A Test That Could Predict Alzheimer's Disease
The best health advice is to prevent health problems from occurring. The best method of prevention is understanding and avoiding risks, and detecting issues as early as possible. On that note, we present a health breakthrough in area of dementia, namely Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have found that, using a simple MRI test, we could help predict which adults are more likely to develop Alzheimer's.
Let's begin with "mild cognitive impairment," as it is central to this latest health news. This is the intermediate stage between the natural decline in mental abilities that happens when we age and the more pronounced decline that occurs with Alzheimer's. The study suggests that MRI scans could help predict which people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are most at risk of progressing to Alzheimer's.
People with MCI develop Alzheimer's at a rate of 15% to 20% a year. This is far higher than the rate of the general population, which sits at about one to two percent. Some people with MCI remain stable, some have gradual decline, and some have rapid deterioration. Predicting who does what would be an immeasurable benefit for patients.
The team analyzed MRI exams from a study on 203 healthy individuals, 317 with MCI and 164 with late-onset Alzheimer's, between 2005 and 2010. They conducted a MRI exam at the beginning, then another one year later. The patients' average age was 75. The MRI measured thickness of the cerebral cortex; the outer layer of the parts of the brain in charge of memory, attention, thought and language. The question was how quickly this area started to thin out. One hallmark of Alzheimer's is a loss of brain cells in areas of the cortex.
They found that patients with MCI had a one-year risk of conversion to Alzheimer's ranging from three percent to 40%. The MRI at the beginning helped identify those patients at very low risk of Alzheimer's and those whose risk was doubled. Combining both MRI exams could predict rates of disease progression between three percent and 69%.
Sadly, no current treatments truly slow or prevent Alzheimer's. But this information can help considerably with quality of life, family planning, and many other factors for patients. Speak to your doctor for more information.
And remember, you can always get more natural health advice, the latest alternative health breakthroughs and news, plus information about nutrition, alternative remedies and cures and doctors health advice, all free when you sign up for the Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin. Visit http://www.doctorshealthpress.com now to find out how to start your free subscription.
Questions and Answers
A fast way to get gout relief is with baking soda which I've found it to be very effective. But now that I have gotten my uric acid levels under control I don't need to use this home remedy anymore.
Gout was once the 'disease of kings' due to their diet, but not any more. Anybody can have gout nowadays. Easy access to relatively cheap, mass-produced food and alcohol has meant that we are all at the mercy of gout through our diet.
Protruded discs are a major orthopedical challenge these days, as the cases of spondilitis and other chronic skeletal diseases increase in a daily basis. The orthopedic in NJ have found many solutions to this problem while working in the Center for pain management in New Jersey. The following is an insight to their unique treatment processes.
We need to keep our omega 6 foods at a minimum and include more omega 3 into our diets. Adding food items such as walnuts, chia seeds, to our salads is a simple and natural way to get our omega.
Most children demonstrate some impulsive/hyperactive behavior or have difficulty remaining on-task. Although typically found in boys, in 3-7% percent of children the inattentive, hyperactive, and/or impulsive behavior is recognized by clinician as being a significant problem that is not typical of normal development.
High blood pressure, also known as "hypertension," puts your heart and circulatory system at risk. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as it passes through. When it's high, it means that things are not as healthy as they should be.
The complications of high blood pressure can be quite serious. You know that high blood pressure can lead to a stroke or heart attack, but did you know that it could also cause kidney damage?
Antibacterial soaps are the new craze. You see them everywhere. They can be found in friends' and family's homes, in the library soap dispenser, in schools and public washrooms.
Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive gas. It is composed of three oxygen atoms. Depending on where it is in the atmosphere, ozone affects us in either good or bad ways.
By now, you've probably heard a little bit about the supposed health benefits of eating a "Mediterranean diet." Certainly, if you're looking for a heart-healthy menu, the Mediterranean diet might be the way to go. It incorporates the basics of healthy eating, along with a dash of virgin olive oil and maybe a glass of red wine.
Discuss this Article
