Alzheimer’s Group Resources

Blood stem cell growth factor reverses memory decline in mice

(University of South Florida Health) A human growth factor that stimulates blood stem cells to proliferate in bone marrow reverses memory impairment in mice genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's disease, a new study finds. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Alzheimer’s research yields potential drug target

(University of California - Santa Barbara) Scientists at UC Santa Barbara and several other institutions have found laboratory evidence that a cluster of peptides may be the toxic agent in Alzheimer's disease. Scientists say the discovery may lead to new drugs for the disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

What you should know about Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease and other dementias do a number on the mind and body of the individual with the disease and can also take a major toll on the health and finances of the individual's family. The Alzheimer's Association's latest annual report, "2009... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

What you should know about Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease and other dementias do a number on the mind and body of the individual with the disease and can also take a major toll on the health and finances of the individual's family. The Alzheimer's Association's latest annual report, "2009... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

Alzheimer’s disease and infection: do infectious agents contribute to progression of Alzheimer’s disease?

Authors: Honjo K, van Reekum R, Verhoeff NP Infection with several important pathogens could constitute risk factors for cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in particular. This review summarizes the data related to infectious agents that appear to have a relationship with AD. Infections with herpes simplex virus type 1, picornavirus, Borna disease virus, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and spirochete were reported to contribute to the pathophysiology of AD or to cognitive changes. Based on these reports, it may be hypothesized that central nervous system or systemic infections may contribute to the pathogenesis or pathophysiology of AD, and chronic infection with several pathogens should be considered a risk factor for sporadic AD. If this hypothesis...

The Age of Alzheimer’s

The rise in Alzheimer's patients means more costs associated with this mysterious, prevalent disease. (Source: Managed Healthcare Executive Magazine Online)

Oral Administration of Synthetic Retinoid Am80 (Tamibarotene) Decreases Brain beta-Amyloid Peptides in APP23 Mice.

Authors: Kawahara K, Nishi K, Suenobu M, Ohtsuka H, Maeda A, Nagatomo K, Kuniyasu A, Staufenbiel M, Nakagomi M, Shudo K, Nakayama H The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a synthetic retinoid Am80 (tamibarotene) exhibits any improving effects on amyloid precursor protein (APP)23 mice, a model of Alzheimer's disease. Am80 was orally administered in feed to 20-week (5-month)-old APP23 mice at a dose of 0 (control) or 0.5 mg/kg/d for 14 weeks. The Am80 treatment reduced significantly the insoluble Abeta levels in brain, in particular Abeta(42), while it gave no apparent effects on the soluble Abeta levels. The results suggest that oral administration of Am80 may have potency to reduce the extracellular Abeta(42) of insoluble and possibly oligomeric or protofibril forms, which...

Neuroprotective action of genipin on tunicamycin-induced cytotoxicity in neuro2a cells.

Authors: Tanaka M, Yamazaki M, Chiba K Accumulation of unfolding or misfolded proteins within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) triggers ER stress, and sustained ER stress ultimately leads to cell death. Both of these events are involved in the activation of glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa (GRP78, also known as Bip), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP, also known as growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene 153 (GADD153)), and caspase-12. ER stress has been shown to be involved in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, and polyglutamine diseases. We previously showed that genipin, a natural iridoid compound, has a protective effect against amyloid-beta (Abeta)-induced cytotoxicity. Here, we studied the protective effects ...

Rivastigmine for cognitive impairment after spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage: a pilot study

Conclusion: The use of rivastigmine was safe in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage and persistent cognitive impairment. A prospective double-blind placebo-controlled trial is required to establish the efficacy of rivastigmine for patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and persistent cognitive impairment and whether it can be translated to improvement in instrumental activity of daily living and quality of life. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics)

2009 Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiving Legacy Awards

2009 Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiving Legacy Awards GENERAL INFORMATION With continuing support from The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) is pleased to oversee the annual Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Awards program in its second year. Award Background In the recent past, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation undertook a review of issues facing caregivers of adults with Alzheimer's disease. In June 2007, the Foundation published an expert panel discussion report Strengthening Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease that outlined promising practices, research recommendations and key principles for caregiver support (the report can be found on The Foundation website: www.the...