Tag Archives: alzheimers
How a Gene Linked to Both Alzheimer’s Disease and Type 2 Diabetes works
Researchers Identify How a Gene Linked to Both Alzheimer’s Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Works
Source: Mount Sinai Medical Center
Newswise — Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified how a gene for a protein that can cause Type 2 diabetes, also possibly kills nerve cells in the brain, thereby contributing to Alzheimer’s disease.
The gene, called SorCS1, controls the generation of amyloid-beta (Abeta) in the brain. Abeta plays a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers previously linked SorCS1 to Alzheimer’s disease and identified where the molecules lived in the cell, but not how they control Abeta. The new data were presented today at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Annual International Conference in Paris.
Painkillers ‘may ease agitation’ in dementia patients
This could help Dementia patients live a better life
18 July 2011 Last updated at 01:08
By Jane Hughes Health correspondent, BBC News
Many dementia patients being prescribed “chemical cosh” antipsychotic drugs could be better treated with simple painkillers, research says.
The British and Norwegian study, published on the BMJ website, found painkillers significantly cut agitation in dementia patients.
Agitation, a common dementia symptom, is often treated with antipsychotic drugs, which have risky side effects.
Expect more tragedies like Southern Cross
Being forced to move care homes that are set to close could shorten the lives of the vulnerable and infirm.
7:00AM BST 18 Jul 2011
It does not require a medical degree to appreciate that elderly, infirm and disabled people are vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Recent revelations by BBC One’s Panorama about the obscene, sadistic behaviour of some “carers” towards residents in a home for those with learning disabilities has highlighted, to devastating effect, the suffering that results. A report by the Health Ombudsman, published earlier this year, reported cases of serious neglect on hospital wards, particularly involving older, incapacitated patients.
