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What’s New in Alzheimer’s Research
By Jamie Lober, Staff Writer
Individuals affected by Alzheimer’s
disease have good reason for hope.
Dr. Jamie Brodarick, program services
manager at the Alzheimer’s Association
– Greater Kentucky and Southern
Indiana Chapter reports: “We just had
our Alzheimer’s Association international conference in Washington, D.C.
and they released a lot of new and interesting research updates and treatments
that are going on. He goes on to say that
“Much of the new research is focused
on the screening and early detection
things like eye tests and vision tests.”
New clues into the cause of Alzheimer’s
also continue to be discovered, including a new protein associated with Lou
Gehrig’s disease. Researchers are also
looking at studies for vaccinations, so
people who have certain genetic predis-
positions for early onset may be able to
prolong or delay the onset.
One project, the Alzheimer’s
Prevention Initiative, is an international
public-private consortium established
to conduct research in an extended
family which, at 5,000 members, is
the world’s largest in which a gene for
familial Alzheimer’s has been identified. “The first clinical studies will test
therapies targeting beta-amyloid in family members who are known to carry
the Alzheimer’s-causing gene but who
have not yet experienced symptoms,”
says Brodarick. Delaying or preventing
Alzheimer’s in these family members
could show promise for the beta-amyloid as a therapeutic agent.
Another project focuses on cardiovascular health. “Some of the strongest
current evidence links brain health
to heart health because your brain is
nourished by one of your body’s richest networks of blood vessels,” says
Brodarick. Regular physical exercise
is encouraged as some evidence “suggests exercise may directly benefit
brain cells by increasing blood and
oxygen flow.” A medically approved
exercise program is a great piece of any
overall wellness plan. Diet also plays a
role, with Brodarick explaining, “The
best current evidence suggests that
heart-healthy eating patterns, such as
the Mediterranean diet, also may help
protect the brain.” This means relatively
little red meat and focusing on whole
grains, fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts,
olive oil and other healthy fats. Another
lifestyle-related consideration is that
there is a strong link between future
risk of Alzheimer’s and serious head
trauma. Experts advise wearing a seat
belt when driving, using a helmet when
participating in sports and fall-proofing
your home.
There is not a lot of variety in how
folks can manage Alzheimer’s disease.
Currently there are only five FDAapproved medications and they do not
do anything to delay the progression;
rather they only manage the symptoms.
There are still other options that may be
effective. “We recommend that people
join clinical trials to get access to more
current and innovative research,” says
Brodarick. Also, the earlier the disease is
detected, the better your outcome may
be. The Alzheimer’s Association recom-
&
ITS TIME, NOW!
www.medicalbariatrics.com
9
mends having a thorough screening as
opposed to a mini-mental [state examination]. A full screening includes a PET
scan, blood work, MRI, and a thorough
family history.
People can do well in spite of
Alzheimer’s. “If somebody is diagnosed
or having memory challenges we would
recommend they still continue to try
to have good quality of life for as long
as possible which means eating right,
exercising and taking any medications
that are prescribed,” says Brodarick.
Medicines can have a big impact. “We
know that when we monitor our blood
sugar levels and our blood pressure
levels, we do a lot better and it reduces
inflammation in the brain as well,” says
Brodarick. Keep in mind that there is
a link between diabetes and vascular
dementia.
Statistics may be alarming but
experts say there is no need to be afraid.
“Alzheimer’s is definitely increasing but
it has to do ݥѠ