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Study identifies novel factor that causes Alzheimer's disease

Inheritance of an extra copy of the gene- β -amyloid precursor protein, APP, in individuals with Down syndrome leads to the inevitable development of early onset Alzheimer's disease, known to be linked to the deposition of Amyloid β peptide or Aβ in the brain.

5 Jan 2010

Research suggests doing unusual things may help seniors remember their daily dose of medications

Doing something unusual, like knocking on wood or patting yourself on the head, while taking a daily dose of medicine may be an effective strategy to help seniors remember whether they've already taken their daily medications, suggests new research from Washington University in St. Louis.

5 Jan 2010

FDA approves generic donepezil hydrochloride orally disintegrating tablets

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic versions of Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) orally disintegrating tablets on Dec. 11. Donepezil hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of dementia related to Alzheimer's disease.

5 Jan 2010

Montana high court allows physician-assisted suicide

The Associated Press/NPR reports: "The Montana Supreme Court said Thursday that nothing in state law prevents patients from seeking physician-assisted suicide, making Montana the third state that will allow the procedure. Patients and doctors had been waiting for the state's high court to step in after a lower court decided a year ago that constitutional rights to privacy and dignity protect the right to die. The Montana Supreme Court opinion will now give doctors in the state the freedom to prescribe the necessary drugs to mentally competent, terminally ill patients without fear of being prosecuted, advocates said" (1/2).

5 Jan 2010

SPIN launches Spine Pain Treatment Centers in U.S. metropolitan areas

Spine Pain Management, Inc. (OTCBB: SPIN) is pleased to provide a corporate overview, as well as its strategic vision, through 2011. Based in Houston, Texas, the company delivers solutions to Spinal Health Care Providers for necessary and appropriate treatment for musculo-skeletal / spinal injury (SI) injuries resulting from traumatic accidents, in an order to maximize patient recovery.

4 Jan 2010

Delays and denials of disability claims at VA frustrate veterans

CBS News' 60 Minutes reports on delays and wrongful denials of disability claims by the Department of Veterans Affairs. "There is a sacred tradition in the military: leave no one behind on the battlefield. But many veterans are beginning to believe their country has left them behind at home, once they're out of uniform and in need of help."

4 Jan 2010

Aegis Living provides guidance on senior living communities

It's a fact: each and every January senior living communities see an increase in inquiries from concerned family members looking for help and answers as to how to best care for an aging loved one that needs assistance

4 Jan 2010

Anika Therapeutics acquires Fidia Farmaceutici subsidiary FAB

Anika Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that it has acquired Fidia Advanced Biopolymers, s.r.l. (“FAB”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of privately held Italian pharmaceutical company, Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A. FAB provides hyaluronic acid-based (“HA”) products in several therapeutic areas including for the regeneration of connective and structural tissues damaged by injuries, aging or degenerative diseases.

3 Jan 2010

NYC physical therapist encourages women to incorporate physical activity to manage stress levels

Life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations and demands. Stress can take its toll on a woman’s health and spill into the home during the holiday season. In these economic times, tightening budgets during the ‘season to be jolly’ brings additional stress.

31 Dec 2009

Smoking increases age-related macular degeneration, finds UCLA study

Just in time for New Year's resolutions, a UCLA study finds that even after age 80, smoking continues to increase one's risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 65.

31 Dec 2009

Researchers study the effectiveness of colonoscopy in preventing colorectal cancer

The prevalence of left-sided advanced colorectal neoplasms was lower in participants in a community setting, but not right-sided advanced neoplams, who had received a colonoscopy in the preceding 10 years, according to a new study published online December 30 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

31 Dec 2009

Book underlines the importance of positive emotions, spirituality and wisdom for successful aging

It's never too early or too late to start working toward the goal of improving brain health. So perhaps the New Year is the perfect time to consider how one achieves a long and satisfying life. A book recently publishing by American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc., called Successful Cognitive and Emotional Aging may be just the tool to help find some answers to the age-old question.

30 Dec 2009

AUA experts urge to focus on urologic health conditions in upcoming year

This new year, make a resolution to improve your health and talk to your doctor about urologic conditions. Although urologic problems may seem embarrassing to talk about, these conditions are more common than you think and a delay in seeking medical attention could cause you unnecessary stress, prolong the problem and even increase your risk for a more serious condition.

30 Dec 2009

Ginkgo biloba does not slow rate of cognitive decline in older adults

Older adults who used the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba for several years did not have a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to adults who received placebo, according to a study in the December 23/30 issue of JAMA.

30 Dec 2009

TheScientist honors Seahorse Bioscience's XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer as a 2009 Top Ten Innovation

Seahorse Bioscience, Inc., leader in the design and development of instruments for measuring cellular bioenergetics, announced that TheScientist magazine cited their XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer as a 2009 Top Ten Innovation.

30 Dec 2009

JAMA: New series on caring for the aging patient

To assist physicians in caring for a patient demographic that is rapidly growing in size, JAMA is launching a new series, "Care of the Aging Patient: From Evidence to Action."

29 Dec 2009

Providence Service comments on the landmark healthcare legislation passed by the Senate

The Providence Service Corporation today commented on the landmark healthcare legislation that was passed last week by the United States Senate. The Senate Bill, which still needs to be merged with the House Bill and therefore could still undergo substantial changes, has a number of features that are expected to add funding for many of the types of home and community based social services that Providence provides to Medicaid eligible populations.

29 Dec 2009

Grant of $2 million awarded to understand PIGD in Parkinson's disease

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research has awarded a total of $2 million to five research teams carrying out clinical studies to refine understanding of postural instability and gait disturbances (PIGD) in Parkinson's disease, and help speed the development of urgently needed treatments.

29 Dec 2009

Study shows vitamin C can facilitate the generation of embryonic stem cells from adult cells

Famous for its antioxidant properties and role in tissue repair, vitamin C is touted as beneficial for illnesses ranging from the common cold to cancer and perhaps even for slowing the aging process. Now, a study published online on December 24th by Cell Press in the journal Cell Stem Cell uncovers an unexpected new role for this natural compound: facilitating the generation of embryonic-like stem cells from adult cells.

28 Dec 2009

National Council on Aging favors Senate health reform bill

The National Council on Aging supports the Senate for its Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590), which, when passed, will bring America one giant step closer to the long-awaited goal of health care that is both accessible and affordable for Americans of all ages.

24 Dec 2009