I usually shy away from animal data. After all, there’s a long road between the lab and the medicine chest.
However, in light of my nominee for CAM of the year (see 12/31/07 posts) the results published by researchers from California and Osaka are interesting. Continue reading Finding a link for the proposed beneficial effects of omega-3 on Alzheimer’s disease
It’s only one patient (not the one in the photo), but it might reflect a bigger problem.
Here’s what happened.
Continue reading Arsenic poisoning from an herbal kelp supplement
Before we start, let’s define “lux.” Even though it won’t help you understand the results of the study. Continue reading Using light to improve sleep in adults with dementia
The most prominent neurochemical change in patients with Alzheimer’s disease is a deficiency of choline acetyltransferase, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of acetylcholine.
Polygalae radix is thought to be a useful component of kami-untan-to because it increases the activity of choline acetyltransferase. This study evaluated this Japanese herbal (kampo) medicine in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Continue reading The effect of kihito extract granules in people with Alzheimer’s disease
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements might slow the cognitive decline (eg, perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning) in some people with very mild Alzheimer’s disease.
The same study showed no effect in people with more advanced cases. Continue reading Slowing cognitive decline with omega-3 fatty acids
These recommendations, from a group of experts, take a narrow view of Alzheimer’s disease. They focus on early detection and the use of existing prescription drugs.
That’s fine as far as it goes, but what about those with advanced Alzheimer’s? Why not develop a more comprehensive approach?
If I might quote Paul Harvey, “here’s the rest of the story.” Continue reading Dissapointing recommendations to treat Alzheimer’s disease
Occupational therapy (OT) reportedly helped a group of 135 patients with mild-to-moderate dementia (averaging 78 years old) to perform daily activities.
Continue reading Using occupational therapy to treat mild-to-moderate dementia
“Several studies have pointed to vitamin E as possibly protective against … dementia,” according to Dr. Neil Buckholtz who is head of the Dementias of Aging Branch at the National Institute on Aging. “The only way this association can really be tested is through clinical studies and trials.”
Now, one of those studies is published. Continue reading Negative news on vitamin E supplements and memory loss
According to their website, the International Yoga Therapy Conference “is a forum that explores the specific and profound ways in which yoga can aid in maintaining good health or recovery from illness.”
This year’s meeting will be held at the Peacock Gap Country Club in San Rafael, California (about 30 minutes north of San Francisco) on May 18 to 20. Continue reading Yoga for health
Dr. Laura Podewils from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia says “there is relatively consistent evidence suggesting that older persons who engage in regular or high levels of exercise have a decreased risk for dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, compared to older persons who are inactive.”
OK, but her research shows that physical activity has no effect on the rate of lesion progression in elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment. Continue reading Exercise does not alter lesions in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients
Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. The condition is preventable. Therefore, early detection and implementation of effective treatment are important.
In order to assess the effect of acupuncture on this condition, a broad search for randomized, placebo-controlled studies testing acupuncture to treat vascular dementia was undertaken. Continue reading Trying to evaluate acupuncture to treat vascular dementia
Actually, they reviewed more than CAM, but that’s what will be covered here.
Continue reading British Association for Psychopharmacology rates CAM for dementia
Let’s see, since June last year this blog has summarized 8 reports on the effects of coffee and caffeine and health.
What should we make of all this?
Agitation can influence the level of independence afforded to nursing home patients.
Here’s a study of the effectiveness of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) in treating agitation in people with dementia.
Continue reading Using lavender to help control agitation in patients with dementia
Yes, they do. But published evidence that they reduce weight is in short supply.
Here is a study of a thermogenic formulation and recent legal actions against weight lose products by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Agitated behavior occurs in nearly half of patients with dementia. It can be the difference between a person qualifying for different levels (and cost) of nursing home care.
The problem is that the nursing staff is limited in using drugs to control it.
Now, the results of a small study at the National Yang-Ming University in Taipei, Taiwan suggest that acupressure might be a useful alternative.
Continue reading Acupressure to treat agitation in people with dementia
A recent study in The Lancet medical journal found that over the long term, it appears that taking folic acid improves cognitive function (eg, perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning) in older adults.
Not so fast.
Continue reading Taking folic acid to slow cognitive decline? Hold off for a while.
It’s always a good idea to get a second opinion when it comes to your healthcare. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been used, recommended, or studied for many conditions, but its use is controversial. Here are two websites that reviewed the literature and are ready to advise on the status of CoQ10 — MotherNature.com (MN) and MayoClinic.com (MC).
Here are comparative evaluations and ratings for three sample diseases.
The journal Archives of Neurology just published a observational survey where it appears that “individuals who take in higher levels of the nutrient folate through both diet and supplements may have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”
Before you take off for the Vitamin Shoppe, read on.
Continue reading Folate and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
It’s an important area for CAM research. Last year there were 23 posts on this bog.
Click the “Alzheimer’s disease” link on the right to read more.
1/5/07 11:39 JR