Tag Archives: University of Edinburgh

Health, Medical, Research, Science

Alzheimer’s genes advance

MEDICAL RESEARCH

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered many new genes that are linked to thinking and cognitive skills. The breakthrough could help in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

SCIENTISTS have discovered nearly 150 genes linked to thinking skills in a breakthrough that could help combat Alzheimer’s disease.

A team lead by the University of Edinburgh found 148 genes that could have an impact on thinking skills – such as memory, reasoning, speed of mental processing and spatial awareness.

. See also New biological marker could detect Alzheimer’s disease ten years before symptoms appear…

Scientists said the results could help understanding of the declines in cognitive function that happen with illness as people age.

The study analysed data from 300,486 people aged between 16 and 102 who had taken part in 57 cohort studies in Australia, Europe and North America.

Dr Gall Davies, of the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, who led the analysis, said: ‘This study, the largest genetic study of cognitive function, has identified many genetic differences that contribute to the heritability of thinking skills.

‘The discovery of shared genetic effects on health outcomes and brain structure provides a foundation for exploring the mechanisms by which these differences influence thinking skills throughout a lifetime.’

As well as having better thinking skills, the genetic areas are associated with better cardiovascular and mental health, lower risk of lung cancer and longer life.

Those who participated in the study, first published in Nature Communications, had taken a variety of thinking and mental tests which were summarised as a general cognitive ability score.

All had genetic testing that examined their DNA, and none had dementia or a stroke.

Medicine Chest

Brazil Nuts

. Brazil Nuts – Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, which are actually one of the very few good sources of this mineral, needed in the body to make the antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, which help prevent free-radical damage to your cells.

Studies continue to show that people who eat selenium-rich food greatly reduce their risk of developing cancer and heart disease. Research also indicates that selenium helps the kidneys to clean toxins from the body more efficiently. Other sources include whole-grain cereals, seafood and seaweed.

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Health, Medical, Research, Science, Scotland

Clot-busting drug boosts recovery for stroke victims…

STROKE victims who are given a vital clot-busting drug within six hours are more likely to have a long-lasting recovery than those who do not receive the treatment, new research has revealed.

A Scottish-led study of more than 3,000 patients across a dozen different countries reviewed the effects of the clot-busting drug rt-PA, which is given intravenously to patients who have suffered an ischaemic stroke.

An ischaemic stroke happens when the brain’s blood supply is interrupted by a blood clot. The damage caused can be permanent or fatal. Stroke symptoms include paralysis down one side and speech problems.

The international trial, led by Edinburgh scientists, found that 18 months after being treated with the drug, more stroke survivors were able to look after themselves. Patients who received rt-PA had fewer long-term problems with self-care and mobility, and experienced less pain and discomfort than those who did not.

Treatment also reduced the number of patients who needed help from other people from 51 per cent to 43 per cent.

However, the benefits of using rt-PA come at a price. Patients are at risk of death within seven days of treatment because the drug can cause a secondary bleed in the brain.

Stroke experts stress that these mortality figures need to be taken in context of deaths from stroke. Without treatment, one third of people who suffer a stroke die, with another third left permanently dependent and disabled.

Professor Peter Sandercock, the Chief investigator from Edinburgh’s University Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, said:

… The trial team is delighted that, even for the elderly, rt-PA significantly improves life after stroke in the longer-term.

… Our results underline the benefits of treating patients with the drug as soon as possible and justify extending treatment to those aged 80 and over. We hope that this new data will encourage wider use.

Researchers said that because of the threat of death and disability, many stroke patients are prepared to take the early risks of being treated with rt-PA to avoid being disabled.

About half of those who took part in the trial were aged over 80.

The study builds on the results of the world’s largest ever trial of the drug, which was published last year. It found that treatment with rt-PA improved health for stroke survivors up to six months following an ischaemic stroke.

The latest results from the trial show the quality of life of stroke patients 18 months after receiving rt-PA.

It involved stroke patients in 12 countries between 2000 and 2011 – half of whom were treated with intravenous rt-PA and half of whom were not.

Researchers found that for every 1,000 patients given rt-PA within six hours of stroke, by 18 months, 36 more will not need help from others than if they had not been given the drug.

The multi-centre, randomised trial was supported by the University of Edinburgh, the Stroke Association UK, the Medical Research Council, the Health Foundation UK, NIHR Stroke Research Network and NHS Lothian Health Board. The results have been published in the academic journal The Lancet Neurology.

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