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Antidepressant use increases risk of head injuries among persons with Alzheimer's disease

Antidepressant use was associated with a higher risk of head injuries especially at the beginning of use -- during the first 30 days -, but the risk persisted even longer, up to two years. The association was also confirmed in a study design comparing time periods within the same person, thus eliminating selective factors. The association with traumatic brain injuries was not as clear as for head injuries, which may be due to a smaller number of these events in the study population. The use of other psychotropic drugs did not explain the observed associations. Head injuries are more common among older people than younger ones, and they are usually caused by falling. As antidepressant use has previously been associated with an increased risk of falling, the researchers were not surprised that the use of antidepressants also increased the risk of head injuries. "However, our findings give cause for concern because persons with Alzheimer's disease frequently use antidepre...

A personalized approach to Alzheimer's disease prevention

In a new study, published in the  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society , James E. Galvin, MD, MPH, Professor of Integrated Medical Science and Associate Dean for Clinical Research, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, examined potential AD prevention strategies. Dr. Galvin notes that just four medications have been approved to treat AD symptoms. A major effort is underway to develop new treatments for the disease by the year 2025, and researchers have launched several new studies. Another area of research interest focuses on AD prevention strategies. In studies of people with AD, researchers have discovered conditions that increase risk factors associated with the disease. When these conditions are combined, they account for more than 50 percent of the risk for AD. They include: Diabetes High blood pressure Kidney problems Alcohol and tobacco use High cholesterol Coronary heart disease Depression Low activity life style Diet ...

Brain scan study adds to evidence that lower brain serotonin levels are linked to dementia

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A mind exhibiting decreases of serotonin transporters (blue) in the entire delicate cognitive impairment group in comparison with the entire wholesome management group. Credit score: Gwenn Smith lab In a research taking a look at mind scans of individuals with delicate lack of thought and reminiscence capability, Johns Hopkins researchers report proof of decrease ranges of the serotonin transporter -- a pure mind chemical that regulates temper, sleep and urge for food. Earlier research from Johns Hopkins and different facilities have proven that individuals with Alzheimer's illness and extreme cognitive decline have extreme lack of serotonin neurons, however the research didn't present whether or not these reductions have been a trigger or impact of the illness. Outcomes of the brand new research of individuals with very early indicators of reminiscence decline, the researchers say, counsel that decrease serotonin transporters could also be drivers of the il...

Running rats remember better

Martin Wojtowicz and colleagues found that six-weeks of voluntary running, beginning at one month of age in rats, was sufficient to induce a long-term effect on learning and memory of a fear response that depends on newly generated neurons in the hippocampus in adulthood. They also found that the activity of the adult-born neurons was enhanced compared to those acquired during development and to those of rats housed in a standard cage without a running wheel. The findings are consistent with the idea of cognitive reserve, whereby the brain draws on enriching experiences from youth to compensate for functional declines as a result of age or disease. Early life interventions that increase physical activity may therefore help to build up this reserve, potentially delaying the onset of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. for more information visit our product website;     Buy Vidalista Professional Pills Online

Granulins are brain treasure, not trash

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Pink exhibits the place granulins are in cells, and inexperienced is LAMP1, a marker of lysosomes. Credit score: Chris Holler, Emory College College of Medication Emory College College of Medication researchers have developed instruments that allow them to detect small proteins known as granulins for the primary time inside cells. Granulins are of curiosity to neuroscientists as a result of mutations within the granulin gene trigger frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Nonetheless, the features of granulins have been beforehand unclear. FTD is an incurable neurodegenerative illness and the commonest sort of dementia in folks youthful than 60. Genetic variants within the granulin gene are additionally a threat issue for Alzheimer's illness and Parkinson's illness, suggesting this discovery could have therapeutic potential for a broad spectrum of age-related neurodegenerative ailments. The outcomes have been revealed August 9 by the journal  eNeuro . Some neuros...

New machine learning program shows promise for early alzheimer's diagnosis

More than 5 million Americans may have Alzheimer's disease, according to estimates, and the numbers are growing as the population ages. The disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. And while there is no cure, several drugs can delay or prevent symptoms from worsening for up to five years or more, according to the National Institute on Aging and published research. Meanwhile, early diagnosis and treatment -- the goal of the new computer based program -- is key to allowing those with the disease to remain independent longer. The computer program integrates a range of Alzheimer's disease indicators, including mild cognitive impairment. In two successive stages, the algorithm selects the most pertinent to predict who has Alzheimer's. "Many papers compare the healthy to those with the disease, but there's a continuum," said Anant Madabhushi, F. Alex Nason professor II of biomedical engineering...

Navigation and spatial memory: New brain region identified to be involved

The prime example of spatial information coding is the firing of so called place cells in the hippocampus, a brain area known for its role in navigation and memory formation. Place cells fire when an animal enters a specific place in its environment. At any given location, only a small fraction of place cells is active, leaving the remaining neurons largely silent. This sparse firing pattern maximizes information storage in memory networks, but at the same time minimizes energy demands. The hippocampus, however, is not the only brain area involved in spatial orientation and learning. The retrosplenial cortex is also highly active during navigation and memory retrieval and connects the hippocampus to the visual cortex and other areas of the brain. Damage to the retrosplenial cortex results in memory deficits and disorientation, and patients with Alzheimer's disease have reduced activity in their retrosplenial cortex. To better understand the role of the retrosplenial cortex, ...