Health News
Amyloid Plaques Found in Non-Alzheimer Elders
Two brain-imaging techniques have been able to see brain deposits of amyloid beta, a precursor to developing amyloid plaques, in seemingly normal older individuals.
The amyloid plaques are a hallmark to Alzheimer's disease. This brain-imaging technique could help identify patients for therapies to prevent the development of dementia.
Early to Treatment, Early to Muscle Control
Dystonia is an uncommon disorder that causes the muscles to contract when they should be relaxed, sometimes disabling patients for years. Starting treatment sooner rather than later leads to better results.
Singing is Soothing
Before performing knee replacement surgery, doctors had to get the patient's blood pressure under control.
A 76-year-old woman did not respond to the usual drug treatments.
However, after she sang a few religious songs, her blood pressure dropped dramatically.
Asthma's Double Duty Drug
Known to be effective in treating asthma, Zyflo (zileuton) may have a secondary use in treating Alzheimer's disease. A recent study showed a 50 percent reduction in plaques in the brain.
What’s Missing Here?
The first signs of alzheimer’s disease may include missing keys and missing memories. What's also missing is a blood test to help identify Alzheimer's patients early. It appears this diagnostic blood test may not be missing much longer.
Deep Sleep Detects Parkinson's
Over time, the toll that Parkinson's disease takes on the body and mind gets worse and worse. Although Parkinson's has no cure, finding it early can help patients in many ways. New research shows that early symptoms of the disease can be seen in dream sleep.
You Can't Stop Yourself
Earlier this year, a French man claimed that the drugs he was taking for Parkinson's disease made him addicted to gambling. Adding support to these claims, a new study shows that Parkinson's drugs can lead to impulse control problems.
Holding on to Memory
The human brain loses a fair amount of weight over the course of a person's adult life. But the brain's ability to reorganize itself (called plasticity) makes up for lost cells and may help Alzheimer's patients.
Depression Makes the Pain Worse
Knee arthritis can be so painful that standing seems impossible. Even those with mild arthritis say they feel extreme pain, especially if they have depression.
Quicker Recovery for Your Knee
Get your physical therapy started early following knee replacement surgery to save time, money and to run your next 5K. Knee rehabilitation improved patient outcomes by reducing pain, increasing joint motion in leg flexion and extension, improving muscle strength, and improving gait and balance.