HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL: Press Release: RESEARCHERS UNCOVER HOW A MOLECULAR SWITCH REGULATES FAT AND CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM PATHWAY
Findings May Contribute to Understanding and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome Condition

"Boston, MA-August 2,2006-Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital have identified how a molecular switch regulates fat and cholesterol production, a step that may help advance treatments for metabolic syndrome, the constellation of diseases that includes high cholesterol, obesity, type II diabetes, and high blood pressure......"

Dementia Risk Can Be Tested
"Researchers have for the first time developed a "risk score" to try to predict which people may develop dementia.

The leading factors virtually mirror those already known for cardiovascular disease: obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, according to the study published Thursday in the journal Lancet Neurology.

Having any one of these risk factors doubles a person's chance of developing dementia, and having all three increases their chances by six times, said Dr. Miia Kivipelto, an associate professor at the Aging Research Centre in Stockholm, Sweden, and the study's lead author.

Risk scores have been developed for other diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, "but we've never before had a tool like this for estimating the risk of dementia," Kivipelto said......

"We have known for years that trying to control obesity, blood pressure and cholesterol can prevent heart disease," said Kivipelto, "but now it's not only the heart you can save, but also the brain...."

Las Americas - Combatir el Alzheimer le cuesta al mundo 200 mil millones cada ano
"La enfermedad del Alzheimer, el tercer problema sanitario en los países desarrollados (tras los accidentes cardiovasculares y el cáncer), supone un coste sociosanitario en el mundo de unos 200 mil millones de euros.
Hace falta investigar más... "

Alzheimer's Creates Struggles for Families:
"It's easy not to see a devastating disease such as Alzheimer's take hold of a loved one.
Julie Webster of Deephaven had Early Onset Alzheimer's.She was only 59 and, according to her family, had some minor forgetfulness...nothing suggesting she'd suddenly wander off. Her daughter says she even asked the neurologist if it was possible for things to progress that quickly, and was told no.

Typically, Alzheimer's Disease does progress very slowly. There are some health issues of greater concern for Alzheimer's patients, including urinary tract infections, tooth abcesses, constipation or even a headache. All of these things can send someone with Alzheimer's into a confused state.

So for family protect loved ones, experts recommend they remain 'ahead of the safety curve,' being vigilant about the signs, such as...."

Art Boosts Alzheimer's Patients' Spirits: "Alzheimer's sufferer Jim Lash from Aspen Village at Lowry stands next to two of his water color paintings at the Bel Mar Center in Lakewood, Colo., during an art exhibit to benefit Alzheimer's patients, Thursday, June 15, 2006. Lash is one of a group of artists--all with Alzheimer's---that are part of the Memories in the Making program that began in 1988 in Orange County, Calif. There are now dozens of chapters in 26 states and experts say the artwork has provided an extraordinary outlet for Alzheimer's patients. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey...................."

Carotid Artery Stenting Deemed Safe Treatment Option For Elderly In Recent Study:
"Carotid artery stenting can be performed safely in patients 80 years or older, according to study results released for the first time today at the 3rd Annual American Society of Interventional & Therapeutic Neuroradiology (ASITN)...... "