New Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Gene Discovered

http://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_disease_causes.asp

Two articles released online today by The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) report on a newly identified risk gene for Alzheimer’s disease. These studies advance our knowledge of the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and demonstrate real progress in basic research to discover the causes of Alzheimer’s.

The NEJM articles report on a mutation on a gene known as TREM2 that the authors say confers about three times additional risk of developing Alzheimer’s. At the same time, the mutation seems to be quite rare, occurring in less than one-half of 1 percent of the study population. Because of the rarity and relatively modest risk increase, it will most likely not be the basis for genetic testing.

The gene mutation is related to reduced control of factors that lead to inflammation. While the findings need replication to enhance their credibility, this discovery is made more plausible by the connection of the identified gene to inflammation, which has been shown in many research studies to have a role in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s — though we don’t know yet exactly what that role is.

Genetic mutations that are confirmed as Alzheimer’s risk genes tell us more about the disease — often that Alzheimer’s is somehow connected to the regular function of the gene. And they may become targets for therapies or point us to new targets for therapies.

It takes a lot of work, time and money to find a molecule or compound that will have the desired effect and to make that molecule into a safe and effective drug. Next steps for this research include (1) further confirmation of these findings by other scientists in different populations and (2) evaluating this gene mutation as an indicator of targets for therapy.

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Alzheimer’s affects kids and teens who know adults with the disease

http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_just_for_kids_and_teens.asp

When a friend or family member has Alzheimer’s disease, you may feel upset, confused or scared. Alzheimer’s can be puzzling because a person who has it often doesn’t look sick.

Some people with early stage Alzheimer’s may forget words or not remember your name sometimes. Otherwise you may not notice too many changes. But, when you spend time with people with later stage Alzheimer’s, it is easy to see that something serious is going on. Some people with Alzheimer’s may cry, become angry very easily or behave in ways that embarrass you. Sometimes the person may not remember who you are, even if it is someone like a grandparent who knows you very well.

People with Alzheimer’s disease are not acting like this because they don’t care about you anymore. Changes deep inside their brains are destroying the centers that control remembering, thinking and feeling. They are losing their ability to make sense out of the world.

This page provides resources to help you learn about Alzheimer’s disease and understand how it affects you. It’s important to know that you are not alone. Alzheimer’s changes the lives of everyone it touches.

New Videos for Kids

Kids Look at Alzheimer’s Disease
Does someone in your family have Alzheimer’s disease?  Spend a few moments watching the videos below to learn about the disease and how kids like you are dealing with it. 

Part 1: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Maybe someone you know has Alzheimer’s disease but you don’t even know what it is! Watch this video to get the facts.

Part 2: What Can I Expect and How Can I Deal With It?
You may wonder about what the changes are that will come because of Alzheimer’s disease. Will things be different for you or your family? Watch this video to learn how you can keep talking and having fun with the person with Alzheimer’s.

Part 3: Is it Me or Is It the Disease?
Does it seem like the person you know with Alzheimer’s is changing? You’re right! Watch this video to find out more about those changes and how to talk about them with friends and family.

Part 4: How Can I Help and What’s Out There to Help Me?
There are lots of ways for kids to make a difference in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Watch this video to find out what you can do to help.

New Videos for Teens

Teens Look at Alzheimer’s Disease
If you are on this site, you probably know someone – or know of someone – with Alzheimer’s. Take a look at the videos below to learn about the disease and hear about how other teens are coping with it.

Part 1: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Confused about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and how it differs from dementia? Want to know more about the progression of the disease? Watch this video to get the facts.

Part 2: What Can I Expect and How Can I Deal With It?
You may have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease and wonder what the changes that come with the disease will mean for you and your family. Watch this video to learn how to make communication and connection with someone with Alzheimer’s disease easier for everyone.

Part 3: If the Person with Alzheimer’s Lives with Us, What Can I Expect?
It may seem like the person with Alzheimer’s is changing in ways that make your relationship different, but why? The answer is almost always that the disease is responsible for the changes, and keeping that in mind will allow you to cope with the situation more easily. Watch this video to learn more, and to explore making some changes of your own.

Part 4: How Can I Help and What’s Out There to Help Me?
There are lots of ways for people your age to make a difference in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Start by talking openly about it and informing your peers. Watch this video to find out how you can help move us toward a world without Alzheimer’s.

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Studies show that Alzheimer’s may be evident years before symptoms

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/health/alzheimers-precursors-founds-at-earlier-age.html?_r=0

Researchers studying Alzheimer’s disease are finding clues that the brain may begin to deteriorate years before a person shows symptoms of dementia. New studies have found that the brains of people destined to develop Alzheimer’s clearly show changes at least 20 years before they have any cognitive impairment. This may lead to opportunities for early detection and treatment.
Read the article >>

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Three former First Ladies personally understand the caregiving experience

http://blog.alz.org/the-first-lady-caregivers/

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. Three former First Ladies — Hillary Clinton, Nancy Reagan and Rosalynn Carter (left) — have put their heart into crusading for caregivers, serving as passionate advocates because they have taken the caregiving journey themselves.
Read the blog >>
Honor a caregiver >>

http://blog.alz.org/the-first-lady-caregivers/

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http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_4772.asp

Would you like to make a unique donation to the Alzheimer’s Association while making some room in your garage at the same time? Consider donating your car for the cause!

It’s easy. We accept cars, trucks, RVs and boats! We accept them whether they are in top shape or just a lump of metal. We’ll even pick up the vehicle from you at your convenience.

It’s fast. Once you complete our simple Vehicle Donation Form, a towing service will call you within four business days to schedule a pick–up time.

It’s tax–deductible. Your car donation is tax–deductible to the full extent of the law.

It feels good! You don’t have to worry about dealers, ads or calling a tow truck. Your vehicle will help fund the research, care and support efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

For more answers to common questions about our car donation program, read our online FAQs or call 1.800.240.0160 for more information.

If you have a vehicle that you are thinking of trading in or selling, consider donating it to the Alzheimer’s Association Donate a Car Program.

When your vehicle is sold, the proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association to help fund research and enhance the lives of all those affected by the disease. You may also be able to deduct the fair market value of your vehicle as a charitable contribution for income tax purposes.

We have partnered with Car Program LLC, which accepts most vehicles, including cars, trucks, trailers, boats and RVs. The donation process is easy by phone.

Donate online:

• Start now with the Vehicle Donation Form. Once your form is processed, a towing service will call you within four business days to schedule an appointment time to pick up your vehicle.
• Get answers to frequently asked questions.
• Ask questions before starting by sending us an email at donateacar@alz.org.

Donate by phone:

• If you have any questions, please call the Donate-A-Car processing center toll-free, seven days a week at 1.800.240.0160.

Alzheimer’s Association

http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_4772.asp

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