Alzheimer’s Disease - Testing ADHD Medicine

Alzheimer’s patients may soon be administered ADHD medication to improve their symptoms. At first glance, this may seem odd and illogical, but the science checks out. A recent analysis explains why and how ADHD medication works for Alzheimer’s.

One of the primary reasons why Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is so devastating is that it affects multiply brain areas. As more and more neurofibrillary TAU tangles (twisted protein fibers) accumulate in brain cells, they block nutrients from reaching the cells and ultimately cause whole clusters of neurons to die off. 

 

This damage to the brain cells, in turn, produces the infamous symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as memory loss and cognitive decline. But there is one more group of Alzheimer’s symptoms that gets less press - the behavioral kind. These symptoms include depression, apathy, agitation, and even aggression. And they can be just as severe and disruptive to the life of the person with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones as memory loss and cognitive decline. 

 

A clear-cut review study published in July 2022 in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry shows that both cognitive and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be improved by treating patients with medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  

 

Why can an ADHD treatment help patients with Alzheimer’s?

Let’s begin by clarifying that the types of ADHD medication considered in the analysis are noradrenergic drugs - medications that target a compound called noradrenaline. 

 

And if the word “noradrenaline” rings a bell, you’re not mistaken. Adrenaline is a hormone released by the adrenal glands located on top of both kidneys in response to stress or low blood pressure. That is where we get the term “adrenaline rush.” But when adrenaline travels to the brain, it gets the name nor-adrenaline and turns into a neurotransmitter - a brain chemical used to communicate between nerve cells. 

 

Noradrenaline (also called norepinephrine) is made by specialized noradrenergic nerve cells in the brain as well as the adrenal gland. As a neurotransmitter, norepinephrine plays a huge role in cognition. It aids us to stay focused, improves our ability to learn and memorize new information, and helps us control inappropriate behaviors.

In Alzheimer’s disease, low noradrenaline levels and the loss of neurons that produce norepinephrine are well documented across many brain areas. These disruptions contribute to symptoms often observed in Alzheimer’s disease - from loss of appetite, depression, and sleep disturbances to restlessness, aggression, irritability, and anxiety. 

 

Given that we already have a selection of noradrenergic medications available, researchers have long posited that administering such drugs to people with Alzheimer’s may help reduce AD symptoms.

What did the research find? 

The study authors examined 19 clinical trials from 1980 to 2021 that used noradrenergic drugs (e.g.atomoxetine, guanfacine, and methylphenidate) in people with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. These studies involved a total of 1811 participants. The results were examined across two main kinds of symptoms: 

 

Cognition involved memory, language, attention, and visuospatial orientation. 

 

Behavior and neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as depression, apathy, and agitation.

The analysis showed that noradrenergic drugs had a small positive effect on general cognition and a large improvement in apathy. And the researchers conclude, “Repurposing of established noradrenergic drugs is most likely to offer effective treatment in Alzheimer’s disease for general cognition and apathy.” 

 

Obviously, using existing medications to treat AD has many advantages. For one, these drugs don’t have to be tested separately for safety and needn’t be approved by the FDA. All the required testing and certification have already been done in the past, which is a massive time saver. 

 

But it's not all rainbows and unicorns. A few more specific questions regarding the use of noradrenergic medications for Alzheimer’s disease are yet to be answered. For instance, we still don’t know which particular patients would benefit from this treatment the most, as well as the specific doses at which noradrenergic drugs should be administered in AD.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

 

This could be the reason, for not getting sleep at night

Finding it hard to sleep at night? If so, blame your genes, say researchers, who identified 57 genes associated with symptoms of insomnia, affecting 10 to 20 per cent people worldwide.

"Our findings confirm a role for genetics in insomnia symptoms and expand upon the four previously found gene loci for this condition," said lead author.

All of these identified regions help us understand why some people get insomnia, which pathways and systems are affected, and point to possible new therapeutic targets."

The study, associated 57 gene sites with self-reported insomnia, associations that were not affected by known risk factors such as lifestyle, caffeine consumption, depression or recent stress.

Instead the genomic regions identified include genes involved in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis -- a process by which proteins are tagged for destruction -- and those expressed in several brain regions, skeletal muscles and the adrenal gland, the researchers noted.

The team also found evidence that increased insomnia symptoms nearly doubled the risk of coronary artery disease. They were also linked to symptoms of depression and a reduced sense of well-being.
"Insomnia has a really significant impact on millions of people worldwide. We've long known there's a link between insomnia and chronic disease. Now our findings suggest that depression and heart disease are actually a result of persistent insomnia," said

a researcher.
 
For the study, the team analysed data from more than 4.5 lakh participants, 29 per cent of whom reported frequent insomnia symptoms.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

                                                                           FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the body is exposed to too much cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the body and is also used in corticosteroid drugs. Cushing's syndrome can occur either because cortisol is being overproduced by the body or from the use of drugs that contain cortisol (like prednisone). When Cushing's syndrome is caused by long-term use of corticosteroid medications, it is also called hypercortisolism.

About Cortisol

Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands in response to the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary. One form of Cushing’s syndrome may be caused by an oversecretion of ACTH by the pituitary leading to an excess of cortisol.

Cortisol has several functions, including the regulation of inflammation and controlling how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Corticosteroids such as prednisone, which are often used to treat inflammatory conditions, mimic the effects of cortisol.

Causes of Cushing’s Syndrome

There are a few different causes of Cushing's syndrome.

Cushing’s Disease. Cushing's disease is one common cause of the Cushing's syndrome that occurs when the pituitary releases excess ACTH, leading to extra cortisol being made. This can result from a pituitary tumor or other growth.

Iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome. The use of high doses of steroid medications for a long time can cause this form of Cushing’s syndrome. Steroid drugs or corticosteroid drugs are used to treat many inflammatory conditions, including asthma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In some cases, they’re prescribed at high doses and for a long period of time.

Adrenal Gland Tumor. Finally, another cause, though less common, is caused directly by a tumor on the adrenal glands. These types of tumors cause high levels of cortisol, independent of ACTH production from the pituitary gland. When the tumor is only in one adrenal gland, the excess amount of cortisol produced can cause the non-affected adrenal gland to begin to shrivel and shrink.

Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome

Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome can include the following:

• acne
• Buffalo hump (extra fat deposited on the back of the neck)
• elevated glucose levels
• excessive thirst
•  fatigue
• increased urination
• headache
• high blood pressure
• hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
• menstrual changes
• obesity around the trunk
• psychological symptoms such as mood instability, depression, anxiety, panic attacks
• round, full face ( moon face)
• skin changes
• stretch marks on the abdomen, arms, breasts, buttocks, and thighs (also called striae)
• weakness

There could be other signs and symptoms of this condition that are not covered above. It’s important to see a physician with any concerns about symptoms of Cushing's syndrome.
 
 Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome

There are distinguishable physical characteristics, such as the round moon face and buffalo hump, that are typical among people with Cushing’s syndrome. If a physician suspects Cushing’s, after the routine history, physical exam, and basic blood work, she will order blood and urine tests to measure the amount of cortisol present in the body. If those levels are high, the doctor may order a test called a dexamethasone suppression test. This is a test where an oral steroid called dexamethasone is given and blood and urine tests are taken again to measure cortisol and other adrenal hormones. More tests may be ordered if these initial tests come back with results that indicate Cushing’s syndrome might be a concern.

A physician may move to a more intensive testing procedure if the initial screening shows that this is necessary. If a tumor is suspected as the cause of Cushing’s, other tests that might be ordered include a CT scan or an MRI. While the testing can seem like a lot of work or inconvenient, it is important to follow up and complete all of the testings that the doctor orders.
  
Treatment for Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is best treated by determining what is causing the high levels of cortisol and removing it.

Cushing’s disease. Surgery is usually the first line treatment for patients with Cushing's disease. Removal of the pituitary tumour  and sometimes the entire pituitary gland, through a procedure called transsphenoidal resection (behind the nose) by a neurosurgeon is usually necessary. If the entire pituitary needs to be removed, supplements of cortisol, thyroid, and sex hormones will need to be given. If surgery is contraindicated or the tumor cannot be removed, radiation therapy can be used to shrink the tumor. If the tumor is found to be malignant, chemotherapy or radiation may be prescribed to reduce the risk of reoccurrence. There are medical treatments available for treating Cushing's disease as well, including Pasireotide (Signifor) and Mifepristone (Korlym).

Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome. If the syndrome is being caused by a prescribed medication, it is best to begin to taper the medication down, supervised by a physician, to remove the excess steroid. It is important to slowly decrease the amount of corticosteroid taken over the course of weeks or even months. A different medication or dose may be found to be a more appropriate treatment for the underlying condition. It is important to follow instructions precisely, as steroids cannot be stopped suddenly, but must be slowly tapered down.

If the steroids can't be stopped, or if it is going to take a long time to stop them, other treatments might be given to manage some of the signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. Some of the aspects of this syndrome that might need treatment with other medications and changes to the diet include high blood sugar and high cholesterol. Reducing the risk of fractures with medications used to treat osteoporosis might also be necessary. In the case of depression or anxiety, referral to a mental health specialist for treatment may also be effective.

Conclusion
In the case of Cushing's disease, most people recover well after surgery. Some signs of the disease may continue after surgery, such as hypertension, but these can often be managed with medications. If surgery isn't possible, there are also medical treatments available that can decrease the effects of increased cortisol. 

Cushing's syndrome is a risk of taking steroid medications, but it is not common. The use of steroids and the potential risk versus the benefits should be discussed with a physician. Cushing's syndrome can be treated by lowering the number of steroids being taken, and by treating some of the signs and symptoms. The goal is always to get patients off steroids as quickly and as safely as possible. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/       
                                                                                                                                                                      FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           
                                                                           FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com