« What Is Alzheimer's Disease? | Main | Wear the Lilac - Over $500 Raised So Far »

April 19, 2008

Brain Size and Alzheimer's

Though the cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear, research has indicated an association between AD and accumulations of amyloid-beta plaque and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. While these abnormal brain changes have been viewed as a defining characteristic of AD, autopsies have shown that plaques and tangles can also be present in the brains of people who did not experience cognitive decline while alive. New research from the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland indicates that brain size may be involved in this discrepancy. The study, which was presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Chicago, found that individuals with a large hippocampus were less likely to have symptoms of AD although plaques and tangles were present in their brains.
From: Study Links Brain Size to Alzheimer's

Posted by Chris Tregenza at 10:59 AM |

Digg This

Comments

Post a comment

If you have a TypeKey or TypePad account, please Sign In

Match It For Pratchett

  • What's This All About Then?
    Terry Pratchett, author of the bestselling Discworld novels, has been diagnosed with a rare form of Alzheimer's. He has donated half a million pounds (approx $1 million) to Alzheimer's research and appeared in the media highlighting the low levels of research funding Alzheimer's receives.
    Match It For Pratchett is a spontaneous, grassroots, totally unofficial campaign by loyal readers from around the world to raise money on behalf of the Alzheimer's Research Trust in the UK and Alzheimer's research in general around the world.

    What is Alzheimer's?
    Alzheimer's disease (AD), also called Alzheimer disease or simply Alzheimer's, is the most common cause of dementia, afflicting 24 million people worldwide. Alzheimer's is a degenerative and terminal disease for which there is currently no cure. In its most common form, it occurs in people over 65 years old although a rarer early-onset form also exists.

    How Can I Help?
    1. Give money directly to Alzheimer's Research Trust. If you are a UK citizen, this qualifies for Gift Aid

    2. For a fast, three click donation, use the Paypal button below.

    Like option 1, this goes straight to the Alzheimer's Research Trust but doesn't qualify for Gift Aid.

    3. Tell people about Match It For Pratchett. Use your blog, Twitter or Facebook. Email your friends, tell strangers in the street, dress up as an orangutan and hang from a tree. Do whatever you can to spread the word.



    If you wish to contact MatchItForPratchett.org, please email us at this address: Hello [ at ] MatchItForPratchett [ dot ] org.

Important Stuff

Get Involved