Mild Exercise May Counter Dementia

Moderate physical activity — even an unhurried 30-minute stroll a day — may diminish the risk for vascular dementia among the elderly, according to a new study published this week in the online journal Neurology.
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Exercise helps stave off dementia, research suggests

By LORI ARATANI
The Washington Post
Article Last Updated: 12/07/2007 01:43:00 AM PST


Older Americans play with video games that promise to keep their minds sharp. Some do crossword puzzles, try to master foreign languages or learn to play musical instruments — all in the hope of staving off Alzheimer's. Now, a growing body of research is offering tantalizing evidence that a brisk walk in the morning or some laps in the pool might accomplish the same task.
"There's an avalanche of neuroscience to support that (physical) exercise is good for the brain," said John Ratey, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and co-author of an upcoming book on the subject.

That's hopeful news for many who worry that growing old may mean losing their minds.

A 2006 survey conducted by Harris Interactive for the MetLife Foundation found that Alzheimer's was a bigger source of anxiety for Americans 55 and older than heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

"Losing one's mental faculties is people's biggest fear," said Shawn Brennan, who specializes in promoting senior health initiatives for Montgomery County's Department of Health and Human Services. "Whenever we have an event focusing on improving your memory, people just flock to it."

Dorothy Mudd, 80, of Chevy Chase, Md., has heard enough to change her habits. Her goal is be physically and mentally fit, so six months ago she hired a personal trainer. She was sore at first, but within a few months, she says, she felt stronger — and mentally sharper.

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High Blood Pressure Linked to Disability, Dementia

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter
Monday, November 19, 2007; 12:00 AM

MONDAY, Nov. 19 (HealthDay News) -- People with high blood pressure are at increased risk for disability and dementia as they age, two new studies suggest.

In the first report, researchers found that high blood pressure increased the risk of developing disabilities, such as not being able to lift objects, walk up or down stairs, or bathe oneself.


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"High blood pressure affects many aspects of a person's life," said lead researcher Dr. Ihab Hajjar, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. "Not only does it affect the vascular system and the heart and the brain and kidney, but it also affects well-being -- the ability to be independent, ability to perform daily activities, and be physically active."
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Eating Grapes May Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease

Study shows grapes' ability to block genes associated with the Alzheimer's
pathway and decrease inflammatory gene expression in the brain

FRESNO, Calif., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Consuming grapes may help
prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease, according to research presented
this week at the Society for Neuroscience conference in San Diego,
California. It is the unique combination of components in grapes, which
includes resveratrol, quercetin, catechins and other phytonutrients, that
is thought to be responsible for the protective effects.
Investigators led by Dr. Nancy Berman of the University of Kansas,
School of Medicine presented evidence from a study of aging mice that
compared the effects of a diet with and without grapes. Dr. Berman shared
her findings regarding the ability of a grape-enriched diet to dramatically
increase the expression of critical target genes that block the Alzheimer's
pathway and decrease inflammation in the brain. Alzheimer's is
characterized by the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
Additionally, oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to play a role
in facilitating neurodegenerative disease.
The data presented by Dr. Berman showed that a grape-enriched diet
induced a 246-fold increase in the expression of transthyretin, a
beta-amyloid scavenger known to reduce plaque formation in Alzheimer's
disease. Additionally, the researchers observed significant inhibition of a
gene that is involved in the inflammation that occurs in normal aging and
appears to be accelerated in neurodegenerative diseases, such as
Alzheimer's.
These results suggest that regular consumption of grapes may be
beneficial for long-term brain health, specifically the prevention of
Alzheimer's disease.
"Preserving brain health is a key concern as we age," said Kathleen
Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission. "The growing
evidence that eating grapes each day may help protect against degenerative
brain diseases such as Alzheimer's is very exciting."
The Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting is the premier venue for
the world's neuroscientists to debut their cutting edge research to more
than 31,000 neuroscientists and exhibitors from around the world. The
meeting offers learning and professional development opportunities and
provides a place for scientists to gather to present and share ideas.

Report Describes 300 Compounds in Development for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Report Describes 300 Compounds in Development for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

(PRWEB) October 26, 2007 -- Piribo, the online destination for business intelligence for the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, has now added a new report which forecasts the market-share for various approaches in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to 2016

"Alzheimer's Disease: New Drugs, Markets and Companies" reports that considerable research is in progress to understand the pathomechanism of the disease and find a cure. The only drugs approved currently are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, beta amyloid deposits and neurofibrillary tangles. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors do not correct the basic pathology of the disease. Also, several new approaches emphasise neuroprotection.

The study shows that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are mostly a symptomatic treatment; however, some claims are made about a neuroprotective effect. Currently the only approved neuroprotective therapy in is memantine. Management of these patients also require neuroleptics for aggressive behaviour and antidepressants. There is an emphasis on early detection at the stage of mild cognitive impairment and early institution of neuroprotective measures. The value of mental exercise in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease is being recognized.

There are nearly 8 million sufferers from Alzheimer's disease in the seven major markets of the world, and this is anticipated to increase in the future.

Research in Alzheimer's disease still aims at elucidating the basic pathomechanisms. This can be made by animal models, which are important for research, particularly in testing some of the potential therapeutic approaches. There is considerable research in progress at the various centers, some of which is funded by the National Institute of Aging of the National Institutes of Health.
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Enjoy the time spent with those who have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia

Susan Berg, author and dmentia healthcare professional, offers excellent strategies for having a great time with someone who has Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia
Here is strategy number one
Structure and routine. Try to follow regular predictable routines that include pleasant, familiar activities. Remind the person that everything is going according to plan. Designate a certain time get up, have breakfast, go for a walk, sit in the backyard together etc.
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