DEMENTIA NEWS

EDITION 16, 2013 - 09 SEPTEMBER

UNDERSTAND PARTICIPATE

DISCUSS

EDITORIAL

Hello Dementia News readers,With the election campaigning over, the focus is now on Dementia Awareness Week (September 16-22) with lots of events happening all around Australia - including the National Dementia Research Forum in Brisbane (Sep 21-22), which I will be attending and tweeting from live. Follow @AlzheimersAus for all the exciting research updates. It is really refreshing to see so much happening in this field and also quite exciting. Stay tuned for updates.

In this edition, I report on an ongoing study called “SuperAgers,” where scientists in the USA have been studying a number of dementia-free 80-90 year olds and trying to find out why. I also report on a 20 year long study (just completed) that looked into the potential “memory enhancing” effects of the gingko tree extract. I would also like to thank researchers from Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition who have provided an article about a recently published review paper on how nutrition may be important in the risk of reduction of Alzheimer’s disease.

In this editions discuss section, I have looked a bit further into how Alzheimer’s disease differs from what we might call “normal” age-related memory loss. Forgetfulness happens all the time but does it mean we have dementia symptoms.

Last editions discuss section went into detail about how to evaluate all of the various research findings out there – sometimes contradictory. I hope you found it informative. However, on that note, I thought I’d share this one with you.

The headline – “Austrian researchers discover potential remedy for dementia.” It turns out yes, they did have successful results BUT! it wasn’t until you got to the second last paragraph of the article you realised that the remedy was in fact trialled on fruit flies.

After asking around the research team here at Alzheimer’s Australia, it turns out that fruit flies do actually have a similar brain function to humans, but I think it still points out that you should always critique the research before changing any lifestyle habits or believing any headlines. Obviously the researchers of this study have a little bit of a way to go before their “remedy” will be on the market - have a read of the original article here.

I hope you enjoy this issue,

Dementia News editor,Ian McDonald

COMMON QUESTION: What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

Dementia is an ‘umbrella’ term and describes a variety of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for between 50% and 70% of all dementias. However, in many cases, particularly when symptoms first appear and/or when people are in their 80s or 90s, there are multiple pathologies that cause symptoms, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular damage, and Lewy body disease.

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SuperAgers are men and women aged in their 80s and 90s who have the brain function of someone twenty to thirty years younger. Researchers from the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Centre at the Northwestern University, USA are interested in finding out why.

When the researchers from Northwestern University put out the call to find suitable study participants, over 400 people registered to be screened for the study but only 35 (less than 10 %) qualified. All of these people underwent various mental tests, periodic brain scans and medical tests. They also agreed to donate their brains to the study after death.

While the study is continuing, results have been published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society and the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience. They have shown that SuperAgers have:

• A thicker brain cortex (i.e. outer layer – responsible for higher brain functions and working memory) than normal 80-90 year olds.

• A bigger anterior cingulate cortex (a part of the brain responsible for attention) compared to not only the average 80-90 year old but many 50 and 60 year olds who participated in the study as a comparison group.

• Unusually low amounts of age-related amyloid plaques (a key sign of Alzheimer’s disease) – assessed via brain imaging.

• Better memories. For example one of the memory tests used in the study required participants to memorise 15 words then repeat the words after 30 minutes. SuperAgers were able to repeat at least nine out of the fifteen words, compared with similarly aged participants who could only remember one or two words.

The researchers also noted that the SuperAgers didn’t just have different brains, they had more energy than most people their age and shared a positive, inquisitive outlook on life. From these results, lead researcher Dr Emily Rogalski said “we hope to better understand factors that contribute to outstanding memory in older age.” When asked if the SuperAger study could go global she told Dementia News “because of funding, we are restricted to recruiting individuals in the Chicago area but hope to expand the program one day.”

Could SuperAger brains provide new insights in the fight against dementia? We look forward to seeing further results as the project continues.

For more information click on the links below:Media link: Yahoo NewsVideo link: Associated Press VideoJournal links: Journal of the International Neuropsychological SocietyJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience

SUPERAGERS SUPERHEROES OF DEMENTIA PREVENTION

UNDERSTAND NEW RESEARCH

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GINKGO TREE EXTRACT MAY SLOW MEMORY LOSSThe use of an extract EGb761® made from the Ginkgo Biloba tree has been found to slow down memory loss when taken by people without dementia symptoms. Published recently in PLOSone journal, the study looked at the brain function of 3612 French participants aged 65 and older over a 20 year period – none of whom had any dementia related symptoms at the beginning of the study. Participants were split into three groups as follows:

• 589 participants who had used the Ginkgo extract.

• 149 who had used a similar product called piracetam.

• 2874 who had not used either products.

Each participant underwent three different brain function evaluations multiple times over the 20 year period. Results showed that the decline of memory performance in those participants who took Gingko extract was lower than those who did not. Meaning their test scores declined less rapidly over time compared with those taking piracetam or nothing at all.

The scientific literature reports mixed results on the ‘memory effects’ of this extract. Two studies undertaken in 2008 and 2012 contradict the results of the current study published in PLOSone. However, the current study is one of the largest and longer term studies to date and does provide some evidence that EGb761® can improve brain function in people without dementia symptoms.

However, the study does not provide evidence that the same effect would occur in people with dementia. To date no research has concluded that this extract is a satisfactory treatment for dementia. Further preclinical and clinical trials with the gingko extract are required before more substantial claims can be made about its efficacy.

For more information click on the links below:Media link: ReutersJournal link: PLOSone

Gingko biloba tree (pictured) is native to China. Extracts of ginkgo leaves (such as Egb761®) are believed to have antioxidant properties, potentially helping increase brain blood flow and function. They are marketed as enhancers of memory and concentration. Clinical trials of ginkgo’s efficacy as a cognitive enhancer have produced inconsistent findings. See Your Brain Matters page 15 for more information.

Piracetam is a prescription medicine that stimulates the central nervous system, and may improve learning and memory, concentration and even creativity. It appears to increase communication between the two hemispheres of the brain. See www.piracetam.com for more information

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MEDICAL FOOD SUPPORTING MEMORY FUNCTIONNutrients play an important role in cognitive function, especially during the ageing process. A new review paper shows that people with Alzheimer’s disease have specific nutritional requirements and can benefit from nutrition-based approaches. For example, the right combination of omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, antioxidants (e.g. vitamin C, E) and nutrients such as uridine and choline, can play an important role by nutritionally supporting memory and brain function. The paper, published in the September edition of the Nutrition Journal, discusses the possible reasons why people with Alzheimer’s disease have lower levels of specific nutrients and the role of nutrition in risk reduction of Alzheimer’s disease. Nutrients such as those mentioned above are lower in people with Alzheimer’s disease compared to individuals of the same age without Alzheimer’s disease. Further to this, as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, a lower nutrient status seems to follow. Interestingly lower levels of nutrients (such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, E, C and folate) have also been observed in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

The levels of these nutrients can be low due to:

• an altered nutritional intake (not eating enough or not eating a well-balanced diet due to changes in taste, appetite or smell),

• the body’s inability to metabolise the nutrients in the right way and

• as a result of the ageing process, the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients and use them as intended may also become impaired.

Souvenaid® (a medical food, available in Australia) enables people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease to consume sufficient amounts of these nutrients in the quantities required to nutritionally support memory function. You can read more about the Souvenaid® clinical trials in the Alzheimer’s Australia resource here.

A European Union funded study, utilising Souvenaid® in people with prodomal (i.e early stage) Alzheimer’s disease, is further investigating the effect of this nutritional product on disease progression. Trial results will be available in 2015. Future research in this area is focused on risk reduction of Alzheimer’s disease through good nutrition. This review paper also provides insight regarding other nutritional considerations such as the Mediterranean diet – which has recently been in the spotlight.

For more information about Souvenaid®, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist or alternatively call the Nutricia Clinical Care Line on 1800 060 051 between 9am and 5pm (AEST).

For more information click on the link below:Journal link: Nutrition Journal

Disclosure: In 2013, Nutricia provided support to Alzheimer’s Australia for the Love, Loss and Laughter photographic exhibition. Alzheimer’s Australia does not endorse any product, and recommends that those interested in trying any medical product should consult their doctor.

Souvenaid® is a medical food that nutritionally supports memory function as part of the dietary management of the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Souvenaid® is intended to be used under medical supervision – see www.souvenaid.com.au

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Do you sometimes forget where you put your phone or car keys and wonder if it is a sign that you might be getting Alzheimer’s disease? Scientists have been wondering the same thing. Memory loss can be a normal part of the ageing process but Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, most certainly is not.

Alzheimer’s disease causes the death of brain cells and the loss of synapses, or connections, in the brain. As brain cells die they no longer communicate with each other and vital processes are interrupted. Some brain cell death and loss of brain volume is also part of normal ageing, and this can also weaken brain cell connectivity and cause memory loss to occur. However, the process is much more rapid in dementia, and is usually caused by one or more of a range of diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease or Lewy body disease) as opposed to normal age-related wear and tear.

One way to think about this is to imagine the electricity supply in a city, supporting hundreds of millions of lights, appliances, transport networks, and major industries. As the electricity grid ages, it will naturally start to degrade (causing isolated blackouts or blown fuses, for example). However, in most cases, this won’t affect the overall functioning of the city, particularly if efforts are made to maintain and repair the system. However, if a determined group of vandals were to set about systematically sabotaging the electricity grid, one suburb at a time, it would begin to cause major problems; particularly if unchecked. In a similar way, isolated damage or decline in the connectivity of brain cells related to normal ageing may result in slower reaction times or a reduced ability to remember long lists of words, but won’t affect our ability to carry on with daily living. However, major damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease (the vandal), is not normal, and will over time make any kind of functioning impossible.

Alzheimer’s Australia has information relating to distinguishing between normal memory loss and dementia symptoms – click here or visit the IS IT DEMENTIA? website.

If you are concerned about your memory loss or someone else’s we recommend either seeing your GP or calling the national dementia help line on 1800 100 500.

For more information click on the links belowMedia link: Medical News Today Journal link: Brain connectivity

FORGETFULNESS OR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE?

DISCUSS THE SCIENCE

THE PROTEIN IN THE BRAIN RESPONSIBLE FOR MEMORY LOSSNobel Laureate, Dr Erik Kandel and his research team have shown memory loss is associated with reduced levels of a key protein called RbAp48, in the brain’s memory centre, the hippocampus. Importantly, they found that a gene in this part of the brain produces less protein in older people than in younger people. The researchers tested the effect of this gene by reducing levels of the protein in healthy young mice. They found that the young mice forgot their way in maze tests and performed memory tasks at a similar level to what is usually observed in older mice. The next experiment was even more exciting. Boosting the protein made forgetful old mice as sharp as young ones again.

So what does this all mean?

There are certain proteins in the brain that are critical to normal functioning, and studying these specific proteins may help researchers develop drugs in the future to treat for brain diseases. Scientists are also looking into whether exercise and nutrition may help the brain function better and increase protein stimulation important for memory function.

For more information click on the links below:Media links: Washington Post Journal article: Science Translational Medicine

A gene can be thought of as a blueprint for how to build a protein. The blueprint, or gene, can also contain an instruction manual for how to read and use the blueprint under certain conditions. This is how a cell knows when to adjust protein production, turning a gene ‘on’ or ‘off’ when needed. For example, the instruction manual for your eye colour gene may say ‘don’t use in toenails’ or ‘use in eyes only’.

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PARTICIPATE TO LEARN MORE

PUBLIC LECTURES BY DEMENTIA RESEARCHERSDr Kristine Yaffe, MD will give a series of public lectures on prevention strategies in selected capital cities across Australia. Dr Yaffe is the Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry and Director of the Memory Disorders Clinic at the San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center. Her research has focused on the predictors and outcomes of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Her particular interest is in identifying innovative strategies to prevent cognitive decline. Also as part of DAW, Alzheimer’s Australia has invited Associate Professor Sue Kurrle to give public lectures on risk factors and prevention in Perth, Darwin and Alice Springs. A/Prof Kurrle holds the Curran Chair in Health Care of Older People in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital in northern Sydney. Working in both hospital and community settings, she has had a long interest and involvement in diagnosis and management of dementia and runs a memory and dementia clinic at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital.

Lecture dates and more information Sydney Dr Kristine Yaffe 16 September Darwin A/Prof Sue Kurrle 16 September Alice Springs A/Prof Sue Kurrle 17 September Canberra Dr Kristine Yaffe 17 September Melbourne Dr Kristine Yaffe 18 September Adelaide Dr Kristine Yaffe 19 September Perth A/Prof Sue Kurrle 19 September Brisbane Dr Kristine Yaffe 20 and 21 September

Visit the link here

DEMENTIA AWARENESS WEEK SEPTEMBER 16-22

Dementia Awareness Week is the national flagship week for Alzheimer’s Australia’s community awareness activities each year.

This year Dementia Awareness Week (DAW) will take place from 16 to 22 September, with World Alzheimer’s Day occurring on 21 September.

The theme this year is Brain Health: Making the Connections.

This theme gives organisations and individuals an opportunity to get involved in promoting brain-healthy lifestyles, promoting early detection and raising awareness of dementia.

This year, Alzheimer’s Australia welcomes international guest speaker, Dr Kristine Yaffe, MD, who will give a series of public lectures on prevention strategies in selected capital cities across Australia (see below).

There will also be many other events and activities around the country to broaden understanding of dementia during DAW. Local activities and events will be announced closer to September.

Contact your local Alzheimer’s Australia office for more information on how you can get involved.Click here for more information.

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Alzheimer’s Australia ACT will be presenting a celebration and information sharing day. The aim of this day will be to provide the CALD community of Canberra with ideas about looking after your body, brain and heart which may reduce the risk of dementia.

DATE: Wednesday, 18 September 2013TIME: 10.00am - 1.30pmVENUE: Theo Notaras Multicultural CentreNorth Building, 118 London Circuit, Canberra CityCOST: Free - Donations welcomeRSVP: By Wednesday, 11 September 2013(For catering purposes) Alzheimer’s Australia ACTPhone: 6255 0722

ALZHEIMER’S ACT MEMORY WALK

Alzheimer’s Australia ACT is holding its very first Memory Walk & Jog.

Memory Walk & Jog is a fundraising event to support Alzheimer’s Australia ACT. It’s all about coming together with your friends and family to raise vital funds to support people living with dementia and their carers. You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to be a part of Memory Walk & Jog - it has something for everyone! You can run, walk, skip, dance or even dress up for the Memory Walk & Jog. So whether you’re 8 or 80, a pro-athlete or just looking for a fun morning out, join us to support the work of Alzheimer’s ACT.

After your walk/jog join us for a BBQ with the Rotary Club of Canberra North or you can bring your own picnic lunch.

Date: Saturday, 21 September 2013Start Point: Opposite Aspen Island, Kings ParkTime: 10.00am - 1.30pmEntry Fee: $15 pp, children under 16 free (all proceeds to Alzheimer’s Australia ACT)To Register: Go to www.fightdementia.org.au and select ACT/Events/Memory Walk & Jog or call 6255 0722.

JOIN THE DOTS IN CANBERRA, CONNECTING BRAIN, HEART, BODY AND COMMUNITY

ART & DEMENTIA INTERACTIVE TOURS AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is running Art & Dementia interactive tours during Dementia Awareness Week When: Wednesday 18 Sep and Friday 20 SeptemberTime: 11amWhere: 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne Bookings are essential by calling the NGV on 8662 1555.Both tours are free

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CONTACT

This newsletter was funded by the Australian Government as well as the Dementia Collaborative Research Centre: Carers and Consumers © Alzheimer’s Australia as represented by the Dementia Collaborative Research Centre: Carers and Consumers, 2011DISCLAIMER:The views expressed in this work are the views of its author/s and not necessarily those of the Australian Government.

Any questions or comments are welcome.To subscribe/unsubscribe or if you have any information you would like to see included in future editions please contact:E: dementia.news@alzheimers.org.au P: (02) 6278 8916

NATIONAL DEMENTIAHELPLINE1800 100 500

NATIONAL LAUNCH OF NANA NO HATSSPECIAL COOKBOOK BY CORRIE LEE

The Corrilee Foundation invites you to the national launch of Nana No Hats - Edited by Ita Buttrose.

A special cookbook of recipes by 94-year-old Corrie Lee.

When: Wednesday,18 September, 2013

Where: Dymocks Store, George Street, Sydney

Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm

MC: Mikey Robins

Special Guest Speaker: Ita Buttrose

Proceeds from sales of the book benefit Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation and the CorriLee Foundation

Corrie will be with us on the night to celebrate, all going well!

Please RSVP by Thursday September 12.

Email tanya@corrileefoundation.org

www.corrileefoundation.org

www.fightdementia.org.au