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2007-9-3 23:48:25 |
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Twenty-nine variations in a gene known as SORL1 have been identified, which may affect production of a protein that determines the level of amyliod beta fragments- key components for plagues found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, according to a study published in the Nature Genetics online on Jan. 14 2007. Richard Mayeux and colleagues from Columbia University, Boston University and the University of Toronto with assistance from other 14 institutions, analyzed blood samples from 6,000 individuals for seven genes that were initially believed to have an impact on Alzheimer's. They found that variations of the gene SORL1 are associated with Alzheimer¡¯s, but not other six genes. Further, they found that faulty genes reduce production of the SORL1 protein, resulting in high production of amyloid beta fragments, which form plaques in the brains of Alzheimer¡¯s patients. For more information, read an earlier report titled Alzheimer's gene found. But here we cited the basics on Alzheimer¡¯s disease from the National Institute of Health for those who want to know more about the disease. This citation does not indicate that foodconsumer.org has any association with the government¡¯s agency, nor implies that we endorse the opinions reflected in the Questions and Answers. Questions and Answers about Alzheimer's disease 1. What is Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. It is marked by progressive and, at present, irreversible declines in certain cognitive functions. These impairments may include declines in memory, time and space orientation, abstract thinking, the ability to learn and carry out mathematical calculations, language and communication skills, and the performance of routine tasks. Other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include personality changes and impairment of judgment. 2. What is dementia? Dementia is a group of symptoms characterized by a decline in intellectual functioning severe enough to interfere with a person's normal daily activities and social relationships. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in older persons. The second most common cause of dementia is multi-infarct dementia, which is caused by a series of strokes. Dementia can also develop from other diseases affecting the nervous system, including Parkinson's disease and AIDS. 3. What is senile dementia? Senile dementia is an outdated term once used to refer to any form of dementia that occurred in older people. 4. How many people suffer from Alzheimer's disease? It is estimated that up to 4 million people currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease in the United States. The proportion of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond the age of 65. 5. What is the age of most people with Alzheimer's disease? In most people with Alzheimer's disease, symptoms first appear after age 60. About 3 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have the disease, but nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease. The average age at diagnosis is about 80. It is not uncommon for individuals to have mild symptoms for some time before a diagnosis is made. 6. Do we know what causes Alzheimer's disease? Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer's disease, but it is clear that Alzheimer's disease develops as a result of a complex series of pathological events that takes place over time inside the brain. How Alzheimer's Affects Neurons in the BrainAge is the most important known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. 7. If a member of my family has Alzheimer's disease, am I at increased risk for developing it? Two types of Alzheimer's disease exist: familial Alzheimer's disease or FAD, which is an early-onset form of the disease that appears to be inherited, and sporadic Alzheimer's disease, where no obvious inheritance pattern is seen. Approximately 5 percent of Alzheimer's disease is familial and approximately 95 percent is sporadic. In familial Alzheimer's disease or FAD, several members of the same generation in a family are often affected. Sporadic Alzheimer's disease develops as a result of variety of factors which scientists are still attempting to determine. Age is the most important known risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Having a family member with Alzheimer's disease does increase the risk two to three-fold in sporadic Alzheimer's disease, but by no means guarantees that you will develop the disease. 8. What other factors, beside genetics, contribute to developing Alzheimer's disease? Although the cause of Alzheimer's disease is not yet established, researchers suggest that factors such as the buildup of damage from molecules known as oxygen free radicals -- which are a normal part of metabolism -- may be involved when neurons stop functioning. Slides of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in brain tissue.This "oxidative stress" may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Chronic inflammation in the brain also may be a contributing factor, as may head injury with loss of consciousness that occurred years before. 9. Do men or women have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease? More women than men have Alzheimer's disease, although their higher lifetime risk may only reflect the effects of age. Women have longer life spans than men. 10. How does a head injury affect the development of Alzheimer's disease? Some studies have shown that there is about a two-fold increased risk for Alzheimer's disease among people who have suffered previous head injuries with loss of consciousness from which they recovered, but other studies show no association. 11. Does educational level affect the development of Alzheimer's disease? Research suggests that the more years of formal education a person has, the less likely he or she is to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life. The Nun StudySome studies suggest that keeping an active mind by engaging in activities such as crossword puzzles may help to maintain function. 12. What is the relationship between aluminum and the development of Alzheimer's disease? One of the most publicized and controversial hypotheses in the area of Alzheimer's disease research concerns aluminum, which became a suspect in Alzheimer's disease when researchers found traces of this metal in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Many studies since then have failed to provide consistent or conclusive evidence of a role for aluminum in Alzheimer's disease. 13. What are the stages in the development of Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's is a progressive disease; the symptoms grow worse over time. Yet, it is also a variable disease. Symptoms progress at different rates and in different patterns. The appearance and progression of symptoms will vary from one person to the next. Some of the common symptoms are: * anxiety, paranoia, suspiciousness, agitation * changes in personality and judgment * confusion and memory loss * difficulty with activities of daily living, such as feeding and bathing * difficulty recognizing family and friends * disorientation |
