Is it ''Oldtimer's disease'' or just growing old?
Article Abstract:
One theory concerning Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurological disease leading to complete cognitive loss, is that it represents part of normal aging, and that virtually everyone will develop it, given a sufficient life span. Researchers concerned with its genetic aspects have proposed that Alzheimer's genes could be expressed by genes that turn on with age. The early- and late-onset forms of the disorder appear to have a different genetic association. The early-onset form (at age 65 or younger) is rare, affecting only a few dozen families. Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (beginning after 65) is much more common, affecting 4 million people in the US alone. It is likely that the two conditions are caused by defects on two different chromosomes, and Alzheimer's disease may represent a group of disorders with a common clinical expression. Chromosome 21 has been linked to the early-onset form, and researchers are aware that patients with Down's syndrome (a genetic condition involving chromosome 21) have neurological damage similar to that found in Alzheimer's disease. However, studies of patients with late-onset disease do not support this chromosome as causal. Instead, chromosome 19 is implicated in this form; subsequent studies of affected families have supported its role. No one believes that an answer has been found, or that all early- or late-onset cases will only have damage in chromosome 21 or 19. Other factors may also be important. The picture of Alzheimer's disease emerging from current research is one of a complex disease that may require different therapeutic approaches. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Producers of videodisc programs strive to expand patient's role in medical decision-making process
Article Abstract:
A new, interactive computer program is designed to help patients make decisions about their treatment options. Topics available on the videodisc program include breast cancer, high blood pressure, lower back pain and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients fill out questionnaires on their medical history before viewing the program. The program is then tailored to present outcomes specific to the patient's medical background. Patients can control how much and what type of data they view by touching the monitor to indicate that they would like more information or that they are done with a particular topic. The program emphasizes that medical decisions should be made by the patient in consultation with a doctor. The program is updated yearly or more often if necessary. The videodisc program was developed by the Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making in Hanover, New Hampshire.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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