Alzheimer's Disease News and Research

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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living. In most people with AD, symptoms first appear after age 60. AD is the most common cause of dementia among older people, but it is not a normal part of aging. Dementia refers to a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life and activities. AD starts in a region of the brain that affects recent memory, then gradually spreads to other parts of the brain. Although treatment can slow the progression of AD and help manage its symptoms in some people, currently there is no cure for this devastating disease.

Eisai seeks simultaneous approval of eribulin mesylate in U.S., EU and Japan

Eisai Inc. today announced that it has submitted simultaneous regulatory applications for approval of eribulin mesylate (also known as E7389) for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer to agencies in Japan, the United States and the European Union (EU). Eribulin, a non-taxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor, is an investigational chemical compound discovered and developed by Eisai.

31 Mar 2010

Top neurologists to receive 2010 AAN Alliance Awards

The American Academy of Neurology will recognize the outstanding achievements of researchers in neurology during the AAN's 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto, April 10 through 17, 2010, the world's largest gathering of neurologists with more than 2,000 presentations on the latest advances in neurologic research.

31 Mar 2010

Neuroscientists prevent memory loss in fruit flies by blocking activity of PI3 kinase signaling protein

By blocking the cellular signaling activity of a protein, a team of neuroscientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) has prevented memory loss in fruit flies caused by brain plaques similar to those thought to cause Alzheimer's disease in humans. The study also resolves a long-standing controversy about the role of this protein, PI3 kinase, which was previously thought to have a protective function against the disease.

30 Mar 2010

Genetically manipulating rats to emulate Alzheimer's disease in humans

Prof. Claudio Cuello at McGill University and his collaborators have genetically manipulated rats that can emulate Alzheimer's disease in humans, enabling research that will include the development of new treatments. Alzheimer's is a devastating brain condition leading to a progressive decline of memory and other brain functions. Although research mice have been developed in the past, rats are more intelligent than other rodents and the behavior of these rats is rich and predictable, which means that for the first time researchers will be able to detect and study the evolution of learning and memory deficits.

30 Mar 2010

Decision Resources: Only 52.2% of first-line Alzheimer's disease patients prescribed AChEI

Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms focusing on pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that while approximately 70 percent of surveyed physicians' newly diagnosed patients have mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, only 52.2 percent of first-line patients are prescribed an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

30 Mar 2010

Ethical guidelines needed for research on persons with impaired decision making

How do we handle the ethical dilemmas of research on adults who can't give their informed consent? In a recent article in the journal Bioethics, ethicist Stefan Eriksson proposes a new approach to the dilemma of including dementia patients and others with limited decision making capabilities in research.

29 Mar 2010

New data on EHT 0202 for treatment of patients with AD presented at Geneva/Springfield Symposium

ExonHit Therapeutics announced today that promising new data on EHT 0202, its lead candidate in Alzheimer's disease, were presented at the 11th International Geneva/Springfield Symposium on Advances in Alzheimer Therapy from March 24th to March 27th in Geneva, Switzerland.

29 Mar 2010

ThisCaringHome.org: Interactive web site for caregivers of Alzheimer's

It is estimated that Alzheimer's disease affects 5.3 million Americans and that number is expected to double by 2050. Caregivers shoulder a particularly heavy burden as the illness alters the dementia patient's behavior, mood and judgment, impeding his or her ability to engage in normal, everyday activities.

27 Mar 2010

Avid, Cardinal Health partner to detect Alzheimer's disease in living patients

Currently, Alzheimer's disease cannot be definitively diagnosed until after death, when a brain autopsy is performed on a patient and evidence of beta-amyloid plaque deposits in the brain – which are a characteristic pathology of the disease – can be found. Accurate diagnosis during life can be challenging, particularly in the early stages of Alzheimer's, when symptoms are mild and non-definitive. However, Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. and Cardinal Health are working together to change that.

26 Mar 2010

New diagnostic test for early detection of Alzheimer's disease

A new test developed by Japanese scientists may revolutionize how and when physicians diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

26 Mar 2010

FDA approves Mirapex ER tablets for signs and symptoms of idiopathic PD

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved once-daily Mirapex ER® (pramipexole dihydrochloride) extended-release tablets for the signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease, which includes early and advanced PD. PD is the second most common chronic neurological disorder in older adults after Alzheimer's. Parkinson's disease has no cure.

26 Mar 2010

Innovation holds the key for solving healthcare's dilemmas, says Eli Lilly

In an address to the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany today, John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., chairman, president and chief executive officer of Eli Lilly and Company, said that innovation holds the key to solving one of healthcare's thorniest dilemmas: how to improve quality and access while controlling costs.

25 Mar 2010

Isotechnika Pharma releases fourth quarter financial results; reviews operational and scientific highlights for 2009

Isotechnika Pharma Inc. has released its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2009 and provided a review of the Company's operational and scientific highlights for 2009

25 Mar 2010

Alzheimer's Foundation of America applauds dementia-related provisions in health reform law

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is extremely pleased that the historic health reform signed into law by President Obama late this morning, after passing the U.S. House of Representatives on Sunday and the U.S. Senate in December, includes a number of provisions that are especially significant for AFA's constituents—and bode well for improving quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and their family caregivers. In particular, we are grateful that the final action addresses many of the practical and financial needs faced daily by this population, speaks to preventative issues and bolsters training of dementia care professionals.

25 Mar 2010

Anesthesia can increase behavioral changes, risk of developing Alzheimer's disease

The use of repetitive anesthesia with isoflurane (one of the most common anesthetics by inhalation) increases the risk of developing changes similar to those observed in AD brains in mice with mutations of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). This is the main conclusion of Spanish researchers coordinated by Doctors Maria -ngeles Mena and Justo Garc-a de Y-benes, from CIBERNED (Centro de Investigaci-n Biom-dica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas).

25 Mar 2010

Patients to discuss future of health care system at Canadian Patient Summit

More than 100 patients living with chronic medical conditions will share their solutions for ensuring that patients are part of government decisions on the future of Canada's health care system.

24 Mar 2010

Complete structure of Insulin receptor discovered - may assist in drug development for diabetes

Insulin is one of the most commonly used therapeutic agents used in diabetes. While the structure of this complex protein has been studied in detail there were parts of the receptor for insulin that were not clearly defined till now. This receptor is a protein that exists on the surfaces of cells and binds to the insulin molecule. These receptors are responsible for the action of insulin on the cells.

24 Mar 2010

People with Alzheimer's disease experience higher rate of cognitive decline: New study

People with Alzheimer's disease experience a rate of cognitive decline four times greater than those with no cognitive impairment according to a new study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

23 Mar 2010

Rapidly declining memory in people with cognitive impairment may indicate stage before Alzheimer's disease

Memory and thinking skills may decline rapidly for people who have mild cognitive impairment, which is the stage before Alzheimer's disease when people have mild memory problems but no dementia symptoms, and even more rapidly when dementia begins, which is when Alzheimer's disease is usually diagnosed. The research is published in the March 23, 2010, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

23 Mar 2010

You and your baby may need vitamin D supplementation says research

This report appeared in the respected Journal Pediatrics this week. There has been growing awareness regarding deficiency of Vitamin D in children and adults. This vitamin is important for healthy bones, immunity and other bodily processes. In children inadequacy of this vitamin in diet may lead to bone damage, rickets, repeated infections and heart disease in later life.

23 Mar 2010

Alzheimer's Disease News and Research

Further Reading

Eisai seeks simultaneous approval of eribulin mesylate in U.S., EU and Japan

Top neurologists to receive 2010 AAN Alliance Awards

Neuroscientists prevent memory loss in fruit flies by blocking activity of PI3 kinase signaling protein

Genetically manipulating rats to emulate Alzheimer's disease in humans

Decision Resources: Only 52.2% of first-line Alzheimer's disease patients prescribed AChEI

Ethical guidelines needed for research on persons with impaired decision making

New data on EHT 0202 for treatment of patients with AD presented at Geneva/Springfield Symposium

ThisCaringHome.org: Interactive web site for caregivers of Alzheimer's

Avid, Cardinal Health partner to detect Alzheimer's disease in living patients

New diagnostic test for early detection of Alzheimer's disease

FDA approves Mirapex ER tablets for signs and symptoms of idiopathic PD

Innovation holds the key for solving healthcare's dilemmas, says Eli Lilly

Isotechnika Pharma releases fourth quarter financial results; reviews operational and scientific highlights for 2009

Alzheimer's Foundation of America applauds dementia-related provisions in health reform law

Anesthesia can increase behavioral changes, risk of developing Alzheimer's disease

Patients to discuss future of health care system at Canadian Patient Summit

Complete structure of Insulin receptor discovered - may assist in drug development for diabetes

People with Alzheimer's disease experience higher rate of cognitive decline: New study

Rapidly declining memory in people with cognitive impairment may indicate stage before Alzheimer's disease

You and your baby may need vitamin D supplementation says research

Aneuro: A Year of Neuroscience in Review eBook

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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