Dr. Iris Penner from the University of Basel in Switzerland has reported the results of a computer-based cognitive training program called BrainStim that appears to increase working memory in healthy elderly people.
Here are the highlights based on the Medscape report from the European Neurological Society meeting. Continue reading BrainStim
Laboratory studies suggest that phytoestrogens, found in soy products such as tempe and tofu, could protect against cognitive (reasoning) decline. But an earlier study in humans suggested the opposite.
Here’s what researchers from Loughborough University in the UK found. Continue reading Tofu associated with worse memory
Providing a simplified tai-chi exercise program (STEP) in long-term care facilities can promote physical health in older adults.
That’s the conclusion from a study in Taiwan.
Continue reading Simplified tai-chi benefits the elderly in long-term care
This review from the Taipei Medical University asks the question, where in medicine might reflexology be useful. Continue reading Reflecting on the value of reflexology
On May 19th, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) premiered its first annual Yoga Week.
Others have held yoga weeks in the past. What’s different is the involvement of the NIH. Continue reading First annual Yoga Week
The British Association for Psychopharmacology does not rank massage among CAM options for dementia. Apparently, there are too few studies available for them to evaluate.
Based on what is available, here’s what we know.
Continue reading The value of massage in patients with dementia
Two doctors from the VA Medical Center in Sepulveda, California have written a review of curcumin (turmeric) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Anyone looking for evidence of the effectiveness of curcumin when taken by people with AD will be disappointed. Continue reading Status of curcumin for Alzheimer’s disease
The natives of Guam use fadang — the seed of the false sago palm (a cycad) (photo) — as an ingredient in their traditional medicine and food.
According to Marjorie Whiting, a nutritionist/anthropologist who lived with the native Guamanians, “Everybody knows that the fadang is toxic… The people go to a lot of trouble to process it in order to detoxify it.”
Now, we’re learning about the risk factors for toxicity they missed. Continue reading The risk of fadang in dementia
A study of more than 2000 non-demented individuals conducted in 2006 concluded that better adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Now, the Mediterranean diet appears useful in people already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Continue reading Mediterranean diet for Alzheimer’s disease?
Researchers at Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre in the Netherlands compared the cost effectiveness of community-based occupational therapy (OT) to usual care in older patients with dementia and their caregivers. Continue reading Cost effectiveness of OT in dementia
Snoezelen (or multi-sensory stimulation) is used to promote positive mood in older people with dementia, as well as manage maladaptive behaviors (eg, autism and other behaviors that interfere with everyday activities).
The Snoezelen (pronounced SNOOzelen) environment provides gentle stimulation of the primary senses. The objective is to overcome inhibitions, enhance self-esteem, and reduce tension.
A Cochrane review found no scientific support, but others disagree. Continue reading Snoezelen for dementia
Writing in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, Dr. Mark Hyman asserts, “We are at a crossroads where the old ideas we have about disease and diagnosis become less meaningful as we understand more and more about the importance of individual differences in determining illness.”
Alzheimer’s disease is the poster child for the limitations of allopathic medicine. Continue reading Is dementia the Achilles heel of mainstream medicine?
Fortifying food, such as wheat and corn flour, with folic acid reduces the risk of spina bifida in babies.
This public health practice was introduced 10 years ago in North America. Now, that practice is being debated in the UK and worldwide. “Are the benefits to the few outweighed by possible harm to some of the many exposed? Continue reading The pros and cons of folic acid fortification of foods
Reminiscence music reportedly reduces the symptoms of depression in patients with dementia. It’s also effective for agitation and disruptive behavior in patients with dementia, and makes it easier to provide care.
Now, researchers from the Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Santa Clara, California report that music therapy makes fiscal sense as well. Continue reading Cost-effectiveness of music therapy in palliative care
But only if you remember to take it.
That’s the conclusion from researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. Continue reading Ginkgo delays progression to dementia
A large-scale study of elderly people reports that training to improve reasoning results in less functional decline in activities of daily living over 5 years of follow-up.
Here are the details from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study.
Continue reading Training the elderly to maintain their reasoning ability
There’s lots of interest in reducing the risk of falls in the elderly. But what are the signs that grandma is at significant risk?
Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia have complied a list. Continue reading The risk of falling among the elderly
Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhiza Bge, Salvia Root P.E.) extract is used to treat and prevent heart disease and senility in Asia, according to researchers from China. In some cases, patients might take danshen combined with theophylline (used to treat asthma).
Since they are both metabolized by the same liver enzyme system (CYP1A2), this study was conducted to determine the risk of a drug interaction. Continue reading No interaction between danshen and theophylline
Researchers from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago have reported, “no relation between statin use and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or a decline in thinking ability.”
In the absence of an allopathic silver bullet, it’s worthwhile to review what we know about complementary options to ease what author Eileen Shamy refers to as “the frightening and weary stages of Alzheimer’s disease.” Continue reading Negative results with statins; so let’s review CAM for Alzheimer’s disease
Omega-3 fatty acids, of course
There’s so much good stuff it’s hard to know where to start. Continue reading The winner in CAM for 2007