Watching too much TV can increase your risk of developing dementia, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and depression BUT using your computer for limited times a day (not work-related) may lower your risk for dementia. One study observed almost 500,000 people ages 39-72 over four years. During that time about 6000 people were diagnosed with dementia, […]
The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease is currently made by clinical exam and suspicion, spinal fluid markers, and for those who can afford it, PET scan with Amyvid (an imaging tool that lights up amyloid in the brain). PET with Amyvid can predict the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease as long as 17 years before any onset
FDA approves new imaging tool to diagnose early neurodegenerative diseases Read More »
Patients with MS have long been observed to progress at different rates. Some patients have only one clinical MS flare in their lifetime while other patients have a rapid and brutal decline in a matter of months or years. Some patients harbor the radiologic findings of MS and never exhibit any symptoms of MS (RIS).
New Genetic Variant Associated with Worsened MS progression Read More »
Having a glass-half-full attitude may protect your cognitive health down the line. A recently published article concluded that extroverted people who are conscientious and have a positive outlook may have a lower risk of developing dementia than people who harbor neuroticism and have a negative outlook. The study examined the top five personality traits (Conscientiousness,
Your personality may affect your risk of developing dementia Read More »
A gastrointestinal infection with Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori) increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by 11%, according to a recently published large population-based study. H. Pylori is a bacteria that infects your stomach and the upper part of your small intestine. While many people do not have any symptoms, others can develop ulcers. The
Risk of developing Alzheimer’s from GI infection Read More »
In general, having a gene for any disorder puts a person at increased risk for developing that disorder but does not guarantee that that person will definitely develop it. The same is true for Alzheimer’s disease. There are genes that carry increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease but testing positive for that disease does not
Does having a gene for Alzheimer’s mean you will get it? Read More »
As in other medical conditions, there are two approaches in starting treatment for MS: induction vs escalation. The dilemma has become more evident as the number of available disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) grows. With induction, the highest efficacy meds are started as the first treatment. The benefit is that halting the disease progress
Starting Treatment for MS: Induction vs Escalation Read More »
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found no association between vaccinations and increased severe multiple sclerosis (MS) flare-ups in almost 110,000 patients diagnosed with MS between 2007 and 2017. The investigators assessed 3 vaccines commonly administered in France (and also the US): the influenza vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine, and a combination diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis,
MS Flare-Ups and Vaccines Read More »
The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has devastating effects not only on the victims of this illness but also on the caregivers of these patients, a role that may last years and will grow significantly as the disease worsens. As their independence wanes, they will require assistance in all facets of their function, from paying their
Burden of Alzheimer’s Caregivers Read More »
A research study published in The Lancet Public Health earlier this month suggests a marked increase in the projection of the number of patients who will be living with dementia in the UK by 2040. In fact, it suggests a 40% increase as compared to previous projections. This study projects that dementia sufferers will reach
Increase in Dementia Cases Predicted by 2040 Read More »