New development in Alzheimer's research

( we give up trying new things )

PleaseHelpSupport Alzheimer's Research Today!
Your Alzheimer's donation will help billionslive without it. Donate online now

Dementias are upon us. The greying of our society is resulting in an increase of those with various dementias because the most significant cause of the condition is growing older. Presently, there are about half a million people in Canada with dementia, and that number is due to increase. One in 11 Canadians over the age of 65 have dementia. Over the next 20 years, it is estimated that the number of those with dementias in North America will increase about 60 per cent.

Statistics have just been released in a major report commissioned by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) which is a non-profit located in London, England. For the first time, this report indicates that the numbers of those with dementias are increasing significantly in developed countries, but that an even larger increase in these numbers will come from those in less-developed countries.

There has been a tendency to under-report numbers in the low and middle income countries because there is a stigma associated with brain diseases in these countries. Extended families have been caring for their family members with dementia, but shame has prevented full reporting of the numbers of these patients.

It is now estimated that by 2050 there will be some 115 million people world-wide living with dementia. This number depends on the present situation continuing, that is that there will be no major improvements in either prevention or treatment by that date.

About 60 per cent of those with dementia have Alzheimer's Disease. Other dementias include Parkinson's Disease, and some smaller numbers who have vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, etc. Dementias are mainly a result of disease of the brain, but some can be caused by brain injury. Until recently, dementias were all lumped together as senile dementia, which was considered to be a normal part of ageing. It was assumed that nothing could be done about it.

There is still not a cure for dementia, and diagnosis remains difficult, but research in this area is increasing. One of the major recommendations of the ADI report is that research must be accelerated.

One interesting new development in Alzheimer's research is the realization, slowly being reinforced by experiments, that brain activity can be modified as we age. The brain does not of itself cease to learn new things or acquire new skills, we give up trying new things. In addition, exercising both our brains and our bodies may delay the onset of dementia or slow its development. There is even some indication that stimulating our brains with electrodes, or using certain drugs, may have positive results. This leads to the possibility that we may be able to upgrade our cognitive capacities through life.

Caregiving becomes essential for those with dementia. Generally, families are primary care givers. Research indicates that 30 per cent of those with mild dementia, 69 per cent of those with moderate dementia, and 88 per cent of those with severe dementia require care. At the moment, a majority of those in nursing homes are there because they have dementia.

Before institutionalization, however, the main caregiver usually bears the burden of looking after a loved one. In underdeveloped countries, extended families provide care, but the strain still falls, primarily, on one family member.

The effects on the caregiver have been researched. It is estimated that on average 7.4 hours of care per day is required for a dementia patient living at home. Caregivers have been found to be suffering from emotional stress and depression. However, they also report positive reactions because of caring for their loved ones. Companionship, fulfilment and good feelings have been mentioned in interviews. Other research has indicated that those providing care live longer than those who do not do so. It is conjectured that a sense of purpose that comes with giving care is helpful to the caregiver.

I think that enough progress is being made now in brain research that the huge figures projected for those with dementia 30 or 40 years from now will not occur. However, until we get major breakthroughs, we need understanding of this condition and we need good support for those providing care. ...http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com

Processed food could have role in depression

People reporting a high consumption of processed foods could be more likely to experience depression in middle age, says a new study that suggests food should play a greater role in preventing depressive disorders. ...http://www.nutraingredients.com

Беларусь ТВ

Posted YVN