Health Buzz: Alzheimer's Documentary and Other Health News

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With the enormous unmet medical need of AD which the HBO Special so well documents, it is essential that the Alzheimer research community broaden its focus.
In addition to the well known avenues of research over the past decade targeting the amyloid plaque hypothesis as causative to AD, there are other potential therapeutic targets, including the approach of attacking the intermediate brain mechanisms which amyloid induces.
One such mechanism is the way in which memory impairment occurs in AD.
Researchers from the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience (Dublin) have shown that this amyloid-induced memory impairment is mediated by a molecule called TNF; a molecule which had been previously demonstrated to be severely elevated in the AD brain fluid by researchers in Sweden.
An important role of TNF in AD is now supported by research from around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Sweden and the U.S.
Initial clinical results, not mentioned in the HBO Special, are especially promising.
Please see http://vimeo.com/3886029 from our researchers in California.
Only with an intensive consideration of all the clues which cutting-edge science provides can we hope to make progress in conquering this devastating disease.

David of CA 6:45PM May 11, 2009

The HBO special was great, and it showed why clinical studies are so important. Current Alzheimer's therapies treat the symptoms associated with the disease, not the disease itself. There is a new study that explores if Bapineuzumab (Bapi), an investigational drug mentioned in the HBO special, can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s can visit www.icarastudy.com to see if they might be eligible to enroll.

Tracy@ICARAstudy of CA 4:34PM May 08, 2009

As a part of "THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT" and the leading source of information and support for people touched by this disease, the Alzheimer's Association appreciates your help in shedding light on Alzheimer's. The Association and its 77 local chapters nationwide are available with information, including risk factors, diagnosis and treatment, and services such as support groups. Visit us at http://www.alz.org for more information on the disease, HBO documentary or to find local services in your area.

ActionALZ of IL 2:33PM May 08, 2009