Research on Alzheimer's Drug - Rember - Breaking New Ground

Alzheimer's research is an expensive undertaking, but for those with elderly loved ones, the cost is well worth it. Dementia, a disability that is caused by brain disease or injury, which can lead to memory disorders, affects nearly 700,000 people in the UK alone.

Developing an unprecedented drug is a long and costly project that can take up to 15 years and costs nearly 800 million US dollars. The Alzheimer's Association noted that merely five out of ten thousand compounds investigated constitute successful research levels such that they result in clinical trials, and among those, only one of the trials alone makes it through the approval process to receive endorsement for treatment. But a new Alzheimer's drug, called Rember, is gaining popularity among doctors and scientists and is offering hope to patients. Preliminary trials have suggested that the novel drug can evoke life among the worst diseased affected parts of the brain.

New Study Details Alzheimer's Drug Results

The study was presented in Chicago at the International Conference on Alzheimer's illness and it assessed nearly three hundred fifty people who were diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer's in the UK and Singapore. The group was separated into smaller groups, and three were administered the new drug, Rember, while the fourth group took a placebo, a substance that has no therapeutic effect and is only used for testing purposes.

The results were documented and after nearly fifty weeks, the patients with moderate disease afflictions who were being administered the drug, Rember, had experienced less mental decline, even as much as 80 percent less, in comparison to the patients who were given the placebo. Indeed, the patients who were prescribed Rember did not encounter any considerable descent in their mental process for a period well over nineteen months, and the patients who took the placebo showed increased symptoms. The researchers theorize that the drug is relatively two-and-a-half times more productive than existent drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors.

The research study documented images of the brain and indicated that Rember had its largest effect in the areas linked to memory.

More and more people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and the figure is increasing as people live longer. A leading professor of the Alzheimer’s disease Society, Clive Ballard, noted that this study is a major breakthrough in the research of this disease. But he also noted that the research has a tremendous way to go foregoing availability for treatment to patients.

Further Tests of the Alzheimer's Drug - Rember - Will Determine if the Drug is Cost Efficient

If future research studies of Rember are as triumphant, scientists predict that the new drug might be ready for distribution by the next four or five years. And at that point, it will be further assessed by Nice, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which is an independent organization responsible for promoting good health, to determine if the drug, which will most likely be expensive to administer on a daily basis, is cost efficient. The issue at hand will be whether or not the drug, Rember, is advantageous enough to justify the cost for the NHS, the National Health Service, which is the largest public ally funded health service.

Chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Trust, Rebecca Wood, noted that Nice's preliminary cost estimations were distorted because they did not take into consideration the billions a year caring for these patients already costs.

Alzheimer’s Charities Caution That Drug May Not Be Available to Many Due to Cost

Alzheimer’s charities commented that the new drug, which is praised as a distinguished breakthrough in the remedy of the disease, could be withheld from patients by the NHS for reasons such as the expense-per-patient ratio.

Various criteria, however, such as the influence the drug could have on patients’ quality of life, were difficult to put a price on, Wood added. Ms. Wood also mentioned that Nice is examining unreasonable criteria and, provided that this does not change, patients could be negatively affected.

More Alzheimer's Research is Necessary

Researchers comment that the results of this study are preliminary and no definite decisions have been made yet as to the availability of Alzheimer’s drug, Rember.

For further reading:

• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/2475162/Patients-could-be-denied-breakthrough-Alzheimers-drug-charities-warn.html
• http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1039677/Daily-pill-halts-Alzheimers-hailed-biggest-breakthrough-disease-100-years.html
• http://www.news-medical.net/?id=40380

Scientists Probe Physical Exercise and Alzheimer's Disease Progression

Can Physical Exercise Decreases Alzheimer's Disease Progression?

It has long been known that physical exercise is a pro-active way to maintain health, but recent studies have indicated that exercise has a health benefit for elderly people that may be plagued with Alzheimer's disease. In spite of the fact that Alzheimer's disease has no known cure, it has been suggested by researchers that physical exercise decreases Alzheimer's progression.

Physical exercise appears to reduce the development of Alzheimer's disease according to a recent study released by the Journal of Neurology. The study conducted showed that elderly people who were more sedentary showed four times more indications of brain shrinkage than those who were physically active.

The ramifications of the study were in line with various studies, which discovered that exercising cuts the chances of developing dementia, a chronic disorder or injury of the brain, which can lead to memory disorders. In the study conducted by the Journal of Neurology, one hundred and twenty-one seniors were asked to exercise on treadmills and then their peak oxygen consumption levels were documented. This was done because the peak oxygen level is often used as a benchmark to measure cardio respiratory fitness.

The debate exists and at issue is the possibility that there is a connection amid low cardio respiratory fitness levels and Alzheimer's disease such that an underlying state of health favors both conditions. Researchers probed the possibility that greater brain volumes in people with more cardio strength may not possibly be directly linked to exercising. There is also the chance that Alzheimer's itself causes lower cardio respiratory fitness.

The Human Brain - A Marvel

The human brain is capable of constantly adjusting and regulating itself. Indeed, also in the elderly, the human brain can gain strength by producing new neurons. Uncompromising mental descent is usually a result of disease, while beyond compare age-related losses in memory or motor skills comparatively result from inaction and a lack of mental work or stimulation. Researchers call this the "use it or lose it" theory.

Moderate Physical Exercise Impacts Alzheimer Patients

An unparalleled method of reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease is via physical exercise. By kicking off and maintaining a consistent exercise program, one can actually reduce chances of developing the disease. This is difficult for many, however, because of the demands and responsibilities of modern life. For example, many people work in an office forty hours a week, manage a household, and often do not get enough sleep. The positive message from researchers is that in order to benefit mental activity, physical activity does not necessarily need to be extremely strenuous or constitute a big time commitment. The major point is that although moderate exercise can benefit mental capacity, it is necessary that it be done on a consistent basis.

By strengthening the heart, exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which increases tolerance to exercise, prunes body weight, and lowers blood pressure. In addition, exercise lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL) and raises good cholesterol (HDL) with the added benefit of increasing sensitivity to insulin, which reduces likelihood of developing a disease that could negatively affect brain function.

Research Points to Exercise and Brain Health

Moderate Alzheimer's disease patients with greater physical fitness had larger brains in comparison to those with mild Alzheimer's disease that are more sedentary, according to a research study released in the July 15, 2008 publication of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study documented brain scans of Alzheimer's disease patients after fitness exercise tests. Among the group, nearly half were in the pre-stages of Alzheimer's disease and the remaining patients did not have dementia.

The study was conducted by Jeffrey M. Burns, MD, at the University of Kansas School of Medicine who is also a member of the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Burns stated that people with mild pre-Alzheimer's disease who were also less physically active had four times more shrinkage of the brain in comparison to patients who were physically active.

The consequences were the same despite the level of physical activity, the patient's age and gender or dementia severity. There was no relationship between higher fitness levels and brain changes in the group of people without dementia. Patients with a mild case of Alzheimer's may possibly be able to preserve brain health longer by maintaining a mild but consistent exercise program. Further, Dr. Burn's said, this study is one of the primary research studies to examine the complex bond between exercise and brain performance.

Dr. Burns continued by emphasizing that people should be careful when trying to unscramble the results of these studies because scientists surveyed the benchmark statistics of fitness one patient and one point at a time.

Mild Exercise Probed as a Means to Counter Dementia

What type of physical activity is recommended?

Modest physical activity, which ranges from around thirty minutes a day, is recommended. If there are any health issues or concerns, then it is highly recommended that a professional health care advocate be consulted prior to beginning any new exercise regimen.

Conclusion

Although the scientists brought to light an important relationship between Alzheimer's and exercise, a markedly important point of the results show that vascular dementia, which is the second most frequent type of the disease, were shown to have been impacted by increased yet moderate physical exercise.

News Reports: Red Wine and Health

Red Wine Could Lower Chances of Heart Disease

Over the past several decades, scientific reports and studies have been released in educational journals which address the question of whether or not drinking alcohol, specifically red wine, is linked to extended life span because of lower incidences of heart disease. Some researchers have suggested that there are health benefits associated with red wine. Others are examining the potential benefits of components in red wine such as flavonoids and other antioxidants in reducing the risk of heart disease. Some scientists argue, on the other hand, that the link published in many of these studies may be due to other cultural and lifestyle factors instead of alcohol consumption. Some factors, for example, may involve additional physical activity and a diet with considerable higher levels of fruits and vegetables. Also, lower saturated fast in the diet may have a considerable influence on these studies regarding the effect of red wine and the risk of developing heart disease or stroke.

Healthy Red Wine

A diet rich with resveratrol, especially for those within the age range in the mid thirty's and forty's, has been shown to provide heart benefits as well as other health benefits such as strong bones and healthy eyesight as demonstrated with a lower incidence of cataracts, according to scientists.

This theory was supported by a recent study, which involved mice. The mice that were in their middle age were fed a diet supplemented with resveratrol and they showed considerable improvement in health compared to the mice that were not fed the resveratrol-supplemented diet.

The study found that daily intake of the compound resveratrol improves the quality of life in middle-aged mice. Despite that, the age-benefits of resveratrol were similar to those previously linked to adhering to a rigorous calorie-restricted diet, which raised hopes for a more simple and desirable way to fight off age-related decline. Indeed, restricting caloric intake is not a lifestyle that many people prefer, while red wine consumption seems to some as a more attractive option.

Red Wine and Antioxidants

Red wine is an especially rich origin of antioxidants and many studies have revealed a cause for the positive effects of red wine - resveratrol and flavonoids. Resveratrol, which is prominent in grape skins, grape seeds and blueberries as well as the curst of peanuts and walnuts, has been documented as a factor that increases HDL cholesterol - which prevents blood from clotting. Meanwhile, flavonoids have been shown to exhibit antioxidant resources which help to prevent blood clots and dangerous plaque formation in the arteries.

Scientists Probe Red Wine Health Benefits

A study conducted at Harvard Medical School led by De Cabo and David A. Sinclair recently published their findings in the July issue of Cell Metabolism. The results lead credence to the theory that suggests resveratrol found in red wine can actually slow the aging process in men and minimize the chances of developing heart disease. David Sinclair contends that the study showed health can be increased and life span can be lengthened.

Additional studies were conducted at the National Institute of Aging as part of the National Institute of Health as a continuance to a previous study in 2006 which showed that resveratrol improved health and longevity of overweight mice. The continuance study reported support for the theory that the compound had similar effects as calorie restriction, which to date is one of the most sure way documented to alleviate diseases which are age-related.

How Much Red Wine is Healthy?

One glass of red wine daily can establish benefits, according to the study. And moderation is the key. Pregnant women, however, should never drink alcohol in any form.

Other Benefits to Health

In addition to being called an age-defying chemical which can reduce heart disease, resveratrol has been linked to a reduction in breast cancer by suppressing the creation of tumor cells and production. Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in women, afflicting nearly forty-five thousand women per year in the UK.

Resveratrol and Breast Cancer

Resveratrol is a chemical that actually blocks the way that oestrogen joins with the DNS in women's bodies to create cancer, specifically breast cancer.

Red Wine Compound Slows Aging Process In Men

Researchers suggest that a glass a day of red wine can help slow down the aging process in men, as well as improving their quality of life.

Not all Studies Show Positive Health Benefits

Studies also show that alcohol may increase triglycerides, a blood lipid which is not beneficial to health and can have the side effect of weight gain due to the empty calories. And some studies indicate that alcohol consumption may lead to an increased risk in cancer.

A study released by The American Heart Association indicates that people who do not already drink alcohol should not start. If, on the other hand, you already drink alcohol, do so in moderation. The Association recommends one to two glasses per day for men and only one glass per day for women. Again, it is stressed that pregnant women should not drink alcohol under any circumstance.

Consult a Health Professional

If you have any concerns about the health benefits of red wine, it is recommended that you consult a health care professional for a private consultation. And check back each week for more health, science news.

Mosquito Population Increase and West Nile Virus Treat

According to the calendar, summer has officially started. As families rush to get outdoors, spend time at the beach or at the local park, there is a growing menace that threatens the summer fun.

The besiege occurs mainly at night, systematically sparing no one, and always out for blood. The threat is, of course, mosquitoes and the hazard is more than just a nuisance. With mosquitoes comes the possibility of West Nile Virus, a latent but at times life threatening illness.

Stagnant Water

Several recent studies have reiterated the importance of working to control an epidemic before the onslaught of mosquitoes occurs. And with the recent flooding in the Mid West, now is the time to get rid of standing water, which provides an ideal location for mosquito eggs to hatch.

Most significantly, researchers believe West Nile Virus is a seasonal epidemic that is more prevalent in the summer months and persists into the fall months. University of Wisconsin-Madison entomologist Phil Pellitteri expects big increases in the number of pests due to the flooding of the farmlands within the south.

How is the Virus Transmitted?

The virus is disseminated through bites of infected mosquitoes. In some cases, West Nile Virus can be circulated to other people through blood transfusions.

What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?

In most cases, there are no symptoms whatsoever and the infected person never gets sick. But in some, symptoms can be severe and include headache, stiff neck, and fever. More severe cases can lead to nausea, vomiting, vision loss and paralysis. And the long-term effects can be horrific with neurological effects lasting.

How Long After Infection do Symptoms Appear?

Typically, after infection occurs a person can become ill within one to two weeks.

What is the Treatment for West Nile Virus?

Unfortunately there is no treatment for West Nile Virus. In most cases, the patient will recover within a couple of weeks. In more severe cases, the patient will need hospitalization so that he/she can receive intravenous fluids and twenty-four hour nursing care. There is no vaccine for the virus, so the only prevention is to reduce breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Stagnant water such as fish ponds, un-maintained swimming pools, bird baths, storm drains and even street gutters are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

History of the West Nile Virus

The virus was first recognized in 1927 in Uganda.

Then several decades later in 1957, there was a severe outbreak in Israel, and that outbreak was so intense that health officials recognized it as a new cause of human meningitis, a deadly disease which leads to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and in the most severe cases, death. Scientists report that the virus came to the United States in 1999 and since, the disease has been spreading due to the conditions which are conducive to mosquito breeding.

What Can be Done to Help Control the Mosquito Population?

In most communities, there is a local mosquito abatement district which should take a pro-active approach and use control measures to contain mosquitoes. The chief culprit of the problem is numerous breeding grounds for the mosquito larval. By removing their breeding grounds such as stagnant water nearby, the chances of having excessive mosquito outbreaks in a community are reduced.

Some communities are working to remove improperly sloped streets or pot holes in which water can accumulate. Local public works committees are lobbying to gain funding for areas that need to be corrected in order to reduce standing water.

By removing trash such as old tires, tarps, containers and old vehicles in which rain water can accumulate and become stagnant, breeding grounds are reduced. And by reducing these breeding grounds, there will be fewer mosquito outbreaks.

This chore may be more difficult in some areas due to the mortgage crisis which has, unfortunately, left many homes vacant. Many neighbors are noticing that due to the vacant homes there are more breeding grounds within their community.

Local Health Departments should be called in this case and be notified so that preventive measures can be taken to reduce the sources of stagnant water on the property. The Health Department should come out and treat the breeding sites in order to reduce possibility of a breakout. By concentrating on immature mosquitoes, they are eliminated before they have the opportunity to spread disease.

Precautions

According to the Westchester County Health Department, it is not essential to limit out door activities. Instead it is recommended that people wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, and wear bug spray - especially during dusk and dawn.

If you or a loved one suspects illness due to mosquito or west nile virus, it is highly recommended that you contact a health care professional right away.

Please visit HealthScienceNews again soon for more helpful news.

Shingles Vaccine Recommended for People Over the Age of 60

On May 15, the online edition of the Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report published a recommendation that all adults over the age of 60 get the shingles vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the vaccine as well. The recommendation states that getting the vaccination is very important for people over the age of 60 because over half the cases of shingles outbreaks in the United States occur in those within this age range.

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral disease that is known for painful skin blisters and rash in a limited area on one side of the body. The virus commonly known as Shingles, is called the Herpes Zoster virus. The virus can spread from one or more ganglia along nerves of an infected segment and infect the corresponding dermatome causing a painful rash. In most cases, the rash usually heals within two to four weeks. The progression of shingles, i.e. herpes zoster, begins with a small collection of bumps that turn into blisters. Next, the blisters fill with lymph and break open. Then they crust over and finally disappear. Although the progression seems fairly straight forward, there are times when the break out can last months even years causing residual nerve pain.

Risk of Getting Shingles

The risk of getting shingles -- caused by the same varicella-zoster virus responsible for the common childhood illness chicken pox -- rises with age starting at around age 50, and is highest among the elderly.

The agency said the recommendation replaces a provisional one it made in 2006 after the vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and recommended by a CDC advisory panel of immunization experts.

New research published in the International Journal of Toxicology (IJT) by Gary S. Goldman, Ph.D., reveals high rates of shingles (herpes zoster) in Americans since the government?s 1995 recommendation that all children receive chicken pox vaccine. Goldman?s research supports that shingles, which results in three times as many deaths and five times the number of hospitalizations as chicken pox, is suppressed naturally by occasional contact with chicken pox.

Cure for Shingles

There is no cure for shingles, also known as herpes zoster. After a person has had chicken pox, the virus remains dormant in the body, and years later can reactivate as shingles.

"It is a nasty, life-altering affliction. Although the vaccine is not perfect, it's pretty good," Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, vice president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, said in a telephone interview. The shingles vaccine has been found to reduce chances of getting shingles, and researchers have found that this is welcome news for an aging U.S. baby-boomer population.