Their study wasn’t a large one (only 163 people) but it could be a good indicator of what other things to look for as well if further studies back up these findings.

Of the 163 people, 87 had mild cognitive impairment (mild memory loss or ability to do calculations or mental tasks) and 76 people who showed no signs of memory problems. The researchers looked to see who the participants used a bank statement, balanced a checkbook, paid bills, and counted money.

According to the findings, which were published in the Sept. 22 edition of the journal Neurology,

During the course of the year, 25 of the MCI [mild cognitive impairment] patients had progressed to Alzheimer’s disease. The overall FCI scores for those 25 participants decreased 6 percent from their original scores and 9 percent for checkbook-management skills. The control group and those MCI patients who did not progress to dementia maintained the level of their FCI [Financial Capacity Instrument] scores throughout the year.

This type of information bears watching because if we can identify Alzheimer’s disease earlier, we may be able to find ways to manage it or help the people with it cope.

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Image: iStock.com

Post from: Blisstree

Poor Money Management & Early Alzheimers?

New study findings reveal that caffeine could be a viable treatment for established Alzheimer’s disease. According to University of South Florida researchers at the Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), memory impairment was reversed when aged mice bred to develop Alzheimer’s disease were given the equivalent of five cups of coffee a day (500 mg caffeine).

Caffeine treatment removed the beta amyloid plaques from the brains of mice with Alzheimer's. Photo courtesy of Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.

Researchers hope to begin human trials to evaluate if people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease may benefit from caffeine.

“These are some of the most promising Alzheimer’s mouse experiments ever done showing that caffeine rapidly reduces beta amyloid protein in the blood, an effect that is mirrored in the brain, and this reduction is linked to cognitive benefit,” said Huntington Potter, PhD, director of the Florida ADRC.

Please note that caffeine isn’t yet an improved therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. While most patients could tolerate caffeine, some individuals, such as people with high blood pressure, could be sensitive to it. Further research is needed, but these findings, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, are still very noteworthy!

(Photo courtesy of Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center)

Post from: Blisstree

Caffeine May Improve Alzheimer’s Disease