Dementia drug with rapid onset of action

Scientists claim that a new drug can reverse some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease with the first effects seen within ten minutes after administration. The journal of neuroinflammation reported tremendous improvements in the memory of an 81-year old man after injection of Etanercept into his spine.

Experts warn that a single success might nor mean that a miracle cure is available. An ageing population means more patients with Alzheimer's disease. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a chemical found in the body, is found in increased levels in AD and Etanercept blocks this chemical. Scientists from University of California, Los Angeles and University of Southern California have proved that this drug, currently used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, can work in AD too. Injecting the drug into the spine at the neck produced dramatic results within ten minutes.

Before the test the patient could not remember his doctor's name, the date or his home state. He could not perform simple arithmatic and could not name more than two animals. After injecting the drug the changes surprised even his relatives. He was much calmer, less frustrated and more attentive. He could remember his state as California, knew the day of the week and the month. He could perform better at the arithmatic test and could name 5 animals! His wife quoted this as "a science fiction story" and the sone noted that "it was the most remarkable thing he ever saw". Whether the disease itself was slowed or the benefits were temporary needs more research. The safety, the effects on more patients and the long-term benefits need also to be studies.

IQ levels determined by childrens' first two years

A new study has found out that the quality of care given to a child in the first two years directly affects the brain development and the IQ. In the study on Romanian children it was found out that children placed in foster care withihn the first two years fared better than children placed in foster care at much later dates.

The first two years are sensitive in that the experiences gained during this period shapes cognitive development. The study tracked 136 orphans between the ages of 6 months to 30 months who had been abandoned at birth or soon after and then placed into institutions. Trained social workers and Romanian families provided foster care to half the number of children who were randomly selected. The study positively concluded that children placed in foster care before 18 months had significantly better cognitive development.

Children placed in foster care before 18 months of age had an IQ of 94 compered to children placed in foster care between 18-24 months who had an IQ of 89 at the age of 42 months comparison. The IQ of children placed in foster care between 24-30 months was 80 and those placed after the age of 30 months the IQ was 79.7. A follow up after a year showed that the IQ of children placed in foster care at later stages in life significantly lagged behind those placed in foster care at earlier years.

The study will definitely have implications for countries battling how to care for orphaned, abandoned and abused children. Foster families will definitely be able to improve the cognitive development in children compared to institutionalized care.

Dark chocolate is not so healthy!

"Dark chocolate is good for me and that's why I am having it this

Christmas season" - If you are using this excuse, think twice.

A top journal states that any claims about plain chocolate might be misleading. Plain chocolates contain a chemical called as Flavonols that protect the heart. However many manufacturers remove Flavonoid compounds because of the bitter taste.

On the contrary many chocolates may be rich in fat and sugar both of which are harmful to your heart. Previous studies have suggested that plain chocolate can help protect the heart, lower blood pressure and aid tiredness. However when chocolate manufacturers make confectinaries the natural cocoa solids can be darkened and the naturally occuring Flavonols removed to get rid off the bitter taste leading to darker looking chocolates without the protective agents. What's worse is the fact that consumers have no idea about the Flavonol content as there are no indications on the labels of these chocolates.

The bottomline is that the devil in the chocolates is the fat, sugar and calories and chocolate-lovers have to balance the amount of calorie intake if they still get a chocolate rich in Flavonols!