Can you imagine this? Anaesthesia to kill the pain, but you’re left awake, while the surgeon drills two holes in your skull. And, then questions and commands. Why? Because it’s the only way the electrodes that will be placed in your brain can be put in exactly the right place.
Continue reading A brain pacemaker…
Serendipity strikes again? Maybe- because deep brain stimulation, a technique used to treat chronic pain and Parkinson’s disease, may work to amplify memory – including those suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Continue reading Deep Brain Stimulation
A “new” study of chemical processes in living things is being evaluated; it’s called metabolomics. Basically, one studies the end products of cellular processes. It was first proposed after World War II, when paper chromatography was in vogue- and which did not afford enough data for the study to truly advance. Then, gas chromatography/mass spectrometers were developed (1970’s), which let us really begin to study the metabolites, along with the development of NMR spectroscopy.
Continue reading Metabolomics? Are you kidding me?
I recently talked about folic acid and cobalamin supplements for pregnant mothers. It turns out that vitamin B supplements may also work to slow down brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s disease. If there is brain shrinkage, there is cognitive impairment (at least a mild case), and it often leads to the subject manifesting dementia.
Continue reading Folic acid, cobalamin, and pyridoxamine may protect against Alzheimer’s
Continue reading Memories… It’s not just a song, but a prescription for health!
As we’ve discussed previously, we are seeking to detect Alzheimer’s as soon as possible- before the amyloid proteins (plaque) form in the brain (with the concomitant brain cell death). Now, instead of a spinal tap (to test the spinal fluid), there may be a blood test (easier to complete).
Continue reading Another early detection test for Alzheimer’s and a potential treatment
