The American Academy of Neurology is giving us one more reason to stop smoking and drinking: Alzheimer’s sets in earlier for these risk groups, and the data seems to be undeniable. At the same time, there is apparently a new miracle cure for Alzheimer’s on the horizon. This entry will review both the newest cures and curses of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimers’ New Curses

In the American Academy of Neurology study, two risky behaivors were cited as the “most preventable factors” in helping to curb Alzheimer’s: drinking and smoking. The study found that heavy drinkers developed Alzheimers four years earlier, on average, than non-drinkers. Heavy smokers developed the condition nearly 2 1/2 years before non-smokers.

Alzheimers’ New Cures

The study about the potential risk factors for Alzheimers comes on the heels of a recent medical breakthrough, in which a well-placed injection of an anti-arthritic drug into the spinal cord could potentially cause immediate curative effects.

One study subject in the new potential “cure” for Alzheimers had not recognized his wife for years, but upon receiving the injection immediately greeted her. Of the 50 subjects currently undergoing the experimental new procedure, there is apparently a 90% success rate.

Still, there is still much research to be done. The set of subjects is relatively small and Suzanne Sorenson, head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, says there is still much research to be done, “On the surface, these results are exciting, but we need to study with caution,” she said. “The evidence suggests it is worth giving these drugs a trial.”

Alzheimer’s is caused by an accumulation of protein in the brain, which cause loss of memory — also known as dementia. Incidence of Alzheimer;’s, along with its closely related ailment, Parkinson’s, have dramatically risen in recent years - suggesting that environmental factors are partly to blame.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 at 5:08 pm and is filed under Research & Breakthroughs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.