American journal of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
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Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen · Nov 2014
ReviewDiagnosis and prognosis in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a communicating hydrocephalus, of unknown pathophysiology, characterized by the classical triad of dementia, urinary incontinence, and ataxia. The most popular treatment option is shunt surgery, although it is not a cure. The diagnosis of the disorder is challenging as it may mimic a lot of other neurological conditions and has no distinct biomarker. ⋯ The predictors deciding the postsurgical prognosis has been discussed. Improved shunting modalities and novel shunt materials with valve adjustments have improved the precision of the shunting procedures. Still we have lot more to achieve in terms of early diagnosis and definitive management of iNPH.
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Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen · Mar 2013
ReviewThe possible role of antioxidant vitamin C in Alzheimer's disease treatment and prevention.
Oxidative stress is suggested to play a major role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among the antioxidants, vitamin C has been regarded as the most important one in neural tissue. ⋯ However, clinical trials using antioxidants, including vitamin C, in patients with AD yielded equivocal results. The current article discusses the relevance of vitamin C in the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of AD and explores its therapeutic potential against this neurodegenerative disorder.
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Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen · Nov 2012
Review Case ReportsAgitation and psychosis associated with dementia with lewy bodies exacerbated by modafinil use.
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is commonly associated with excessive daytime somnolence (EDS). Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent that is considered to have limited interaction with the dopaminergic system. ⋯ In both cases, psychotic symptoms emerged concomitantly with modafinil administration and remitted following its discontinuation. Although definitive data regarding the benefits and adverse effects of modafinil for the treatment of EDS in DLB await controlled prospective randomized studies, our observations warrant caution regarding its use in this context.
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At this time there are no effective methods to alter the disease course in Alzheimer's disease. All FDA approved interventions are for symptomatic relief only. ⋯ Some agents have failed while others still provide hope. Since amyloid is the peptide most closely linked to disease pathogenesis, it is possible that some of the anti-amyloid agents will impact the disease progression in a meaningful way.
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Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen · Feb 2012
ReviewInterventions for Hispanic caregivers of patients with dementia: a review of the literature.
The number of Hispanics/Latinos living with dementia in the United States is expected to rise from 200,000 to 1.3 million by 2050, which will result in large numbers of Hispanics/Latinos assuming the role of caregiver. The demands of caregiving can negatively impact caregivers' health. The purpose of this review was to identify intervention strategies that can help Hispanics/Latinos deal with the burden associated with providing care for older adults with dementia. ⋯ Future studies should consider culturally tailoring interventions for Hispanic/Latino caregivers from differing subcultures, utilizing relevant technology in studies, and evaluating the functional level of the care receiver and assess where he/she is in the disease process continuum. A better understanding of within-group differences among Hispanic/Latino caregivers, especially with respect to acculturation, could lead to better tailoring of interventions. Future research should consider the possibility of discovery-based participatory approaches. Few studies have addressed these areas of concern in this population.