Diagnostic Method for Alzheimer’s from Sweden Becomes International Standard
Researchers at Gothenburg University have developed a reference method for standardized measurements that diagnose Alzheimer’s disease decades before symptoms appear. The method has now formally been classified as the international reference method, which means that it will be used as the standard in Alzheimer’s diagnostics worldwide. Beta amyloid protein is commonly found in the brain. […]
Read MorePreventive Neuroradiology in Brain Aging and Cognitive Decline
A new review published online in American Journal of Neuroradiology highlights the concept that cognitive decline can be identified early and prevented by applying quantitative brain imaging techniques. [More]
Read MoreSense of Smell May Predict Risk for Cognitive Decline
Two studies presented at the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AICC) in Copenhagen this month demonstrated that a decrease in the ability to identify odors was significantly associated with loss of brain cell function and progression to Alzheimer’s disease. There is growing evidence that the decreased ability to correctly identify odors is a predictor of cognitive impairment and an […]
Read MoreTargeting Inflammation in Treatment Resistant Depression
Research published in this month’s Archives of General Psychiatry evaluated the use of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha for treatment resistant depression. Researchers at Emory University studied whether blocking inflammation would be a useful treatment for either a wide range of people with difficult-to-treat depression or only those with high […]
Read MoreThe Effects of General Medical Health on Alzheimer’s Progression Revisited
For several years, studies have suggested that there is a link between health status or lifestyle and rate of progression in Alzheimer’s disease. Research on published in International Psychogeriatrics studied 335 individuals diagnosed with dementia for 11 years in a population-based longitudinal study of memory and aging. Baseline descriptors were sex, age, education, dementia duration […]
Read MoreThe MAOA Gene Predicts Happiness in Women
Research published in Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry demonstrates the association between happiness and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genotype. In women, low expression of MAOA was related significantly to greater happiness. In contrast, no such association was found in men. [Read more…]
Read MorePersonalized Medicine in Psychiatry
How close are we to implementing the idea of personalized medicine in psychiatry? Next year the International Congress on Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP) is holding a thematic meeting in April 2013 entitled “Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry.” An ‘All Star’ plenary faculty, who are some of the leading scientists from around the globe, will initiate discussions […]
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