OHIO ELDER LAW BLAWG

Alzheimer's: Earlier Diagnosis Creates Reform of Definition of the Disease

The definition of Alzheimer's disease is being updated and reformed in new medical guidelines that reflect fast-mounting evidence that the disease begins damaging the brain well before, perhaps years before, the symptoms begin to become apparent. 

The new guidelines by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association, divide the disease into three stages, listed here in reverse in time:

1. A phase when dementia has developed;

2. A phase in which mild problems emerge but daily functions can still be performed; and

3. A phase, most recently discovered, in which there are no symptoms but changes are brewing in the brain.

Early diagnosis may become more prevelant and Medicare regulations may be updated to reflect the need for earlier discovery and intervention which hopefully can result in better planning and care. Edward Markey, Representative from Massachusetts has sponsored a bill to increase medicare reimbursement for such diagnosis.

For a more thorough review, please see the full article in the NY Times.

Health Benefits of Walking May Include Protection of Brain Size and Memory

The benefits of walking are probably more than just helping to remain fit and healthy. We know walking results in a reduced risk of disability in the elderly population, as well as it lowers chances of developing cancer in men. According to a recent study, walking at least six miles per week protects brain size and preserves memory in old age.

The study was initiated on 299 individuals who showed no signs of dementia. During the study, participants had to record the number of blocks walked each week. Nine years later brain scans were taken in order to measure brain size of the subjects. Having completed four more years, authors conducted a test for ascertaining the presence of cognitive impairment or dementia. People walking at least 72 blocks a week, (six to nine miles) may have greater gray matter volume than people who didn’t walk that much. The results were measured at the nine-year time point after recording activity.

Kirk I. Erickson, PhD, with the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh and the study author explained, “Brain size shrinks in late adulthood, which can cause memory problems. Our results should encourage well-designed trials of physical exercise in older adults as a promising approach for preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

       Gray matter volume did not seem to boost any further in those walking more than 72 blocks. After four years, 116 volunteers comprising 40 percent were apparently diagnosed with either cognitive impairment or dementia. Walking possibly lowers chances of developing memory problems. Experts presume that while regular exercose enhances brain health in midlife, thinking and memory is improved in later life.

The study was published in the October 13, 2010, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.  Excerpts of this article were taken from healthjockey.com.