Books and memory problems

I have always loved reading books  if there was an interesting story attached to them, but these days I struggle, but this is for a few reasons,

I don't always remember where I am in a story, when I pick a book back up

The names don't always fit in later, and I get very confused about who is who, apart from the main characters.

This may have good points because I can read a book over a few times, and apart from a "name", the rest does not seem familiar at all.

The names which come,  to mind are usually names, similar to those of people I have met in early or working life, people who usually were of interest to me for one reason or another

My wife can usually tell straight away if I have read a book,  but reading the cover, where I simply don't remember at all.

While it could be distressing not remembering what I have read, it also means that I don't get  bored. 

I sometimes have problems understanding so words, or pronouncing them when reading,  so I sometimes skip over them rather than trying to get myself in a mess 

It always means that I must finish a chapter before putting the book down or that causes extra trouble with my memory, because I lose track of the plot. 

But I guess that this is life and I have to do what I can to keep my brain going. 

 

New PET Tracer

Taken for Parkinson’s News

New PET Tracer with Potential to Diagnose Parkinson’s to Be Tested in First-in-Human Study

March 23, 2018

by Jose Marques Lopes, PhD

In News.

An innovative Positron Emission Tomography (PET) tracer that has the potential to diagnose Parkinson’s disease will soon be tested in humans for the first time.

Led by Switzerland-based AC Immune, which developed the technology, the study is expected to begin in the second half of 2018. The company recently presented the data on its new product at the AAT-AD/PDTM Focus Meeting 2018 in Turin, Italy.

“We are excited about this significant step in our development of potentially the first ever PET tracer for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s,” Andrea Pfeifer, CEO of AC Immune, said in a press release. “This important milestone underlines our vision to become a global leader in precision medicine of neurodegenerative diseases, leveraging our proprietary technology platform.”

The company used its Morphomer platform, designed to interact with misfolded and aggregated proteins, to develop the PET tracer, which is highly selective for alpha-synuclein, enabling an earlier and more accurate Parkinson’s diagnosis.

AC Immune’s technology is aimed at not only detecting alpha-synuclein in patients, but also monitoring the effects of treatments targeting protein clumps. The research program has been spotting small molecules selective for alpha-synuclein and suitable for development as PET tracers.

Upon entering the brain, the new imaging agent, called a PET tracer, binds to abnormal or misfolded alpha-synuclein. Its radioactive label enables the imaging device to detect bound alpha-synuclein, informing clinicians on the amount and distribution of pathological brain alpha-synuclein.

If successful, the new PET tracer would be the first alpha-synuclein tracer to receive regulatory approval for commercial distribution. Its specificity would be important not only for Parkinson’s patients, but also for other disorders characterized by aggregated alpha-synuclein, collectively called synucleinopathies.

AC Immune has been collaborating with Biogen on this program since April 2016. The companies will proceed with the development and seek clinical validation for the use of the PET tracer as an imaging biomarker for Parkinson’s.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) is supporting this project. “We are very pleased about this next important step in the development of an alpha-synuclein imaging agent,” Jamie Eberling, PhD, director of research programs at MJFF, said.

“Having a PET tracer to detect and track Parkinson’s disease would be transformative for Parkinson’s research and patient care,” she said.

Medical problems

I have struggled to write anything on the blog since Christmas, but this is because I cannot get my mind set on writing anything of any sense.

I was close to deleting the blog, but followed my wife's advice, and left it running, in the hope that I can start it off again

Simple tasks around the house have been left, because I had problems deciding how to do them. 

This has been caused by thinking and planning problems, something which has got a lot worse recently, along with the fact that, I have also been struggling with constant back pain, balance and walking problems.

All of this started back in September and got worse, leaving me feeling very frustrated and annoyed at times.

I have always had back problems, but lver this time things got much worse.

I used to be able to walk 5 miles a day at a push, but now I struggle to do 2 miles without constant breaks for a rest, and I have to admit that it's becoming frightening at times 

This is because my legs feel strangely weak and heavy,  and I am unable to pick my feet up off the ground. 

Recently my wife commented that I have a stoop which is getting worse, and instead of being taller than my wife,  I am now looking up at her at times, which seems very odd

I also have a problem with drop foot, but I am unsure whether it's all connected, but I gather some of this could be linked to Parkinson's, and could also be linked into the cervical spondylitus, something I have had off and on for around 30 years

This was corrected to a certain degree, by wearing a support on my ankle and foot, to stop it dragging, but it's been obvious tgat over the last month or so tgat both feet and now dragging at times

Needless to say, I am not a good patient and never have been, because I can't sit still for long before I am bored, annoyed and frustrated 

Whether some of this is all connected to my hip problems or Parkinson's,  I am unsure.

We asked to be reffered back to see the hip consultant around a month ago, but we were told that I could not be referred again, because the NHS system had changed, so I have to take a longer route through the system

I was then reffered for an assesstment  with a physiotherapist, who then told us that someone had got this totally  wrong, and I should have been sent directly back to see the consultant.

So I guess it's going to be another 6 weeks before I hear anything further after today.

Through this I have started to read books again.  I always loved to read, but sadly never remember which books I have read in the past as I will explain next

Real dedication

Over the last week we have seen some horrendous weather, which did it's best to  cripple the country.

But during this time we have seen many people think of others rather than just themselves.

We have seen people turn out in 4x4 vehicles and offering their services to get patients and  staff to hospitals free of charge

Some garages offering new,  4x4 vehicles to emergency services to assist them in their work

People going out to pick up prescriptions for people who simply could not leave their homes.

We have seen people go out and help recover vehicles stuck in the snow

But it's amazing to see people like nurses who struggled to get into work, spending their nights sleeping in the hospital so that they were there for the next days shift. 
This is real dedication,  because as we all know nurses put their patients first,  and its been proved this week.

I heard this morning that a  road clearance crew in County Durham , scaled a fence to rescue sheep buried deep in snow.

There have been many amazing stories,  during the week and they still keep coming.

Our security alarm provider who is based in Consett in County Durham, MAC, have used their company landrover to help stranded vehicles get up a hill near to their office.

People who a homeless were offered accommodation in our two large football grounds, so that they were inside, and  well away from the snow on the streets 

Pubs and Cafe owners etc, took out hot food to those in need.

Over the last year or so, many people feel that the country has hit an all time low as far as spirits were concerned, but this weather seems to have brought back some form of community spirit, something that's been missing for a long time

Thank you to all who went out of their way to support others, and that includes our emergency services.

Well done to you all
 

Tests early Parkinsons

Test targets early Parkinson’s, dementia diagnoses in patients with Lewy bodies

Published on February 13, 2018 by Douglas Clark

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Researchers have developed a test offering the possibility of improving early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease

and dementia with Lewy bodies.

© Shutterstock

Findings of the probe by National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications outlined the testing of 60 cerebral spinal fluid samples, including 12 from people with Parkinson’s disease, 17 from those with dementia with Lewy bodies and 31 controls, 16 of whom had Alzheimer’s disease.

Authors said test results, which were available within two days compared to related examinations requiring up to 13 days, correctly excluded all the 31 controls and diagnosed both Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies with 93 percent accuracy.

Investigators said the work involved using Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC), which was

developed and refined over the past decade at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Rocky

Mountain Laboratories.

Parkinson’s disease is about 1,000 times more common than prion diseases, officials said, impacting up to one

million Americans, with 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

The Lewy Body Dementia Association said Lewy body dementia affects an estimated 1.4 million people.

NIH officials said early and accurate diagnoses of brain disorders is essential for developing treatments and

identifying patients eligible for clinical trials. The diseases typically progress for years before symptoms appear,

and once they do, distinguishing one disease from another can be difficult.

Diagnosis of Parkinsons, and lewy Body dementia

The Rocky Mountain Lab in Hamilton is helping with an international effort to create earlier diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Scientists who are developing a rapid, practical test for the early diagnosis of prion diseases have modified the test to offer the possibility of improving early diagnosis of Parkinson’s and dementia with Lewy bodies. 

The group, led by the National Institutes of Health, tested 60 cerebral spinal fluid samples, including 12 from people with Parkinson’s disease, 17 from people with dementia with Lewy bodies, and 31 controls, including 16 of whom had Alzheimer’s disease. The test correctly excluded all the 31 controls and diagnosed both Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies with 93 percent accuracy.

All the testing of the samples and analysis of results was done at Rocky Mountain Lab in Hamilton by a lab group led by Dr. Byron Caughey.

Importantly, test results were available within two days, compared to others that require up to 13 days. Scientists from the University of California San Diego, University of Verona in Italy, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, and the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, collaborated on the project.

The research findings were published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications.

Multiple neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, involve the abnormal clumping of a protein into brain deposits called Lewy bodies.

The pathological processes in these diseases resembles prion diseases in mammal brains. Like prion diseases, Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies result in progressive deterioration of brain functions and, ultimately, death.

Parkinson’s disease is about 1,000 times more common than prion diseases, affecting up to 1 million people in the United States, with 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Lewy body dementia affects an estimated 1.4 million people in the United States, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

Early and accurate diagnoses of these brain disorders is essential for developing treatments and identifying patients eligible for clinical trials. The diseases typically progress for years before symptoms appear, and once they do, distinguishing one disease from another can be difficult.

The group continues to adapt the tests to detect additional types of neurological diseases with greater accuracy using the least invasive patient sample possible — whether that is blood, skin, nasal brushings, or other samples. The group also has trained many international colleagues to use and advance the test.

Amazing people

Over the last week, the weather has been extremely harsh to say the least.

It's bad enough if you are physically and mentally fit, but to those of us with medical conditions, it has been hard to cope with.

I personally don't like snow because I have balance problems to start with, coupled with my slowness in planning these days, life is a little hazardous to say the least.

However I have seen and read many stories about people in the North East which have made me proud of the area.

People with 4 wheel drive vehicles offering to take doctors and nurses into hospitals, when they were stuck without transport.

Some spending time recovering vehicles stuck in the deep snow, without and thought of rewards etc.

Some nurses staying in the hospitals when they are finished, because there was no guarantees of them getting home again, let alone getting back to work the next day.

This shows real dedication to their role in life, and shows this Government up completely, as possibly one on the worst Government,
I can remember in my life time, and I don't say this lightly 

I was old enough to vote from 1965, but I don't ever remember the country being in such a state as it is now

Over the last ten years we have seen savage cuts to services, due to the Government taking money from poorer areas, and giving it to the wealthier areas.

Things like taking the council tax from the North East and giving it to places like Surrey etc.

However I do think many people are fed up with the lying politicians in this country, and sick to death of this Brexit rubbish which should have been sorted out long ago.

I do feel that now many people have decided to take things into their own hands to keep their communities moving, a bit like the war time spirit.

Halls have been opened up to get the homeless off the streets in this terrible weather, and in many places hot food is being taken round to those in need.

The media as usual have done their normal thing, which is to blame the council's etc, for not clearing all of the roads even when they are short of money.

They are not highlighting the positive things going on around the area, something we should all be proud of.

As one police officer said yesterday, people have been warned of the hazardous conditions on the roads, yet the still drive at high speed expecting everyone else to keep out of their way.

Others blamed the lorry drivers for blocking the roads. But without these large lorries, how would the food get to the shops etc.

While this weather has proved to be dangerous, and we have seen many idiots on the roads, we have also seen many people give up their time etc, to help others to get to work, or stay safe.

Over the years things have changed in this country. When I was young we walked to school which was around 3 miles away. This was because we liked walking, and it saved waiting for a bus which may not have turned up.

It was a healthy active life, where many these days rely on someone taking them to school in a warm car, even if it's just down the road.

To us we had to get to school or we were in trouble, and the teachers got there come what may.

No matter what the weather was like, we got there.

However seeing the way things have gone recently I have been totally amazed. It still proves that there are still some people who will go the extra mile, no matter what the weather is.

Thank you to all our emergency services etc, and all who did so much to keep things moving in this terrible weather.

Thanks also to our local football clubs who took the rough sleepers off the streets and provided accomodation along with food banks.

Football can provide rivalry, but they have done their best to help the needy, and that says a lot in this day and age

Amazing people

Over the last week, the weather has been extremely harsh to say the least.

It's bad enough if you are physically and mentally fit, but to those of us with medical conditions, it has been hard to cope with.

I personally don't like snow because I have balance problems to start with, coupled with my slowness in planning these days, life is a little hazardous to say the least.

However I have seen and read many stories about people in the North East which have made me proud of the area.

People with 4 wheel drive vehicles offering to take doctors and nurses into hospitals, when they were stuck without transport.

Some spending time recovering vehicles stuck in the deep snow, without and thought of rewards etc.

Some nurses staying in the hospitals when they are finished, because there was no guarantees of them getting home again, let alone getting back to work the next day.

This shows real dedication to their role in life, and shows this Government up completely, as possibly one on the worst Government
I can remember in my life time, and I don't say this lightly 

I was old enough to vote from 1965, but I don't ever remember the country being in such a state as it is now

Over the last ten tears we have seen savage cuts to services due to the Government taking money from poorer areas, and giving it to the wealthier areas.

Things like taking the council tax from the North East and giving it to places like Surrey etc.

However I do think many people are fed up with the lying politicians in this country, and sick to death of this Brexit rubbish which should have been sorted out long ago.

I do feel that now many people have decided to take things into their own hands to keep their communities moving, a bit like the war time spirit.

Halls have been opened up to get the homeless off the streets in this terrible weather, and in many places hot food is being taken round to those in need.

The media as usual have done their normal thing, which is to blame the council's etc, for not clearing all of the roads even when they are short of money.

They are not highlighting the positive things going on around the area, something we should all be proud of.

As one police officer said yesterday, people have been warned of the hazardous conditions on the roads, yet the still drive at high speed expecting everyone else to keep out of their way.

Others blamed the lorry drivers for blocking the roads. But without these large lorries, how would the food get to the shops etc.

While this weather has proved to be dangerous, and we have seen many idiots on the roads, we have also seen many people give up their time etc, to help others to get to work, or stay safe.

Over the years things have changed in this country. When I was young we walked to school which was around 3 miles away. This was because we liked walking, and it saved waiting for a bus which may not have turned up.

It was a healthy active life, where many these days rely on someone taking them to school in a warm car, even if it's just down the road.

To us we had to get to school or we were in trouble, and the teachers got there come what may.

No matter what the weather was like, we got there.

However seeing the way things have gone recently I have been totally amazed. It still proves that there are still some people who will go the extra mile, no matter what the weather is.

Thank you to all our emergency services etc, and all who did so much to keep things moving in this terrible weather.

Thanks also to our local football clubs who took the rough sleepers off the streets and provided accomodation along with food banks.

Football can provide rivalry, but they have done their best to help the needy, and that says a lot in this day and age