We know frustratingly little about the causes of and risk factors for AD. Age is by far the biggest risk factor. The chances of getting Alzheimer’s doubles every 5 years after the age of 65.
Family history also seems to be a factor in the development of Alzheimer’s. Familial Alzheimer’s (FAS), a rare form of the disease that occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 60, is an inherited disease. However, this relationship doesn't seem to exist in the more common form of Alzheimer’s.
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE): This is a protein that helps carry cholesterol in the blood. The ApoE gene occurs in three different forms. One form actually protects a person from developing Alzheimer’s; another form seems to make a person more likely to develop the disease.
( Posted: Thursday , May 08, 2008 at 20:19 )
Pranab Hazra
Alzheimer may affect women differently.
Even though the likelihood for developing Alzheimer’s is nearly the same for men and women (though women are slightly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s), it affects more women because women have a longer life span. Therefore, there are more aged women, and thus more women with Alzheimer’s.
Estrogen For a long time, researchers believed that the female hormone estrogen could prevent Alzheimer’s in women. Many women have been taking hormone therapy after menopause for various reasons, one of which was to prevent Alzheimer’s. Evidence for a protective effect of hormones is contradictory, though. At this point, researchers believe that there is not enough evidence to warrant taking hormone therapy to prevent Alzheimer’s.
Women as caregivers Women are more often involved in caring for aging relatives with Alzheimer’s, a very difficult task. Not only do Alzheimer’s sufferers need a great deal of physical assistance, but those with severe Alzheimer’s may need assistance in every daily activity. Also, devoting your life to an Alzheimer’s patient can be emotionally devastating. Studies show that women who care for Alzheimer’s patients are at increased risk for depression and anxiety and twice as likely as other women to develop cardiovascular disease.
( Posted: Thursday , May 08, 2008 at 20:15 )
sidharth
This disease has indeed a cure; many have been cured already; all these diseased people have to do are to observe, understand and do simple pranayaams and exercises apart from diet controls; in all cities and towns such yoga centres exist; alternatively the patients can also benefit immensely by seeing the Baba Ramdev's pranaayaams and other simple exercises telecast daily on a few channels. Parkinsons diseases are also cured this way. The problem is anything that comes free is not readily believed or accepted by some patients.
( Posted: Thursday , May 08, 2008 at 16:15 )
Pranab Hazra
So far, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, although a great deal of research is being conducted to try to find one. There are, however, certain treatments that can slow the worsening symptoms. These treatments are most likely to be effective when the illness is diagnosed early.
After people are first diagnosed, they usually live with Alzheimer’s for between 8 and 10 years, although some people may live for as many as 20 years. The development of the disease varies from person to person, and it depends on the stage at which Alzheimer’s is diagnosed. Namenda® is a drug approved for use in people with moderate-to-severe forms of the disease. Some people in the early and middle stages may benefit from other drugs. The following drugs may help prevent some symptoms from worsening for a limited amount of time: Cognex®, Aricept®, Exelon®, and Razadyne®.
Certain medicines that are used to help reduce the risk of heart disease may also help prevent Alzheimer’s and slow its progression.
People with Alzheimer’s often have high levels of an amino acid called homocysteine in the blood. Since folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 help to reduce this amino acid, studies are now being conducted to see how these substances may be able to help slow rates of mental deterioration.
Vitamin E: Research has shown that increasing levels of vitamin E can help slow the progression of some consequences of Alzheimer”s disease. Vitamin E can be found in wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, hazelnuts, peanuts, spinach, broccoli, kiwis, mangoes, and other foods.
There are also certain medicines that may help control the behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, like sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, despression, and psychosis. By treating these symptoms, life may be easier for both patients and caregivers.
( Posted: Thursday , May 08, 2008 at 09:10 )
Sugeeth
I really feel sorry to say this, but it is sad to see such junky news being published by IBN live.com. "Skip your breakfast and your baby would be a girl"... does it make any sense? Utter rubbish. Please stop publishing such junk news that makes no sense at all.
( Posted: Tuesday , May 06, 2008 at 20:02 )
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