alzheimer's & bypass?

[hensylee]

We talk so often about the pumphead syndrome. I received the following this morning. It's about bypass patients; I have not seen any studies about valve replacement and pumpheads, but it stands to reason that it might apply. Don't know. Anyhoo, here's the link:

http://www.heartcenteronline.com/myheartdr/home/research-detail.cfm?reutersid=4548&nl=3

 

[catwoman]

Ann:

Just went to the Alzheimer's Association website and saw this among the theories about the disease:

< Another exciting area of research focuses on the relationship between vascular factors and Alzheimer’s. Researchers have long observed that individuals with known cardiovascular risk factors appear to have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. In addition, recent epidemiological studies suggest that people taking statins, a class of drugs prescribed to lower blood cholesterol levels, may have a lower-than-usual risk of Alzheimer’s. Another study hints that elevated blood levels of the protein building block homocysteine-known to be a risk factor for heart disease-may also increase Alzheimer risk. Further, one form of the gene that codes the cholesterol-carrying protein apolipoprotein E (ApoE), called APOE-ε4, is a known risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s. These lines of evidence all support a link between cardiovascular risk factors and Alzheimer’s.

The first clinical trial designed to test the effects of statins is under way as ongoing basic research seeks to clarify the biological links between vascular disease and Alzheimer’s. To encourage such investigations, the Association designated vascular factors in Alzheimer’s as a focus of the 2002 grants program. Confirming and clarifying a vascular/Alzheimer connection raises the exciting possibility that well established strategies for reducing the risk of heart disease-such as exercising, avoiding smoking, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels-may also have value in preventing Alzheimer’s. >

I knew about the theory of amyloid protein deposits as a factor in Alzheimer's. But I had not seen info on any suspected link between cardiovascular factors and Alzheimer's.

Wonder how many people who have had CABG and later were diagnosed with Alzheimer's would have developed Alzheimer's in the absence of any cardiovascular problems?

My mother-in-law died of Alzheimer's at age 64, in 1985. I met her in April 1980, got married in July 1980. Unfortunately, I never knew the "real" Louise.
Doctors ran a battery of tests on her, to rule out carotid blockages. No cardio problems found. She did have thyroid problems.

 

[ticktock]

Ann
Very interesting reading, thanks for sharing.

Call it what you will, my family lovingly refers to me as their "little pump head". Only meant in the most caring of ways, you understand.

Whether it's finding milk in the cabinet and cereal in the refrigerator, opening my trunk to fill my car up with gas, getting in the shower before removing my pajamas, well.... it's a different colored sky in my world every day!! And blessed and happy I am to be in it!!

Honestly, I just laugh at myself.... I'm wondering if they have studied that. Do Alzheimers patients laugh at themselves, or do they know anything is wrong?? I figure I'm one up on it there, sometimes I crack myself up, I'm so darned dingy. The folks just left for 10 days to N. Mexico, which makes them very nervous (leaving me alone) duh... (I live alone!!). Anyway, she says now, "Who do you call if you have an emergency?".... (correct answer is 911) and I said 'GHOSTBUSTERS' !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[hensylee]

Mindy, that's so funny. Sounds kinda like my world. But we just 'keep on dancin', don't we?

Maybe we need to start a 'strangest pumphead thing I have done' thread.

 

[ticktock]

Ann
Great idea about the thread, it would be kinda like "Funniest Home Video's" but different. See what I mean/? The Neuro just says my EEG is "abnormal", but can't define it. I only see that he shakes his head when he looks at it.
This is from a guy that wears a name tag that says "Head Wizard". Think about it.

I have done some pretty squirrely things and who knows what makes me do them? Maybe I would have been this way anyway. People tell me I'm funny, but I don't think so... most of the time. Sometimes I do laugh at myself... but that's when no one is around.

Remember that movie "Funny Girl" with Barbra Streisand? Like WHO could forget that one. I can't watch it... can't hear that song... makes me cry. Now is that silly or WHAT?/ But it's all about a "funny" girl, who isn't really very happy inside. Just happy on the outside. I think alot of people with heart disease are that way, either "happy" or "funny" on the outside, one way of coping I suppose. Beats crying alone!!