BU Now » Alzheimer’s Disease

Dr. Robert Green: “Predicting Alzheimer’s”

Jo Breiner — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:29:16 +0000

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Finding Alzheimer’s risk poses little distress

Ron Rosenberg — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:56:34 +0000

If you learned from a genetic test that your risk for Alzheimer’s disease increased, how would you feel? A study of 162 healthy adult children of patients with Alzheimer’s found that people who inherited a key gene showed no more test-related stress, depression, or anxiety than those who did not, according to Dr. Robert Green, lead author of the School of Medicine study, that examined the psychological reprecussions.

Contact Dr. Robert Green, (617) 638-5426, rcgreen@bu.edu

For seniors, a few drinks cuts dementia risk

Ron Rosenberg — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:18:40 +0000

Alcohol consumption — one to two drinks a day — lowers the risk of dementia, based on a six-year study of people aged 75 years or older. Although there is no explanation why a moderate amount of alcohol is good for the brain, Robert Stern, Co-Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical & Research Programs, cited studies where the reverse — abstinence — lowers the risk of liver disease, breast cancer, colorectal disease, and diabetes.

New Alzheimer’s test too simplistic

Ron Rosenberg — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:14:22 +0000

A British self-screening test that claims to spot early dimentia more accurately is not specific at all to Alzheimer’s disease. Robert Stern, Co-director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Clinic and Disease Program, maintains the “Test Your Memory” does not include any real delayed recall tasks, cannot separate those with poor memories from Alzheimer’s patients, but is a good first step for getting further medical help.

Contact Robert Stern, 617-638-5678, bobstern@bu.edu

Early Alzheimer detection test coming in 12 to 18 months

Ron Rosenberg — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:51:17 +0000

Using skin cells, researchers have tested 300 people to determine if they have early stages of Alzheimers Disease with promising results. But Robert A. Stern, associate director of the Clinical Care at the Alzheimer Disease Center warns there is no real data and little information so far.

Contact Robert Stern, 617-638-5678, bobstern@bu.edu