Facts About Alzheimer’s
by Melanie LePan

Over 4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There is a good chance you probably know someone that is affected by this disease. Many people have questions about what causes AD. Is this disease genetic? What are the early symptoms of AD? What are the causes of AD? How is this disease treated? This article is intended to give you a general understanding of AD. If you think you or someone you love may have AD please see your family physician for diagnosis. The earlier AD is diagnosed, the earlier treatment can be obtained.

What is Alzheimer’s?
AD is a form of dementia that usually affects the elder population. AD involves the deterioration of the part of the brain that controls thought patterns, memory and language. Early in the 20th century a Doctor by the name of Alois Alzheimer discovered (while doing an autopsy) that a woman believed to be suffering from mental illness had plaque present on the brain. This plaque (now referred to as amyloid plaques) was accompanied by tangled bundles of fiber not found in normal brains. Through the next part of the century, doctors discovered that AD patient’s nerve cells were found to be dead in the area of the brain responsible for storing memories. Upon future investigation, doctors also reported these same patients had an interruption between certain nerve cells and the chemical that delivers messages to the brain.

Who Gets Alzheimer’s?
One in ten people over age 65 and one in five people over age 85 will get AD. It is rare for people under age 65 to get AD. Most individuals between ages 30-65 that get AD (early on-set AD) do so because they are genetically predisposed. This type of AD is considered rare and you will not necessarily get AD because a relative had it. Most often AD occurs in the elderly and is not due to genetics.

What Are the Causes of Alzheimer’s?
Doctors and scientists will tell you they don’t know what causes AD. They will tell you that age is a significant factor. Once an individual is over 65, the chances of developing AD doubles about every 5 years. There is a gene called Apoe that is linked to late-on set AD (over age 65). This gene makes a protein which carries cholesterol through the blood. It is believed to be responsible for a small amount of cases. In these cases, individuals have a form of Apoe that is linked by scientists to AD. Diet and environmental factors are both areas of study in patients with AD.

What are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
AD can often be confused with the aging process. Simple forgetfulness such as forgetting names, addresses, phone numbers and certain events, can be contributed to the aging process. We all know that any of us can be forgetful at times. With AD forgetfulness usually interferes with daily activities.
Here are some signs of AD.

 Forgetfulness or memory loss
 Asking the same question repeatedly
 Forgetting the right words to use
 Forgetting how to balance a check book or pay bills
 Diminished judgment
 Can’t remember how to do simple tasks such as; using the phone, brushing teeth
 Getting lost
 Generally confused
 Constantly forgetting where they put something
 Poor hygiene
 Inability to make decisions on their own
 Changes in mood or temperament
 Changes in behavior
 Changes in personality
 Misplacing things
 Problems with abstract concepts
 A loss of interest in activities

How Can I get Tested for Alzheimer’s?
The best way to get tested is to see your family physician. He or she will ask some questions involving your family and medical history. In most cases your physician will refer you to a specialist. There are a couple of ways AD is diagnosed. The only way to be 100% sure a patient has AD is through an autopsy upon death. The following is the most conclusive way to diagnosis AD at present:

• Questions about patients medical history
• Tests that measure memory, attention span, counting and problem solving
• Testing such as; blood, urine, spinal fluid
• Brain scanning

What is the lifespan of a Patient with Alzheimer’s?
AD is a slow progressing disease. There are people who have survived as long as 20 years, but the average would be about 9 or 10. Each individual case will vary.

How is Alzheimer’s Treated?
Through the use of drugs such as; donepezil, rivastigmine and tacrine, symptoms such as; anxiety, depression, mood swings and sleep problems can be slowed down or subsided. Although there is no current cure for AD, symptoms can be controlled to make life easier for the patient and their loved ones.

Clinical Trials
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is leading the way in clinical trials. Scientists are also finding that inflammation in the brain may play a role in AD. Drugs that reduce inflammation are being used in these clinical trials to see if the progression of brain deterioration can be stopped. As of today nothing is conclusive. Studies involving antioxidants are currently being conducted to see if certain vitamins such as vitamin
E and C can slow down AD. Scientists are also looking at estrogen, folic acid and ginkgo biloba. A promising surgery has been conducted on a handful of patients. Many other clinical trials are on-going in the fight against AD.

The article is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace diagnosis or treatment of AD by a qualified physician.

Most cysts are harmless (benign) and self-contained, filled with air, fluids or semi-solid substances such as sebum.

Cyst Diagnosis
Many times a suspicious cyst is examined through a procedure called needle aspiration. The fluids and other materials drawn from the cyst are tested for infection and any evidence of uncontrolled cell growth.

Cyst Treatments
Many times a physician will prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers instead of recommending surgical intervention. A sebaceous cyst may cause an unsightly lump under the skin, but removal is not medically necessary. More severe cyst formations may require lancing, followed by a regime of sterile bandages and antibiotics. Until a severe cyst has drained completely, secondary infections are always a concern.

Common Types of Cysts

Fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that occur most often in the walls of the uterus.Read More about Fibroids

Ovarian Cysts
These cysts are made up of clear fluid filled sacs that develop in the ovary as part of the normal development of an egg. These cysts can grow as large as 1.5 inches. Most Ovarian Cysts are non-cancerous and go away on their own . Read more about Ovarian Cysts

Breast Cysts
Fibrocystic changes are the most common cause of breast lumps in women ages 30 to 50. This condition is not cancerous. At least 60% of the women in their reproductive years have “lumpy” breasts as a result of these non-cancerous conditions. The tenderness and lump size generally increases the week before the menstrual period and will subside somewhat the week following. Read more about Breast Lumps.

Understanding Varicose Veins
November 29, 2005

I am sure most of us have, or know someone who has the enlarged, twisted, superficial veins in their lower legs and ankles known as varicose veins. These veins can be due to genetic default but this is not the only cause.

A vein is a blood vessel that carries blood throughout the body. Normally, these veins do their job like a well oiled pump but sometimes these veins break down, causing the flow of blood to become abnormal.

I am sure most of us have, or know someone who has the enlarged, twisted, superficial veins in their lower legs and ankles known as varicose veins.

Varicose veins can occur in any part of the body but are more common in the lower extremities.

These veins can be due to genetic default but this is not the only cause. Other contributing factors can be prolonged standing or pregnancy. For many women, the first signs of varicose veins appear during pregnancy. Obesity is also a contributing factor. The added pressure of supporting excess weight is almost certain to result in chronic venous breakdown.

The signs and symptoms of varicose veins not only includes the unsightly rope-like veins but also a constant dull ache, cramps, swelling and fatigue after standing.

There may also be a brownish discolouration of the skin which is known as stasis pigmentation. This is caused by a breakdown of blood cells leading to a leakage in the affected area and is common in people who have suffered from this condition for a lengthy period of time.

Usually diagnosis is simply a case of visual observation but sometimes a procedure called phlebography is used. This is a painless procedure in which a solution called a radio-opaque contrast medium is introduced into the bloodstream. Imaging of the veins is then carried out to detect the abnormalities in the blood flow and venous pressure.

Another diagnostic procedure available is the use of ultrasound to examine the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in the arms and legs. This procedure is known as Doppler’s ultrasonography. Ultrasound is high frequency sound waves that echo off the body. It is performed by applying a water soluble gel to the body and then passing a hand held device known as a transducer over the area.

Treatment of varicose veins an be as simple as wearing elasticised compression stockings, controlling your weight, undertaking a moderate exercise program, avoiding prolonged periods of standing, and elevating the legs whenever possible.

Another method of treatment is called compression sclerotherapy. In this procedure, points of abnormal flow from deep to superficial veins are located and permanently obliterated by the injection of a substance called a sclerosant. Application of continuous pressure then restores the pumping capacity of the vein.

In severe cases, a surgical procedure called stripping and ligation may be considered necessary. During this surgery, one or more incisions are made over the varicose veins, and the vein is tied off (ligated). If several valves in the vein and the vein itself are heavily damaged, the vein (or the diseased part of the vein) is usually removed (stripped). An incision is made below the varicose vein, a flexible instrument is threaded up the vein to the first incision, and the vein is grasped and removed.

If you have varicose veins, it is necessary to seek medical advice. Your health practitioner will advise you of treatment options and will assist you in the care of your condition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne Wolski has worked within the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years.

The Friendly Bug You’ll Want To Get To Know
by Constance Weygandt

There has been a lot of press on the dangers of twenty-first century diseases. Killer diseases which have been, in the past, effectively treated with antibiotics are showing resistance to these drugs. Probiotics or friendly bacteria are nature’s answer to the fight against an influx of harmful bacteria which lodges in our intestines. Here are some reasons to become familiar with probiotics.

Probiotics function as a second immune system. These are the friendly bacteria that turn milk into yogurt. Over three quarters of our immune cells reside in our intestines. Probiotics prevent pathogens from adhering to our intestinal walls. The first course of defense is to prevent harmful bacteria from taking hold in our bodies.

Probiotics are believed to produce natural antibodies. Beneficial bacteria, which naturally occurs in our bodies has been reduced , in this modern era, due to a host of factors. Antibiotics, while ridding the body of harmful bacteria, also reduces the beneficial bacteria in our bodies. Lately, there has been an overuse of antibiotics. Yeast infections, as Candida, also reduce the beneficial bacteria in our bodies. Excessive use of sugar, in our diets, is also a factor. Probiotics help to replace the natural occurring, beneficial bacteria in which we are deficient.

Probiotics aid in our digestion of food. Because of the chemical nature of our society, toxins found in our food and air need to removed from our bodies on a regular basis to insure good health. Studies have shown a link between toxicity and weight gain. Chemicals found in animals are absorbed into their body fat. Eating organic foods, as much as possible, helps to prevent toxins from entering our systems. It is not always practical to buy everything organic or to raise our own livestock and grow our own vegetables. Probiotics aid in removing toxins from our bodies.

In this twenty first century, where chemical additives have become the norm, it is a good idea to be educated on what this means for us. Eating yogurt or taking a supplement which contains probiotics is one way of removing toxins, which are a part of our environment. Probiotics help us to rebalance our bodies with naturally occurring friendly bacteria.

About the Author:
Constance Weygandt is an author, speaker and balance mentor. For more information on health and fitness, visit her at http://www.balancedwellnessonline.com

Stretch Marks: The Facts!
by: David Chandler

Stretch marks are purplish streaks and scars that normally appear on the buttocks, hips, abdomen, breast, and arms. They are a common side effect of growing too fast. They form when the dermis (the middle elastic layer of your skin) is stretched breaking down the elasticity in your skin. As the elasticity breaks down, the skin tries to reinforce itself with collagen in the over stretched skin, thus causing stretch marks.

Factors that contribute to the formation of stretch marks are:

Heredity - some skin types are just genetically predisposed. If you mother had stretch marks, chances are you will.

Weight - excess rapid weight gain as found in pregnancy and bodybuilding or to the other degree excessive weight loss.

Skin type - Some skin types are dryer than others thus having less elasticity, while well-hydrated skin tends to have more elasticity.

Removal and prevention of stretch marks:

Surgical methods - Dermabrasion, chemical peel, and advancement in laser treatments can be used to treat stretch marks. As with any cosmetic surgery, age, skin type, and even diet will influence the results.

Lotions and Creams - Advancements have been made with over the counter creams. If you are pregnant or body building, consult with your doctor to begin a preventative treatment for stretch marks.

Diet - Maintain healthy hydrated skin by drinking plenty of water. Hydrated skin keeps your skin soft, supple, and less likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeinated coffee, tea, and soda tend to dehydrate the skin leaving you more vulnerable to stretch marks. Eat foods that promote skin health such as foods high in zinc, vitamins A, C, and D, and protein rich foods.

Remember that not all stretch marks are created equal. They age and heal differently depending on the skin type, heredity, diet, and hydration. In time, they will fade, but the best advice is to maintain healthy skin, which will minimize the effects of stretch marks if they should occur.

David Chandler
For more information about stretch marks go to: http://www.stretchmarksinfocenter.com