Dr. Jeff's and Dr. Tanya's Blog

Does Having Memory Problems and Being Depressed Increase Your Risk of Developing Alzheimer's Disease?

Mental health professionals have long wondered about the relationship between memory problems, depression, and Alzheimer’s Disease. An article published in Medical News Today June 16, 2009, “Depression May Increase Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease In People With Memory Problems,” examines this issue. The article reports on a study published in the June 16, 2009, print issue of Neurology®. The researchers studied “…756 people with MCI who were between the ages of 55 and 91 for three years. Of those, 208 were diagnosed with depression using a test that measures the severity and intensity of a person's depressive symptoms…. Participants were given either vitamin E, donepezil or a placebo pill.” The results of the study were interesting. “The study found that at 1.7 years, among depressed people with mild cognitive impairment, 11 percent of those taking donepezil developed Alzheimer's disease compared to 25 percent of those who took vitamin E or placebo. At 2.2 years, 14 percent of those taking donepezil developed Alzheimer's compared to 29 percent of those who took vitamin E or placebo. Donepezil had little effect in the group of people who were not depressed….For every one point increase on the test, a participant's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease went up by three percent.” There are several important implications of this study. First, the results of this study strongly suggest that depression is a major risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s Disease particularly in individuals who have memory problems early in their live. Second, mental health professionals who are treating individuals with memory problems need to screen for and aggressively treat depression in these individuals. Third, primary care providers and neurologists who treat Alzheimer’s patients need screen for and treat depression in these individuals. Fourth, individuals who are having memory problems need to contact their health care provided to be screened for and treated for depression. The authors conclude, “…If we can delay the progression of this disease [Alzheimer's disease] for even two years, it could significantly improve the quality of life for many people dealing with memory loss."

The Bottom Line: The results of this study strongly suggest that having memory problems and being depressed increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease.

Reference: Original Article

Two Great YouTube Videos on Alzheimer's Disease

Great Informational Websites Created by Dr. Speller and Dr. Korkosz:

• Stress and the Human Brain
• Early Life Stress and the Immune System
• The Facts About Major Depressive Disorder
• The Parent's Guide to Understanding Adolescent Depression

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health, Also see blogposts in Psychiatric Disorders: General and Aging

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.
• To get the definition of any term in the blog, double chick on the term

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Does Thinning Brain Tissue Increase the Risk of Depression?

In cases of familial depression, changes in tissue thickness in key brain structures in the right half of the brain may increase a person's risk for developing depression, according to NIMH-funded researchers. Similar changes in the left half of the brain were linked to the severity of a person's existing depression or anxiety symptoms. Based on their findings, the researchers proposed a possible mechanism for how these brain changes affect depression risk in the April 14, 2009, issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Background

Some types of depression run in families, and certain changes in brain structure and function have been observed in people with the disorder. However, until recently, scientists have been unclear on the exact relationship between these brain changes and depression.

Building on previous research with a three-generation study population, Myrna Weissman, Ph.D., and Bradley Peterson, M.D., both of Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and New York State Psychiatric Institute, and colleagues used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess brain changes in 131 people, ages 6-54. Roughly half of these participants were considered at high risk for major depressive disorder (MDD), due to having at least one parent or grandparent in the study diagnosed with the illness. The other half, considered at low risk, had no family history of the illness.

Results of the Study

From pre-scanning interviews, the researchers found that people in the high-risk group were more likely than those in the low-risk group to report having MDD or an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. MRI scans showed that, on average, those in the high-risk group had 28 percent thinner brain tissue across a broad range of brain structures in the right half of the brain. These changes were observed in young children in the high-risk group and in older high-risk individuals who had never suffered from MDD or an anxiety disorder themselves.

The brain areas most affected by this thinning govern attention and the ability to process emotional or social cues (such as faces or family pictures). In tests involving these right-brain tasks, the researchers found that thinner tissue in these areas was linked to greater inattention and poorer performance in immediate and delayed visual memory.

Similar patterns of tissue thinning in the left half of the brain appeared to be related to the severity of a person's existing MDD or anxiety disorder symptoms in both the high- and low-risk groups. This thinning was not as pronounced as the thinning in the right half of the brain, and the difference in tissue thickness between the high- and low-risk groups was not statistically significant.

Significance

The findings strongly suggest that changes in tissue thickness in the right half of the brain directly affect a person's inherited risk for developing MDD. The pattern of tissue thinning appears to be related to problems with attention and processing of emotional or social signals. Such problems may increase a person's vulnerability to developing mood or anxiety disorders, according to the researchers.

That the thinning was present in people at high risk, but who had never had MDD or an anxiety disorder, as well as in high-risk children who had not been diagnosed with depression, shows that these brain changes likely come before illness onset and that they occur very early in life, possibly before birth, say the researchers. Furthermore, while thinning in the right half of the brain contributes to risk, thinning in the left half of the brain appears to be required in order for a person to show symptoms of these illnesses.

What's Next

More research is needed to determine if the inherited risk for MDD is purely genetic, if there are specific environmental factors necessary for triggering genetic risk, or whether there is a combination of factors involved. Increased understanding of how risk translates into developing MDD or other mental disorders may lead to new methods of diagnosing, treating, or preventing these illnesses.

Top: Color coded MRI brain maps of differences in tissue thickness between study participants at high- vs. low-risk for familial depression. Left half of brain is shown on the left and right half on the right. Cool colors (blue and purple) denote thinner areas in the high-risk group; warm colors (yellow, orange, and red) are significantly thicker areas; green areas show little to no difference in tissue thickness.

Bottom: Flowchart represents a proposed model for how some MDD or anxiety disorders develop. Double-headed arrows indicate factors that may influence each other and jointly contribute to disease risk. Block arrows show the hypothetical progression from inherited risk to development of symptoms.

Source: Bradley Peterson, M.D., Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and New York State Psychiatric Institute

Reference

Peterson BS, Warner V, Bansal R, Zhu H, Hao X, Liu J, Durkin K, Adams PB, Wickramaratne P, Weissman MM. Cortical thinning in persons at increased familial risk for major depression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Apr 14;106(15):6273-8. PMID: 19329490

Additional Sources of Information:

Great Informational Websites Created by Dr. Speller and Dr. Korkosz:

• Stress and the Human Brain
• Early Life Stress and the Immune System
• The Facts About Major Depressive Disorder
• The Parent's Guide to Understanding Adolescent Depression

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health, Also see blogposts in Psychiatric Disorders: General and Aging

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

What Can Help the Thinking of Older Adults?

Mental health professionals have long debated about what can help the thinking in older adults. A article published in HealthDay News January 15, 2009, “Video Gaming Improves Cognitive Function in Adults,”examines this issue. The article reports on a study published Psychology and Aging. The researchers studied 40 adults, “…who were divided into two groups. One group received training in "Rise of Nations" -- a nation-building and territorial expansion video game -- while the other group received no training. Participants were assessed in several parameters of their executive control functions prior to, during and after video game training.” And the results? “…video game training improved the performance of the study participants on a number of tests. The adults gained significant improvements in executive control functions. These functions included task switching, working memory, visual short-term memory and reasoning, the researchers report. However, the video game had no impact on the ability of the participants to recall a list of words in order or enumerate lists, the investigators found. Importantly, improvements in an individual's performance in the game positively correlated with improvements in task switching.” The researchers conclude that “…these findings are meaningful because they show that multi-dimensional training can affect many individual components of cognitive function…This study has implications for the enhancement of executive control processes of older adults." Based on our expertise and experience in treating older adults, we offer several tips on how to improve one’s thinking. First, if you or your family suspects that you may have a problem with cognitive functioning then seek a cognitive evaluation from a qualified mental health professional. Second, if your evaluation shows that you have some mild cognitive impairment, seek treatment from a cognitive specialist who can help you improve your cognitive performance. Third, seek the support of family and friends in helping you keep cognitively active by playing challenging video games.  

The Bottom Line: The results of this study strongly support the conclusion that playing video games may improve cognitive function in older adults.

Resources:

Great Informational Websites Created by Dr. Speller and Dr. Korkosz:

• Stress and the Human Brain
• Early Life Stress and the Immune System

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health, See blogposts in Psychiatric Disorders: General and Psychiatric Disorders: Aging

Reference: HealthDay News January 15, 2009, “Video Gaming Improves Cognitive Function in Adults.”

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Best Resource Guide on Dementia

Dementia is a word for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. It is not a specific disease. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting dressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change. They may become agitated or see things that are not there.

Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia. However, memory loss by itself does not mean you have dementia. People with dementia have serious problems with two or more brain functions, such as memory and language.

Many different diseases can cause dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and stroke. Drugs are available to treat some of these diseases. While these drugs cannot cure dementia or repair brain damage, they may improve symptoms or slow down the disease.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Start Here

• Dementia: What Are the Common Signs?(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/seniors/mental-health/662.printerview.html
  Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/seniors/mental-health/662.printerview.html
• Dementia: Hope through Research(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/detail_dementia.htm
  Also available in Spanish http://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/trastornos/las_demencias.htm
• Forgetfulness: It's Not Always What You Think(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/forgetfulness.asp
  Also available in Spanish http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/forgetfulness-sp.asp

Overviews

• Dementia(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/dementia.htm
• Dementia: Is This Dementia and What Does it Mean?(Family Caregiver Alliance) - http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=569
• Dementia: It's Not Always Alzheimer's(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/dementia/AZ00003/METHOD=print
• JAMA Patient Page: Dementia(American Medical Association) - http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/300/19/2330.pdf
  Also available in Spanish http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/data/297/21/2436/DC1/1

Latest News

• Coffee Drinkers Show Lower Dementia Risk(02/03/2009, Reuters Health) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_74956.html
• Metabolic Syndrome Linked to Vascular Dementia(01/21/2009, Reuters Health) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_74050.html
• Simple Exercise Keeps Brain at Top of Its Game(01/20/2009, HealthDay) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_74029.html
• More News on Dementia http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_d.html#dementia

Diagnosis/Symptoms

• Alzheimer's Caregiving Tips: Working with Your Doctor(Administration on Aging) - http://www.aoa.gov/alz/carefam/caregiving_tips/working_with_your_doctor.aspx
• ApoE (Apolipoprotein E) Genotyping(American Association for Clinical Chemistry) - http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/apoe/test.html
• Tau/Amyloid Beta 42 Peptide Test (Alzheimer Biomarkers)(American Association for Clinical Chemistry) - http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/tau/test.html

Nutrition

• Tube Feeding Decisions for People with Advanced Dementia(AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) - http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/pef/tube_feeding.php

Coping

• Dementia, Caregiving, and Controlling Frustration(Family Caregiver Alliance) - http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=891

Disease Management

• Caregiver's Guide to Understanding Dementia Behaviors(Family Caregiver Alliance) - http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=391
  Also available in Spanish http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=533
• Dementia: Info and Advice for Caregivers(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/seniors/mental-health/585.printerview.html
  Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/seniors/mental-health/585.printerview.html
• Managing Difficult Behaviors(Association for Frontotemporal Dementias) - http://www.ftd-picks.org/?p=caregiver.managing

Specific Conditions

• Binswanger's Disease(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/binswangers/binswangers.htm
• CADASIL(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cadasil/CADASIL.htm
• Frontotemporal Dementia (Pick's Disease)(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/picks/picks.htm
• Multi-Infarct Dementia(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multi_infarct_dementia/multi_infarct_dementia.htm
• Sundowning: Late-Day Confusion(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/sundowning/HQ01463/METHOD=print
• Vascular Dementia(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/vascular-dementia/DS00934/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print

Related Issues

• Adult Day Centers(Alzheimer's Association) - Links to PDF - http://www.alz.org/national/documents/topicsheet_adultday.pdf
• Caring for Someone with Dementia in a Disaster(Federal Emergency Management Agency) - http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/dementia.shtm
• Challenging Behaviors: Special Issues for Family Care(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/challenging.htm
• Delirium (Sudden Confusion)(AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) - http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/chapters_ch_trial.asp?ch=57
• Dementia & Driving(Family Caregiver Alliance) - http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=432
• Dementia at the End of Life(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/endoflife/03_dementia.htm.htm
• Legal Plans: Assisting the Person with Dementia in Planning for the Future(Alzheimer's Association) - Large PDF file - http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_legalplans.pdf
• Pain in Dementia: A Family and Caregivers Guide to Assessment and Treatment(AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) - Links to PDF - http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/pain/pain_dementia.pdf
• Safety Issues(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_safety_issues.asp
• Sexuality and Dementia(Family Caregiver Alliance) - http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=677

Financial Issues

• Money Matters: Helping the Person with Dementia Settle Financial Issues(Alzheimer's Association) - Large PDF file - http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_moneymatters.pdf

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Dementia(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Dementia%22

Genetics

• Genetics Home Reference: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=cerebralautosomaldominantarteriopathywithsubcorticalinfarctsandleukoencephalopathy
• Genetics Home Reference: Inclusion body myopathy with early-onset Paget disease and frontotemporal dementia(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=inclusionbodymyopathywithearlyonsetpagetdiseaseandfrontotemporaldementia

Research

• Alzheimer's Drug Does Not Improve the Cognitive Ability Score in Hereditary Vascular Dementia(American Heart Association) - http://americanheart.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=340
• Cognitive Impairment without Dementia in Older Adults(American College of Physicians) - Links to PDF - http://www.annals.org/cgi/reprint/148/6/I-53.pdf
• Low Levels of Good Cholesterol Linked to Memory Loss, Dementia Risk(American Heart Association) - http://americanheart.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=451
• Medical Organizations Issue New Guideline on Drugs to Treat Dementia(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/media/releases/2008/dementia-guidelines.html
• Pilot Study Provides New Insight on Effect of Ginkgo Extract on Dementia in the Elderly(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) - http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/022608.htm
• Viral Genetic Underpinnings of HIV-associated Dementia Explored(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/viral-genetic-underpinnings-of-hiv-associated-dementia-explored.shtml

Journal Articles

References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

• Article: Abuse of people with dementia by family carers: representative cross... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19164392&tool=MedlinePlus
• Article: A systematic review of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scales... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19091706&tool=MedlinePlus
• Article: Brighter daytime lighting may improve dementia. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19043853&tool=MedlinePlus
• Dementia -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=(dementia[majr:noexp]+OR+dementia,+vascular[majr])AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+AND+(jsubsetk[text]+OR+review[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+OR+patient+education+handout[pt]+OR+systematic[sb])+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus

Dictionaries/Glossaries

• CareFinder: Glossary(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/carefinder/support/glossary.asp

Directories

• Find a Neurologist(American Academy of Neurology) - http://www.thebrainmatters.org/index.cfm?key=1.2.2

Organizations

• American Geriatrics Society - http://www.americangeriatrics.org/
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
  Also available in Spanish http://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/
• National Institute on Aging - http://www.nia.nih.gov/
  Also available in Spanish http://www.nia.nih.gov/Espanol/

Law and Policy

• Know Resident's Rights in a Care Facility and When to Speak Up(Alzheimer's Association) - Links to PDF - http://www.alz.org/carefinder/docs/knowrights.pdf

You may also be interested in these MedlinePlus related pages:

• Alzheimer's Disease - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alzheimersdisease.html
• Lewy Body Disease - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lewybodydisease.html
• Memory - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/memory.html
• Brain and Nerves - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/brainandnerves.html
• Mental Health and Behavior - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mentalhealthandbehavior.html
• Seniors - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seniors.html

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to the Category LIst or type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keywords into the Psychology Today “Search”.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

Sources: National Institute of Health, See blogposts in Psychiatric Disorders: Aging

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

More Great Patient Resources on Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among older people. Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities.

AD begins slowly. It first involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. People with AD may have trouble remembering things that happened recently or names of people they know. Over time, symptoms get worse. People may not recognize family members or have trouble speaking, reading or writing. They may forget how to brush their teeth or comb their hair. Later on, they may become anxious or aggressive, or wander away from home. Eventually, they need total care. This can cause great stress for family members who must care for them.

AD usually begins after age 60. The risk goes up as you get older. Your risk is also higher if a family member has had the disease.

No treatment can stop the disease. However, some drugs may help keep symptoms from getting worse for a limited time.

National Institute on Aging

Start Here

• Alzheimer's Disease(National Institute on Aging) - http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimersdisease/toc.html
• Alzheimer's Disease(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm
  Also available in Spanish http://www.nia.nih.gov/Espanol/Publicaciones/GuiaAlzheimer/
• Understanding Alzheimer's Disease(National Institute on Aging) - Large PDF file - http://www.nia.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/F463CE6C-B0A7-47F4-882A-8EA143020193/0/understandingalzheimers.pdf

Overviews

• Alzheimer's Disease(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/alzheimersdisease/alzheimersdisease.htm
• Alzheimer's Disease Research(American Health Assistance Foundation) - http://www.ahaf.org/alzheimers
• Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/Unraveling/
  Also available in Spanish http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/LaEnfermedaddeAlzheimer/
• Forgetfulness: It's Not Always What You Think(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/forgetfulness.asp
  Also available in Spanish http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/forgetfulness-sp.asp

Latest News

• Gene Variant May Hike Women's Risk of Alzheimer's(01/12/2009, HealthDay) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_73717.html
• Alzheimer's Risk Upped in Senior Smokers(01/09/2009, Reuters Health) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_73638.html
• Antipsychotics Up Death Risk in Alzheimer's Patients(01/09/2009, HealthDay) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_73665.html
• Alzheimer's Disease(12/15/2008, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Alzheimers/
• Study to Examine Early, Inherited Form of Alzheimer's(11/19/2008, National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nih.gov/news/health/nov2008/nia-19.htm
• Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study Fails To Show Benefit in Preventing Dementia in the Elderly(11/18/2008, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) - http://www.nih.gov/news/health/nov2008/nccam-18.htm
• More News on Alzheimer's Disease http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_a.html#alzheimersdisease

Diagnosis/Symptoms

• Alzheimer's Caregiving Tips: Working with Your Doctor(Administration on Aging) - http://www.aoa.gov/alz/carefam/caregiving_tips/working_with_your_doctor.aspx
• Alzheimer's Diagnosis(Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation) - http://www.alzinfo.org/alzheimers-diagnosis.asp
• ApoE (Apolipoprotein E) Genotyping(American Association for Clinical Chemistry) - http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/apoe/test.html
• Mild Cognitive Impairment(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/mild-cognitive-impairment/DS00553/METHOD=print&DSECTION=all
• Understanding Stages and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/NR/exeres/6739F4B3-C1A9-4564-8AC3-77DC1315974E.htm

Prevention/Screening

• Can Alzheimer's Disease Be Prevented?(National Institutes of Health) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADPrevented/

Alternative Therapy

• Alternative Treatments(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_alternative_treatments.asp

Nutrition

• Alzheimer's: Making Mealtimes Easier(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/alzheimers/HQ00217/METHOD=print
• Tube Feeding Decisions for People with Advanced Dementia(AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) - http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/pef/tube_feeding.php

Coping

• Coping with Changes(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_coping_with_changes.asp
• Family and Friends(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_families_and_friends.asp
• Making Choices about Everyday Care (for Families)(Family Caregiver Alliance) - http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=406
• Taking Care of Yourself(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_taking_care_of_yourself.asp

Disease Management

• Agitation(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_agitation.asp
• Alzheimer's Disease Medications(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/medicationsfs.htm
  Also available in Spanish http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/medicationsfs_sp.htm
• Alzheimer's Drugs: Summary of Affordable Alternatives(Consumers Union of U.S.) - http://www.consumerreports.org/health/best-buy-drugs/alzheimers.htm
  Also available in Spanish http://www.consumerreports.org/health/resources/pdf/best-buy-drugs/Alzheimers2-pagerspanish.pdf
• Alzheimer's Therapeutic Activities(Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation) - http://www.alzinfo.org/alzheimers-treatment-therapeutic.asp
• Alzheimer's: Managing Sleep Problems(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/alzheimers/AZ00030/METHOD=print
• Behavioral Symptoms(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/professionals_and_researchers_behavioral_symptoms_pr.asp
• Diet, Exercise & Complementary Health(Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation) - http://www.alzinfo.org/alzheimers-treatment-maintaining.asp
• Hallucinations(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_hallucinations.asp
• Standard Treatments(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_standard_prescriptions.asp

Specific Conditions

• Early-Onset Alzheimer's: When Symptoms Begin Before 65(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/alzheimers/AZ00009/METHOD=print
• Stages of Alzheimer's(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp

Related Issues

• African-Americans and Alzheimer's Disease(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_african_americans.asp
• Alzheimer's Disease and Down Syndrome(National Down Syndrome Society) - Links to PDF - http://www.ndss.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=180:alzheimers-and-down-syndrome&catid=60:associated-conditions&Itemid=88
• Alzheimer's or Depression: Could It Be Both?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/alzheimers/HQ00212/METHOD=print
• Alzheimer's: Spirituality Can Be Comforting(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/alzheimers/AZ00024/METHOD=print
• Alzheimer's: When to Stop Driving(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/alzheimers/HO00046/METHOD=print
• Choosing Care Providers(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_choosing_care_providers.asp
• Dementia: Hope through Research(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/detail_dementia.htm
  Also available in Spanish http://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/trastornos/las_demencias.htm
• Making Job Decisions(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_making_job_decisions.asp
• Modifying the Home(Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation) - http://www.alzinfo.org/alzheimers-treatment-modifying.asp
• Tau/Amyloid Beta 42 Peptide Test (Alzheimer Biomarkers)(American Association for Clinical Chemistry) - http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/tau/test.html
• Understanding Memory Loss(National Institute on Aging) - Large PDF file - http://www.nia.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/F35FE176-B3E6-4FD5-8FA0-C37E53EBCD89/0/understandingmemoryloss.pdf

Tutorials

• Alzheimer's Disease(National Institute on Aging) - http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimersdisease/toc.html
• Inside the Brain: An Interactive Tour(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_4719.asp
  Also available in Spanish http://www.alz.org/espanol_10221.asp
• What Is Alzheimer Disease?(Dolan DNA Learning Center) - http://www.yourgenesyourhealth.org/alz/whatisit.htm

Anatomy/Physiology

• Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/Unraveling/
  Also available in Spanish http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/LaEnfermedaddeAlzheimer/
• Inside the Brain: An Interactive Tour(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_4719.asp
  Also available in Spanish http://www.alz.org/espanol_10221.asp
• Life and Death of a Neuron(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/ninds_neuron.htm

Financial Issues

• Fee-for-Service Medicare for People with Alzheimer's Disease(Alzheimer's Association) - Links to PDF - http://www.alz.org/national/documents/medicare_topicsheet_feeforservice.pdf
• Legal and Financial Planning for People with Alzheimer's Disease(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/legaltips.htm
• Medicare Drug Benefit(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_drug_coverage.asp
• Medicare's Hospice Benefit for Alzheimer's Beneficiaries(Alzheimer's Association) - Links to PDF - http://www.alz.org/national/documents/medicare_topicsheet_hospice_benefit.pdf

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Alzheimer Disease(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Alzheimer+Disease%22
• Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trial(Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation) - http://www.alzinfo.org/alzheimers-treatment-clinical.asp
• Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trials Database(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/ResearchInformation/ClinicalTrials/
• New Alzheimer's Clinical Trials to Be Undertaken by NIA Nationwide Consortium(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/ResearchInformation/NewsReleases/Archives/PR2006/PR20061017ADCS.htm

Genetics

• Alzheimer's Disease Genetics(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/geneticsfs.htm
• Genetics Home Reference: Alzheimer disease(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=alzheimerdisease

Research

• Gene/Stress Interaction Increases Cognitive Decline in Elderly(American Psychiatric Association) - Links to PDF - http://www.psych.org/MainMenu/Newsroom/NewsReleases/2008NewsReleases/genestress.aspx
• Genomic Dragnet Finds Clues to Likely Suspects in Alzheimer's(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/genomic-dragnet-finds-clues-to-likely-suspects-in-alzheimers.shtml
• New Survey Shows African-Americans Are Concerned with Heart Health but Unaware of Link to Brain Health(American Heart Association) - http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053663
• Progress Report on Alzheimer's Disease: 2005 - 2006(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADProgress2005_2006/
• When Should Patients with Alzheimer Disease Stop Driving?(American Academy of Neurology) - http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/full/70/14/e45?maxtoshow=&HITS=20&hits=20&RESULTFORMAT=&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&displaysectionid=Patient+Pages&resourcetype=HWCIT

Journal Articles

References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

• Article: Alzheimer's disease. New research brings hope. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19097252&tool=MedlinePlus
• Article: Oxidant-induced changes in mitochondria and calcium dynamics in the pathophysiology... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19076444&tool=MedlinePlus
• Article: Brain glucose hypometabolism and oxidative stress in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19076441&tool=MedlinePlus
• Alzheimer's Disease -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=alzheimer+disease[majr]+NOT+(alzheimer+disease/etiology[mh]+OR+alzheimer+disease/genetics[mh])+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+AND+(review[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+OR+jsubsetk[text]+OR+patient+education+handout[pt])+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
• Causes of Alzeheimer's disease -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=(alzheimer+disease/genetics[majr]+OR+alzheimer+disease/etiology[majr])+AND+(jsubsetk[text]+OR+jsubsetn[text]+OR+jsubsetaim[text]+OR+review[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+OR+patient+education+handout[pt])+AND+humans[mh]+AND+english[la]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus

Dictionaries/Glossaries

• CareFinder: Glossary(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/carefinder/support/glossary.asp

Directories

• Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/ResearchInformation/ResearchCenters/
• Find a Neurologist(American Academy of Neurology) - http://www.thebrainmatters.org/index.cfm?key=1.2.2
• To Search for a Provider(Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation) - http://www.alzinfo.org/providers/doctor.aspx

Organizations

• Administration on Aging - http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/
• Alzheimer's Association - http://www.alz.org/
• Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/
• Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation - http://www.alzinfo.org/
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
  Also available in Spanish http://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/
• National Institute on Aging - http://www.nia.nih.gov/
  Also available in Spanish http://www.nia.nih.gov/Espanol/

Newsletters/Print Publications

• Connections Newsletter(National Institute on Aging) - http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/ResearchInformation/Newsletter/

Law and Policy

• End-of-Life Decisions: Honoring the Wishes of the Person with Alzheimer's Disease(Alzheimer's Association) - Links to PDF - http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_endoflifedecisions.pdf

Statistics

• Alzheimer's Facts and Figures(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_figures.asp
• FASTATS: Alzheimer's Disease(National Center for Health Statistics) - http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alzheimr.htm

Children

• Alzheimer's Disease(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/kid/grownup/conditions/alzheimers.html
• Alzheimer's: Helping Children Understand the Disease(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/alzheimers/HQ00216/METHOD=print

Teenagers

• Talking to Kids and Teens(Alzheimer's Association) - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_talking_to_kids_and_teens.asp

You may also be interested in these MedlinePlus related pages:

• Alzheimer's Caregivers - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alzheimerscaregivers.html
• Caregivers - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/caregivers.html
• Dementia - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dementia.html
• Memory - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/memory.html
• Brain and Nerves - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/brainandnerves.html
• Mental Health and Behavior - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mentalhealthandbehavior.html
• Seniors - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seniors.html

Sources: National Insittute of Mental Health, See also blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: Aging

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

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