Trial Match. By filling out a short survey, you can be matched with any clinical trial that you qualify for. They are always looking for trial participants, even for trials that have to deal with folks not showing symptoms of cognitive impairment. Simply go to www.alz.org/trialmatch for more info.
Visit www.alz.org/trialmatch. You can fill out a short questionnaire and they can match you with any clinical trial for which you may qualify.
Will try to listen to this one on-line. To all who posted the trialmatch link, thank you. I have been a donor to AA for many years since my mother developed her first symptoms, but did not know about the trial match site. That there are probably hereditary links scares the ... out of me, knowing what she went through.
I believe that research is showing that there is something to the "active brain" idea and I remain an active puzzler for that reason ... plus they're fun!
Diane,
Rather than looking at genes, look at what it is: the drying up of the brain.
What dries up the brain? I suggest looking at strong diuretics as the culprit.
Relate the rise of diuretic use in time to that the rise of Alzheimer's. It is not that complicated.
Yours,
Jeffrey Horton
I recently lost my mother, at 97 she was perfectly lucid until Jan. 2012,
Within 4 months she declined mentally each day for the following 3 months.
At the end of March she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. April 14th she died.
The experience was a nightmare, my mom was extremely passive, she turned extremely aggressive, healthy to unhealthy. I was advised by her neurologist to put her into a hospice facility, one week later she passed away. At 65, I've been through many challenging situations, this experience with my dear mom was the worst period in my life. Alzheimer's was something I knew nothing about, it is horrible.
My father, his only brother and both their parents have died with Alzheimer's at age around age 80 after suffering for 10+ years. I am 60 and very concerned believing that I have some slight short and long term memory loss. How can I find out about getting into a study?
Great question. I know that here at UTSW, for our studies all AD patients require a study partner or reliable informant who is able to consent for them. Sometimes this is a spouse, a son or daughter, a family member, or other power of attorney or similarly appointed person. We generally try to recruit those with early AD for that cohort, so that they are still able to somewhat understand the process. Please be aware that I cannot speak for all sites or all studies, nor can I use my perceptions of these guidelines as a blanket for research at large.
Great question. I know that here at UTSW, all of our AD participants are required to have a study partner/reliable informant who is able to consent for/with them. Sometimes this is a spouse, a son or daughter, other family member or caregiver, or power of attorney or similarly appointed person, as was stated in the talk. There are three cohorts we follow for our Core study- normal control, mild cognitive impairment, and AD. We try to recruit those with mild to moderate AD for the AD cohort, when some of them are still able to understand somewhat the process and consent. Please be aware that my summary of these guidelines cannot be a blanket statement for all sites or all studies.