In a project involving the collaboration of several institutes, research scientists of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have succeeded in gaining further insight in the functioning of endogenous mechanisms that protect against the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It was found that the activity of the enzyme α-secretase is mainly responsible for the protective effect.
More: continued here
VIB researchers connected to the Born-Bunge Institute and the University of Antwerp have discovered that the amount of the growth factor progranulin in the blood is a predictor of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Progranulin plays a major role in the survival of brain cells. People who produce less progranulin have a higher risk of contracting FTD. The researchers have developed a test for measuring the amount of progranulin in the blood and thus predicting a person’s risk.
More: continued here
In just two short years, the first wave of baby boomers will begin to turn age 65 - the age of greatest risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. There are an estimated 5.2 million Americans living with this fatal, degenerative disease that today has no cure. With an aging baby boomer population, as many as 16 million people may have the disease by 2050. As the prevalence of Alzheimer’s increases, so does the need for qualified nurses.
More: continued here
We all know the feeling: a golden oldie comes blaring over the radio and suddenly we’re transported back - to a memorable high-school dance, or to that perfect afternoon on the beach with friends.
More: continued here
Intellect Neurosciences, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ILNS), a biopharmaceutical company focused on development of disease-modifying therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s disease (”AD”), announced today that the chemical structure of OXIGON(TM) (indole-3-propionic acid) has been independently shown to form copper complexes.
More: continued here
A study to be presented at a conference in the US in late spring suggests that staying mentally active as in reading magazines, or pursuing a craft or hobby like knitting, pottery, and even playing computer games, in later life may delay or prevent memory loss: however watching too much TV does not. The study will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 61st Annual Meeting, which this year takes place from 25 April to 2 May in Seattle, Washington.
More: continued here
A research project at Rice University has brought scientists to the brink of comprehending a long-standing medical mystery that may link cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and perhaps even Alzheimer’s disease. And for that, we can thank the rat. The recent paper in Artery Research by Rice evolutionary biologist Michael Kohn and his team reports they have found that common rats with a genetic mutation have developed a resistance to rat poison, aka warfarin.
More: continued here
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) Leads to Pulmonary Hypertension Researchers led by Dr. Changyi Chen at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that HAART contributes to pulmonary hypertension in HIV-infected patients. This report can be found in the March 2009 issue of The American Journal of Pathology. An estimated 33 million people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV infection) in 2007.
More: continued here
A vegan food renowned in Asia for its ability to protect against heart attacks also shows a powerful ability in lab experiments to prevent formation of the clumps of tangled protein involved in Alzheimer’s disease, scientists in Taiwan are reporting. Their study is in the Feb. 11 issue of ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication. Rita P. Y.
More: continued here
ExonHit Therapeutics (Alternext: ALEHT) is pleased to announce that clinical testing of EHT 0202, its lead compound in Alzheimer’s disease, is progressing well. Patient enrolment for the Phase IIa trial assessing EHT 0202 in patients with Alzheimer’s disease is completed. “The successful completion of patient enrolment for the Phase IIa represents an important milestone in the development of EHT 0202, and provides a clear timeline for the release of results,” stated Dr.
More: continued here





