Overcoming Alzheimer

EXERCISE & MEDITERRANEAN-TYPE DIET COMBINED LOWER RISK FOR ALZHEIMER’S (Source: Columbia University Medical Center—columbia.edu)

Both being more physically active and adhering to a Mediterranean-type diet appears to be associated with reduced Alzheimer’s risk, according to a new report. Previous studies only investigated the association between either physical activity or diet and Alzheimer’s disease risk separately, this new research explored their combined association. “Often times, people who exercise also follow a healthy diet and vice versa. We wanted to tease out which of these two behaviors may be associated with lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease, or if the combination of the two is associated with lower risk for Alzheimer’s, or if the combination of the two is associated with decreased risk even further” said lead author Dr. Nikos Scarmeas, Taub Institute of Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia Univ. Medical Center. “So it seemed that the more that they were doing in terms of both diet & exercise, the lower was their risk for the disease”. “Mark Warner” agelessd@aol.com 8/12/09

SURGERY WITHOUT “GOING UNDER” (Source:UC San Diego Medical Center—ucsd.edu) Every year, 20 million patients in the United States undergo surgery requiring the use of general anesthesia. For some patients, the side effects of “going under” are more uncomfortable than the procedure itself. Common complaints include nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, sore throat, constipation and itching. For patients seeking a targeted approach to pain relief that speeds recovery, regional anesthesia may be the answer. “Regional anesthesia offers patients a powerful form of customized pain relief that may be taken home if needed,” said Dr. Edward Mariano, UC San Diego Medical Center. “Post operatively, patients reduce or avoid the use of narcotics such as Vicodin and Percocet and return home sooner due to reliable and specific pain relief”. “Mark Warner” agelessd@aol.com 8/13/09

SENATE HEARINGS (Source: Ageless Design) , the Senate Special Committee on Aging, held a hearing to examine the tremendous burden Alzheimer’s posses not only to the estimated 5.2M with the disease and their 10M caregivers, but also to the health care system business and the larger society. Several U.S. Senators expressed their personal stories relating to the disease as well as Chuck Jackson, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 50, former Chief Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Newt Gingrich, etc. It was a near record number of people in attendance.

For full article: aging.senate.gov “Mark Warner” agelessd@aol.com 5/15/08

DRUG LOOKS PROMISING TO FIGHT EARLY ALZHEIMER’S (Source: marketwire.com) British and Canadian researchers have completed the 2^nd phase of a study that suggests the drug Flurizan may be able to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages. “This is one of the first drugs to show the potential to not just treat the symptoms of A.D. but also to slow down the disease itself if it is in the mild stage” said Dr. Sandra Black.

The findings indicate that for people in the milder stages of the disease, treated with a higher dose of the drug, there was a significantly slower decline rate in activities of daily living and global function which include judgment, hobbies, and community activities. It did not benefit patients in the moderate stages of the disease. “Mark Warner” agelessd@aol.com 5/21/08

TELL CAPITAL HILL YOU WANT MORE ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH. (Source: Alzheimer’s Assoc.) The Alzheimer’s Association is asking citizens to voice their opinions and let members of Congress know that an increase Alzheimer’s research funding is urgently needed. A $125 million increase federal budget is available to fund research and clinical studies to find new Alzheimer’s treatments and preventions. Now more than ever, members are listening to their constituents and want to hear about the issues that matter to people in their state. Go to www.alz.org to complete an online form to be sent to representatives. The answers you provide will help the Alzheimer’s Association build personalized messages for your members during the annual Alzheimer’s Association Public Policy Forum. For more information and for full story: kintera.org (“Mark Warner:agelessd@aol.com 3/18/08

GINGRICH URGES FEDERAL HELP WITH ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH (Source: Arizona Republic) Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich said the federal government needs to spend more on Alzheimer’s research and treatments to stave off a potential fiscal disaster. Gingrich met with scientists and lawmakers in Phoenix, said

its pivotal that the government support research to find a cure or effective treatment for a disease that afflicts one in ten Americans over the age of 65. It makes more sense to invest significant money in research rather than fritter away money on Alzheimer’s care.

Gingrich is co-chair of the national Alzheimer’s Study Group, a bipartisan national task force that aims to develop a national strategy to combat the disease.

For full story: azcentral.com “Mark Warner” agelessd@aol.com 3/03/08

ALZHEIMER’S DRUG TRIAL ENTERS PHASE III TRIALS (Source efluxmedia.com)

Pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, announced that it is preparing to conduct a Phase III Trial for its experimental drug LY450139 for the treatment of people with Alzheimer’s disease. The “IDENTITY” Trial is randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that will be conducted in the U.S. and 21 other countries. The study will involve about 1500 patients and last for 21 months. LY450139 inhibits gamma secretase – an enzyme that creates amyloid beta – which may lead to reduction in plaques known to kill off brain cells in Alzheimer’s disease. “We encourage patients or their caregivers to review the enrollment criteria for IDENTITY to see if they are eligible to participate,” said Dr. Eric Siemers. “Mark Warner” agelessd@aol.com 4/01/08. Additional information regarding the IDENTITY trial may be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov or www.lillytrials.com or by calling 877-285-4559.