McDonalds Is Even Unhealthier Than You Think

This BBC article from 2000 suggests that a high fat diet may be a contributing factor for Alzheimer’s. If people who have ApoE4, a variant of the gene that is associated with the transport and elimination of cholesterol in the body, consume a high-fat diet, they are seven times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Richard Harvey, the research director at Britain’s Alzheimer’s Society, stated that since the ApoE4 gene and high-fat diet are apparent causes of heart and vascular disease, there must be some connection between vascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. This gene's influence in the development of Alzheimer’s suggests clear genetic factors in Alzheimer’s disease: “Inheriting one copy of the variant increases the risk four times, on average. Inheriting two copies is said to increase the risk 16-fold.” Professor Grace Petot from Case Western University, the leader of this research, proposed the hypothesis that the breakdown of fat lead to the release of free radicals which could destroy tissue. Interestingly, this link between a high fat diet and Alzheimer’s supports the finding from our November 4th post “Alzheimer’s Disease-White Man’s Disease?" that the rise of American and European diets in Africa is causing an increase in Alzheimer's. Although it is certainly more urgent to fill empty stomachs, our unhealthy food culture may do much harm to the African population in the long run.

Alzheimer's Store

Science and technology have been the two topics that were never separated. Whenever new science was discovered, there was a technology waiting to be developed from it; Alzheimer's disease is not an exception to that. As Alzheimer's disease became well known to everyone, technologists developed products for the patients to live better lives. Not only are there products that help and support the patients in basic functions such as walking and standing up, but there are also lots of items that help caregivers by restricting and warning the patients or help the patients to take medications by themselves; Memory Phone, Talking Motion Detective, and MedReady Medication dispenser are three examples.

First, the Memory Phone allows the symbolic use of a picture of the patient's family members or people that the patients get in contact with often. By simply pushing the picture, the person's number is dialed. This really helps since most of the patients seem to lose their memories and have a hard time remembering the number.

Furthermore, as the disease progresses and the patients lose control of themselves and act randomly; they tend to wander around or get lost. They also tend to go outside without telling anyone and get lost. For those problems, the Talking Motion Detective works really well. It is a product with two speakers. One speaker alerts the caregiver whenever the patient goes out without any authorization, while the other speaker warns the patient by saying "Dad, do not go outside," or "Wait, I will be there right now," with their family member's voice.

Finally, the MedReady Medications Dispenser allows the caregivers to set a time when the patient needs to take the medicine at a specific time while the guardians are not present. During that time, the machine dispenses the amount of medicine that the patients need with a red flashing light and beeping noise. This helps the patients to remember and prevents them from overdose. If the medicine is not taken, the modem inside the machine calls the emergency numbers warning that the medications have not been taken.

These three examples make up just a small fraction of today's technology. More and more products are being produced and invented for patients' comfort. Since Alzheimer's disease is currently an incurable disease that just gets worse and worse, all we can do for now is to hope that more technology like this will get invented to comfort the patients.
More products can be found at the Online Alzheimer's Store.

Gila Monster May Help Cure Alzheimer's

The saliva of a venomous lizard, the Gila monster, may prove to contain a chemical that treats Alzheimer’s. An experimental drug has been developed used components of Gila monster saliva, with hopes that improvement in memory and learning may occur with its use. Although the Alzheimer’s Society is excited about this new possibility, they have also said that until more tests are run, nothing conclusive can be stated. This is just one of many treatments being tested. Others include: pills using Aplypsia sea slug, pills increasing the production of nerotrophin BDNF(which is lacking in Alzheimer’s patients), antioxidants to eliminate free radicals, cholinesterase inhibitors, estrogen, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Hopefully, running a plethora of tests of possible treatments, from lizard saliva to anti-oxidants, will produce at least one or two viable treatments.

Consent Granted...Most of the Time

In a recent study conducted by the University of Michigan Medical School, family members of Alzheimer’s patients were asked whether they would enlist the patient into studies concerning new, low-risk drug trials without the consent of the patient. Over 90% of the 229 men and women surveyed responded favorably, stating that they would have no qualms about low-risk trials. The family members were given 10 scenarios, ranging from low-risk to high risk, and the results showed that although almost all were willing to consent on the behalf of the patient for low risk, only about ½ were willing to consent for the patient to participate in high risk trials. Since many states have no definitive laws on what studies can and cannot be conducted in regards to Alzheimer’s, protecting the rights of Alzheimer’s patients is more and more difficult. The point of the study was to provide policy makers with more insight into the viewpoints of key decision makers in regards to consent laws.

Resveratrol: Hope for a Cure?

An article recently published by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology discusses the capabilities of the compound resveratrol in grape wine to fight Alzheimer’s. Researchers believe that the anti-oxidants in grape wine may also serve to protect the brain. Resveratrol belongs to a class of compounds called polyphenols and causes the decomposition of amyloid-beta peptides, the chemicals responsible for the plaques in an Alzheimer’s brain. Resveratrol’s breakdown of the Abeta involves the proteasome, a collection of digestive enzymes which degrade proteins to smaller peptides or amino acids. But the chemistry does not stop there. Philippe Marambaud’s research group from the Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders in Manhasset, New York, are optimizing different analogues of resveratrol, trying to find the one best fit to fight Alzheimer’s. Analogues in chemistry are compounds which have identical structures but slightly different chemical makeup (different elements may be involved in different analogues). Marambaud stated the following regarding their development of applicable analogues:

“We have already obtained analogues of resveratrol that are 20 times more potent than the original natural compound. We are now aiming to find more stable analogues and to test them in vivo in mice."

To eliminate confusion, however, one must keep in mind that resveratrol itself is not the magic cure. This excerpt from a medical publication by Marambaud distinguishes the proteasome, which is activated by the resveratrol, as the real problem solver. The study states that in experiments involving proteasome inhibitors, the Abeta did not break down.

Alzheimer’s Disease-White Man’s Disease?

Unfortunately, people on the African continent do not have the necessary information to understand and manage Alzheimer’s disease's destructive effects on patients of African origin, which is rapidly proliferating in Africa. Although the U.S. and other European countries are very conscious of this disease, no conclusive epidemiological studies have ever been made in Africa. This may be due to the fact that Africans have low life expectancy or because of the benefits they get from the extended family system. This makes it extremely difficult to draw relevant data on the prevalence of this epidemic and reveals that most of the currently established studies correspond to the white population. This is very important information because this shows Alzheimer’s disease is not as widely spread and known in Africa than in the U.S.A. However, since more Africans adopted American and European diets instead of their own traditional diet, the number of African Alzheimer's patients has been increasing. Thus, more studies should be conducted about the reason why they do not have many Alzheimer’s disease patients as America does. Unless more studies are made about this topic, current knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease will only hold significance to the white population. Sifelani Tsiko, the writer of The Herald's article "Africa Lacks Information on Alzheimer's Disease" stated that "The condition [Alzheimer's disease] affects mainly people of caucasian extraction," though she later warned that "unless epidemiological studies are carried out and effective methods for prevention and treatment developed, Alzheimer's disease will reach epidemic proportions killing millions more in Africa in the coming years."

Bright Lights and Fun Scents

New studies show that exposing patients to light and aromatherapy may be extremely beneficial. Elderly patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia often have trouble falling and staying asleep. This can also lead to more mood swings and bouts of agitation throughout the day. Luckily though, light aids in longer, deeper sleep, while aromatherapy lessens agitation and outbursts.

The study with light was conducted with a light box, which patients sat in front of front of for two hours. The patients in front of the light box slept longer and had longer REM cycles than those placed in front of a dim light box for two hours. This goes to show that leaving patients locked up in darkened rooms and not exposing them to sunlight actually harms the patient. This is particularly useful during the winter, when the light is often failing, so researchers recommend planning activities around times when the largest amount of natural light would be available. For example, playing bingo in a room with open windows instead of in a room with closed curtains would be more beneficial.

The study with aromatherapy proved that patients treated with a scented lemon balm had fewer attacks of agitation than those treated with an odorless version of the same ointment. 1/3 of the lemon patients showed improvement, versus only 1/10 in the control group. Patients rubbed with lemon ointment were more social and more likely to eagerly participate in productive activities. Different scents, such as clove, lemon, and chamomile, are thought to be calming in general, and adding these scents to the lives of everyday Alzheimer’s patients may prove to be extremely helpful.

Can Art Fight Alzheimer's?

The October 30th, 2005 edition of the New York Times Arts & Leisure section carries an article about the effects of visual art on Alzheimer’s patients. Museums such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston have been experimenting with engaging mild Alzheimer’s patients in discussion on art. The general finding was that patients who in previous lives were nearly oblivious to art and its enjoyment began to show deep interest and talent in the interpretation and creation of fine art. The article refers to the life of artist Willem de Kooning, whose visual capabilities and vigor increased dramatically with the onset of Alzheimer’s. The reference to de Kooning resembles this passage from Dr. Schwarcz’s essay:

“Audrey Cyr, an eighty-six-year-old grandmother with no previous artistic flair, lost her mental capabilities but blossomed into a renowned painter after she was afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.”

The potential of art therapy in delaying the deterioration of Alzheimer’s has been discovered since January 1999, when the University of Sussex in England reported its findings that art was beneficial for 50% of patients that were stimulated with art activities. BBC News also had an article about the power of art therapy in May of that year. A clear, scientific reason for visual art’s restorative effects does not seem to have been found. The explanation currently is that the power of self-expression allows a patient to fight the depression that worsens the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Last Stage of Alzheimer's Disease

In the last stage of Alzheimer’s disease, patients can perform their daily routines but usually need consistent care from their guardians. As patients’ memories continue to worsen, they lose awareness of objects around them, have sleeping disorders, lose their abilities to restrain urination, need help getting dressed, and undergo a significant change in their personalities. They also participate in suspicious acts and hallucinate. However, these symptoms are only the beginning of the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease worsens, the patients will eventually need complete care from their guardians. They will need help with eating, taking showers, and even walking; they will also be sleeping more and speaking less as they lose memories and knowledge. The guardians therefore take very crucial roles in the patients’ lives. Although it is extremely difficult to work with Alzheimer's patients, with symptoms such as their inability to speak properly, urinary incontinence, and growing immaturity, their partners should try to understand them as much as possible and take care of the patients as though they are raising their own children.

More detailed information can be found at the Alzheimer's Association.

The Mysterious Link between Cholesterol and Alzheimer's

Although one would think that cholesterol and Alzheimer’s have no relation to each other, it turns out that might not be the case. This study, first presented in late 2004, showed that taking a drug that lowers cholesterol may help delay memory deterioration and make depression less severe. A trial was conducted with Alzheimer's patients with mild or moderate Alzheimer’s, and the results state that drugs like Lipitor are helpful. Although both the control and test groups experienced declines in memory after a year, those taking cholesterol-lowering pills showed less of a decline.

Doctors do not have a clear understanding of why lower cholesterol makes Alzheimer’s less severe, although several theories have been proposed. Some scientists think that it helps because it leads to lower levels of beta-amyloid, while others propose that it prevents inflammation and narrowed arteries. Restricted arteries lead to less blood to the brain cells, and so a lower cholesterol may help by allowing more blood to nourish the memory portion of the brain. Although this test is promising, more studies have to be conducted in order to confirm that these drugs actually help.

For more information take a look at the study introduced in 2004 or this article discussing the same topic.

Alzheimer's Accomplices: Tau and Beta Amyloid

The breakthrough Alzheimer’s research done by Northwestern University’s neuroscience department in 2002 concerns the relationship between the tau and beta amyloid proteins. Since Dr. Alzheimer’s observations in 1906, the involvement of tau protein in the development of neurofibrillary tangles and the role of beta amyloid in the deposit of plaques have been well known. However, a clear connection between the two proteins has not been found until recently. Researchers at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern have discovered that the beta amyloid only induces the degeneration of brain cells when the normal quantity of tau is present. Brain cells with abnormally low amounts of tau protein showed resistance to beta amyloid-induced decomposition. Another key finding was the role of caspases, or enzymes that cause a cell to die, in the development of Alzheimer's. Caspases eliminate certain parts of proteins, one of them being an end of the tau protein. This causes the previously tangle-resistant tau to form into the neurofibrillary tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The connection here with beta amyloid is that the beta amyloid puts the caspases into action. Lester Binder from the Feinberg School of Medicine noted that:

Tau may be the bullet fired by the amyloid gun. Amyloid activates the caspases that truncate tau, causing it to form tangle and promoting the death of the neuron. Finding the full pathway in the chain of events that now includes amyloid, caspases, tau tangles and neuronal death will be the next challenge."

The second stage of Alzheimer's disease

The second stage of Alzheimer's disease is known as mild stage. Unlike the first stage when people tend to forget how to perform daily life activities, patients get confused about their present activity during the second stage. They do not see themselves as confused people but instead see their environment as an unfamiliar and confusing place for them. The person gradually loses his memory and they form their own dream world, which is blended with his memories.

In addition, a patient's loss of memory leads to problems in communication. Since losing memory also means losing verbal skills and knowledge, such as vocabulary, diction becomes limited. Patients start to use mixed up words and shorter sentences. Not only does communication seem to be a problem at this stage but other symptoms such as not being able to recognize one's own family members or regarding a doll as a child begin at this stage.

In addition, the development of these symptoms makes patients embarrassed and therefore unwilling to be in contact with others. Sometimes, a small disappointment can cause them a sudden change in mood that can result in aggressiveness; during this sudden outrage, they may scream, scold, or kick. Since this stage induces strangeness to the patients due to the significant loss of their memories, the way people around the patients behave is crucial to their emotions. Thus, even if they act aggressive, the caretakers should not take it personally. Instead, they should show continuing love and support. Since the patients with Alzheimer's often remember the dancing steps that they once enjoyed to do, dancing and singing with them will contribute to their resiliency, at least in spirit.

Vaccine in the Making

There may be a new hope on the horizon for Alzheimer’s patients. A Phase II clinical trial is currently being run to test a new vaccine against Alzheimer’s. The vaccine that is being tested is called AAB-001 and is being developed by Elan Corporation and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. The vaccine targets the beta amyloid that builds up in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Since the build-up of beta amyloid is thought to be one of the possible causes for Alzheimer’s, the vaccine will work by using special proteins called monoclonal antibodies preventing the beta amyloids from clumping up inside the brain.

Although this is not the first vaccine to appear, it seems to be the most promising so far. Testing on other vaccines has been stopped due to severe side effects, such as inflammation of the brain and other symptoms. (more in-depth information on other trials can be found at this website).Since this new vaccine works differently than other vaccines, it is unlikely to cause brain inflammation and other various symptoms, but until the tests are concluded, nothing is definite.

In order for the vaccine to be applied effectively an Alzheimer's patient would have to take the vaccine every few weeks, but the vaccine would rid the patient of virtually all the Alzheimer's symptoms. For more information, visit: here