Friday, July 22, 2011

Helpful Alzheimer's News

Back in May, we brought to our readers' attention a new online resource for (pretty much) all things Alzheimer's-related. While this horrible disease continues to claim lives (both metaphorically and actually), there may be hope that it can be staved off, if not eradicated:

"A provocative new analysis identifies the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer's disease — and concludes that more than half of all cases are potentially preventable"

Are you kidding me??!!

"Nearly half" of those who have, or might become afflicted with, Alzheimer's could have avoided such a fate?

Okay, I'll bite: what's the magic pill?

Turns out, it's not a "magic pill," but something far more practical:

"[S]imple lifestyle changes, such as exercising, quitting smoking and losing weight."

Really? Who knew??!!

Of course, these steps won't guarantee success, primarily because we still don't know what, precisely, triggers Alzheimer's in the first place. But it's kind of like the old joke, "what harm can it do?"

BONUS NEWS: Can a simple shot prevent heart disease? Maybe:

"An injection could reverse the ravages of heart disease, effectively curing the condition ... The gene injection takes just 12 weeks to start working."

[ed: that link is sketchy, just keep trying]

Based on so-called "gene therapy" techniques, it's still a ways from actual implementation, and of course, who knows if it'll be covered under ObamaCare©. Still, for those interested, more details are available here.
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