Neuroscience
Technique Shows Promise Against Alzheimer's
By Rick Weiss
The Washington Post
Monday, April 25, 2005; Page A02
Injections of genetically altered cells into the brain appear to nourish ailing neurons and may slow the cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease, scientists reported yesterday in a preliminary study.
The experimental approach, pursued by researchers at the University of California at San Diego, aims to rejuvenate brain cells by providing a steady supply of a nerve-nurturing hormone secreted by the injected cells.
In studies involving a half-dozen Alzheimer's patients, most showed evidence of increased nerve growth and activity in the region of the brain most affected by the degenerative disease. Psychological test scores suggested the treatment also tempered the slow slide into dementia that is characteristic of Alzheimer's.
"If these effects are borne out in larger, controlled trials, this could be a significant advance over existing therapies for Alzheimer's disease," said study leader Mark Tuszynski, director of UCSD's Center for Neural Repair and a neurologist at the San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
[ ... Read the full article ... ] (free registration required)
- Alzheimer's Disease: Watch Nih Conference Live Online
From the NIH: NIH State-of-the-Science Conference: Preventing Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Decline - Day 1 View event: You will be able to view the event at http://videocast.nih.gov when the event is live. Air date: Monday, April 26, 2010, 8:30:00...
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Alzheimer Drug Regimens & Delivery Systems
Bassil, N & Grossberg, GT. (2009). Novel regimens and delivery systems in the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease. CNS Drugs, 23(4), 293-307. The mainstay of current management of patients with Alzheimer's disease involves drugs that...
- Fda: Alzheimer Disease, Aricept (donepezil Hydrochloride)
From the FDA last week: FDA Approves Expanded Use of Treatment for Patients With Severe Alzheimer's Disease FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE P06-168 October 13, 2006 Media Inquiries: Susan Cruzan, 301-827-6242 Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA...
- Reminyl (galantamine Hydrobromide) (continued)
Safety Concerns Reported on J.& J. Alzheimer's Drug By ANDREW POLLACK New York Times Published: January 22, 2005 Regulators are reviewing the safety of the Alzheimer's disease drug Reminyl after data from two clinical trials indicated...
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Medicare has announced that it will begin authorizing coverage for obtaining PET scans to aid in diagnosis for patients with atypical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or those suspected of rarer dementing diseases, such as the "fronto-temporal" dementias. ...
Neuroscience
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Alzheimer Disease
Technique Shows Promise Against Alzheimer's
By Rick Weiss
The Washington Post
Monday, April 25, 2005; Page A02
Injections of genetically altered cells into the brain appear to nourish ailing neurons and may slow the cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease, scientists reported yesterday in a preliminary study.
The experimental approach, pursued by researchers at the University of California at San Diego, aims to rejuvenate brain cells by providing a steady supply of a nerve-nurturing hormone secreted by the injected cells.
In studies involving a half-dozen Alzheimer's patients, most showed evidence of increased nerve growth and activity in the region of the brain most affected by the degenerative disease. Psychological test scores suggested the treatment also tempered the slow slide into dementia that is characteristic of Alzheimer's.
"If these effects are borne out in larger, controlled trials, this could be a significant advance over existing therapies for Alzheimer's disease," said study leader Mark Tuszynski, director of UCSD's Center for Neural Repair and a neurologist at the San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
[ ... Read the full article ... ] (free registration required)
- Alzheimer's Disease: Watch Nih Conference Live Online
From the NIH: NIH State-of-the-Science Conference: Preventing Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Decline - Day 1 View event: You will be able to view the event at http://videocast.nih.gov when the event is live. Air date: Monday, April 26, 2010, 8:30:00...
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Alzheimer Drug Regimens & Delivery Systems
Bassil, N & Grossberg, GT. (2009). Novel regimens and delivery systems in the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease. CNS Drugs, 23(4), 293-307. The mainstay of current management of patients with Alzheimer's disease involves drugs that...
- Fda: Alzheimer Disease, Aricept (donepezil Hydrochloride)
From the FDA last week: FDA Approves Expanded Use of Treatment for Patients With Severe Alzheimer's Disease FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE P06-168 October 13, 2006 Media Inquiries: Susan Cruzan, 301-827-6242 Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA...
- Reminyl (galantamine Hydrobromide) (continued)
Safety Concerns Reported on J.& J. Alzheimer's Drug By ANDREW POLLACK New York Times Published: January 22, 2005 Regulators are reviewing the safety of the Alzheimer's disease drug Reminyl after data from two clinical trials indicated...
- Medicare To Cover Pet In Diagnosis Of Some Suspected Dementias
Medicare has announced that it will begin authorizing coverage for obtaining PET scans to aid in diagnosis for patients with atypical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or those suspected of rarer dementing diseases, such as the "fronto-temporal" dementias. ...