According to a recent article in ScienceDaily (June 16, 2010), researchers may have uncovered additional evidence that several previously studied genetic variants are associated with the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and also may have identified new genetic risk factors for further study. These findings are reported in the June issue of Archives of Neurology. Researchers were able to draw these conclusions by investigating the association between genetic loci related to Alzheimer’s disease and neuroimaging measures related to disease risk.

For the full article, visit ScienceDaily.com.

http://www.alzheimersbeacon.com/2010/06/09/mediterranean-diet-associated-with-reduced-cognitive-decline/

The study found that the larger the amount of deep belly fat, visceral fat, the smaller the brain. Smaller brain size is associated with a lower level of cognitive function on testing and an increased risk for dementia, said the study published in the Annals of Neurology.

Midlife obesity was previously linked as a risk factor of dementia, but central obesity increases that risk. In this current study, individuals with the largest centrally located obesity had a three times higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder, as compared to smaller-sized study participants.

This study again points to diet and exercise as potentially protective factors against developing Alzheimer’s disease

At SLR, residents with Alzheimer’s disease are recognized as individuals with a disabling illness. Treating the symptoms of their disease provides the opportunity to uncover and regain some of their lost abilities. In the right setting with the right support, these individuals can lead active, purposeful and inspiring lives.

Resident of Standish Village, a Senior Living Residences community in Dorchester, MA, celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Residents living in the Memory Support Neighborhood at Standish Village spent today celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Standish Village, like many other assisted living communities, offered a performance from an Irish Step Dancer. Unlike other assisted living communities, residents spent the morning engaged in an innovative adult learning course, studying Ireland, its history, land and people.

Each week residents at Standish Village and other Senior Living Residences’ communities participate in the Reconnections Program. Reconnections is an experiential-based adult learning program designed specifically for individuals with memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease based on research that cognitive stimulation may slow the progression of the disease. The material-rich learning courses key in on residents’ past and present interests to elicit engaged responses.

As the residents celebrated today, they focused not only on watching a dance performance, but also learning about its origins, history, and relevance in their own lives.

A recent study has found that major depression more than doubles the risk factor for dementia in adults living with diabetes. The study article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine noted that depression is common among people with diabetes and advised clinicians to add appropriate screening and treatment measures. Additionally, the study noted the need for exercise as well as weight and blood sugar control to protect people with diabetes from developing cognitive deficits.

It is not known how diabetes and depression interact to result in the increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Noting, the link between exercise, diet, and brain health, Senior Living Residences offers an exercise program in all of its communities as well as an innovative nutrition program.

Family members who are dealing with early-onset dementia often face major issues that are not associated with diagnosis at a later age, such as a loss of job due to declining cognitive abilities. For some individuals living with the early-onset type of this disease, SSDI is their main source of income. This change to the SSA will ease the application process for eligible individuals, diagnosed with the early onset form of Alzheimer’s disease and unable to continue with their work.

This past week I spent some time with residents in the Compass Memory Support at the BayView Assisted Living, a community owned by Senior Living Residences. One of the residents had some difficulty walking into the dining room at lunchtime. The associates quickly offered her assistance and she rested in a chair for a few minutes before continuing in to have her meal.

Another resident, who had watched the scene closely, approached the staff and offered his services. Once he was assured that everything was fine, he went in to have his own lunch.

I spoke to Jennifer Hoadley, the Program Director, about the resident who had approached to offer help, commenting on his composure, true concern, and fast action. She said, “he is a former Boston firefighter and is always right there when anyone needs assistance.” Although he is now living with Alzheimer’s disease, his lifelong call to the service and safety of others remains, unchanged by his disease.

Researches at UCLA followed 169 study participants diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), the stage between the cognitive decline associated with normal aging and the more serious changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Over a three year period, they took pictures of the brains of the individuals in the study, using sophisticated imaging and noting subtle changes over time.

After three years, the researches observed that the individuals who converted from MCI to Alzheimer’s disease showed changes in the hippocampus of the brain, specifically a 10-30 percent atrophy. The early changes noted in the brain imaging appeared before participants reported any decrease in functional ability related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Lianna Apostolova, senior author, of the study’s related paper and a member of the UCLA Laboratory of Neuro Imaging stated, ““We feel this is an important finding because it is in living humans.” She went on to say, “Now we have a sensitive technique that shows the ‘invisible’ – this is, the progression of a disease before symptoms appear.”