Alzheimer’s news from around the world
SWEDEN
Robert Preidt reports in HealthDay News on WebMD that Alzheimer’s drugs may benefit the heart. After studying more than 7,000 Alzheimer’s patients in Sweden for more than three years, researchers found those taking “cholinesterase inhibitors had a 38 percent lower risk of heart attack, a 26 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular causes such as stroke, and a 36 percent lower risk of death from any cause, compared to those who did not take the drugs.”
“Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil (brand name Aricept), galantamine (Razadyne, Reminyl) and rivastigmine (Exelon), are prescribed to help manage symptoms and slow disease progression in people with early- to moderate-stage disease.”
TCV: This is certainly worth greater study. Who knows, this could be one of those accidental discoveries like Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin.
SPAIN
According to [TCV Update 1/13/2022: Professor Sarasa passed away following a long illness] Professor Manuel Sarasa, founder of Araclon Biotech, he and his team have been perfecting blood tests to measure peptides in the blood that contribute to Alzheimer’s in Alzheimer’s Leaves Clues in Blood.
TCV: The research in blood testing is promising. However, beta amyloid research has produced inconsistent results leading to a resurgence of research focused on tau tangles’ role in Alzheimer’s disease.
INDIA
This short article by Dr Arjun Srivatsa in India [Updated link 7/7/2021], Alzheimer’s is no more an old-age condition [Updated link 7/7/2021] also highlights diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and treatment options.
USA
For more on young or early onset Alzheimer’s read The Caregiver’s Voice FEATURE about Michael Ellenbogen.
