Saturday, November 13, 2010

Optical Scientists, Psychiatrists Develop Minimally Invasive Eye Test for Alzheimer's

Building upon a recent discovery that the same Alzheimer's disease process that goes on in the brain also occurs in the eye, researchers have developed a pair of optical tests that can determine the presence of amyloid beta proteins -- found in all Alzheimer's patients -- in the lens of the eye. A device called an interior laser ophthalmoscope can pick up the presence of the amyloid protein.












Dr.Sanjay Mongia
http://www.hydrocephalus.in

Predicting Alzheimer's : New EEG Test Can Predict Onset of Alzheimer's

Using new computer software that analyzes EEG data, doctors  can now better distinguish early signs of Alzheimer's from normal aging, by spotting marked differences between the left and right sides of the brain. Diagnosing Alzheimer's early can be vital because new drugs can now slow the progression the disease. The new technique is cheaper and less invasive than using MRIs or PET scans for the same diagnosis.


Using new computer software that converts the EEG scan into numbers, psychiatrists can more easily determine normal aging vs. early signs of dementia.


Currently, MRIs and PET scans can also detect future dementia, but they are much more invasive and expensive. 




Dr.Sanjay Mongia
http://www.hydrocephalus.in

High Cholesterol in Middle Age Women Not a Risk Factor for Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

High cholesterol levels in middle age do not appear to increase women's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia later in life, new Johns Hopkins-led research finds, despite a body of scientific evidence long suggesting a link between the two.


Even though Mielke and her colleagues found no link between high middle-age cholesterol levels and dementia risk, Mielke cautions that people still need to watch their cholesterol. High cholesterol levels are linked to cardiovascular and other diseases. Cholesterol levels can be kept in check through diet, exercise and medication.








Dr.Sanjay Mongia
http://www.hydrocephalus.in