Alzheimer's test could become common
(to develop a biomarker based on proteins in the blood)
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the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association are working to revise the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease, the first update in 25 years. The first draft of the new guidelines was presented at an international conference in July. It calls for better capturing different stages of the disease and using biomarkers of the disease — substances that can be measured in cerebrospinal fluid or found through brain imaging such as PET scans and MRI scans. But for now, until the techniques are validated and standardized for broader use, neuroimaging and spinal taps are primarily for use in research settings.
The larger question remains: How useful is it to know a devastating disease is in your future when, so far, there is no cure and little that can be done?
If diagnostic testing becomes widely available, as expected, it will be up to doctors and patients whether to use them. Already, people with a family history of Alzheimer's disease can undergo genetic testing to see if they have the same gene mutation — but science and medicine are still trying to determine how to use that information to help patients. The Alzheimer's Association says that genetic testing should only be offered with pre- and post-test counseling and that people should consider how testing positive might affect eligibility for disability, long-term care and life insurance.
On the plus side, accurately predicting who will develop Alzheimer's can be useful now for getting the right people into research studies to better understand, treat and hopefully cure the condition, said Dr. Anton Porsteinsson, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Care, Research and Education Program at University of Rochester Medical Center. Also, people told to expect problems can prepare and take steps toward a healthier lifestyle, such as a heart-healthy diet, exercise and staying mentally active, which may help. Someday, diagnosing patients before they're suffering clinical symptoms will likely be key to treatment because otherwise too much damage has occurred to reverse, he added. Read more: democratandchronicle.com
The larger question remains: How useful is it to know a devastating disease is in your future when, so far, there is no cure and little that can be done?
If diagnostic testing becomes widely available, as expected, it will be up to doctors and patients whether to use them. Already, people with a family history of Alzheimer's disease can undergo genetic testing to see if they have the same gene mutation — but science and medicine are still trying to determine how to use that information to help patients. The Alzheimer's Association says that genetic testing should only be offered with pre- and post-test counseling and that people should consider how testing positive might affect eligibility for disability, long-term care and life insurance.
On the plus side, accurately predicting who will develop Alzheimer's can be useful now for getting the right people into research studies to better understand, treat and hopefully cure the condition, said Dr. Anton Porsteinsson, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Care, Research and Education Program at University of Rochester Medical Center. Also, people told to expect problems can prepare and take steps toward a healthier lifestyle, such as a heart-healthy diet, exercise and staying mentally active, which may help. Someday, diagnosing patients before they're suffering clinical symptoms will likely be key to treatment because otherwise too much damage has occurred to reverse, he added. Read more: democratandchronicle.com
Casein for muscle protein synthesis
Protein from soy or casein both benefit the synthesis of muscle protein at the same rate, suggests a new study that supports both sources for muscle health. Read more: nutraingredients.com
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