Current Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research indicates that accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein plaques in the brain is central to the development of AD. Unfortunately, presence of these plaques is typically confirmed only at autopsy. In a special issue of the journal Behavioural Neurology, researchers review the evidence that Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can image these plaques during life. This exciting new technique provides researchers with an opportunity to test the amyloid hypothesis as it occurs in living patients. [continue reading…]
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There is an interesting article in the LA Times this morning Debate over cognitive, traditional mental health therapy Eric Jaffe takes a look at the debate centered around how psychologists approach therapeutic practice
Psychologists who favor the more medical-minded cognitive behavioral model point to growing evidence of its efficacy. Proponents of psychoanalysis deride a one-size-fits-all approach. Link to read the full article
Source: LA Times
A University of Queensland study has found that females who experience early puberty have increased levels of aggression.
The report, recently published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology, also found that the aggression/delinquency self reported by females is comparable to the rate of young males.
The research is believed to be the first population-based study that has linked the age of puberty with increased rates of antisocial behaviour and to suggest that young females may behave as aggressively as males.
The paper lead author is the Director of the UQ Queensland Alcohol and Drug Research and Education Centre, and School of Population Health sociologist Professor Jake Najman.
Professor Najman and his co-researchers suggest that females who experience early puberty (before the age of 12) may have disrupted social networks, increased parental conflict and different desires and expectations to their peers.
Although males and females undergo different hormonal changes during puberty, the findings suggest that both genders experience increased levels of aggression as they progress through puberty.
Professor Najman said there was evidence of a diminishing gap between male and female health risk behaviours.
“Females are as willing as males to engage in types of aggressive or delinquent behaviours,” he said.
“This shows that there may simply be a greater acceptance of these behaviours in females than has previously been the case.”
This finding was supported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, who showed that young females now smoke at rates equal to or higher than males, binge drank alcohol at similar rates, and were closing the gap in the use of some illicit drugs.
“While some researchers argue for early childhood intervention, we suggest that early puberty and adolescence is an appropriate time to initiate programs,” he said.
“There is a possibility that the rates of aggression observed in females may lead to more substantial offending behaviour as these females mature.”
The data is derived from the Mater University Study of Pregnancy and its outcomes, Australia’s largest longitudinal study which has tracked over 8000 mothers and their children over a 21 year period (and a 30 year follow-up to be conducted).
Study co-authors are Reza Hayatbakhsh, Tara R. McGee, William Bor, Michael J. O’Callaghan and Gail M. Williams.
Source: University of Queensland
A milkshake that promises to boost the memory of Alzheimer’s patients could be available within two years.
Souvenaid is a multi-nutrient drink designed to improve cognitive function and is the result of more than ten years of research and development into the potential role of medical nutrition in neurological diseases. The first clinical trial took place between 2006 and 2008. The results of this trial,demonstrating proof of concept, are being published in the January 2010 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
One of the features of a brain with Alzheimer’s disease is the loss of synapses, which are junctions between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle. Research suggests some connection between low numbers of synapses in a person’s brain and Alzheimer’s symptoms such as memory impairment and language deterioration.
Souvenaid® is a once-a-day nutritional drink designed to build nerve connections in the brain linked to memory function. Souvenaid® was shown in a clinical trial to improve memory in patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. Souvenaid® contains Fortasyn™ Connect, a patented combination of nutrients that interact to help build brain synapses.
Source: Nutricia
