Japanese Scientists Make Alzheimers Progress 155
grammar fascist writes "The AP wire reports that Japanese medical researchers have developed a DNA-based vaccine that reduces the brain plaque beta amyloid without the severe brain inflammation that plagued successes in 2002. From the story 'The deposits have been cut by between 15.5 percent and 38.5 percent in mice, with no major side effects, researchers said Monday in the online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences [...] If all goes well, this type of treatment might be available for people in six or seven years, [lead researcher Yoh Matsumoto] said.'"
My Grandma (Score:3, Insightful)
SO GET CRACKIN!
Fortunately, she can still remember everyone (after thinking about it for a few minutes), but she forgets what happened 2 minutes ago and gets easily confused. As you might suspect, she has to be cared for 24/7. Fortunately my Grandpa can be there for her. Unfortunately, a 90 year old man with a good brain still has a failing body to deal with.
Comment removed (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Alzheimer's Programs (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Alzheimers Prevention (Score:2, Insightful)
Comment removed (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Aluminum... (Score:2, Insightful)
National Institute of Health [nih.gov]:
Alzheimer's Society (UK) [alzheimers.org.uk]:
It appears the consensus from reputable sites is that we don't know, and there's no consistent correlation that's shown up in studies so far.
Re:My Grandma (Score:4, Insightful)
I'd be quite happy to sign something now to the effect of "if I have dementia to the point where I don't even know who I am any more, and there is a potential cure or treatment, sign me up.". If it kills me, or shortens my remaining life then I haven't really lost much, those around me will have gained something as caring for someone like that is a huge burden (and often significantly shortens the life of the spouse if they are still alive), and will benefit the scientists who are testing the treatment, even if its "oh well... so it doesn't work on people afterall".
It's probably a bit late to ask me once my mind is gone though.
With alzheimers though, can they tell yet if it's that or something else without taking your brain out of year head and chopping it up? I remember quite a few years (>10) ago when I had a relative who was thus aflicted, there was lots of initial misdiagnosises (or whatever the plural of that word is), and they basically said that they only way to be sure was to wait until the patient had passed away.
No major side effects (Score:2, Insightful)