Health is Life

A caregiver tip for defusing awkward situations

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:15:01 +0300

I thought I'd share a quick tip that has been circulating through our caregiver support groups. I believe the idea originally came from a caregiver and wife, Lela Knox Shanks, in her book "Your Name is Hughes Hannibal Shanks." This is now a strategy brought up routinely in our support groups.

Here is a situation that may arise for caregivers at some point: You want to take your loved one out to a restaurant, grocery store, family reunion, etc., but you are reluctant because you think that your loved one may say something or act in a way that is embarrassing to you, or may put others in an uncomfortable situation.

These are real and valid concerns. Keep in mind, persons with Alzheimer's experience a decline in judgment and language as well as other symptoms that can include disinhibition, irritability, delusions, compulsive and repetitive behaviors — all of which can be challenging to the caregiver especially when in a public place.

So, the strategy is to carry a supply of business sized cards with a saying similar to the following:

"Please excuse my (husband, wife, father, mother), they have a diagnosis of a memory impairment (or you can say Alzheimer's disease, brain impairment) and may say or do things that are inappropriate. If this is the case, please accept my apology on his/her behalf. Preserving his/her dignity is my overall goal. Thank you for understanding."

These cards can be given out discretely anytime you feel it would be helpful. The caregivers I have spoken with find that once a card is handed to someone, a potentially awkward situation is alleviated. In most cases when people understand the circumstances behind the behavior they are genuinely accepting, and often kind and accommodating. By telling others, you are emphasizing that the behaviors are part of the disease and not who the person is. In my mind, this is a way of offering the person with Alzheimer's the respect and dignity they de.. ( devamı )

Support group comes full circle

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:15:00 +0300

Last week at the support group I co-facilitate, three women shared difficult news — they had each lost their loved one with dementia within the past few weeks.

They expressed a variety of emotions including relief, guilt (guilt for feeling relief, guilt for wondering if they did enough), and profound sadness. They spoke about the void they are grappling with now.

Just weeks ago, their days were filled with orchestrating care, medications, doctor's visits, baths, and sometimes challenging behaviors. They had been spending their days worrying, grieving, and feeling overwhelmed.

Now, life is dramatically different, not necessarily better or worse, just different. Important to all of us around the table that evening was the discussion of "lessons learned" from these seasoned caregivers.

During the group they each spoke eloquently about the precious time they spent caring for their loved one, and while they would not say that this time was blissful, it was indeed special and precious. The women spoke about how they had learned to live in the 'moment' and not force their loved one to remember or anticipate anything beyond the now. And if their loved one insisted that they were their mother instead of their wife, well then, for that moment they were the mother.

Elinor Fuchs, a professor at the Yale School of Drama wrote in her book "Making an Exit:" "Actors are taught — Stay in the moment. No point in going behind (my) Mother with a little cognitive vacuum cleaner to straighten up meanings, or running ahead with plans for the day. On the stage it is always now (for someone with Alzheimer's disease)."

The women spoke about the later stages of the disease. It was at this time they learned not to dwell on their loved ones failure to "know" them through names or roles (i.e. husband, wife, son, daughter). However, these caregivers were certain their loved one still "knew" them as a special person in their life who provided a se.. ( devamı )

Respite care helpful but difficult option

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:14:00 +0300

My sincere thanks once again to those of you sharing your stories. There are probably hundreds who are reading and relating to what you have to say.

Obviously, there are no easy answers to the epidemic of Alzheimer's disease that brings with it nearly 10 million Americans providing 8.4 billion hours of unpaid care (mostly family). As stated in our previous dialogue, some of you find relief by attending support groups if they are available, others mentioned that writing and venting provides benefit at some level, others have suggested the importance of respite.

Once again, I realize obtaining respite care is easier said than done, there can be numerous obstacles, including our own reluctance (feelings of guilt or abandonment are common). However, none of us are equipped physically or emotionally for 24/7 caregiving. I would appreciate hearing some of your stories and experiences around respite care.

Here is a small list of the types of services (both paid and volunteer) that may be available in your communities, as well as some excellent resources and Web sites to check out.

Adult day programs. There comes a time in the disease of Alzheimer's that leaving the person at home, even for short periods, is not an option. At the same time, taking them out only confuses and overwhelms them and you. Day programs can offer the person with dementia a safe and social environment while giving a predictable and needed break from caregiving. See link below for more on adult day programs.
In-home paid care services. In-home services can be available in a variety of ways. Companion services provide company for the person with dementia while helping to facilitate and supervise activities. Personal care or home health aide services assist with bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising. Homemaker services help with laundry, shopping, and preparing meals and skilled ca.. ( devamı )

Family members share coping strategies, experiences

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:13:00 +0300

I have poured over each and every response to my last entry on dementia and family relationships. My heart goes out to each of you struggling right now.

Many of you wrote of the conflict, pain, sadness, and resentment occurring within your families. Thank you for your honesty and candor. I have to believe that many who read these words will find some comfort in knowing that they are not alone. I know you are doing the best you can with the situation you have been presented with.

Others of you wrote that you have come to a place of acceptance and peace on this journey and within your family relationships. Here are some of the ways a few of you have coped that I feel are worth repeating:

"... we do what we can to help our father and mother while not keeping tabs on who's doing what or who's not doing their share."
"I was finally able to get over my guilt of having to place him for his own safety and 24/7 care. I am now taking better care of myself."
"I have found that having a therapist has helped me deal with my sadness while I try to be the best caregiver I can be."
"You can't be bothered with what others will not do."
"For me, my mom was my best friend, and I gladly took care of her. I loved her, and miss her to this day. Her Alzheimer's was the best of times, the worst of times. The toughest thing I ever did, but the most satisfying. Miss you, mom."
"What about some respite help, some companion help? These are things, small things yes but would enable an outlet for a short time. And please joint a Support Group. Find someone to stay with your loved one so you can attend. You DO owe it to yourself."

On that note, I ran across a letter I received from a woman in my support group. She was a caregiver for her mother and experienced a strained family relationship. She wr.. ( devamı )

Dementia journey affects family relationships

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:22:00 +0300

In several care partner support groups these past couple of weeks, the conversation has turned to the topic of relationships. More specifically, the changes that occur within roles and relationships when someone in the family has dementia.

I was asked if sibling relationships suffer when a parent has dementia. Often, siblings have varying opinions about how to deal with decisions they are faced with at the present time, as well as those down the road. Furthermore, each member of the family is experiencing grief and loss over the situation in their own way and in their own time.

Some members of the family may feel anger or resentment, some may cope by seeking out information and support, while others can remain in a place of avoidance or denial for some time. There can be family conflict and less cohesiveness. Yet, sometimes on this journey families come to a place where they say the disease has brought them closer than ever. I am wondering what your experiences are?

.. ( devamı )

Untested remedies a personal choice

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:21:01 +0300

The decision to participate in clinical trials, studies, or experiments with new untested or unapproved remedies is a personal family choice.

Over the years, dozens, probably hundreds of 'miracle' treatments or cures for Alzheimer's have circulated in the media. And as many of you clearly stated, there remains no cure, and only a few "average" treatments.

I am thrilled that a small number of individuals appear to have had some benefit with the Enbrel treatment in question. I hope you continue to share your experiences. I do not advocate the study be stopped, I simply wish that the publicity and attention would be reserved until a clearer pattern of outcomes is determined.

You see, this is exactly the kind of premature hype that most often becomes yet another loss and disappointment for undeserving families. Having said that, I hope a year from now we have seen enough positive outcomes to truly celebrate! My best to all the families.

.. ( devamı )

Miracle cures are hype until proved

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:20:00 +0300

Like all of you, I remain optimistic and hopeful that a cure for Alzheimer's will soon come. I personally have family members affected and I witness firsthand, each day, the impact it has on persons with the disease and their families.

I also understand that during this painful journey, we can become enchanted by news of what appear to be miraculous cures; case in point an arthritic drug you may have heard being touted as a "miracle cure."

The drug, approved for treatment of immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, is not currently available as a treatment for Alzheimer's. Keep in mind, this "miracle cure" rests on just a handful of case studies rather than on randomized clinical trials. Before it could become an accepted therapy for Alzheimer's, it would need to go through the FDA approval process, including randomized, blinded clinical trials.

I often receive questions from families affected by Alzheimer's who have heard or read about a "cure" such as the one I described above. While I desperately want to confirm for them that the cure is just around the corner, I cannot in good conscience offer that at the present time. I am saddened by the premature media attention that only builds unrealistic expectations for families who are far better served when well researched information reaches them.

One source for reliable information can be found at Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR). As a government-funded resource, the ADEAR Center strives to be a current, comprehensive, unbiased source of information about Alzheimer's. All information and materials about the search for causes, treatment, cures, and better diagnostic tools are carefully researched and thoroughly reviewed by NIA scientists and health communicators for accuracy and integrity.

.. ( devamı )

The language of love

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:19:00 +0300

Earlier this week I returned from a visit to Costa Rica. While there, I had the opportunity to meet with families caring for a loved one with dementia, as well as with persons in various stages of Alzheimer's attending a day program. My experience was meaningful on so many levels.

I left reflecting that Alzheimer's disease knows no boundaries in terms of race, culture or geography, nor its impact on families. Although I struggled with the language (I do not speak Spanish), I could feel the message of pain and devastation from caregivers and other family members by looking in their eyes and sharing a hug.

When I visited the persons with Alzheimer's, not speaking their language was less of a barrier; we could understand one another through our expressions, hugs, hand holding, and even some dancing. I felt rather at home in Costa Rica especially when surrounded by persons who have Alzheimer's — clearly, the language of love is universal.

.. ( devamı )

Preventing Alzheimer's: Exercise still best bet

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:24:01 +0300

A report last week from the Alzheimer's Association predicts that 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's disease in the United States — that translates to one out of every eight. For us "baby boomers," this is frightening to say the least.

There are new treatments on the horizon, but we all wonder whether or not they will be available in time for us or even our children. Let's keep hoping for a cure or prevention model by supporting research in whatever way we can. Meanwhile, studies continue to point to physical exercise as the most effective therapy today to prevent Alzheimer's.

Mounting evidence suggests that physical activity may have benefits beyond a healthy heart and body weight. Through the past several years, population studies have suggested that exercise which raises your heart rate for at least 30 minutes several times a week can lower your risk of Alzheimer's. Physical activity appears to inhibit Alzheimer's-like brain changes in mice, slowing the development of a key feature of the disease.

In one observational study, investigators looked at the relationship of physical activity and mental function in about 6,000 women age 65 and older, over an 8 year period. They found that the women who were more physically active were less likely to experience a decline in their mental function than inactive women.

Another compelling study, conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago, was highlighted on ABC News last week. The study used mice bred to develop Alzheimer's type plaque in the brain. In the study, some mice were allowed to exercise and others were not. The brains in the physically active mice had 50 to 80 percent less plaque than the brains of the sedentary mice and they (exercising mice) produced significantly more of an enzyme in the brain that prevents plaque.

Dr. Ronald Petersen, director of the Alzheimer's Research Center at the Mayo Clinic, said on ABC: "Regular physical exercise is pr.. ( devamı )

A word of caution on genetic tests

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:24:00 +0300

You may be hearing that the first genetic test to be sold directly to consumers will become available this spring — a saliva test that can determine whether an individual has an increased risk for Alzheimer's.

A test of this nature may peak curiosity and interest for many of you; however, with a devastating disease like Alzheimer's our desire for answers is often a good news, bad news deal. There is no doubt that we want, and expect, the scientists to make progress in understanding the processes that cause Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Yet, these processes are complex and it is taking a great deal of time for the scientists to piece together the puzzle. As we wait, we may be inclined to use some of the pieces of the puzzle even when the picture is incomplete. So it is with some of the genetic information that has been gleaned over the past few years, especially regarding the apolipoprotein E gene (ApoE).

In general, researchers have identified an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's related to the apolipoprotein E gene found on chromosome 19. The ApoE gene comes in several different forms. The form or type we each carry influences our risk. However, there is no form that indicates Alzheimer's is certain. Some people carry the highest risk form and do not develop clinical signs of Alzheimer's, while others will.

So, having said all of this, one company is providing a test directly to the public that will provide their unique ApoE gene type. There are concerns with this. First, medical professionals believe that genetic testing should always be done as part of a process that also includes genetic counseling, which does not appear to be the case here.

Moreover, many people who don't carry the risky ApoE gene still develop Alzheimer's and conversely many people that carry one copy of it, don't get Alzheimer's. Bottom line, knowing your own gene type tells you nothing definitive about your risk of developing Alzheimer's... ( devamı )

Living in the moment is good medicine

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:23:00 +0300

We know that dementia damages brain cells, but like many of you I do not believe it destroys a person's humanity or the need to be in relationships with others and valued as a person. Dementia does not erase a person's individuality; it is one aspect of a person with a rich history that came before the diagnosis.

In collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association, I facilitate a support group for persons with early stage Alzheimer's disease and their care partner called 'Memory Club'. One of the most meaningful activities comes when each member is asked to bring in something about them, past or present. It is at this time when we are deeply aware of the unique individuals within our group.

The time they spend sharing their photographs, art work, model airplanes, awards, poetry, music (just to name some) reconnects that person to who they are and affirms for all of us that what defines them as an individual is far greater then a diagnosis of dementia.

Yet, the group is not about ignoring what brings them together. They talk about their disease and fully acknowledge that at the present time there is no cure. They candidly share the changes and losses they are experiencing, but in a safe and supportive place. I believe for each of them, the quality of their life is best reflected in the experience of the relationships they share at any given moment on this undeserved journey. The most important moment for a person with dementia is often the present moment.

I was touched by a recent posting that went something like: I could have had more 'semi-quality' time with my husband if I'd lived more in the moment. But it's very hard when you ARE mourning who the person WAS, what could have been, and worrying about the future. These well spoken words reflect that living in the moment in the midst of fear, anger and loss is extremely hard, yet, just may be the best medicine around these days.

.. ( devamı )

Sharing the pain of early-onset Alzheimer's

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:22:01 +0300

The responses from my last posting makes it clear that young onset AD is painful beyond belief and there are as many experiences in living with the disease as there are persons diagnosed.

My purpose was not to minimize the depth of the despair you are going through. I have heard from some patients with young onset AD that despite the devastating shock, numbness, and overwhelming sadness of the diagnosis, there was some relief in knowing they were not 'lazy' or 'crazy' and that their symptoms are due to a real neurological problem.

I heard a gentleman diagnosed with young onset AD speak at a conference last year. His words were powerful. He said, "Please do not mourn the fact I am not who I was, or you want me to be, or we both miss this moment when we focus on yesterday or last year or twenty years ago. We miss living together today, we miss the chance to love, and to laugh, and to be all we can be today, when we are mourning who I was."

I invite you to see some men and women with young onset AD speak openly about their experiences on a Web-cast from our "Meeting of the Minds" conference that took place in 2007. You can find the link below.

More than anything, I am humbled by your words and I am grateful for your candid sharing.

.. ( devamı )

Early-onset Alzheimer's: There is help

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:22:00 +0300

Recently, there has been some discussion about early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Having early-onset Alzheimer's disease means that symptoms develop before the age of 65. Of all the people with Alzheimer's disease, only 5 percent to 10 percent develop symptoms before age 65.

Early-onset Alzheimer's has been known to develop between ages 30 and 40, but that's exceedingly rare. It is more common to see someone in their 50s who has the disease. I have had the opportunity to meet many individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and their care partners. Their stories are different than those who have symptoms in their 70, 80 and 90's.

Often persons with early-onset Alzheimer's disease are actively in the work force at the time of their diagnosis, in fact, it is often 'on the job' where clues surface that something is wrong. Those impacted with early Alzheimer's disease and their care partners may experience financial challenges, changes in their relationship, as well as isolation from friends and activities. They may still have children living at home and face an uncertain future.

Yet, for those recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, there is life after a diagnosis! With a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's there is now some peace of mind in knowing the cause of the changes in thinking and performance.

There are medications that can slow the progression, information is available from groups such as the Alzheimer's Association (check out Safe Return) and there are support groups across the country for persons with the disease and their care partners.

.. ( devamı )

No link between Alzheimer's and flu shots

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:25:00 +0300

A few of you have asked about the relationship between the flu vaccine and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. I went to my colleagues in the Department of Behavioral Neurology for some help with this question, and Brad Boeve, M.D., suggested sharing the following:

There is absolutely no evidence that flu vaccines contribute in any way to Alzheimer's disease, and it is hard to imagine a mechanism of how this could affect amyloid or tau. One blogger referred to excitotoxicity, but this idea came from a non-physician making wild claims and selling a book for profit.

Consider also that thousands of healthy people die from the flu each year, and the vaccines clearly reduce the potential of developing the flu, and lessen the severity of the flu if you still get it. The public must balance what is proven and could keep them from getting very ill or dying as opposed to an unfounded theory by a layperson.

If this theory keeps one person from getting the vaccine, and then he or she becomes very ill or dies from the flu, those who write or support such claims have contributed to that person's illness or death.

.. ( devamı )

Making the move to a care facility

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:24:00 +0300

Several of you recently have asked the really tough question, as Bess did last month: "When, and how, do we make the decision to put her (our mother) in a special Alzheimer's unit?"

The reality of persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a similar progressive dementia is that many will ultimately need to make a move because they need more care than can be provided at home.

Families can sometimes lose sight of the fact that the demands of full-time caregiving are more then any one person can realistically manage. Understandably though, they may resist the thought of moving a loved one to a care facility.

In making the decision of when to move, there are no right or wrong answers. All caregivers, families, and persons with dementia are unique and will have different circumstances. Friends, doctors, and individual family members will each have opinions about when or if someone should be moved.

However, for most of you the decision to move a loved one is based on a combination of practical, psychological and/or medical reasons that may include one of more of the following:

Caregivers own health is being compromised (including sleep deprivation).
Caregivers own physical limitations (lifting, mobility).
Caregiver is experiencing loss of work and/or the inability to manage other household or family responsibilities.
Sufficient respite support or qualified home care are not available or become unaffordable.
Symptoms of the disease are evident and challenging to manage at home (incontinence, aggression, paranoia, wandering).
Person with disease needs more supervision than can be provided at home.
Home environment is no longer safe (negotiating stairs, getting in and out of bathroom, narrow doorways).
Person with disease is becoming more dependent with more activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, bathing.
Person with disease is experiencing weight loss.. ( devamı )

Caregivers provide perspective on life

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:50:01 +0300

As we settle in to the New Year, many of us reflect on the blessings we have in our lives. Inevitably, I think of family and friends — abundant in the ways they fill my life. This year, I am also thinking of the blessings I receive from the men and women who share with me their caregiving journey.

My monthly meetings with caregivers take place at a beautiful Italian Romanesque building on 100 acres atop a hill. At our last meeting, the weather outdoors was cold and a winter storm was looming. As was typical for our meetings, we had a mix of men and women; some brand new, others long-time participants.

I sat back and listened as stories were shared and advice was gently offered. I observed the ways in which group members cared for one another, and I thought about the wisdom around that table and how these men and women have enriched me over this past year.

Caregivers continually remind me of the importance of living life simply and the value of finding joy in small blessings and ordinary victories. They reveal that it is important and necessary to reach out to others when life gets difficult even though the desire to isolate ourselves can be intense. Caregivers bestow on me the perspective I need to cope with my own disappointments and challenges.

As a parent, I can get aggravated by the fact that my son hasn't done what I've asked him to do once or twice (or more) already, or I become annoyed at my daughter who "borrows" my things or gives me "that look." As a wife, I become upset when my husband can't simply know what I need or figure out why I feel the way I do. But still, in the face of these challenges, I am somehow reminded that this is as it should be.

As I sit around the table with caregivers or read the comments and stories on this blog, I realize that here is a group of people doing something that isn't as it should be.

You are engaged each day in an extraordinary challenge with no time off. Yet, as undeser.. ( devamı )

Taking care of the caregiver

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:50:00 +0300

"I am what I ate ... and I am frightened." — Bill Cosby

For the past several weeks I have been taking better care of myself through daily yoga practice, meditating, eating more mindfully and taking in less caffeine.

I always stress the importance of self-care to the caregivers I encounter. I share with them that family members giving care to someone with a dementia such as Alzheimer's disease often experience their own health problems due to stress.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, family caregivers are more likely to report their health is in poor condition than non-caregivers. Caregivers are also more likely to have high levels of stress hormones, inhibited immune systems, slow wound healing, hypertension and coronary heart disease.

I have seen reports that spousal caregivers will often die before the person with Alzheimer's disease due to these factors. Yet, I am sure the thought many of you have is "how do I find time for self-care?" In past blogs we have written about support groups and respite care which are vitally important to a caregiver's well-being. But what about caregiver nutrition?

According to the "American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias," approximately one-third to one half of the health problems older people encounter are indirectly or directly related to dietary deficiencies. Combine that with the fact that caregivers' lives are stressful, and it is not surprising they are likely to neglect their own nutritional needs.

Just what would optimal caregiver nutrition look like? In my mind, it would need to meet the needs of the older adult, incorporate foods that are good for the brain, and most importantly be simple.

Nutritional experts at Tufts University developed a Senior Food Guide Pyramid that emphasizes eating patterns that are necessary for good health for older adults. An important feature in the pyramid is its base, which displays a row of eight glasses of w.. ( devamı )

Improving life one story at a time

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:49:00 +0300

A few weeks ago, I attended Ben's funeral. I met Ben about two years ago when he and his wife began attending Memory Club (a support and education series for persons with early stage dementia). Although Ben had Alzheimer's disease, it was an unfortunate accident that took his life.

Ben's funeral was one of storytelling. Family members young and old went to the podium and shared personal experiences in their life with Ben. Later, the podium was open to anyone who wished to tell a story. For nearly two hours, dozens of Ben's friends, colleagues and students shared heartfelt memories.

Ben was a hugger who made a connection with everyone he met. This story was shared over and over. I knew this personally because I always received a hug when Ben came to Memory Club. He wanted to know how I was doing, and in our groups, Ben would pay close attention to the person speaking; curious to understand the person behind the words. Ben's hugs and his connectedness to others were reflected in many stories that day.

For several decades, Ben and his wife had opened their home and hearts to numerous foreign and minority students and families. One gentleman told the story of arriving in small-town Minnesota from the inner city of Washington, D.C., in the 1970's. It was Ben and his wife who embraced him and helped him make his way through this difficult transition.

Ben was a teacher at a local college. A gentleman from the Middle East told the story of arriving in one of Ben's college classes. As they developed a relationship, Ben encouraged him to follow his dreams rather than be confined by his own limitations.

"Because of Ben, I am now a college professor at a prestigious university," the man tearfully said. Ben had received "Teacher of the Year Award" for several years running. After a while, the students decided that they would simply have to make Ben ineligible so someone else could receive the award.

Another woman shared that while liv.. ( devamı )

Early-onset Alzheimer's: When symptoms begin before 65

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:48:00 +0300

When Alzheimer's begins in middle age, misdiagnosis may be more likely. Rare disorder affects work, finances and family.

By Mayo Clinic staff Glenn Smith, Ph.D.

Early-onset Alzheimer's is an uncommon form of dementia that strikes people younger than age 65. Glenn E. Smith, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., answers questions about this condition.

How common is early-onset Alzheimer's?

Of all the people with Alzheimer's disease, only 5 to 10 percent develop symptoms before age 65. So if 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's, at least 200,000 people have the early-onset form of the disease. Early-onset Alzheimer's has been known to develop between ages 30 and 40, but that's very uncommon. It is more common to see someone in his or her 50s who has the disease.

What causes it?

It often runs in families. Many people with early-onset Alzheimer's have a parent or grandparent who also developed Alzheimer's at a younger age. A significant proportion of early-onset Alzheimer's is linked to three genes.

These three genes are different from the APOE gene — the gene that can increase your risk of Alzheimer's in general. But you can have the APOE gene and never develop Alzheimer's. Conversely, you can have Alzheimer's and not have the APOE gene. The genetic path of inheritance is much stronger in early-onset Alzheimer's. If you have one of those three genes, it would be very unusual for you not to develop Alzheimer's before age 65.

If early-onset Alzheimer's runs in my family, should I get tested for it?

That's a personal decision th.. ( devamı )

New Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease Identified

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:10:00 +0300

Researchers at University College London (UCL) have identified a protein, known as serum amyloid P component (SAP), which may be a possible therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease.

Lead researchers Professor Mark Pepys FRS has even developed a new small molecule drug, CPHPC, which specifically targets SAP and removes it from the blood.Lab tests revealed the molecular mechanism responsible for the unique effect, and also disclosed for the first time the way in which SAP accumulates in the brain in Alzheimer's disease.

The researchers revealed that neither the administration of CPHPC nor the removal of SAP had any side effects in the patients.

"The safety of CPHPC, together with the novel action of the drug in removing SAP from the brain, is very encouraging", said Professor Rossor.

Although the 3-month treatment period was too short to show any clinical benefit, there was no obvious deterioration.

The researchers are planning longer and larger scale clinical studies to confirm safety and seek evidence of benefit to the patients.

"The complete disappearance of SAP from the brain during treatment with CPHPC could not have been confidently predicted, and the drug, also to our surprise, entered the brain. Coupled with the absence of any side effects, these new findings strongly support further clinical studies to see whether longer term treatment with CPHPC protects against the inexorable mental decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease," said Professor Pepys.

The study has been published in the PNAS... ( devamı )