Dr. Zsuzsanna Nagy of the University of Birmingham presented data from a clinical study, funded by Cytox Limited, demonstrating that a simple blood-based biomarker discriminated between patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and control subjects. The findings were statistically highly significant, and the test discriminated between the two groups with 80% sensitivity and 80% specificity.

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have shown that disclosing genetic risk information to adult children of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who request this information does not result in significant short-term psychological distress.

UCLA scientists and colleagues from UC Riverside and the Human BioMolecular Research Institute have found that a form of vitamin D, together with a chemical found in turmeric spice called curcumin, may help stimulate the immune system to clear the brain of amyloid beta, which forms the plaques considered the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Pfizer Inc announced today results from two Phase 1 safety studies, one of PF-04360365, a humanized anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody (mAb), and another of dimebon (latrepirdine*) in combination with donepezil HCl tablets, in patients with Alzheimer's disease.1,2 Based on the Phase 1 study results, PF-04360365 has advanced into Phase 2.3 Dimebon (latrepirdine), being co-developed by Pfizer and Medivation Inc., is in Phase 3 development.

Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered a novel protein that can protect brain cells by interrupting a naturally occurring "stress cascade" resulting in cell death. Reporting in the July 16 issue of the journal Neuron, the scientists say drugs mimicking the protein, nicknamed GOSPEL, have the potential to protect brain cells against a range of neurodegenerative conditions, including stroke and Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases.

Many people who discover that they have inherited a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's can cope with the news, especially if they receive the it through genetic counseling: they may experience depression or anxiety at first, but it does not last long, according to a new study from the US.

This week, more than 3,000 leading scientists convened to report and discuss the latest advances in research on treatments, risk factors, diagnosis and causes for the health epidemic of the 21st century -- Alzheimer's disease -- at the Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna, Austria.

Dimebolin, originally administered as an antihistamine, has previously been found to help slow the decline of cognitive ability in participants. This study analysed tau and how dimebolin affects build up of the toxic beta amyloid protein, which is widely believed to be linked to the development of dementia. This research showed that while dimebolin had a beneficial effect it actually caused an increase of the beta amyloid in mouse models.

Surprising new insights into how a Phase III Alzheimer's drug might work were among the advances in potential therapies targeting two abnormal brain proteins -- beta amyloid and phosphorylated tau -- that were reported today at the Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

Memory lapses that occur with normal aging are a source of worry for many who fear Alzheimer's disease. Now a new Mayo Clinic-led study published in the July 16 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that the carriers of a common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease begin to have memory declines in their mid-50s, far earlier than previously thought.

New insights into how a Phase III Alzheimer's drug might work were among the advances in potential therapies targeting two abnormal brain proteins - beta amyloid and phosphorylated tau - at ICAD. Scientists also reported on how clinicians view and treat mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a research category used to define the state between normal ageing and Alzheimer's, that is now being used widely in clinical practice.

Eighty percent of baby boomers caring for an aging parent say that it has put a strain on their marriage. This insight is one of many garnered from a new research study conducted by http://www.caring.com to measure the impact of caregiving on spousal relationships. The Caring.

The Department of Health has announced a "landmark strategy to transform dementia services". It claims care for patients with dementia will be transformed as dementia advisers are appointed, GPs receive improved training, and memory centres run by specialists to provide early diagnosis and treatment are opened nationwide.

New Dementia strategy and £150million cash investment

The government has admitted that current investment in dementia research is eight times less that cancer research.

New Alzheimer's Society research will investigate whether curcumin, found in the popular Indian spice turmeric, and a number of drugs for other conditions, could benefit people with Alzheimer's.

The Queen's Nursing Institute and the Alzheimer's Society are offering the Excellence in Dementia Care Award for 2009.

Actress and Alzheimer's Society Ambassador Lynda Bellingham visited Alzheimer's Society Drop-In service in Plymstock last week.

He may have cut a controversial figure in the jungle but his appearance on the popular reality show, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, has resulted in much needed funds to help people with dementia.

The Daily Mail Christmas Appeal for Alzheimer's Society continues today revealing new statistics that show how thousands of people with dementia are not being diagnosed due to a lack of GP training.