Study: Antidepressant may cut Alzheimer's protein [View all]

[Omaha Steve]

It is a start: https://www.alz.org/


http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140514/alzheimers-antidepressant-675deb3ddd.html

WASHINGTON (AP) — Research shows a common antidepressant may cut production of one of the chief suspects behind Alzheimer's, a new avenue in the hunt for drugs to prevent the devastating brain disease.

It's far too early for anyone worried about dementia to try the drug citalopram, which sells as the brand Celexa — and comes with side effects.

"This is not the great new hope. This is a small step," cautioned Dr. Yvette Sheline of the University of Pennsylvania, who is leading the research with Dr. John Cirrito of Washington University in St. Louis.

Alzheimer's is characterized by sticky plaques that form in patients' brains 10 to 15 years before the first memory symptoms are noticed. Scientists have tried treatments to clear away those plaques, made of a protein named beta-amyloid that somehow goes awry and starts clumping together, but with no success yet.

FULL story at link.

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's

Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer's or another dementia. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's
Typical age-related memory loss and other changes compared to Alzheimer's
What to do if you notice these signs
For your doctor’s visit, 10 Warning Signs Checklist



10 warning signs of Alzheimer's:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What's a typical age-related change?
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

MUCH more at link.