CYBERMED LIFE - ORGANIC  & NATURAL LIVING

Dementia

  • "Muscle-Gut-Brain Axis": Can Physical Activity Help Patients with Alzheimer's Disease Due to Microbiome Modulation?

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    Abstract Title:

    "Muscle-Gut-Brain Axis": Can Physical Activity Help Patients with Alzheimer's Disease Due to Microbiome Modulation?

    Abstract Source:

    J Alzheimers Dis. 2019 Aug 24. Epub 2019 Aug 24. PMID: 31476155

    Abstract Author(s):

    Petr Schlegel, Michal Novotny, Blanka Klimova, Martin Valis

    Article Affiliation:

    Petr Schlegel

    Abstract:

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common forms of dementia, which cannot be cured at the moment. Therefore, researchers also look for the alternative approaches to its treatment. It is suggested that changes in human gut microbiome mediated by exercise could influence the development and progression of AD and a new term"muscle-gut-brain axis"is introduced. There is much evidence to support this assumption. The gut microbiology is closely related to a wide range of diseases of the nervous system and therefore any negative qualitative and quantitative changes in the composition of the gut microbiota can potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of AD. Research shows that the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis with probiotics/synbiotics/eubiotics can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of these chronic neurological diseases. Studies also point to the positive effects of movement on the health of seniors. A positive correlation can be found between cognitive functions and physical stress, both in the elderly and in AD patients. Even short-term interventions with a relatively low frequency seem to produce positive results, while physical activities can be performed by using relatively simple and cost-effective means. In addition, physical activity can significantly modulate gut microbiome. Thus, it can be concluded that physical activity in humans seems to correlate with gut microbiome, which can prevent the incidence and development of AD.

  • A Novel DSC Approach for Evaluating Protectant Drugs Efficacy against Dementia.

    Abstract Title:

    A Novel DSC Approach for Evaluating Protectant Drugs Efficacy against Dementia.

    Abstract Source:

    Biochim Biophys Acta. 2017 Aug 1. Epub 2017 Aug 1. PMID: 28778589

    Abstract Author(s):

    Silviya Abarova, Rumiana Koynova, Lyubka Tancheva, Boris Tenchov

    Article Affiliation:

    Silviya Abarova

    Abstract:

    Differential scanning calorimetry was applied to evaluate the efficacy of preventive treatments with biologically active compounds of plant origin against neurodegenerative disorder in mice. As we reported recently, large differences exist between the heat capacity profiles of water-soluble brain proteome fractions from healthy animals and from animals with scopolamine-induced dementia: the profiles for healthy animals displayed well expressed exothermic event peaking at 40-45°C, by few degrees above body temperature, but still preceding in temperature the proteome endothermic denaturational transitions; the low-temperature exotherm was completely abolished by the scopolamine treatment. Here we explored this signature difference in the heat capacity profiles to assess the efficacy of preventive treatments with protectant drugs anticipated to slow down or block progression of dementia (myrtenal, ellagic acid, lipoic acid and their combinations, including also ascorbic acid). We found that these neuroprotectants counteract the scopolamine effect and partially or completely preserve the 'healthy' thermogram, and specifically the low-temperature exotherm. These results well correlate with the changes in the cognitive functions of the animals assessed using the Step Through Test for learning and memory. The exothermic event is deemed to be associated with a reversible process of fibrillization and/or aggregation of specific water-soluble brain protein fractions preceding their denaturation. Most importantly, the results demonstrate that the effect of scopolamine and its prevention by protectant substances are clearly displayed in the heat capacity profilesof the brain proteome, thus identifying DSC as a powerful method in drug testing and discovery.

  • Acupuncture and Acupressure for Dementia Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms: A Scoping Review📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Acupuncture and Acupressure for Dementia Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms: A Scoping Review.

    Abstract Source:

    West J Nurs Res. 2019 Dec 5:193945919890552. Epub 2019 Dec 5. PMID: 31802723

    Abstract Author(s):

    Melissa L Harris, Marita G Titler, Laura M Struble

    Article Affiliation:

    Melissa L Harris

    Abstract:

    Due to the dangers associated with psychotropic medications, there is an urgent need for non-pharmacologic therapies to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Acupuncture and acupressure are safe and well-tolerated non-pharmacologic therapies for this population, but currently no review has explored acutherapy for management of distressing dementia symptoms. This review synthesizes research on acupuncture and acupressure for BPSD. Upon searching five databases, 15 studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Nine examined acupressure, six acupuncture, and eight were randomized controlled trials. The percent of studies demonstrating statistically significant improvements in symptoms were: activities of daily living (ADLs; 75%), agitation (100%), anxiety (67%), depression (100%), mood (100%), neuropsychological disturbances (67%), and sleep disturbances (100%). Variations in study design, intervention procedures, and outcomes limit interpretations about effectiveness. It is recommended that further research be done to examine the efficacy of these therapies and promote generalizability.

  • Acupuncture inhibits TXNIP-associated oxidative stress and inflammation to attenuate cognitive impairment in vascular dementia rats.

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    Abstract Title:

    Acupuncture inhibits TXNIP-associated oxidative stress and inflammation to attenuate cognitive impairment in vascular dementia rats.

    Abstract Source:

    CNS Neurosci Ther. 2017 Nov 6. Epub 2017 Nov 6. PMID: 29110407

    Abstract Author(s):

    Si-Qi Du, Xue-Rui Wang, Wen Zhu, Yang Ye, Jing-Wen Yang, Si-Ming Ma, Cai-Shuo Ji, Cun-Zhi Liu

    Article Affiliation:

    Si-Qi Du

    Abstract:

    AIMS:Oxidative stress and inflammation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia (VD). Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) plays a vital role in oxidative stress and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. There is evidence that acupuncture has an antioxidative and neuroprotective effect in VD. In this study, we investigated whether acupuncture can attenuate cognitive impairment via inhibiting TXNIP-associated oxidative stress and inflammation in VD rats.

    METHODS:Both common carotid arteries were occluded (2-vessel occlusion [2VO]) in rats to model VD. The neuroprotective effect of acupuncture was assessed by the Morris water maze and Nissl staining. Oxidative stress was assessed by detecting levels of reactive oxygen species, DNA oxidation, and antioxidase. Western blot, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β. A TXNIP siRNA intraventricular injection was applied to investigate whether acupuncture mimicked the effect of TXNIP inhibitor.

    RESULTS:Our findings demonstrated that VD rats treated with acupuncture had reduced hippocampal neuronal loss and oxidative stress. The upregulation of TXNIP, NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β induced by 2VO was also reversed by acupuncture. Furthermore, TXNIP siRNA had a similar effect as acupuncture on cognition, hippocampal neurons, and ROS production in VD rats.

    CONCLUSION:In conclusion, our study suggests that the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture in VD are mediated through reducing expression of TXNIP-associated oxidative stress and inflammation.

  • Aerobic Exercise Sustains Performance of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Early-Stage Alzheimer Disease.

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    Abstract Title:

    Aerobic Exercise Sustains Performance of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Early-Stage Alzheimer Disease.

    Abstract Source:

    J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2017 Dec 28. Epub 2017 Dec 28. PMID: 29286983

    Abstract Author(s):

    Eric D Vidoni, Jaime Perales, Mohammed Alshehri, Abdul-Mannaan Giles, Catherine F Siengsukon, Jeffrey M Burns

    Article Affiliation:

    Eric D Vidoni

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Individuals with Alzheimer disease (AD) experience progressive loss of independence-performing activities of daily living. Identifying interventions to support independence and reduce the economic and psychosocial burden of caregiving for individuals with AD is imperative. The purpose of this analysis was to examine functional disability and caregiver time in individuals with early-stage AD.

    METHODS:This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of 26 weeks of aerobic exercise (AEx) versus stretching and toning (ST). We measured functional dependence using the Disability Assessment for Dementia, informal caregiver time required using the Resources Utilization in Dementia Lite, and cognition using a standard cognitive battery.

    RESULTS:We saw a stable function in the AEx group compared with a significant decline in the ST group (4%; F = 4.2, P = .04). This was especially evident in more complex, instrumental activities of daily living, with individuals in the AEx group increasing 1% compared with an 8% loss in the ST group over 26 weeks (F = 8.3, P = .006). Change in memory was a significant predictor of declining instrumental activities of daily living performance (r = 0.28, 95% confidence interval = 0.08∞, P = .01). Informal caregiver time was not different between the AEx and ST groups.

    CONCLUSIONS:Our analysis extends recent work by revealing specific benefits for instrumental activities of daily living for individuals in the early stages of AD and supports the value of exercise for individuals with cognitive impairment.

  • Aluminum in Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disease. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Aluminum in Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disease.

    Abstract Source:

    Mol Neurobiol. 2019 Jan 31. Epub 2019 Jan 31. PMID: 30706368

    Abstract Author(s):

    Donald R C McLachlan, Catherine Bergeron, Peter N Alexandrov, William J Walsh, Aileen I Pogue, Maire E Percy, Theodore P A Kruck, Zhide Fang, Nathan M Sharfman, Vivian Jaber, Yuhai Zhao, Wenhong Li, Walter J Lukiw

    Article Affiliation:

    Donald R C McLachlan

    Abstract:

    With continuing cooperation from 18 domestic and international brain banks over the last 36 years, we have analyzed the aluminum content of the temporal lobe neocortex of 511 high-quality human female brain samples from 16 diverse neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, including 2 groups of age-matched controls. Temporal lobes (Brodmann areas A20-A22) were selected for analysis because of their availability and their central role in massive information-processing operations including efferent-signal integration, cognition, and memory formation. We used the analytical technique of (i) Zeeman-type electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ETAAS) combined with (ii) preliminary analysis from the advanced photon source (APS) hard X-ray beam (7 GeV) fluorescence raster-scanning (XRFR) spectroscopy device (undulator beam line 2-ID-E) at the Argonne National Laboratory, US Department of Energy, University of Chicago IL, USA. Neurological diseases examined were Alzheimer's disease (AD; N = 186), ataxia Friedreich's type (AFT; N = 6), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; N = 16), autism spectrum disorder (ASD; N = 26), dialysis dementia syndrome (DDS; N = 27), Down's syndrome (DS; trisomy, 21; N = 24), Huntington's chorea (HC; N = 15),multiple infarct dementia (MID; N = 19), multiple sclerosis (MS; N = 23), Parkinson's disease (PD; N = 27), and prion disease (PrD; N = 11) that included bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE;"mad cow disease"), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and Gerstmann-Straussler-Sheinker syndrome (GSS), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML; N = 11), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP; N = 24), schizophrenia (SCZ; N = 21), a young control group (YCG; N = 22; mean age, 10.2 ± 6.1 year), and an aged control group (ACG; N = 53; mean age, 71.4 ± 9.3 year). Using ETAAS, all measurements were performed in triplicate on each tissue sample. Among these 17 common neurological conditions, we found a statistically significant trend for aluminum to be increased only in AD, DS, and DDS compared to age- and gender-matched brains from the same anatomical region. This is the largest study of aluminum concentrationin the brains of human neurological and neurodegenerative disease ever undertaken. The results continue to suggest that aluminum's association with AD, DDS, and DS brain tissues may contribute to the neuropathology of those neurological diseases but appear not to be a significant factor in other common disorders of the human brain and/or CNS.

  • Alzheimer's drugs don't work, but keeping your heart healthy just might

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    Alzheimer's drugs don't work, but keeping your heart healthy just might image

    The only drug licensed to prevent Alzheimer's disease doesn't work. Instead, staying mentally stimulated, avoiding stress and keeping your cardiovascular system healthy are far more effective.

  • An endothelial link between the benefits of physical exercise in dementia.

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    Abstract Title:

    An endothelial link between the benefits of physical exercise in dementia.

    Abstract Source:

    J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2017 Jan 1:271678X17714655. Epub 2017 Jan 1. PMID: 28617071

    Abstract Author(s):

    Lianne J Trigiani, Edith Hamel

    Article Affiliation:

    Lianne J Trigiani

    Abstract:

    The current absence of a disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) highlights the necessity for investigating the benefits of non-pharmacological approaches such as physical exercise (PE). Although evidence exists to support an association between regular PE and higher scores on cognitive function tests, and a slower rate of cognitive decline, there is no clear consensus on the underlying molecular mechanisms of the advantages of PE. This review seeks to summarize the positive effects of PE in human and animal studies while highlighting the vascular link between these benefits. Lifestyle factors such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and sleep apnea will be addressed in relation to the risk they pose in developing AD and VCID, as will molecular factors known to have an impact on either the initiation or the progression of AD and/or VCID. This will include amyloid-beta clearance, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, and white matter integrity. Particularly, this review will address how engaging in PE can counter factors that contribute to disease pathogenesis, and how these alterations are linked to endothelial cell function.

  • Answers To The Most Important Questions About Alzheimer’s

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    by Winny Lee updated on May 15, 2018

    The effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is an ever growing concern for the aging, for caregivers of older parents, and for the medical profession. The disease causes pain and agony for the sufferer, and can be equally as distressing for those who see the loved one lose their memory and ability to function to this dreaded disease.

    The 5.5 million sufferers of Alzheimer’s, including 200,000 or more with early onset variety, are a growing segment which the medical and research community is increasingly tasked with serving.

    There are a number of questions and misconceptions related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,and you may be looking for answers to your most critical questions.

    We’re going to walk you through the how, what, and why of Alzheimer’s and dementia, Alzheimers symptoms, and Alzheimers stages, tests, and treatments.

  • Aromatherapy and Aromatic Plants for the Treatment of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: Clinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Aromatherapy and Aromatic Plants for the Treatment of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: Clinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms.

    Abstract Source:

    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017 ;2017:9416305. Epub 2017 Mar 30. PMID: 28465709

    Abstract Author(s):

    Damiana Scuteri, Luigi Antonio Morrone, Laura Rombolà, Pina Rosa Avato, Anna Rita Bilia, Maria Tiziana Corasaniti, Shinobu Sakurada, Tsukasa Sakurada, Giacinto Bagetta

    Article Affiliation:

    Damiana Scuteri

    Abstract:

    The treatment of agitation and aggression, typical Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSDs) of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), is one of the most complicated aspects of handling patients suffering from dementia. Currently, the management of these symptoms often associated with an increased pain perception, which notably reduces the patients' quality of life (QoL), relies on the employment of antipsychotic drugs. Unfortunately, the use of these pharmacological agents has some limits: in the long term, they do not result in being equally effective as in the first weeks of treatment and they present important side effects. Therefore, there is growing interest, supported by clinical evidence, in aromatherapy for the control of agitation, aggression, and psychotic symptoms. Some molecular mechanisms have been proposed to explain the behavioural effects of essential oils, as the whole phytocomplex or the single components, but important basic research effort is still needed. For this reason, rigorous preclinical studies are necessary in order to understand the pharmacological basis of aromatherapy in the treatment of BPSDs and to widen the cluster of effective essential oils in pharmacotherapeutic practice.

  • Art therapy for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

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    Abstract Title:

    Art therapy for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

    Abstract Source:

    J Alzheimers Dis. 2014 ;39(1):1-11. PMID: 24121964

    Abstract Author(s):

    Bree Chancellor, Angel Duncan, Anjan Chatterjee

    Article Affiliation:

    Bree Chancellor

    Abstract:

    Patients with dementias commonly experience neuropsychiatric symptoms that diminish their quality of life. Pharmacologic treatments for these symptoms are limited in their efficacy. In the absence of near-future prospects for a cure for degenerative dementias, treatments that improve neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life are needed. We explore the hypothesis that art therapy is useful in dementia by reviewing the extant literature. With appropriate structure, patients with dementia can produce and appreciate visual art. Case studies and several small trials suggest that art therapy engages attention, provides pleasure, and improves neuropsychiatric symptoms, social behavior, and self-esteem. Whether these benefits generalize beyond the studio remains unknown. We offer a theoretical framework that motivates the use of art therapy and propose that clinical enquiry to establish methods, assess efficacy, and define optimal conditions for the use of art therapy in Alzheimer's and other dementing disorders is timely.

  • Association between exercise and the risk of dementia: results from a nationwide longitudinal study in China📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Association between exercise and the risk of dementia: results from a nationwide longitudinal study in China.

    Abstract Source:

    BMJ Open. 2017 Dec 4 ;7(12):e017497. Epub 2017 Dec 4. PMID: 29208615

    Abstract Author(s):

    Zi Zhou, Jian Fu, Y Alicia Hong, Ping Wang, Ya Fang

    Article Affiliation:

    Zi Zhou

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:This study was conducted to examine the causal association between exercise and the risk of dementia among older Chinese adults.

    DESIGN:Longitudinal population-based study with a follow-up duration of 9 years.

    SETTING:Data for the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey waves occurring from 2002 to 2011-2012 were extracted from the survey database.

    PARTICIPANTS:In total, 7501 dementia-free subjects who were older than 65 years were included at baseline. Dementia was defined as a self-reported or proxy-reported physician's diagnosis of the disease.

    OUTCOME MEASURES AND METHODS:Regular exercise and potential confounding variables were obtained via a self-report questionnaire. We generated longitudinal logistic regression models based on time-lagged generalised estimating equation to examine the causal association between exercise and dementia risk.

    RESULTS:Of the 7501 older Chinese people included in this study, 338 developed dementia during the 9-year follow-up period after excluding those who were lost to follow-up or deceased. People who regularly exercised had lower odds of developing dementia (OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.85) than those who did not exercise regularly.

    CONCLUSION:Regular exercise was associated with decreased risk of dementia. Policy-makers should develop effective public health programmes and build exercise-friendly environments for the general public.

  • Association Between Exercise Capacity and Late Onset of Dementia, Alzheimer Disease, and Cognitive Impairment.

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    Abstract Title:

    Association Between Exercise Capacity and Late Onset of Dementia, Alzheimer Disease, and Cognitive Impairment.

    Abstract Source:

    Mayo Clin Proc. 2017 Feb ;92(2):211-217. Epub 2017 Jan 9. PMID: 28082018

    Abstract Author(s):

    Jan Müller, Khin Chan, Jonathan N Myers

    Article Affiliation:

    Jan Müller

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:To address the association between exercise capacity and the onset of dementia, Alzheimer disease, and cognitive impairment.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS:For 6104 consecutive veteran patients (mean± SD age: 59.2±11.4 years) referred for treadmill exercise testing, the combined end point of dementia, Alzheimer disease, and cognitive impairment was abstracted from the Veterans Affairs computerized patient record system.

    RESULTS:After mean± SD follow-up of 10.3±5.5 years, 353 patients (5.8%) developed the composite end point at a mean ± SD age of 76.7±10.3 years. After correction for confounders in multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, higher age at exercise testing (hazard ratio [HR]=1.08; 95% CI, 1.07-1.09; P<.001), current smoking (HR=1.44; 95% CI, 1.08-1.93; P=.01), and exercise capacity (HR=0.92; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96; P<.001) emerged as predictors of cognitive impairment. Each 1-metabolic equivalent increase in exercise capacity conferred a nearly 8% reduction in the incidence of cognitive impairment. Meeting the recommendations for daily activity was not associated with a delay in onset of cognitive impairment (HR=1.07; 95% CI, 0.86-1.32; P=.55).

    CONCLUSION:Exercise capacity is strongly associated with cognitive function; the inverse association between fitness and cognitive impairment provides an additional impetus for health care providers to promote physical activity.

  • Association between exercise habits and subcortical gray matter volumes in healthy elderly people: A population-based study in Japan📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Association between exercise habits and subcortical gray matter volumes in healthy elderly people: A population-based study in Japan.

    Abstract Source:

    eNeurologicalSci. 2017 Jun ;7:1-6. Epub 2017 Mar 6. PMID: 29260016

    Abstract Author(s):

    Mikie Yamamoto, Kenji Wada-Isoe, Fumio Yamashita, Satoko Nakashita, Masafumi Kishi, Kenichiro Tanaka, Mika Yamawaki, Kenji Nakashima

    Article Affiliation:

    Mikie Yamamoto

    Abstract:

    Background and aims:The relationship between exercise and subcortical gray matter volume is not well understood in the elderly population, although reports indicate that exercise may prevent cortical gray matter atrophy. To elucidate this association in the elderly, we measured subcortical gray matter volume and correlated this with volumes to exercise habits in a community-based cohort study in Japan.

    Methods:Subjects without mild cognitive impairment or dementia (n = 280, 35% male, mean age 73.1 ± 5.9 years) were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), an exercise habit questionnaire, and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Subcortical gray matter volume was compared between groups based on the presence/absence of exercise habits. The MMSE was re-administered 3 years after the baseline examination.

    Results:Ninety-one subjects (32.5%) reported exercise habits (exercise group), and 189 subjects (67.5%) reported no exercise habits (non-exercise group). Volumetric analysis revealed that the volumes in the exercise group were greater in the left hippocampus (p = 0.042) and bilateral nucleus accumbens (left, p = 0.047; right, p = 0.007) compared to those of the non-exercise group. Among the 195 subjects who received a follow-up MMSE examination, the normalized intra-cranial volumes of the left nucleus accumbens (p = 0.004) and right amygdala (p = 0.014)showed significant association with a decline in the follow-up MMSE score.

    Conclusion:Subjects with exercise habits show larger subcortical gray matter volumes than subjects without exercise habits in community-dwelling elderly subjects in Japan. Specifically, the volume of the nucleus accumbens correlates with both exercise habits and cognitive preservation.

  • Benefits of curcumin in brain disorders.

    Abstract Title:

    Benefits of curcumin in brain disorders.

    Abstract Source:

    Biofactors. 2019 Sep ;45(5):666-689. Epub 2019 Jun 11. PMID: 31185140

    Abstract Author(s):

    Abid Bhat, Arehally M Mahalakshmi, Bipul Ray, Sunanda Tuladhar, Tousif A Hediyal, Esther Manthiannem, Jagadeeswari Padamati, Ramesh Chandra, Saravana B Chidambaram, Meena K Sakharkar

    Article Affiliation:

    Abid Bhat

    Abstract:

    Curcumin is widely consumed in Asia either as turmeric directly or as one of the culinary ingredients in food recipes. The benefits of curcumin in different organ systems have been reported extensively in several neurological diseases and cancer. Curcumin has got its global recognition because of its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial activities. Additionally, it is used in diabetes and arthritis as well as in hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, there is growing attention on usage of curcumin to prevent or delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes available data from several recent studies on curcumin in various neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Prions disease, stroke, Down's syndrome, autism, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, anxiety, depression, and aging. Recent advancements toward increasing the therapeutic efficacy of curcuma/curcumin formulation and the novel delivery strategies employed to overcome its minimal bioavailability and toxicity studies have also been discussed. This review also summarizes the ongoing clinical trials on curcumin for different neurodegenerative diseases and patent details of curcuma/curcumin in India.

  • Bowel disease doubles risk of dementia

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    Bowel disease doubles risk of dementia There's a link between the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's, and dementia. Sufferers are at least twice as likely to develop the problem, new research suggests.

  • Breath Qigong Improves Recognition in Seniors With Vascular Cognitive Impairment.

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    Abstract Title:

    Breath Qigong Improves Recognition in Seniors With Vascular Cognitive Impairment.

    Abstract Source:

    Altern Ther Health Med. 2019 Jan ;25(1):20-26. PMID: 30982783

    Abstract Author(s):

    Yali Niu, Chunxiao Wan, Bo Zhou, Jing Zhang, Hui Ma, Yali Bo, Yong Zhang, Haijie Liu

    Article Affiliation:

    Yali Niu

    Abstract:

    CONTEXT:Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) or vascular dementia is widely considered to be the second-most-common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, accounting for 20% of cases. Little is known about the effectiveness of breath qigong for seniors suffering from VCI or dementia.

    OBJECTIVES:For seniors with VCI, the study aimed to compare the benefits of qigong practice, cognitive training, and qigong practice + cognitive training in improving cognitive function, memory, executive function, and daily problem-solving ability.

    DESIGN:The study was a randomized, controlled pilot study that used a prospective design with repeated measures.

    SETTING:The study took place at the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Tianjin, China).

    PARTICIPANTS:Participants were 93 patients with VCI at a clinic at the hospital.

    INTERVENTION:The participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) qigong practice, an intervention group; (2) cognitive training, a positive control group; or (3) a combination of qigong practice and cognitive training, an intervention group. Participants received the treatments for 3 mo.

    OUTCOME MEASURES:All outcome measures were undertaken at baseline and postintervention. The measures included (1) the Montreal cognitive assessment, (2) the Loewenstein occupational therapy cognitive assessment, and (3) the Barthel activities of daily living index.

    RESULTS:All 3 groups showed significant improvements in general cognitive function, memory, executive function, and daily problem-solving ability (P<.05).

    CONCLUSION:Qigong practice is an easy and convenient exercise performed at no cost and has the potential to improve the cognitive functions of older adults with mild VCI.

  • Can't remember? Try again later in the day

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    Can't remember? Try again later in the day image

    Forgetful? Well, that could depend on the time of day you're trying to recall something. Try again later in the day and you may remember the name that had slipped your memory.

  • Candida causes memory loss—and perhaps Alzheimer's too

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    Candida causes memory loss—and perhaps Alzheimer's too image

    Fungal infections such as Candida can cross the blood-brain barrier to cause temporary memory loss, researchers have found.

    Candida albicans is a yeast infection that causes inflammation in the brain and leads to mild and temporary memory problems. The yeast causes granuloma-type structures that are similar to plaques seen in Alzheimer's sufferers.

  • Cannabis for Symptom Management in Older Adults.

    Abstract Title:

    Cannabis for Symptom Management in Older Adults.

    Abstract Source:

    Med Clin North Am. 2020 May ;104(3):471-489. PMID: 32312410

    Abstract Author(s):

    Cari Levy, Emily Galenbeck, Kate Magid

    Article Affiliation:

    Cari Levy

    Abstract:

    The purpose of this article is to present evidence on the efficacy and safety of medical cannabis as a therapy for symptom management in palliative care. This article provides an overview of the evidence on the risks and benefits of using medical cannabis for the indications of chronic pain, cancer-related pain, cancer cachexia, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness and safety of cannabinoids for most reviewed indications, with the exception of chronic pain. Future research is required before palliative care clinicians can make evidence-based decisions on the integration of medical cannabis as adjunct therapies.

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