Worldwide more than 18 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease—a debilitating condition that causes a progressive decline in memory, thinking and behavior. In the U.S. alone it is the sixth leading cause of death, and since Alzheimer’s is seen predominantly in individuals over 65, more cases are projected as our nation’s elderly population increases.
Even though right now there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, scientists come closer every day to unlocking the mystery of how the disease works and hope to one day develop a cure. Across the globe new research is emerging that could eventually put an end to the global suffering, and as healthcare workers we owe it to our patients and their loved ones to keep up with the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s care and treatment.
New Drug Shows Promise
The Times of India recently reported that a new drug candidate may be “the first capable of halting the devastating mental decline” associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Developed by researchers at the Salk Institute of Biological Studies in California, J147 was tested on mice and shown to improve memory and prevent brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s.
A Possible Alzheimer’s Vaccine
Researchers at the University of Sydney Brain and Mind Research Institute may have discovered a way to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in patients already suffering from the disease. A new vaccine targets a specific protein called “tau” that is associated with dementia. According to the study’s lead author Associate Professor Lars Ittner, the vaccine works by preventing the ongoing formation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain—a primary marker of Alzheimer’s disease.
Prevention through Diet & Lifestyle
At a recent international conference sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, one of the topics discussed in detail was the importance of diet and lifestyle choices with regard to prevention. A team from the University of California San Francisco identified the following seven key “lifestyle-related risk factors” believed to contribute to the disease.
• Physical inactivity (21%)
• Depression (15%)
• Smoking (11%)
• Hypertension (8%)
• Obesity (7%)
• Low education (7%)
• Diabetes (3%)
The findings confirm similar studies that suggest the importance of healthy eating and an active lifestyle in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A Mediterranean-style diet, for example, which consists predominantly of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, has been shown to have positive effects on the brain and may help reduce inflammatory substances in the body. This, in turn, may prove beneficial for brain health.
Even though right now there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, scientists come closer every day to unlocking the mystery of how the disease works and hope to one day develop a cure. Across the globe new research is emerging that could eventually put an end to the global suffering, and as healthcare workers we owe it to our patients and their loved ones to keep up with the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s care and treatment.
New Drug Shows Promise
The Times of India recently reported that a new drug candidate may be “the first capable of halting the devastating mental decline” associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Developed by researchers at the Salk Institute of Biological Studies in California, J147 was tested on mice and shown to improve memory and prevent brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s.
A Possible Alzheimer’s Vaccine
Researchers at the University of Sydney Brain and Mind Research Institute may have discovered a way to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in patients already suffering from the disease. A new vaccine targets a specific protein called “tau” that is associated with dementia. According to the study’s lead author Associate Professor Lars Ittner, the vaccine works by preventing the ongoing formation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain—a primary marker of Alzheimer’s disease.
Prevention through Diet & Lifestyle
At a recent international conference sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, one of the topics discussed in detail was the importance of diet and lifestyle choices with regard to prevention. A team from the University of California San Francisco identified the following seven key “lifestyle-related risk factors” believed to contribute to the disease.
• Physical inactivity (21%)
• Depression (15%)
• Smoking (11%)
• Hypertension (8%)
• Obesity (7%)
• Low education (7%)
• Diabetes (3%)
The findings confirm similar studies that suggest the importance of healthy eating and an active lifestyle in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A Mediterranean-style diet, for example, which consists predominantly of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, has been shown to have positive effects on the brain and may help reduce inflammatory substances in the body. This, in turn, may prove beneficial for brain health.
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