Archive for the 'Neurological Disease' Category
March 17th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
A recent study from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Murray, Utah has found that people who increase their vitamin D blood levels to 43 or higher may lower their risk of diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Heralded as “One of the Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs of 2007″, Vitamin D continues to surface in new research as a critical nutrient in maintaining good health and preventing disease, yet almost half of the world’s population has lower than optimal levels of vitamin D.
It is well known that hip fractures and muscle weakness, in people over 50, are linked with a deficiency in Vitamin D. Many recent studies have also found that low Vitamin D levels are associated with a number of serious, chronic diseases, such as diabetes, gum disease, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases, peripheral neuropathy, osteoporosis, cancer, stroke, mental decline, depression, high blood pressure and heart disease.
A Vitamin D deficiency can be treated with a simple daily supplement and a blood test can measure the circulating Vitamin D levels in your blood. A level of 30 nanograms per milliliter of vitamin D is considered normal, although this may vary from lab to lab.
Many doctors are routinely drawing blood levels of Vitamin D to to make sure patients are getting enough vitamin D to optimize good bone health and prevent chronic disease. Ask your doctor about this.
Important Note: Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, thus toxicity can occur from high intakes of vitamin D. Overdosage can occur from large amounts of supplements or cod liver oil, but it is unlikely to result from sun exposure or diet. Parents should consult with their pediatrician before giving any child vitamin D supplements. Excess vitamin D can reach toxic levels and be harmful.
Source: “Boosting Vitamin D Can Do a Heart Good”, HealthDay News, March 15, 2010
March 16th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Driving skills may still be intact in early Alzheimer’s, but the risk of getting lost on familiar streets, may be greater than one would think, according to researchers from the School of Occupational Therapy at Pacific University, Oregon. Memory and navigation skills become impaired in early Alzheimer’s while poor judgment and reasoning frequently compound the problem.
In this recent study of 207 drivers with Alzheimer’s who went missing while driving, 32 died and 35 were found injured, while 70 were still not found by the time the data was analyzed. Most had set off on routine and familiar trips to the post office, the local store or a relative’s house. Once lost, some had driven for almost two days and covered more than 1,700 miles. One New Jersey couple in the study, both with dementia, got lost on a trip to the store and drove around until they ran out of gas. The husband went for help but was unable to direct authorities to his car. His wife was found dead several days later.
Giving up the car keys is often a monumental loss for elderly folks who are considered unsafe to drive. Especially for men, it’s a milestone that represents a loss of independence, freedom and control. Families are frequently put in the difficult position of identifying the problem and enforcing the restrictions. So what is a family to do? Here are some helpful tips and resources:
- This is an important time to seek the help of the elderly person’s doctor. Have a confidential meeting or phone conversation ahead of their visit so the doctor has a clear understanding of the circumstances. People often will listen more to their doctor and less to their spouses and children about driving ability.
- There are many excellent resources for family members available through the Area Agency on Aging. Call their Senior Information Line at 800-645-2810 for a copy of booklets, brochures, or DVD’s about safe driving with aging.
- The Alzheimer’s Association offers a web-based program called “Comfort Zone” that families of Alzheimer’s patients can use if the person can still drive safely in familiar places. The driver agrees to limit driving to a “comfort zone,” and a global positioning system (GPS) monitors driving. If the driver leaves the area, the family is notified in real time.
Read more about “Comfort Zone”
Source: Linda Hunt, Ph.D., associate professor, Pacific University, Oregon; Elizabeth Gould, M.S.W., director, quality care programs, Alzheimer’s Association, Chicago; March 2010, American Journal of Occupational Health
Source: “Driving With Early Alzheimer’s May Be Ill-Advised”, HealthDay, March 12, 2010
February 1st, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Half the population of the industrialized countries has a deficiency in magnesium. A deficit in this important mineral has been linked with allergies, asthma, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, heart disease, muscle cramps and other conditions. And now researchers are finding evidence that magnesium may also play an important role in memory and learning.
In a recent study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, mice given extra doses of a new magnesium compound had better learning abilities and working memories. This is an interesting study in that it provides evidence that a magnesium deficit may lead to decreased memory and learning ability, while an abundance of magnesium may improve cognitive function. The findings, described in the Jan. 28 issue of the journal Neuron, are early however. Before we start taking magnesium supplements, more research needs to be done.
It’s good to keep in mind, however, that the average adult needs to consume between 300 and 400 milligrams of magnesium a day from magnesium-rich foods such as dark green leafy vegetables.
Source: Magnesium May Boost Brain Power, Fox News Health, February 1, 2010
Source: “Health Tip: Finding Magnesium in Food”, Health Day, January 14, 2010
Source: American Dietetic Association, www.eatright.org, February 2010
July 21st, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Curcumin, a polyphenol found in the Indian spice turmeric, and Vitamin D3 may help the immune system eliminate hamful plaques from the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers from UCLA, UC Riverside and the Human BioMolecular Research Institute. Their recent study found that both vitamin D3 and curcumin helped stimulate macrophages, a critical part of the immune system response, which appears to help decrease the buildup of disease-producing plaques in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric is commonly used in foods such as curry powders, mustards, and cheeses. It is grown as a shrub and is related to ginger. Turmeric is grown throughout India, other parts of Asia, and Africa. The root of turmeric has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to relieve a variety of conditions.
In this study, the researchers found that naturally occurring curcumin was less effective than synthetic curcumin, but they also noted that since this is early laboratory research, no dosage of vitamin D or curcumin can be recommended at this point. Larger vitamin D and curcumin studies with more patients are needed and planned.
A growing body of literature on vitamin D is also shedding light on the importance of this nutrient in the prevention of many chronic diseases. A simple blood test can measure the circulating Vitamin D levels in your blood, and many doctors are now drawing blood levels of Vitamin D to to make sure patients are getting enough. Doctors are finding that deficiences in Vitamin D are common, even in those who get daily sunshine and follow a good diet. Ask your doctor about this.
Read more about Vitamin D from Bay Area Medical Information
Source: Masoumi A, et al “1a,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 interacts with curcuminoids to stimulate amyloid-beta clearance by macrophages of Alzheimer disease patients” J Alzheimer Dis 2009
Source: “Stimulating Immune Response May Help Clear Alzheimer’s Plaques”, MedPage Today, July 2009
June 2nd, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Plaques and tangles on brain biopsy, post mortem, have been considered classic pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease. Some researchers are questioning the validity of this finding, however, and a recent study from the UK sheds more light on this theory.
In their recent study, British researchers found that many people in their 90’s had significant plaques and tangles in their brains but still managed to avoid dementia. Their findings were based on the brains of 456 people who had died and donated their bodies to science. The researchers found a strong link between plaques and tangles in the brain and Alzheimer’s in the 75-year-olds, but the significant association diminished by the time the people were 95.
These findings lend weight to the theory that plaques and tangles might not be a reliable sign of Alzheimer’s Disease. The study also points out that there is a lot that we don’t know about Alzheimer’s, and dementia in general.
Illustration courtesy of Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR), a service of the National Institute on Aging.
Source: “Plaques and Tangles May Not Doom the Very Old to Dementia”, MedPage Today, May 27, 2009
Source: Savva G, et al “Age, neuropathology, and dementia” N Engl J Med 2009; 360: 2302-09.
Source: Ewbank D, Arnold S “Cool with plaques and tangles” N Engl J Med 2009; 360: 2357-59.
Source: Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation
April 10th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Two prescription medications commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s, and also used to relieve the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, have again been linked to compulsive gambling and hypersexuality. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic found that of 66 patients who were taking either pramipexole (Mirapex) or ropinirole (Requip) for Parkinson’s, seven developed one of the destructive behaviors which resolved after the medications were discontinued or the doses were reduced.
Previous studies have identified a link between these drugs and compulsive behavior as well. In addition to gambling and hypersexuality, therapeutic levels of the medications have also been associated with compulsive eating, as well as excessive shopping or spending. Less destructive behaviors such as compulsive gardening, excessive fishing or hobby work have also been related to these drugs.
Mirapex and Requip are used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. They are also used in lower doses to help relieve the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. They are in a class of medications called dopamine agonists. A natural substance in the brain, Dopamine is needed to control movement.
Patients, as well as spouses or family members, need to be aware of this potential dangerous side effect of these drugs. ”The onset can be insidious and overlooked until life-altering problems develop”, according to the researchers in an article in MedPage Today. Contact your health care provider if new symptoms arise while on either of these drugs.
Source: Bostwick J, et al “Frequency of new-onset pathologic compulsive gambling or hypersexuality after drug treatment of idiopathic Parkinson disease” Mayo Clin Proc 2009; 84: 310-316.
Source: “Parkinson’s Drugs May Increase Compulsive Behavior”, MedPage Today, April 9, 2009
March 25th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Low bone mineral density may be associated with a disorder that causes dizziness, according to Korean researchers. Benign positional vertigo is an inner ear disorder that results in the sudden onset of dizziness, spinning, or vertigo when moving the head. In this recent study, people with osteopenia had double the risk of benign positional vertigo, and those with osteoporosis had triple the risk of the condition, which was unrelated to head trauma or other known causes.
Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for 44 million Americans and is known as the “silent disease”. It is a silent disease in that it progresses insidiously and painlessly up until the first symptom, which is usually a broken bone. Unfortunately by then, most of the damage has been done. Early detection and prevention of osteoporosis is vital. (Image courtesy of Merck Source.com)
Both men and women over age 50 are at risk. One-half of all women and one-fourth of all men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their remaining lifetime. This occurs despite the fact that osteoporosis can be prevented and treated.
Read more about the prevention, detection, and treatment of Osteoporosis
Source: Jeong S-H, et al “Osteopenia and osteoporosis in idiopathic benign positional vertigo” Neurology 2009; 72: 1069-1076.
Source: “Dizziness Linked to Bone Health” MedPage Today, March 23, 2009
February 21st, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Most of us truly love our coffee and especially look forward to that first cup in the morning. It’s delicious, it helps you wake up, and quite honestly, most of us are addicted to this wonderful brew. But are we going to regret this delicious indulgence some day?
A number of researchers have recently investigated the health benefits of coffee and found that drinking regular coffee on a routine basis was associated with many important health benefits such as a decreased risk of stroke, diabetes and dementia. Also, several studies have found that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s. Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily was linked to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones.
Coffee has been found to be helpful in people who have asthma. It also has been known to stop a headache, improve mood, increase concentration and give you that extra energy needed to get through the day.
Some of the health benefits of coffee are merely from the caffeine. An eight ounce cup of drip-brewed coffee contains about 85 mg of caffeine, whereas eight ounces of black tea only has about 45 mg of caffeine and 12 ounces of Coke has 35 mg of caffeine. Many of the so called “Sports/Energy Drinks” on the market are loading up on caffeine for that extra jolt and may contain over 150 mg of caffeine.
Researchers believe that most of the health benefits from coffee probably originate from substances other than caffeine. Phenolic compounds in coffee have strong antioxidant properties, which may improve endothelial function. Caffeinated coffee appears to have beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, inflammation, and endothelial function which would account for protection against diabetes and stroke.
Of course adding cream which is loaded with fat may counteract some of the health benefits of coffee, and pouring several spoons full of sugar into the cup adds another carbohydrate load that is not beneficial.
While these studies are very good news for coffee drinkers, be aware that coffee can lead to a number of health problems. These can include fast heart rate, tremors, irritable bladder, excessive urination, stomach irritation, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), nausea, vomiting, restlessness, anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping.
Caffeine is notorious for interfering with much-needed sleep. Many people get in a viscious cycle of using caffeine to mask their sleep deprivation, but then the excess caffeine keeps them from falling asleep the following night. The best way to break this cycle is to avoid all caffeine eight to ten hours before your desired bedtime. Drinking coffee later in the day is more likely to cause insomnia as well as stomach irritation and reflux for many people.
Another drawback of coffee is that certain drugs can interact with caffeine. Pregnant women and people with coronary heart disease or peptic ulcers are often advised to restrict or avoid using caffeine altogether.
Contrary to the popular belief that coffee will sober you up after drinking too much alcohol, it can actually worsen the problem. A recent study found that a high caffeine energy drink mixed with vodka actually reduced the participants’ perception of motor coordination compared with vodka alone. This could obviously lead to disasterous consequences in a person who is drinking heavily away from home and has several cups of coffee to sober up before driving home.
So, is coffee good for us? It depends on who you are, how much you drink, and when you drink it. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about the amount of coffee you drink.
Source: “High Coffee Consumption Linked to Lower Stroke Risk for Women”, MedPage Today, February 17, 2009
Source: Lopez-Garcia E, et al “Coffee consumption and risk of stroke in women” Circulation 2009; 119: 1116-1123.
February 16th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Excess abdominal fat may increase the risk of migraine headaches in young and middle-aged adults report researchers from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. In their recent large-scale study, people aged 20 to 55 who had larger waistlines were more likely to have migraines than those with smaller waistlines. However, among those older than 55, total body obesity wasn’t associated with migraine in women or men.
Excess abdominal fat also appears to be linked with diverticulitis, diverticular bleeding, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. In a recent study published in the Journal of Stroke, researchers found those who had a waist circumference greater than 40.2 inches for men or 34.6 inches for women, the risk of stroke increased more than 4-fold compared with individuals with a normal waist size. In general, women with a waist measurement of more than 35 inches and men with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches may have an increased risk for the above diseases.
A recent small study has found that periodic, intense exercise is best for burning the fat around the midsection. While any type of exercise is helpful, people who want to reshape their figures may need to boost the intensity of their workouts, researchers have found. Their study followed 27 middle-aged obese women. They found that those who exercised at a higher intensity for four months successfully shed fat from their midsections while those who exercised at a lower intensity showed no such changes in body fat.
It’s very important to note that anyone new to exercise should start off slow and gradually build the intensity, duration and frequency of workouts. Older adults and people with chronic health conditions should talk to their doctors before becoming more active.
Source: Dr. B. Lee Peterlin, of Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, American Academy of Neurology news release, February 2009
February 9th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
People living within 50 meters of a 220-380 kV power line are more likely to die of Alzheimer’s disease than those living at least 600 meters away from these lines, according to Swiss researchers from the University of Bern. The longer people lived close to the power lines, the higher their risk.
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are invisible lines of force that surround any electrical device that is plugged in and turned on. These electromagnetic fields are everywhere, in fact the cell phones, laptops, microwaves, hair dryers, electric blankets, and other appliances we surround ourselves with everyday emit an electromagnetic field in varying degrees.
The dangers of electromagnetic fields have long been a subject of discussion, controversy and research. Although there has been no conclusive evidence of a link between disease and EMF exposure, the World Health Organization has stated that these magnetic fields are possible human carcinogens. Some studies have found an increased risk of childhood leukemia in children living next to high-voltage power lines. Most recently, a study from 2005 found that children living within 200 meters of high-voltage power lines have a 70-percent increased risk of developing leukemia.
In your home there are a number of common-sense ways to reduce exposures to the EMFs that surround you during the day:
- Magnetic fields from appliances drop off dramatically in strength with increased distance from the source.
- Stand back from an appliance when it’s in use. A microwave, in particular, emits a considerable electromagnetic field within several feet of it during operation. Standing five-feet away from it during use will greatly reduce any EMF exposure.
- Keep at least an arm’s length away from computer monitors.
- Avoid using a laptop directly on the lap. There is no documented health hazard from using a laptop on the lap, but laptops do emit a small amount of radiation.
- Don’t let children play directly under power lines or on top of power transformers for underground lines.
- The duration of exposure is a factor of EMF exposure as well:
- Alarm clocks that sit next to your head for eight hours every night should be moved away from the head of the bed.
- Electric blankets that surround your body all night expose you to eight hours of low-dose EMF.
- Children are more susceptible to any potential dangers from EMF and parents might want to consider limiting cell phone use as a precautionary measure. Talking for hours on end, for instance, is a problem for a number of reasons, but the full breadth of the hazards of cell phone use by children is not completely understood yet.
- Correct any household wiring problems. This is also worth doing just for general safety reasons.
World wide, scientists who study the biological effects of radiation continue to do research on this issue.
Source: American Journal of Epidemiology, January 15, 2009.
Source: Draper G, Vincent T, Kroll ME, et al. Childhood cancer in relation to distance from high voltage power lines in England and Wales: a case-control study. British Medical Journal. 2005;330;1290-1294