Alzheimer’s Group Resources

Deficits in brain’s ‘executive’ skills common with TIA, minor stroke

Cognitive impairment is common in transient ischemic attack and minor ischemic stroke patients. Cognitive impairment in these patients can be detected with tests that evaluate the brain's "executive functions" -- but not with another commonly used screening designed to test for Alzheimer's dementia. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

New form of prion disease damages brain arteries

Scientists investigating how prion diseases destroy the brain have observed a new form of the disease in mice that does not cause the sponge-like brain deterioration typically seen in prion diseases. Instead, it resembles a form of human Alzheimer's disease, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, that damages brain arteries. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Predicting the progression of Alzheimer’s

An assessment has been developed which reliably predicts future performance in cognition and activities of daily living for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers followed 597 patients over 15 years to identify factors associated with slow, intermediate and rapid progression. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Alzheimer’s-associated protein may be part of the innate immune system

Amyloid-beta protein -- the primary constituent of the plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients -- may be part of the body's first-line system to defend against infection. In a new study, researchers describe evidence that amyloid-beta protein is an antimicrobial peptide, part of the innate immune system. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Having greater purpose in life associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Individuals who report having greater purpose in their lives appear less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or its precursor, mild cognitive impairment, according to a new study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Artificial neural networks help identify predisposing factors for conversion of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often considered an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease. An analysis of genetic risk factors predisposing to MCI is critical for accessing individual predisposition and reliably evaluating the effectiveness of early treatment. In a groundbreaking study, researchers successfully used artificial neural networks to help understand the causal relation between multiple factors and the occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Rapid image analysis method helps diagnose Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists have developed a method for analysing MR images (MRI) in just a few minutes when diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The accuracy of the analysis is comparable to manual measurements made by skilled professionals, which are currently considered the most reliable method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The accurate and rapid analysis method is well suited for clinical use. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Computer simulation of protein malfunction related to Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers created a computer modeling of the structural malfunctioning of the ApoE4 protein when it enters into contact with the amyloid beta molecule, the main cause of Alzheimer's disease. The research supports experimental evidence that links ApoE4 with this pathology and opens up new exploration possibilities in understanding and fighting against the disease. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Damaged protein identified as early diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease in healthy adults

Researchers have found that elevated cerebrospinal fluid levels of phosphorylated tau231, a damaged tau protein found in patients with Alzheimer's disease, may be an early diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease in healthy adults. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Neuroimaging study may pave way for effective Alzheimer’s treatments

Scientists have determined that a new instrument known as PIB-PET is effective in detecting deposits of amyloid-beta protein plaques in the brains of living people, and that these deposits are predictive of who will develop Alzheimer's disease. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)