Alzheimer's-- Part 2

Research: Technology advances have helped researchers with new ways to scan the brain, and detect early signs of Alzheimer's. However, there are many unknown areas in the field which demand more research. In 2002 a promising vaccine caused dangerous inflammation in the brain and spinal column, and had to be abandoned after years of research. In August 2010 a highly anticipated drug worsened cognitive symptoms. Researchers have so far focused on the buildup of a protein called amyloid in the brain of Alzheimer's patients. While amyloid in living patients can be detected with a spinal tap, its presence does not necessarily indicate the disease. It is the accumulation of the protein into plaques, which also include cellular debris like dead and dying neurons, that is linked to the disease's symptoms. Initially researchers hoped to find ways to shrink plaque buildup, and reduce the amyloid burden in the brain. Unfortunately these efforts have been fraught with failure and side effects. The agents that target amyloid plaques affect other process in the body too. The challenge remains to understand the link between the plaques and the actual symptoms. It is also a challenge to find patients whose brains are just beginning to accumulate amyloid, and many of whom show no signs of memory loss or decline in mental function (Park, pp. 53-57).

The targets for research: Inhibiting ApoE (genes like apolipoprotein E) effect on amyloid production, controlling the formation of amyloid fragments, and limiting tau's breakdown of nerve connections. (Park, p. 59)

Last July the NIA and the Alzheimer's Association updated their criteria for Alzheimer's diagnosis by defining three patient groups: 1. those who are symptom-free but at high risk, 2. those with mild cognitive impairment, and 3. those with Alzheimer's dementia. Because Alzheimer's cannot be definitively diagnosed until death, patients are currently given a probable diagnosis based on memory and recall tests, and on reports from family members. Blood and spinal-fluid tests could help with the predictive accuracy, but there is not yet a standard test (Park, p. 58).

What to do to prevent Alzheimer's? Identifying patients earlier in the disease cycle and preventive methods are necessary. Exercise. Remain mentally and socially engaged. Stay cognitively active. A balanced diet and a healthy life style. (Spencer)

Sources:
Alice Park. "Alzheimer's Unlocked".Time (Oct 25, 2010),pp. 53-59.
Paula Spencer. http://www.caring.com/articles/alzheimers-symptom-misplacing-items#ixzz1IfZU2ILr.
http://www.caring.com/articles/education-and-diet-alzheimers-risk#ixzz1IfhdlnDX.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimer%27s
http://www.caring.com/alzheimers#ixzz1IqtT7T2i
http://www.caring.com/articles/late-stage-alzheimers-health-care#ixzz1Iqw4Od00
http://www.caring.com/end-stage-alzheimers#ixzz1IqvRd6Gc
By Maria M. Meyer, Mary S. Mittelman, Cynthia Epstein, and Paula Derr,
http://www.caring.com/articles/severe-alzheimers#ixzz1Iqv0CgUE
http://www.caring.com/articles/moderate-alzheimers#ixzz1IqudDonU
http://www.caring.com/articles/mild-alzheimers#ixzz1Iqu5g8oJ

For more information, please check:
Alzheimer's Disease Centers (ADCs)
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
Alzheimer's Association
UCSF Memory and Aging Center
Richard Taylor. Alzheimer's From the Inside Out
National Institute on Aging. nia.nih.gov/Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Association. alz.org