Aricept Beneficial for Alzheimer's Patients, But Expensive

I get asked this question frequently: "Does your mother take Aricept"? When I answer yes, I get the follow-up. "Does Aricept work"

I am confident that Aricept works well for my mother.

There is little doubt that it has slowed the progression of Alzheimer's disease and helped smooth out her behavior.

I know from personal experience it works well with other persons suffering from Alzheimer's but not all of them.

I also learned it is critical if you suspect Alzheimer's or dementia to get to the doctor and get on the appropriate medication as soon as possible.

Delaying this decision can be more harmful than you could ever imagine.

See these links for the latest pricing and update.

Generic Donepezil, Aricept, $27 for 90 days from Costco

Donepezil (Aricept) Price Falls by 90 Percent

Early Stage Alzheimer's Patients Get Their Voices Heard

This new report released by the Alzheimer's Association is informative, compelling and long overdue.

"Alzheimer's is like a monster under the bed. You have two choices: You can either look under the bed and scope out the monster and see what tools you have to fight him, or you can sit there and wait for him to come. There's so much you can do if you know early on."

Download the Voices of Alzheimer's Disease Report (36 pages)

Summary(extracted from the report)

The intent of this report is to illuminate the experience of being in the early stage of Alzheimer‟s disease or related dementia and to share the perspectives of those affected on how they wish to be viewed, respected, engaged and treated by the larger field of Alzheimer‟s professionals and researchers as well as the public at large. Throughout the document, quotes taken directly from people with Alzheimer‟s disease provide a window into the consciousness of those still capable
of offering this level of insight. The themes that emerged from this nationwide discussion outline a road map of sorts to offering empowerment and appropriate engagement. This summary of themes is a brief, but telling, review of the perspectives that were shared.

The Stigma of Alzheimer’s and its Impact on Relationships

The overriding theme influencing much of the discussion is that people in the early stage of Alzheimer‟s are misunderstood because of myths and misconceptions about the disease and that this misunderstanding leads to a dominant negative stigma associated with having the condition.

People with early-stage Alzheimer‟s repeatedly point out that they are living with Alzheimer‟s, not dying from it. They acknowledge the fears and uncertainties that accompany a diagnosis but seek support in remaining viable and respected members of society, retaining their person hood and ability to contribute.

Negative associations with Alzheimer‟s disease are shown to have a direct impact on the relationships between people with the disease and most everyone with whom they come into contact. People described the change in interactions that occur with their family and friends, colleagues and co-workers, as well as with the medical community. People with early-stage Alzheimer‟s seek to work together with all those in their life to improve their interactions in a way that will result in their continued positive involvement and acknowledgment of their ideas and contributions as valid. Demonstrating a strong desire to be active in advocacy and awareness-raising, the challenge is set to diminish the existing stigma and enable the
continuation of their person hood.

Dissatisfying Interactions with the Medical Community

People with early-stage Alzheimer‟s report significant challenges in effectively navigating both the diagnostic process and the follow-up treatment and care they receive. They express difficulty securing a valid and timely diagnosis, particularly those with early-onset Alzheimer‟s, and describe a severe burden associated with the current diagnostic testing procedures. Once Alzheimer‟s is identified, they seek more complete information about what to expect and the steps that can be taken to enhance their quality of life, both in terms of available medications and
community resources.

There is a strong desire to participate in research and make contributions to the larger field of scientific inquiry to gain both potential benefits for themselves as well as to aid future generations of those affected by this disease. They outline potential barriers to this contribution, specifically critiquing the present eligibility criteria for inclusion in research.

Uncertainty about Availability of Support Services

A lack of knowledge about accessible and appropriate support services available in communities was repeatedly expressed. Still, they acknowledge the benefit of the services that are available, and in which they have participated. Specifically, they highlight the importance of securing appropriate support, and seek support groups that are offered in various modalities to connect with others that have a shared understanding of their experience.

Further, they describe the need for expanded and enhanced support services to educate them about the disease and what to expect, while keeping them apprised of new developments in available research and emerging treatments to fight their decline. There is a pronounced need for improving existing support services and increasing accessibility of these services.

Sources of Major Concern in Daily Life

People with early-stage Alzheimer‟s recognize the changes that are taking place in their own independence and functional ability. A major fear expressed in this discussion is the continued decline in independence and the prospect of becoming increasingly reliant on loved ones and other care providers. There is a hope that recognition of these fears will lead to their own personal inclusion in the decision-making process and that their involvement will lay appropriate plans across a range of areas to help minimize the negative consequences of disease progression.

In particular, a major fear was expressed about the impact on their ability to continue driving. Viewed as a proxy for overall independence, there is a hope to remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible. They propose and seek solutions that will enable them to meet this need over time, and in a manner that preserves their safety.

Desire to Stay Involved and Make a Difference

Perhaps above all else, people in the early stage of Alzheimer‟s demand to be heard and fight to remain engaged as contributing members of their community. They wish to be included in everyday activities and remain social. They hope to have the opportunity to take advantage of the abilities they retain to make a difference by raising awareness among the public and advocating for change. Whether in their local community or with federal policy makers, they hope to tell their story and in doing so, put a “real face” on this disease.

If they are enabled to continue participating in the activities they have always enjoyed then the current practice of dwelling on their condition and treating them as a disease will be assuaged. In their hearts, people with early-stage Alzheimer‟s want to enjoy life and they demand that those without the disease assist them in achieving their pursuit of happiness to the extent possible.

Conclusion
It is well known that Alzheimer‟s disease is complicated and ultimately devastating to those who live with the disease. As it gradually progresses, it impacts not just the individuals affected, but also their families and friends. Further, today Alzheimer‟s disease remains fatal. But, the late manifestation of the disease no longer represents the whole picture of how people with Alzheimer‟s are affected.

This report brings a much needed perspective that highlights the
experience of those that have not yet progressed to the point of requiring comprehensive care services. Rather, they retain many of their capabilities, seek to remain as independent as possible and contribute to the world around them. People in the early stage of dementia seek to partner with others to express themselves and to remain the people they have always been, despite their condition.

A first step to better understand the unique needs of people with early-stage dementia has been taken through this nationwide discussion of Alzheimer‟s by people with Alzheimer‟s. Going forward, there is a shared responsibility -- for people with or without the disease -- to preserve humanity and work toward a world that welcomes the contributions of people living with Alzheimer‟s disease.

More
Early-stage Alzheimer's patients 'don't want to be stigmatized'

Read More about Alzheimer's Disease

Living Alzheimer's From the Front Row

It is Difficult to Catch the Early Signs of Alzheimer's

A Simple Three Minute Test Can Detect the Earliest Stage of Alzheimer's disease

The Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems

Valsartan May Offset Alzheimer's Complication (Blood Pressure Drug)

The drug, valsartan (Diovan), is widely prescribed to treat high blood pressure in elderly patients and was identified as being effective in preventing the build-up of beta-amyloid in the brain.

About Diovan

The measurement of everyday cognition (Everyday Cognition Questionnaire)

The global factor and everyday memory domain could differentiate normal from mild cognitive impairment, the global factor and the everyday language domain could differentiate dementia from mild cognitive impairment.

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

This looks like a very useful tool.

"Results suggest the Everyday Cognition [questionnaire] shows promise as a useful tool for the measurement of general and domain-specific everyday functions in the elderly"

Small Behavioral Changes Could be an Early Sign of Alzheimer's (Dementia)

Looking back, there is little doubt in my mind that if I had had the proper education or information I would have realized my mother was suffering from dementia sooner. Most people like me tend to ignore the symptoms at first believing they are simply signs of "old age". Anyone who ends up in my shoes knows and understands that a person in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s can function with some normality--even drive a car. It is not until they deteriorate or until some "event" takes place that we wake up to reality.

The basic underlying premise of the article is that behavior changes slowly in the elderly and if they begin to suffer cognitive impairment it will be evidenced in behavioral changes. Sometimes these changes can be quite subtle but if detected could raise a “red flag”.

If my mother had been enrolled in any of these studies I feel certain she would have been diagnosed with dementia sooner. This would have allowed me to get her in an exercise program, get her proper nutrition, and insure that she was taking her medicines as prescribed. I learned in the last five years how important these three factors are in the quality of her life.

The woman in the picture is my mother then 91 years old. She suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. I am her CareGiver.

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Alzheimer’s disease--Drexel Med Podcast

"Alzheimer’s is a very common problem with an estimated five million Americans currently affected, a number that’s expected to triple in the next 30-40 years," said Lippa. "The good news is that this is a very exciting time in terms of research. I believe in a few years we’ll have some really meaningful ways of preventing or stabilizing the disease.”

During the interview, Dr. Lippa offers tips to keep your mind healthy, and discusses whether supplements and over-the-counter “memory boosters” are effective. She also provides helpful information for caregivers.

Listen to the Drexel Med Podcast


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Understanding Clinical Trials

I found this useful information about Clinical Trials on the Duke Health web site.

Understanding Clinical Trials

The Clinical Trial Process

Frequently Asked Questions about Clinical Trials

To find a clinical trial go to Clinical Trials.gov. Try searching keywords Alzheimer's or Dementia.

Advice and Insight into Alzheimer's disease
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Original content Bob DeMarco, Alzheimer's Reading Room

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Alzheimer's, Thyroid and Hypothyroidism

I wish I could shout this from the mountain top: when Alzheimer's or dementia present, get the thyroid checked.

Dotty

About a year ago, I read an article on hypothyroidism and posted it to this blog. The article described the symptoms of hypothyroidism and how it is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in women only.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism include: forgetfulness, weight gain, depression, dry skin, and fatigue. All of these were present in my mother. As a result, I asked our personal physician to check my mother's thyroid.

Managing and Controlling CareGiver Stress

One of the biggest problems faced by caregivers is depression. As a result, caregivers should take care to insure that they remain healthy and on mission. Over the years I have referred to this list of mine many times. It helps to put me in focus and remind me that I need to take care of myself. Please feel free to email this to others.

• Don’t take on more responsibility than you can handle. Learn to ask for help when you need it. Consider putting together a team of friends and relatives to share the burden. Don't go it alone.
  

• You need to find ways to relax and reduce stress. Consider trying: meditation, visualizing comforting or pleasant scenes, listening to music, reading, or playing games on a computer.

• Learn to make lists so you can get to the more important tasks first. Focus on one thing at a time. If you start to feel overwhelmed learn how to pass off tasks to others when they ask, "how can I help". Remember to compliment, or even congratulate, yourself when you accomplish an important task.

• Pay close attention to your own health. Eating nutritious meals and exercising is a must. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Take care of yourself.

• You need to carve out time to do things that you enjoy. This is not only necessary for your own well-being, it will make you more effective in your caregiving effort.

• You need family, friends and loved one's you can talk to about your frustrations and successes. You need to let it come out. Learn to identify people that will willingly listen. And, I mean LISTEN.

• One of the most difficult things to do is to get educated. You can never know enough about your loved one's condition. You never know when you are going to learn something that can make a big difference. Information is empowering and brings with it the feeling that you are taking control; rather then, being controlled by an illness or the situation. Learning something new that improves your caregiving is very rewarding and empowering.

• Join a support group. In a good support group you will learn valuable lessons, get new ideas, and tips that can really make a difference. In a good support group you get to "vent" with real people that understand where you are "coming from". Most importantly, in a good support group you will learn over and over "you are not alone".

• Make sure you see your own doctor. Watch out for feelings of stress. Talk to your doctor about stress and stress reduction methods.

• Search your community for resources that are available to you. Is their a good senior center available? If so, schedule an appointment to talk with them. If you have never heard of this dial 2-1-1. If this service is available in your area they have groups of trained professionals that can get you direct to the resources you need. It's free.


• Don't hesitate to contact your local university wellness center. You might be surprised to learn that most Universities are a wealth of information and services. They might be conducting research or studies that could be beneficial to you.

Please consider subscribing to our mailing list or adding The Alzheimer's Reading Room to your feed Reader.

It makes it a lot easier for me to write articles like the one you just read or supply important information when I know people want the information.

Researchers link cocoa flavanols to improved brain blood flow

I am always looking for alternatives that might help my mother who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Today, I read about how cocoa flavanols improve blood flow to the brain. I intend to try this and see if there are any identifiable benefits....

In a scientific study of healthy, older adults ages 59 to 83, Harvard medical scientists found that study participants who regularly drank a cocoa flavanol-rich beverage made using the Mars, Incorporated Cocoapro® process had an eight percent increase in brain blood flow after one week, and 10 percent increase after two weeks.

Cognitive Score Changes Over Time May Hint at Dementia

New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that early changes in a person's performance on cognitive tests may be associated with dementia. I believe this is really important and exciting research. I know from the experience of my mother, and many others that I have met, that the earlier the diagnosis the better chance for a more positive outcome.

"The investigators found that relatively brief measures of memory and executive function reassessed annually would allow physicians to predict of dementia before the patient scores in the clearly impaired range," said Dr. Gary Kennedy, director of the division of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

Here are some more findings from the study.

The researchers developed a model to assess "within-person" variability on commonly used neuropsychological tests that compensated for sex, education, medical illness, and performance on each individual test. The model was then used to evaluate 897 people older than 70 between October 1993 and December 2007. Baseline testing was done, and then the participants had follow-up exams every 12 to 18 months.

During the follow-up, 61 cases of dementia were identified.

The researchers found that when they controlled for sex, education and medical illness, each one-point difference in the variability scores increased the risk of dementia by nearly four times. If they also factored in adjustments for scores on individual tests, the risk was still more than doubled for each one point difference in the variability model.

"The investigators found that relatively brief measures of memory and executive function reassessed annually would allow physicians to predict of dementia before the patient scores in the clearly impaired range," said Dr. Gary Kennedy, director of the division of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

"This study brings us one step closer to a simple, safe and reliable test of dementia risk," added Kennedy. And, that's important, he said, because once medications are developed to treat dementia, you have to be able to correctly identify who needs the treatment.

Does rember stop Alzheimer's?

The video contains an interview with Professor Claude Wischik, Chairman of TauRx Therapeutics. It is a good explanation of the drug rember, its targets, future development and the upcoming Phase 3 trial. Rember is being touted as a major breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

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A major breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease was revealed by scientists at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2008). Their pioneering research points to a new treatment that appears to slow the progress of the disorder by 81% over a year, and could offer hope to millions worldwide. The product - remberTM - is the first drug to act on the tangles associated with alzheimer's, dementia and other memory disorders.

TauRx Therapeutics is developing a novel treatment based on an entirely new approach which targets the tangles, aggregates of abnormal fibres of tau protein forming inside nerve cells in the brain. These aggregates first destroy nerve cells critical for memory and then destroy neurons in other parts of the brain as the disease progresses.

Patients receiving the study treatment experienced an 81% reduction in cognitive decline over one year, and did not experience a significant decline in their mental function over 19 months. The TauRx brain imaging data also showed that the drug had its biggest effect in the memory critical parts of the brain where the tangle density is highest.

Professor Claude Wischik, Chairman of TauRx Therapeutics and Professor of Psychiatric Geratology and Old Age Psychiatry at the University of Aberdeen's Institute of Medical Sciences, who led the research, said: "This is an unprecedented result in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. We have demonstrated for the first time that it may possible to arrest the progression of this disease by targeting the tangles which are highly correlated with the disease."

"This is the most significant development in the treatment of the tangles since Alois Alzheimer discovered them in 1907."

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Bob DeMarco is the editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one website on the Internet for news, advice, and insight into Alzheimer's disease. Bob has written more than 800 articles with more than 18,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.

Original content Bob DeMarco, Alzheimer's Reading Room

Novelist Terry Pratchett angry with NHS for failing to provide Aricept for Alzheimer's patients

Bestselling author, Terry Pratchett, who suffers from posterior cortical atrophy --a rare form of Alzheimer's-- is questioning why he and other sufferers of Alzheimer's are being denied free access to the drug Aricept in the UK.

Pratchett a millionaire who can afford the drug is speaking up on behalf of those that cannot (about 400,000 are being denied). He points to a flawed system that provides Viagra on the NHS while rejecting Aricept.

"My wife and PA both noticed real changes in me after two or three months on it. I used to fumble with buttons and needed help with seat belts. Now, I get dressed normally and seat belts slide in first time. Mentally, it's the difference between a sunny day and an overcast day. Ye Gods, that's worth it!"

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence in the UK, which advises the National Health Service (NHS), ruled that Aricept, along with Reminyl and Exelon, should be prescribed only to those with more severe forms of Alzheimer's. Aricept cost about $5 a day in the UK.

Prachett says that he derived great benefit from Aricept within two or three months of taking the drug.

"My wife and PA both noticed real changes in me after two or three months on it. I used to fumble with buttons and needed help with seatbelts. Now, I get dressed normally and seatbelts slide in first time. Mentally, it's the difference between a sunny day and an overcast day. Ye Gods, that's worth it!"

Questioning how the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence rules on the cost effectiveness of drugs, he said: 'I would very much like to know the basis on which these decisions are made because some of them don't seem to make very much sense.

More on this story

Terry Pratchett's anger over the life-changing Alzheimer's drug not available on the NHS

Terry Pratchett launches attack on NHS

Bob DeMarco is an Alzheimer's caregiver and editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room. The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one website on the Internet for advice and insight into Alzheimer's disease. Bob taught at the University of Georgia, was an executive at Bear Stearns, the CEO of IP Group, and is a mentor. He has written more than 700 articles with more than 18,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.

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rember and TauRx Therapeutics

I am getting emails asking me about rember. People want to know more about the drug and the phase 3 clinical trial. They are also asking how they can contact the company direct.

To learn more about the drug and get answers to your question use this link:

What is Rember?


To contact the company use this link:

TauRx Therapeutics Ltd & University of Aberdeen - New treatment halts progress of Alzheimer's disease

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Bob DeMarco is the editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one website on the Internet for news, advice, and insight into Alzheimer's disease. Bob has written more than 800 articles with more than 18,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.

Original content Bob DeMarco, Alzheimer's Reading Room

Signs of Alzheimer's disease may be present decades before diagnosis

This is the kind of research that could make a big difference in the search for causes and therapies for Alzheimer's. It is clear that the sooner the disease is diagnosed the better the chances of slowing the progression--that is where we are today. In the not so distant future as therapies evolve to slow the progression of disease early diagnosis will become even more important.

Adult head size can be used to estimate the size of the fully-developed brain. Previous studies have found that clinical expression of Alzheimer’s disease is related to head size, with people having smaller heads more likely to show the characteristic symptoms of this illness. Larger brains provide reserve against Alzheimer’s, allowing people to function normally despite having considerable Alzheimer pathology in their brains.

Safety and Efficacy Study of ABT-089 in Adults With Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Using a Bayesian Adaptive Design to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of ABT-089 in Subjects With Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease on Stable Doses of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

The purpose of this study is to test if the investigational medication ABT-089 is a safe and effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

Phase II, currently recruiting.

Contacts
Contact: Betty Prine 847-937-6928 betty.prine@abbott.com

Locations
United States, Arizona
Recruiting
Sun City, Arizona, United States, 85351
Recruiting
Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85006
United States, California
Recruiting
Santa Ana, California, United States, 92705
Recruiting
San Diego, California, United States, 92108
Recruiting
Santa Monica, California, United States, 90404
Recruiting
Fresno, California, United States, 93720
Recruiting
Chino, California, United States, 91710
Recruiting
Los Angeles, California, United States, 90036
United States, Connecticut
Recruiting
Hamden, Connecticut, United States, 06518
Recruiting
New Haven, Connecticut, United States, 06510
United States, Florida
Withdrawn
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States, 33701
Recruiting
West Palm Beach, Florida, United States, 33409
Recruiting
Miami, Florida, United States, 33180
Recruiting
Brooksville, Florida, United States, 34613
Recruiting
Tampa, Florida, United States, 33613
Recruiting
Hallendale, Florida, United States, 33009
Recruiting
Fort Myers, Florida, United States, 33901
Recruiting
West Palm Beach, Florida, United States, 33407
Recruiting
Largo, Florida, United States, 33770
Recruiting
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States, 33418
United States, Massachusetts
Recruiting
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States, 01201
United States, Michigan
Recruiting
Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States, 49503
United States, New Jersey
Recruiting
Princeton, New Jersey, United States, 08540
Recruiting
Nutley, New Jersey, United States, 07110
Recruiting
Long Branch, New Jersey, United States, 07740
United States, New York
Recruiting
Staten Island, New York, United States, 10312
Withdrawn
Albany, New York, United States, 12205
Recruiting
New York, New York, United States, 10021
United States, North Carolina
Recruiting
Hickory, North Carolina, United States, 28601
United States, Ohio
Recruiting
Cleveland, Ohio, United States, 44106
United States, Pennsylvania
Recruiting
Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, United States, 19046
United States, Tennessee
Withdrawn
Memphis, Tennessee, United States, 38105
United States, Texas
Recruiting
San Antonio, Texas, United States, 78229
Recruiting
Wichita Falls, Texas, United States, 76309
United States, Vermont
Recruiting
Bennington, Vermont, United States, 05201
Withdrawn
Bennington, Vermont, United States, 05201

Sponsors and Collaborators
Abbott

Investigators
Study Director: Robert A Lenz, MD, PhD Abbott

Publications Alzheimer's and Caregiving--Free Online

clipped from www.niapublications.org Acute Hospitalization and Alzheimer's Disease AD: A Caregiver and Patient Resource List Caregiver Guide: Tips for AD Caregivers Caregiving Basics: A Resource List

Tell the next U.S. President to make Alzheimer's a priority

I received this email from the Alzheimer's Association. They are asking for our help with the next President. Please consider signing.

On January 20, 2009 - just a little more than five months from now - a new President of the United States will take office.

No matter who you want to win the election, as supporters of the Alzheimer's Association, there is one thing on which we all agree: the next president must make the United States the world leader in Alzheimer care and research!

That's why, as part of our advocacy and awareness initiatives for World Alzheimer's Day, we're asking caring and compassionate individuals like you to sign the Alzheimer's Association Proclamation to the next President! Make your voice heard in support of more Alzheimer care and research!

We need at least 50,000 signatures to be delivered to the new president in January!

Inauguration Day may seem far away, but we don't have any time to waste. We need to build a constituency to gather 50,000 signatures and impress the new president!

Please sign the Proclamation to the Next President now.

Then forward this email to at least five friends…
That's only one friend for each of the estimated five million Americans currently living with Alzheimer's disease!

Thank you for lending your support and making your voice heard!

Sincerely,
Angela Geiger
Vice President

Sign the Alzheimer's Association Proclamation to the next President!
SIGN NOW

Rapid Improvement Etanercept in Action

I finally found a website that has a great demonstration of Etanercept in action. The site is called Medscape. It does require a registration. However, the process is easy and it is free.

The page you will be visiting is easy to view and the videos are short and clear. The page also contains the Case Study. The case study is very interesting. Linked pages contain detailed scientific information if that is of interest to you.

Patient with primary progressive aphasia before and 30 minutes after receiving perispinal etanercept

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This is the highest quality presentation I have seen on Etanercept. To make it simple to view I am including the links to Medscape Today. If you click the Video 1 or Video 2 link you can get directly to the video that shows Etanercept in action.

Perispinal Etanercept Produces Rapid Improvement in Primary Progressive Aphasia: Identification of a Novel, Rapidly Reversible TNF-Mediated Pathophysiologic Mechanism

You may need to register for the site to get in. However, the registration is free and easy. The quality of the presentation is well worth the effort.


If you would prefer to skip the highly technical part of the research you can go directly to the Case Study Page. On this page you can view two high quality video presentations.

Video 1. Patient with primary progressive aphasia before and 30 minutes after receiving perispinal etanercept.

Video 2. 1-month follow-up with patient and her daughter, following the patient's third dose of perispinal etanercept.

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"I Remember Better When I Paint"

Bob DeMarco is the editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,200 articles with more than 9,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.

Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room

FMRI-SAM and Alzheimer's Disease

The aim of the protocol is to study the resting brain activation profile of 3 groups of persons, using a new fMRI procedure, so called fMRI-SAM. fMRI-SAM will be applied to 25 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, 25 patients suffering from amnesic-MCI (a clinical picture which may be a prodromal form of AD) and 60 healthy controls.A first analysis of the data will search differences of brain activation profile between the 3 groups. In a second step we will study the predictive value of fMRI-SAM to detect MCI patients who will later convert to Alzheimer's Disease.

FMRI-SAM and Alzheimer's Disease

This study had been suspended.

Memantine and Comprehensive, Individualized Management of Alzheimer's Patients and Caregiver Training

Phase IV clinical trial, Alzheimer's Disease,
Behavioral: Caregiver Training Home visits: exercising, doing activities
Drug: memantine

Presently some 4.5 million people are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease in the United States. At present pharmacologic treatment, although beneficial, is not curative. Certain nonpharmacologic treatments have assisted caregivers of AD patients by reducing their stress and burden, and others have aided patients, by improving their mood and physical functioning. Comprehensive, individualized approaches to improving Alzheimer's patients' symptomatology and caregiver stress and burden have not been systematically investigated in Alzheimer's patient care. This study seeks to train and counsel caregivers as well as develop an individualized, comprehensive management program that will seek to enhance the functioning of each patient participant.

Memantine and Comprehensive, Individualized Management of Alzheimer's Patients and Caregiver Training

Eligibility
Ages Eligible for Study: 50 Years and older
Genders Eligible for Study: Both
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients, 50 years of age or greater, residing in the community
* Presence of a family and/or professional caregiver willing and able to participate in all aspects of this study
* A diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) and NINCDS-ADRDA (McKhann,et al., Neurology,1984;34: 939-944) criteria
* A CT or MRI brain scan and medical work up compatible with the DSM-IV and NINCDS-ADRDA diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease
* Mini-Mental State Examination scores of 3-14
* Global Deterioration Scale stages of 5 or 6
* A stage of 6a or greater on the Functional Assessment Staging instrument signifying the presence of dementia deficits in the ability to perform one or more basic activities of daily living

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-English speaking patients and/or caregivers
* Subjects with a diagnosis of dementia due to conditions other than Alzheimer's disease.
* Subjects with a diagnosis of vascular dementia or a score greater than 4 on the modified Hachinski Ischemic Rating scale
* Patients with a major depressive disorder
* Patients with clinically significant laboratory abnormalities
* Patients receiving investigational pharmacologic agents

Contacts and Locations

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00120874

Contacts
Contact: Sunnie Kenowsky, D.V.M. 212-263-7164 sunnie.kenowsky@med.nyu.edu
Contact: Thet Oo, M.D. 212-263-8088 thet.oo@med.nyu.edu

Locations
United States, New York
Fisher Alzheimer's Program, New York University School of Medicine Recruiting
New York, New York, United States, 10016
Contact: Sunnie Kenowsky, D.V.M. 212-263-7164 sunnie.kenowsky@med.nyu.edu
Contact: Thet Oo, M.D. 212-263-8088 thet.oo@med.nyu.edu

Sponsors and Collaborators
New York University School of Medicine
Forest Laboratories
Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation

Investigators
Principal Investigator: Barry Reisberg, M.D. New York University School of Medicine
Study Director: Sunnie Kenowsky, D.V.M. New York University School of Medicine
More Information

Publications:
Reisberg B, Kenowsky S, Franssen EH, Auer SR, Souren LE. Towards a science of Alzheimer's disease management: a model based upon current knowledge of retrogenesis. Int Psychogeriatr. 1999 Mar;11(1):7-23.

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Predicting Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease

“Analyzing changes in these CSF biomarker levels in people with mild cognitive impairment can detect the conversion to Alzheimer’s disease, especially when used in conjunction with neuroimaging and psychological tests,” said Dr. Shaw. “By defining significant differences in biomarkers, we are able to accelerate our drug development efforts to look for compounds that modify these discrepancies and may treat Alzheimer’s disease.”

Dr. Leslie Shaw, Professor of Pathology and Lab Medicine and Director of the Penn ADNI Biomarker Core Laboratory, and colleagues found they could predict when patients with mild cognitive impairment may convert to Alzheimer’s disease by measuring significant cellular signatures.

Researchers determined benchmark concentration levels of certain biological indicators in three populations: elderly who were cognitively normal, mildly cognitively impaired and had Alzheimer’s disease. Examining cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from more than 50 study sites, they determined baseline levels of three proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease (total tau, P-Tau181P, and ß-Amyloid1-42). What they found were significant differences in the level of these biomarker concentrations between groups.

“Analyzing changes in these CSF biomarker levels in people with mild cognitive impairment can detect the conversion to Alzheimer’s disease, especially when used in conjunction with neuroimaging and psychological tests,” said Dr. Shaw. “By defining significant differences in biomarkers, we are able to accelerate our drug development efforts to look for compounds that modify these discrepancies and may treat Alzheimer’s disease.”

Dr. Davatzikos’ study used MRI images from participants in two long term studies – the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) – and was funded by the National Institute on Aging and the Institute for the Study of Aging. Data collection and collaboration for Dr. Shaw’s project was funded by the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative through a grant from the National Institutes of Health.

For Additional Information Contact: Kim Guenther at 215-662-6183.

Detecting Alzheimer’s Disease Earlier

Researchers Identify Promising Indicators and Targets for Drug Development

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a technique to detect the progression of Alzheimer’s disease earlier. By catching Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms are apparent, physicians can prescribe treatments to slow down the disease progression.

“With the development of this technique, we hope clinicians will be able to detect structural brain changes that are typical of Alzheimer’s disease earlier, before individuals present cognitive decline, by measuring levels of brain deterioration,” said Dr. Davatzikos. “We plan to integrate MRI with other biomarkers and especially with imaging of amyloid plaques, the protein deposits in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.”

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Results of the study demonstrated:

* Significant brain deterioration was evident a number of individuals who had no apparent symptoms when compared to cognitively healthy elderly.
* An increase of changes or abnormalities in brain structure was accompanied by a decrease in cognitive performance.
* There was an increase in Alzheimer’s-like brain deterioration as people aged.

Bob DeMarco is a citizen journalist and Caregiver. In addition to being an experienced writer he taught at the University of Georgia , was an Associate Director and Limited Partner at Bear Stearns, the CEO of IP Group, and a mentor. Bob currently resides in Delray Beach, FL where he cares for his mother, Dorothy, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

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GAMMAGARD Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IGIV) in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Reading Room

Results of 9-Month Phase II Study

The nine-month results show significantly better global outcomes, cognitive performance and daily functioning in patients treated with IGIV compared to initially placebo-treated patients.

The latest results of the Phase II trial re-affirm the decision, initially announced in August 2007, to move to a Phase III study evaluating the role of Gammagard LIQUID for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease with a nine-month primary outcome endpoint. The decision to move to Phase III was based on the results of two completed open-label clinical studies and the preliminary six-month interim analysis of the Phase II trial.

This study was supported by Baxter Healthcare, the Citigroup Foundation and The Clinical Translational Science Center (CTSC) of Weill Cornell Medical College.

Westchester County's Project Lifesaver --NY suburb gives GPS to Alzheimer's patients

Here is a program that I am happy to see. About 60 percent of those suffering from Alzheimer's wander. And now, this county is doing something about it by offering the bracelets free to local seniors with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia at the start of the program.

I cannot imagine the fear that is felt when a loved one suddenly disappears. I know its easy to blame but I know from my own experience with my mother you just can't be there every second of every day. No matter how hard you try.

Some of my mother's friends who use to take her places now won't do it because they are afraid she will fall or wander away. I don't blame them. It is a big responsibility to take on an Alzheimer's patient.

Also see:
Alzheimer's: Understand and control wandering
Do you have the Silver Alert Program in your state? Probably not.

NY suburb gives GPS to Alzheimer's patients

A county in New York's northern suburbs has a new program that will issue global positioning system tracking bracelets to Alzheimer's disease patients with a history of wandering.

Westchester County's Project Lifesaver will help police locate those who have wandered using a radio signal transmitted from the GPS bracelets. The county is offering the bracelets free to 100 local seniors with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia at the start of the program.

County Executive Andy Spano says the program gives caregivers some much needed peace of mind. He spoke on Tuesday as local police found a 93-year-old Scarsdale man with Alzheimer's disease reported missing on Saturday.

The Alzheimer's Association says about 60 percent of Alzheimer's patients wander.