Alzheimer's Disease + Original Articles

Can you control whether you get Alzheimer's disease? The answer is...maybe. In some cases, there is nothing a person can do to stop the illness. In other instances, lifestyle and environment may play a part. Can you control whether you get Alzheimer's disease? The answer is...maybe. In some cases, there is nothing a person can do to stop the illness. In other instances, lifestyle and environment may play a part. Here's what you need to know about the factors that increase your Alzheimer's risk.

Too many people ignore subtle signs and symptoms of dementia and, as a result, are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced-or, in most cases, never diagnosed at all. Do you have an elderly relative you suspect may be starting to suffer from memory impairment? It's worth your while to have him or her be seen by a doctor and, if necessary, receive treatment even if the condition doesn't seem serious. Too many people ignore subtle signs and symptoms of dementia and, as a result, are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced—or, in most cases, never diagnosed at all.

A recent study showed that a lack of B12 can not only result in lower scores on tests of cognitive ability; it actually can correlate with smaller total brain volume. Want to stave off cognitive problems as you get older? Consider making a special effort to get enough Vitamin B12. A recent study showed that a lack of B12 can not only result in lower scores on tests of cognitive ability; it actually can correlate with smaller total brain volume.

Here's what you need to know about this neurological condition, from symptoms to treatment options. You may not have heard of Lewy Body Dementia because it tends to be overshadowed by its close relations, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. But experts say that this neurological disorder is woefully underdiagnosed, with many doctors uninformed about it.

An alarming number of older patients fail to continue taking their regular medications after they return home, particularly if they spent time in intensive care. While hospitals can be lifesavers, especially for the elderly, an alarming number of older patients fail to continue taking their regular medications after they return home—particularly if they spent time in intensive care. Why? Mainly because they neglect to renew their prescriptions.

Not that you need another reason to trim excess flab, but here it is: Scientists have linked extra pounds in midlife to an increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease later on. Not that you need another reason to trim excess flab, but here it is: Scientists have linked extra pounds in midlife to an increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease later on. This finding comes on the heels of a previous study that found that modest weight gain during middle age, particularly around the middle, is linked to a higher rate of cardiovascular disease.

A simple spinal tap may be the key to identifying those who are heading toward Alzheimer's disease. What if we could identify Alzheimer's patients even before they started forgetting words, getting lost in familiar places, and not recognizing friends and loved ones? Would we be able to prevent the disease from progressing or even occurring? That scenario is looking more and more likely, according to scientists, who are busy testing hundreds of new Alzheimer's drugs.

To some degree, we all experience such foggy moments, especially as we get older. But when should it be cause for concern? You've done it again: lost your car keys somewhere in your house, or forgotten the name of a neighborhood acquaintance, or opened the refrigerator without having the slightest idea of what you were hoping to find. Everyone of a certain age has these so-called "senior moments," and many people make jokes about them to excuse their own forgetfulness.

Who would have guessed that the very same treatment to help you manage respiratory symptoms can also help improve your brain health? Who would have guessed that the very same treatment to help you manage respiratory symptoms can also help improve your brain health? Researchers now believe that one type of the FDA-approved asthma medication, Zileuton, might be able to slow down or even reverse Alzheimer's disease.

Because one of the key components of this diet includes eating lots of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, following the Mediterranean diet may keep your digestive system running smoothly. Following a Mediterranean diet has been shown to benefit heart health as well as reduce the incidence of cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases. Because one of the key components of this diet includes eating lots of whole grains, legumes (beans), fruits, and vegetables-which are all fiber-rich-following the Mediterranean diet may also keep your digestive system running smoothly.

There are many reasons to take on this challenge, and mental acuity is probably at the bottom of the list. But that doesn't diminish the brain benefits it can confer. It's no secret that knowing a second language brings multiple benefits. You're able to get around more easily if you visit a country in which that language is spoken, you can communicate with friends and family who speak that language, and you might even have an advantage in the job market.

The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved one updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey. When Jennifer Wilson Cooper learned she had ovarian cancer, she launched a blog as a way to share her story with others and to make it easy for friends and family to keep up with her progress. Little did she know she'd quickly-and dramatically-expand her circle of friends (you can follow Cooper's journey on her blog, Four Seeds, which is featured in Quality Health's free cancer newsletter and on the QualityHealth.

Which veggies promise to reduce age-related memory deficits? You may have heard of salmon and blueberries being referred to as "brain foods" for their specific properties that keep the brain healthy. Now a new study proves that certain vegetables qualify as brain foods as well. Veggies--specifically crunchy, colorful ones such as celery, peppers, and carrots--contain a plant compound called luteolin, which works to tamp down inflammation in the brain that causes problems with memory.

You've probably heard the expression, "you are what you eat." It may be a cliché, but it's true. What you eat plays a direct role on your brain's cognitive (thinking) abilities, and may influence your risk of developing mental illness, age-related cognitive decline, or Alzheimer's disease. You've probably heard the expression, "you are what you eat." It may be a cliché, but it's true. What you eat plays a direct role on your brain's cognitive (thinking) abilities, and may influence your risk of developing mental illness, age-related cognitive decline, or Alzheimer's disease.

It turns out memory problems are not necessarily a normal sign of aging. We've all had what we call "senior moments." Maybe we put our eyeglasses in the refrigerator. Or we picked up the phone and forgot who we were calling. Or we suddenly couldn't recall the name of an acquaintance. People usually explain away these memory lapses with a laugh and a knowing nod to the typical symptoms of aging.

Up to five percent of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's are in their forties and fifties when it strikes. Known as early-onset Alzheimer's, this middle-aged disease affects about 200,000 people in the U.S. alone. Alzheimer's disease is commonly thought of as an old-person's affliction. And it's true that the vast majority of cases occur in people age 65 and older. But did you know that up to five percent of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's are only in their forties and fifties when it strikes? Known as early-onset Alzheimer's, this middle-aged disease affects about 200,000 people in the U.

While a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be scary, new research suggests that there's a silver lining to this inflammatory joint disease. While a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be scary, new research suggests that there's a silver lining to this inflammatory joint disease. A recent University of Florida study conducted on mice revealed that having rheumatoid arthritis offers protection against Alzheimer's disease, and offered a glimpse into the mechanisms behind this unlikely connection.

Larger head size may be an advantage to people with Alzheimer’s disease. When it comes to Alzheimer's disease, head size may offer protection against progressing symptoms, according to a recent study published in the journal Neurology. The study, conduced by researchers at the Technical University of Munich in Germany, found that Alzheimer's disease patients with the largest craniums had less brain atrophy and less advanced dementia and scored better on memory and cognitive skill tests than those study participants with smaller skulls.

Most people only think of insulin as helping to manage diabetes, but it's now proving to be something of a memory booster as well. A recent study has revealed that insulin can help restore memory and cognition in people affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Most people only think of insulin as helping to manage diabetes, but it's now proving to be something of a memory booster as well. A recent study has revealed that insulin can help restore memory and cognition in people affected by Alzheimer's disease.

You may always have believed that dementia was an internal process, triggered by unknown changes in the brain and perhaps genetically determined. But external factors can contribute as well. For instance, did you know that people who care for spouses with dementia are at significantly higher risk of developing dementia themselves? You may always have believed that dementia was an internal process, triggered by unknown changes in the brain and perhaps genetically determined. But external factors can contribute as well. For instance, did you know that people who care for spouses...

Middle-age adults with excess belly fat now have yet another reason to reduce their waist circumference. Research shows that abdominal obesity nearly triples their risk for dementia. Middle-age adults with excess belly fat now have yet another reason to reduce their waist circumference. Research shows that abdominal obesity nearly triples their risk for dementia. Belly fat is already a known risk factor for diabetes, stroke, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (elevation of lipids such as cholesterol), and heart disease.

There's a slew of information out there about how having a family history of Alzheimer's disease increases your risk. But there's been little published about whether certain inherited characteristics may actually reduce your risk. Do an internet search of “genetics and dementia” and you’ll find a slew of information about how having a family history of Alzheimers disease increases your risk. But there’s been precious little published about whether certain inherited characteristics may actually reduce your risk of Alzheimers—until now.

Scientists have convincing evidence that this delicious drink may boost your memory into high gear. You're almost done with that crossword puzzle you've been working on for days, but 9-down is just out of your grasp. The answer is on the tip of your tongue, though, and you know that you know the word. If only there were a magic elixir you could take that would allow you to remember everything you used to know.

Electrical pollution from cell phones and WiFi known as "electrosmog" is hazardous to our health, according to recent research. Electrosmog is invisible pollution in the form of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) resulting from the use of wireless technology such as cell phones, cordless phones, wireless networks, and mobile/cellular phone masts, towers and transmitters. Just as smog from car exhaust and manufacturing pollution has been shown to cause health problems, recent studies show that electrosmog is hazardous to our health.

Do you ever find yourself becoming dazed or drowsy during the day? If so, you may want to check with your doctor. Do you ever find yourself staring into space for long periods, losing your train of thought, or becoming excessively tired during the day? If so, you may want to check with your doctor. Recent research suggests that these so-called cognitive fluctuations may be more likely to occur in older people who are developing Alzheimer's disease.

Could blackberries and other electric devices be turning your brain to mush? You've seen them: The multitaskers who hang out in coffee shops simultaneously sipping lattes, checking e-mail, having cell-phone conversations, and bouncing from site to site on their laptops.Or they sit in their offices answering e-mails while writing reports and taking phone calls.

Besides being entertaining, surfing the web actually offers concrete neurological benefits to the over-55 crowd. If you're trying to keep your brain humming as you age, you could do worse than to park yourself in front of your computer and surf the Internet. Long considered the bastion of the young and tech-savvy, the Internet has been shunned by a significant percentage of older adults who didn't grow up having it as a presence in their homes or offices.

Results from a study published in the journal Neurology suggest that high blood pressure may cause memory problems--and even raise the risk of Alzheimer's disease. It's been well documented that chronic high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) can lead to a series of serious medical problems, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure. Now, results from a study published in Neurology show that it may also cause memory problems-and raise the risk of Alzheimer's disease, an irreversible, progressive brain disease.

Why the scary surge in cases? Dementia is a significant and growing problem in many countries, not just in America. A new report prepared by researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London indicates that worldwide cases of the disease will almost double every twenty years, from 35 million in 2010 to 65.

Learn how this popular class of cholesterol drugs may help to reduce age-related memory loss. For people with high cholesterol, the availability of statin drugs is a boon to health. Statins, which work on the liver to remove the enzymes that create cholesterol, have lowered the cholesterol levels of many Americans who either are not able or willing to make dietary and lifestyle changes or who have made them but whose cholesterol stays elevated due to genetics.

That daily java habit may help you avoid Alzheimer’s disease as you get older. Here's another item to add to the growing list of caffeine's health benefits: That daily java habit may help you avoid Alzheimer's disease as you get older. Not only that, a recent study of caffeine consumption reveals that drinking the brew actually may reverse any age-related memory loss you already experience.

Studies are showing that even borderline high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of developing this degenerative disease. For years, researchers have known that elevated cholesterol is tied to a host of diseases and conditions, mostly related to the heart. But a recent study offered up a surprising finding: Even borderline high levels of cholesterol can predict whether or not someone will suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia as they age.

Study shows that people suffering from depression who have memory problems are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. If you suffer from depression you've probably noticed that your memory isn't as sharp as it used to be. Now, new research conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) indicates that having these two conditions can increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

If you need a reason to break out that bottle of wine this weekend, here it is. If you need a reason to break out that bottle of wine this weekend, here it is: Moderate drinking past the age of 60 may help keep Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia away. A recent analysis of 15 studies that included more than 28,000 people over a period of at least two years revealed that those who drank anywhere from one to 28 drinks each week had lower levels of dementia than those who completely abstained.

Learn more about the important role that glucose plays in brain function. Scientists are only beginning to uncover the brain’s role in normal insulin and glucose control as it relates to diabetes. Likewise, the cognitive deficits associated with the disease are just recently being understood. So what has been discovered so far? Research has revealed that diabetes is associated with impaired cognitive function and an increased risk for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Follow these tips to keep your mind in tip-top shape. Although we've all heard people joke about having a "senior moment" when they can't remember something simple, the truth is that getting older is in no way synonymous with losing our memories. While certain diseases may cause memory impairment and be out of our control, there's plenty we can do to keep our brains sharp and stave off forgetfulness—even if we're genetically programmed to be at higher risk for conditions such as Alzheimer's.

Certain foods really can enhance your memory and overall cognitive function. Are they part of your diet? In general, any food that's good for you is good for your brain. That's because nutritious foods that lower your risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes naturally encourage blood flow to the brain. Your brain, like the rest of your body, needs quality nutrients to work at its highest level.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America calls for national dementia screening. As the nation faces an aging population and an escalating public health crisis related to Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) released its new research report entitled "Memory Matters".  This report shatters unsubstantiated criticism over the value and utilization of memory screenings; emphasizes the safety and cost effectiveness of these tools; and calls on Congress to develop a national dementia screening policy.

This decadent dessert does more than just please your taste buds—it could benefit your health as well. It may be hard to believe that something as delicious as chocolate could actually be good for you? But it's true. According to a growing body of research, America's favorite sweet treat comes with a host of surprising health benefits-from regulating your blood pressure to reducing your risk of dementia.

As life expectancy increases, so, too, does the prevalence of dementia. Here, a look at the disorder, from symptoms to treatment. For many patientsand the families who love thema diagnosis of dementia can be devastating. A degenerative disease, the condition causes a progressive decline in cognitive function, including memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills. In some cases, dementia patients may suffer from hallucinations or severe disorientation, failing to remember what decade it is, where they are, or even their own names.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of mental decline in older adults. But if caught early and with the right medications, its progression can be slowed. Here, a look at the disease by the numbers. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheiemer, who first described its symptoms in 1906. Since that time, however, understanding of the disease has grown substantiallyto the point where researchers now know a great deal more about risk factors, warning signs, and treatments.

A growing body of research suggests that antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of the disease. There are still many questions surrounding Alzheimer's disease—a degenerative brain disorder and form of dementia that currently has no cure. Although the evidence is not conclusive, several studies, including one conducted by the Alzheimer's Association, suggest that foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of the disease.

Are you concerned that a loved one may be suffering from Alzheimer's disease? Read on to learn about the most common early symptoms. For millions of Americans, it's an all-too-familiar scenario: Suddenly, a loved one will start asking the same question repeatedly, telling the same story continuously, or behaving inappropriately. His or her close friends, spouses, or children notice it but dismiss it simply as "getting old.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be a challenge. Follow these tips to make it easier. According to the National Alzheimer's Association, more than 10 million Americans are currently caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Although the task can be challenging and even overwhelming at times, there are things you can do to ease the process.

Elderly patients often get confused or agitated toward the end of the day. Learn about the symptoms known as sundowning. When the sun goes down, elderly patients can become irritated, irrational, even violent. The phenomenon, known as sundowning or sundowner's syndrome, refers to the extreme agitation and confusion elderly people may suddenly experience during the late afternoons or early evenings.

Caregiving expert Jackie Pinkowitz explains what families need to know when a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. For many families, determining whether their loved on has age-related memory problems or Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be a challenge. And if their family member is diagnosed with AD, they then face a daunting, open-ended question: "Now what?" Most Alzheimer's caregivers wish that they had known early on what to expect in terms of the disease's progression and their loved one's behaviors.

Caregiving expert Jackie Pinkowitz discusses the difference between age-related memory problems and Alzheimer's disease. If you talked to as many caregivers as I have over the years, you'd know that it's not the least bit unusual for them to wonder, "Is it Alzheimer's or just aging?" This heart-wrenching question hangs over the heads of many, many families for many, many months without ever once being spoken out loud.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be overwhelming. Follow these tips to help deal with the diagnosis and cope with the holidays. Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease (AD) means that each new day brings a unique set of challenges. Coping with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior can become overwhelming at times. Not surprisingly, research has shown that caregivers often are at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends, and the community.