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World Alzheimer’s Day

World Alzheimer’s Day: September 21

How Close Are We to Finding a Cure?

World Alzheimer’s Day is an annual, international event held yearly on September 21. On this day, different Alzheimer’s organizations around the globe concentrate their efforts on both educating and raising awareness of this disease – which affects approximately 5.3 million Americans. Because family members provide a whopping 80% of the care and supervision required (the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that friends and relatives of Alzheimer’s patients provided 17.9 billion hours of unpaid care last year alone) it is often referred to as a “family disease.”

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and today we continue to lack a comprehensive cure.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, confusion, and a declining ability to perform daily tasks.

In its early stages, it is often mistaken for other conditions like depression or Parkinson ’s disease. As a result, only 10% of Alzheimer’s patients typically receive an early diagnosis – an unfortunate statistic, because treatments are most effective when implemented as soon as possible.

New imaging technologies, which are now able to identify deposits amyloid beta – a substance that has been linked to the progression of the disease – do provide a glimpse of hope for improved diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer’s, but there is still a long way to go.

While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, doctors and researchers do know it is associated with two types of nerve damage: amyloid plaques that build up in the brain and tangled nerve cells called neurofibrillary tangles (tau). When neurons die off and can no longer communicate, brain tissue begins to atrophy, further impairing various mental functions. Research has also found that people with certain conditions like high blood pressure and stress are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. In fact, cardiovascular problems in general tend to increase the risk of developing dementias in general, simply because the brain needs the nourishment provided by blood.

It’s important to remember that Alzheimer’s is an international problem – as such, research is being carried out all over the world to help influence the success of future treatments. Many scientists look for treatments to improve vascular health in order to stop the degeneration of the nervous system. Australian scientists, for example, have been working with an ultrasound technology that can clear away the amyloid plaques. They have tested it on mice, and it has so far completely restored the memory function in 75% of them. After more animal trials, they plan to test it on humans in 2017.

English scientists have been working on a drug called “solanezumab”, which has delivered some success in slowing Alzheimer’s symptoms. However, recent announcements around the medication have stated that this drug will may truly assist those who receive an early diagnosis. Like the Australian ultrasound, it targets the amyloid plaques in the brain. Current Alzheimer’s treatments help nerve cells communicate more efficiently, but they lose their effectiveness as the nervous system continues to deteriorate. Treatments that slow or halt the degeneration itself could keep the patient healthy and independent for a longer time – but we are still working our way towards such discoveries.

A team of American researchers attempted to make a vaccine that would stimulate the patient’s immune system into attacking the plaques, Scientists stopped, however, when some participants developed acute brain inflammation. Today, most immunization studies focus on administering antibodies against beta-amyloid from outside sources instead of via an individual’s own immune system.

This year in May, the American government announced that the National Alzheimer’s Project Act intends to find a cure for Alzheimer’s by 2025. This is all well and good of course, but most families are eager to learn what they can do to help their family member right now. Looking on the bright side, there are numerous developing technologies that help Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers stay on top of the debilitating effects of this disease. Location services, provided by wearable tech with GPS functions, can help caregivers find family members who are lost and disoriented. Companies like Bay Alarm and ADT have made home alert systems tailored to seniors, which provide security, smoke and fall detectors — and they can call a doctor in the event of an emergency. These systems, in and of themselves, cannot provide medical treatment or prevent the disease from worsening, but the can help cut back on the cost of a full-time care home while keeping an Alzheimer’s patient comfortable in their familiar surroundings.

As more baby boomers enter their “golden years”, experts expect the number of Alzheimer’s patients to triple to 13.8 million by 2050. These individuals will need daily assistance, and their caregivers will need all the help they can get. For those whom Alzheimer’s “Day” is a year-round endeavor, finding a cure will change everything.

Author: Beth Kelly is a technology and security blogger, who primarily covers topics pertaining to healthcare tech, energy efficiency, and home security. You can follow her on Twitter at @bkelly_88

Is Cure for Alzheimer’s a Computer for the Brain

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Is Cure for Alzheimer’s a Computer for the Brain

A computer for the brain! Really?

Surprisingly, it may not be that far away. In studies, Scientists have learned that the Hippocampus is the center of operation for memories.

“The hippocampus, Latin for seahorse, is named for its shape. It is part of a system that directs many bodily functions: the limbic system. This system is located in the brain’s medial temporal lobe, near the center of the brain.” Healthline

The Hippocampus is aware of all you see, hear, feel and do. It remembers and recalls memories that are needed later, long term memory, though it is not involved in short term memory.

Scientists recognize that the Hippocampus is the center of operation for memories. Information goes in and is stored and rerouted when needed later. The Hippocampus behaves similar to a small computer. It remembers what you do and think and stores that information until it’s needed.

If the hippocampus becomes damaged then it’s importance to memory is clear because information no longer arrives in the long-term memory and everything that happened longer than a few minutes ago is forgotten.

==> With this knowledge, Neuroscientists have replicated this process with the aid of computer simulations. <==

“Since most memories occur in chains, the Hippocampus keeps memories and thoughts flowing continuously in order to keep us functioning. When there’s amyloid backed up in the Hippocampus it hinders or stops this process. “The Science daily.”

“The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory formation. However, it is not yet fully understood in what way that brain structure’s individual regions are involved in the formation of memories. Neuroscientists have recreated this process with the aid of computer simulations. Their findings challenge the model of memory forming in the Hippocampus established to date.”

We know it’s a challenge, but it does sound promising. Perhaps someday computers for the elderly with Alzheimer’s will be as common as those with “Pacemakers.”

Maybe the brain computer could be called a “Memory Maker,” as it would certainly bring life back to all those missing their precious memories.

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A computer as a Memory Maker would surely be a blessing

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Does Coconut Oil Help Alzheimer’s?

08/26Leave a Comment

Does Coconut Oil Help Alzheimer’s?

How can coconut oil help someone with Alzheimer’s? you might ask.

Is it possible for coconut oil to have some kind of effect against Alzheimer’s? According to officials from the Nutritional Magnesium Association, “yes, it could”.

Though Specialists argue that the benefits of coconut oil have been tried and tested since the ancient times, Various cultures worldwide have emphasized that coconut oil is an excellent anti-fungal treatment, skin softener, and hair strengthener.

Coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride, which means it could benefit people suffering from additional incurable diseases like ALS, Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s. The curative powers are probable though, and experts have been working with AIDS and HIV patients to prove its effectiveness.

In order to understand the way this oil acts (interacts) against Alzheimer’s, specialists must first assess its composition thoroughly; recent studies emphasize that there’s a link between diabetes, blood sugar levels and the brain.

The findings show that there’s a connection between dementia and diabetes. Glucose, in the form of sugar, is the most preferred type of fuel by the cells of the brain. Scans of the brain with patients suffering from Alzheimer’s show that as the condition advances, various brain sections begin to have issues using glucose (sugar) as energy.

This is similar to a diabetic’s main issue – unable to produce insulin. The results of various scientific studies on the topic highlighted that there’s a link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Apparently, some experts believe that the connection is too strong; as a result they would like to call Alzheimer’s “Type 3 diabetes”.

According the NIH (the National Institute of Health), diabetics who can’t control their blood sugar levels are at risk of experiencing cognitive impairment. Various Japanese researchers uncovered that diabetic people have an elevated risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. On the other side, those suffering from Alzheimer’s in mild stage have experienced minor memory boosts following an insulin shot.

Alzheimer’s, ketones and coconut oil

At a first glimpse you wouldn’t think that coconut oil has anything to do with Alzheimer’s. Those who believe in the power of this oil strongly believe that the disease traces to biological byproducts called “ketone bodies”. These serve as an alternative source of fuel for the brain, and they function when there’s no glucose available, or are not absorbed properly into the system.

Our bodies don’t produce a lot of ketone bodies, unless someone is adhering to a diet that’s extremely low in carbs. Including coconut oil could develop a temporary state called hyperketonemia (the process where someone’s ketone bodies are highly increased).

The potential benefits of coconut oil on Alzheimer’s Disease

Just because there’s no physical proof that coconut oil can fight off Alzheimer’s this doesn’t mean the oil isn’t efficient. As treatment against the disease, patients are advised to take coconut oil either liquid or in pill form. 3-4 tbs. per day should suffice. It can also be used in combination with food. For example, you could include coconut oil in a smoothies, oatmeal or yogurt.

Additionally, you could swap vegetable oil with coconut oil when having meat recipes for lunch or dinner.

Considering there are no clinical trials on the benefits of c o conut oil on Alzheimer’s, it is rather difficult to state whether or not it works. The good news is we’re talking about a type of oil that’s healthy. It doesn’t hurt to try!

Coconut oil is safe to consume and it is packed with a load of benefits. However it is fundamental to keep in mind that it is also a saturated fat that has not been approved by the FDA as treatment for a health condition or ailment.

Believe it or not, the news about the great effects of coconut oil is spreading incredibly fast. Since physicians have not been able to come up with a competent treatment for Alzheimer’s, several experts have been focusing on the potential benefits of coconut oil against this disease.

Nothing concrete has been revealed thus far, but there’s hope. According to official sources, drug companies such as Medivation and Pfizer admitted that they were developing a new drug against Alzheimer’s. It was called dimebon and it didn’t have any benefit.

Rather than spend loads of money on such expensive medication that doesn’t work, you should definitely take a moment to consider the alternatives.

Author Edward Francis and Supplemented.co.uk!

23 Health, Fitness And Weight Loss Benefits Of Coconut Oil (With Bonus Recipes

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Difference between Alzheimer’s and Normal Aging

06/266 Comments

Difference between Alzheimer’s and

Normal Aging?

Folks often wonder about the Difference between Alzheimer’s and Normal Aging. And what that difference might be?

It doesn’t matter what age you are, there are times when you will forget where you left the car or the house keys. You may even forget someone’s name or phone number. This is normal and can happen to anyone, modern lives are busy and there can be too many things going on to remember every detail.

However, when this happens to older people the assumption is instantly that it is age related or the onset of Alzheimer’s / Dementia. In fact memory loss is not an inevitable part of aging and it is important to understand the difference between Alzheimer’s dementia and Normal Aging:

Forgetfulness

It is a fact that as you age, your brain activity changes and your mental responses slow. This can mean that you are unable to recall a familiar name or place. This is not age related memory loss but simply the change in brain processes. Give yourself a few moments and you will recall the information.

Brain cells
Brain cells can be produced at any age, these are not something that disappear and cannot be replaced. The brain is an organ but in many ways it functions like a muscle; if you do not use it then it will weaken. Regular mental exercise is essential for reproducing brain cells and remaining healthy.

What causes age related memory loss?

Memory loss is caused by the deterioration of the hippocampus; this is the part of the brain which stores and retrieves memories. It is also influenced by a natural decline in the nutrients produced by the body to stimulate and repair brain cells. This is also because older people tend to be less able to absorb nutrients into their bodies. As you become less active it is also common for blood flow to decrease to the brain and this can affect its ability to perform.

Dementia

Normal age related memory loss is an ability to remember some things; this can come and go depending upon the situation and the available stimuli. Dementia is a continual decline in memory ability combined with an increasing inability to perform daily tasks. It is generally defined as a marked decline in two or more of a person’s intellectual abilities – such as memory and judgment. There are clear differences in your ability to do something when you have age related memory loss as opposed to dementia or even Alzheimer’s:

• Independent function – this is perfectly possible with age related memory loss; albeit with a few lapses in memory along the way. This is not possible with dementia where there will be difficulty undertaking many tasks even when you have completed them hundreds of times in the past.
• Recalling Forgetfulness – If you can recall your memory lapse then it is age related, if you are not aware that you have had a memory lapse then it is Dementia or similar.
• Location – As you age and your brain slows you may need to pause and get your bearings, even when in a familiar place. This is normal but if you are unable to follow directions or get lost in a familiar place then it is likely that you have the onset of dementia.
• Conversations – Age will mean that you forget odd words but it will not stop you from holding a conversation. Dementia will; many words become forgotten and often the same phrase or story is repeated numerous times – in the same conversation.
• Making Decisions – Age related memory loss will not affect your key skills of decision making or even common sense. Those who are suffering from dementia will struggle to make sensible decisions and have poor judgment. This will probably develop into an inability to conduct themselves appropriately in social situations.

It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, physical activity, a good diet and regular mental activity will help to stave off any memory related problems. If you do suspect you or your loved one has an issue then you should seek professional help at the earliest opportunity. Dementia is an incurable disease that can’t be hidden from the people you loved most. Sooner or later it will become obvious that you’re forgetting things you shouldn’t. Rather than hide this from your loved ones, it’s always best to seek assistance.

Author: Edward Francis and Foresthc.com

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Diagnosing and Treating Elderly Alzheimer’s

04/081 Comment

Dealing with Disability: Diagnosing and Treating Elderly Alzheimer’s

As one of the top 10 causes of death in the United States, Alzheimer’s disproportionately affects the elderly and over five million Americans are affected by the disease. “Alzheimer’s is the only top 10 American cause of death that cannot be slowed, cured or prevented, and one out of three elderly Americans dies from Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia,” states the Alzheimer’s Association. Given these dire statistics, providing seniors with proper Alzheimer’s care and treatment is essential.

When dealing with Alzheimer’s, it is imperative to diagnose Alzheimer’s early, and most importantly, accurately. This way, you can treat all of the Alzheimer’s symptoms such as memory loss and behavioral issues as effectively as possible. The following article provides essential tips on assessing, diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s in the elderly.

The Importance of an Early, and Accurate Diagnosis

Although Alzheimer’s is a dire disease, it can be diagnosed and treated. A diagnosis can now be performed with more than 90 percent accuracy, and if Alzheimer’s is diagnosed early, patients have the time to make informed decisions and plan for the future effectively.

While an early diagnosis is certainly essential, an accurate diagnosis is just as important. An estimated 600,000 Americans have been misdiagnosed as having dementia, but in actuality they have an Alzheimer’s sub-type. This sub-type manifests in such a way that patients still have a near normal memory, and this causes doctors to misdiagnose them as having a form of dementia since Alzheimer’s patients typically suffer from memory loss.

Based on this study, patients with irritable outbursts and behavioral issues are not precluded from having Alzheimer’s simply because they do not have memory loss. As such, it is essential to keep in mind that your loved ones may have an Alzheimer’s sub-type even if they do not demonstrate symptoms of memory loss.

Alleviating Memory Loss Symptoms with Medication

Although memory loss itself cannot be slowed or prevented with medication, you can alleviate the symptoms. The FDA has approved two types of drugs for these purposes: cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. Only cholinesterase inhibitors are used in the early to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s, whereas memantine is used for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.

In some severe cases, doctors will prescribe both at once. Delaying the worsening of symptoms makes medication worth it for many patients, although some side effect may be observed. Headaches, constipation, confusion, dizziness and nausea may result after using inhibitors or memantine, but delaying the effects of this cruel disease is worth it for most seniors.

Treatment Options for Behavioral Issues

For many Alzheimer’s patients and families of patients, it is the behavioral changes that are the most trying part of coping with Alzheimer’s. When initially treating behavioral symptoms and issues, avoid medication if you can. Instead, begin by taking steps to reinforce emotional comfort, or hire professionals or assisted living centers that are more equipped to do so. To this end, you may wish to rearrange or changing the patient’s environment to aid in this transition. Giving the patients adequate rest, consistently monitoring their comfort and avoiding confrontation are all great ways to treat behavioral issues without medication.

If all else fails, you may need to treat the issues with medication. However, it is essential to note that no drugs are approved by the FDA to treat behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, though some medications have been determined to help behavioral outbursts.

As you might expect, behavioral issues stemming from Alzheimer’s become taxing on families, so an assisted living center is often the best way to provide proper care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s-induced irritability, anxiety or depression.

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Guest post from:

Assisted Living Center is a Senior Living Directory dedicated to providing assistance to anyone with questions or concerns regarding living and care options for themselves or a loved one.

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