Posted on 06/25/2012 9:18:58 PM PDT by null and void
STRESSFUL lifestyles could be the key trigger for incurable Alzheimer’s disease, scientists believe.
Even the trauma of bereavement or moving home could bring on dementia.
Scientists funded by the Alzheimer’s Society are investigating the link and hope their findings could lead to new drug treatments to fight the disease.
A study at the University of Kuopio in Finland has found that the long-term effects of stress may be the biggest cause of the disease.
When stressed, our blood pressure rises as our heart beats faster and levels of the hormone cortisol in the bloodstream also increase.
Experts believe once cortisol enters the brain it starts to kill off cells there, leading to Alzheimer’s.
"All of us go through stressful events. We are looking to understand how these may become a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s"
Professor Clive Holmes at the University of Southampton
The Finnish scientists found that patients with high blood pressure and high cortisol levels were more than three times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those without these conditions.
Professor Clive Holmes at the University of Southampton, who is leading the new research, said: “All of us go through stressful events. We are looking to understand how these may become a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s. Bereavement or a traumatic experience, possibly even moving home, is also a potential factor. This is the first stage in developing ways in which to intervene with psychological or drug-based treatments to fight the disease.
“We are looking at two aspects of stress relief – physical and psychological – and the body’s response to that experience.”
The study will monitor 140 people aged over 50 with mild memory problems over 18 months. They will be assessed for levels of stress and any movement from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. About 60 per cent of those with this impairment go on to develop Alzheimer’s.
The study is part of a £1.5million package of six grants being given by the charity to find the cause of the disease, a cure and a way to prevent it.
Alzheimer’s Society research manager Anne Corbett said: “The study will look at the role chronic stress plays in the progression from mild thinking and memory problems – mild cognitive impairment – to Alzheimer’s disease.
“We feel this is an important area of research that needs more attention. The results could offer clues to new treatments or better ways of managing the condition. “It will also be valuable to understand how different ways of coping with stressful life events could influence the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”
Research has shown that stressed middle-aged women are 65 per cent more likely to develop dementia.
Scientists at Gothenberg University in Sweden found those who complained of repeated periods of stress, including irritation, anxiety or sleeping problems were significantly more likely to develop dementia in old age than those who led worry-free lives.
As part of the new study, researchers will track the volunteers’ levels of cortisol, released by the body in response to chronic stress. A number of illnesses are known to develop earlier or made worse by chronic stress including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and multiple sclerosis.
Stress can lead to high blood pressure which increases the risk of a heart attack because the heart has to work harder to pump more blood around the body. Cholesterol is also linked to the condition as it is a by-product of cortisol.
Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Understanding the risk factors for Alzheimer’s could provide one piece of the puzzle we need to take us closer to a treatment that could stop the disease in its tracks.”
Thank God. I thought they were going to say it was caused by Global Warming.
Like everything from Global Warming to Bad Hair Days, it’s all George Bush’s fault....
Stress AND global warming...
Deranged Moonbats sob, cry, wail and primal scream over a tree stump...
(I know I shouldn't laugh, as these people are seriously deranged and need medical help, but...AHHHAHHHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I CAN'T HELP IT! HAHAHAHA HAHAHAHA...whew, I think I'm done, I don't-HAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHA...
I was also wondering about the cortisol producing properties of coffee when it was touted just last month as the best dietary preventative to memory loss.
Oh, quite agree. No doubt, we will soon have a diagnoses of 'text rage' as a legal defense.
That said; am always 'sensitive' - at least, skeptical about 'studies' and the 'warnings' we are thus subjected - ad nauseum - to.
There is a 'change' mindset/MO so embedded in Lib culture and like the warnings per 'global warming'; we know; or should by now; it is not just climate oriented.
Yep, who was it, Obama warned America about?
So absolutely; give me the Bible clutching; gun toting. . .and spare America the 'wailers' and their ignorance. Spare us too; from their vote. . .if they ever get inside a voting booth. Which, with 'incentives' they probably do.
Obama appears to be one of them.
I think you are confusing “Clueless” with "Worry Free”
My money is on a bacterial/viral cause.
Sounds like it, although it could a prion disease.
We're your new FRiends, just like yesterday.
When one has a chance to settle down and reflect on one's surroundings, their relationships with others, to think problems through, and mull over one's relationship to their surroundings and their Creator, it is not only relaxing, but an opportunity to peel back the carefully fashioned shells and facades and peer into the abyss beyond or the substance thereof (whichever one discovers), and bamboozlement becomes far less likely.
That could put the Libs out of business if it was widely practiced.
The search for answers must continue.
Your positive approach to life in general has given me a lift this afternoon. Neither my wife's parents or mine, died of dementia. Her people in their sixties and mine just about hit ninety years.
We are well above retirement age and keep on a healty diet plus vitamins. Once in while cannot remember this or that. Anyway, having got the all clear about that old demon, caffein via coffee, life is pretty good. Wife cannot stand the stuff. My choice. I read my reply in part to my wife and she thinks "there are many causes to dementia". She mentioned a lady at the retirement home, where my daughter works, who has dementia and she often asks about the ferry. Long gone from twin Canadian and American citys. She is apparently happy. She talks about the dances she wants to go to the Saturday one at the military base (WW2).
A bit of a ramble, but I am sincerely glad for you. Old country saying for you.
"Turned out nice again."
I'm assuming you meant that as a sarcastic joke.
It sounds like you might have good genes. But I am interested in whether you think that something about your attitude might also have protected you somewhat from stress.
Also, it times of great stress, would you say that you do anything to "get away" or avoid thinking about it, even for a short time.
Indeed to your full comment. We recognized the language when Michelle Obama, promised 'America' that Barack would move all, outdoing same. God forbid, this man takes 'four more'; because he then, most likely; will be America's last President.
Wonder when it will kick in.
It already has, you just don’t know it.
Ineresting times we are living in.
What a great time for Summer Vacation to start.
I remember you! You’re...that guy.
“...the hippo campus...”
Where smart hippos go to school.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.