August 19, 2010

Predicting Alzheimer's...Is it possible?

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. wanted to provide an update to the recent research about a Belgian study that suggests “Alzheimer’s disease can be accurately predicted by analyzing biomarkers in spinal fluid” http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/08/10/alzheimer-predict-test.html, which has garnered much attention.

Is it possible to predict Alzheimer’s disease?

“The 100% accuracy claimed, applied specifically and only to MCI-diagnosed people. They could predict [they say] accurately, from a study of the SCF proteins, which of all these MCI people would go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and which not. This is useful if it’s true, and I think is new, at least as a stated finding,” explained Dr. Jack Diamond, scientific director at the Alzheimer Society. “However, a report from Sweden which appeared only four days ago concludes that exactly these kinds of measurements do NOT allow prediction of progression of MCI to Alzheimer’s disease with 100% accuracy. The bulk of the paper is otherwise essentially confirmatory of earlier reports.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the second most feared disease by Canadians as they age. For an aging population, efforts to find the causes and cure for dementia, and the need to be informed about the disease are increasing.

While research advances our knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, more research and knowledge is needed to understand the causes and to find a cure.

Be informed about dementia by visiting the Alzheimer Society of B.C. website, a one-stop resource for current news and research. At www.alzheimerbc.org you will find a variety of resources including:
 

  • Information about the disease, such as warning signs and risk factors
  • In the News, a sampling of the latest news articles about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
  • Information about dementia research in B.C. and Canada funded by the Alzheimer Society Research Program
  • The Healthy Brain Program to help you plan to maintain the health of your brain
  • Newsletters and education bulletins Contact, the Society newsletter, In Touch, which has practical suggestions for caregivers, and Insight featuring contributions from people with dementia
  • Contact information for local resource centres
  • Learn more about how you can participate, advocate, or donate to provide Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow…® at www.alzheimerbc.org.
Stay connected about the latest updates, events, and news from the Society and help inform others by:



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