Alzheimer's Disease - Modernizing Concept, Biological Diagnosis and Therapy


Book Description

Expanding knowledge on genetic and epigenetic risk factors is rapidly enhancing our understanding of the complex molecular interactions and systems involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. In this publication, leading experts discuss emerging novel conceptual models of the disease along with advances in the development of surrogate markers that will not only improve the accuracy of diagnostic technologies but also improve the prospects of developing disease-modifying interventions. The novel framework of the disease presented here highlights research on biological markers as well as efforts to validate technologies for early and accurate detection. It also introduces notion of a complex systems dysfunction that extends beyond prevailing ideas derived from the ‘amyloid’ or ‘tau’ hypotheses.This outstanding publication provides researchers, clinicians, students and other professionals interested in neurodegenerative disorders with a comprehensive update on current trends and future directions in therapy development, with special focus on advances in clinical trial designs.




Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations in Neurological Disorders


Book Description

Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations in Neurological Disorders provides a comprehensive and mechanistic understanding of the therapeutic potential of many ayurvedic herbal preparations in disease management. Examining research data for evidence-based ayurvedic approaches, this volume begins with a focused introduction to major ayurvedic plants, discussing various mechanisms underlying their neuromodulatory potential in preclinical and clinical settings. Major subsets of ayurvedic plants are discussed, including Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Withania somnifera, and others. This volume outlines the importance of integrative approaches along with existing treatments in the intervention/management of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depressive mood disorders, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and more. More than a mere compilation of studies, this volume identifies relevant gaps for future research avenues and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and sharing of knowledge to together identify the most efficacious ayurvedic approaches. Highlighting recent developments (e.g., Ayurgenomics, Ayurahar) and other pertinent research for neuroprotection, this book is crucial for anyone researching or working in the field of neurological disorder treatment and prevention. - Provides a focused introduction to major Ayurvedic plants and their therapeutic potential in the management of neurodegenerative diseases - Discusses various mechanisms underlying the neuromodulatory potential of several ayurvedic herbal preparations in preclinical and clinical settings - Examines major subsets of ayurvedic plants (e.g., Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Withaniasomnifera, and others) and potential of several other plants in various neurological disorders - Outlines the importance of integrative approaches along with existing treatments in the intervention/management of depressive mood disorders, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and more - Highlights recent developments (e.g., Ayurgenomics, Ayurahar) and other pertinent research for neuroprotection




Behavioral Medicine and Integrated Care


Book Description

This evidence-to-practice volume deftly analyzes the processes and skills of integrating mental healthcare with primary care, using multiple perspectives to address challenges that often derail these joint efforts. Experts across integrative medicine offer accessible blueprints for smoothly implementing data-based behavioral interventions, from disease management strategies to treatment of psychological problems, into patient-centered, cost-effective integrated care. Coverage highlights training and technology issues, key healthcare constructs that often get lost in translation, and other knowledge necessary to create systems that are rooted in—and contribute to—a robust evidence base. Contributors also provide step-by-step guidelines for integrating behavioral health care delivery in treating cancer, dementia, and chronic pain. Among the topics covered: The epidemiology of medical diseases and associated behavioral risk factors. Provider training: recognizing the relevance of behavioral medicine and the importance of behavioral health consultations and referrals. Screening for behavioral health problems in adult primary care. Health care transformation: the electronic health record. Meeting the care needs of patients with multiple medical conditions. Smoking cessation in the context of integrated care. This depth of clinical guidance makes Behavioral Medicine and Integrated Care an essential reference for practitioners on all sides of the equation, including health psychologists and other professionals in health promotion, disease prevention, psychotherapy and counseling, and primary care medicine.




Handbook of Prevention and Alzheimer’s Disease


Book Description

It is almost 120 years since Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was first reported, and the concept of modifiable risk factors associated with the disease has been present from the outset. Thus, the idea of preventing AD is not new, with reference to strategies noted as early as the 1990s. This subfield of AD research has matured in recent years, with the number of modifiable risk factors – the AD preventome – rising from the 7 initially identified to the current 12, with an estimated contribution to dementia cases worldwide of about 40%. This book, the Handbook of Prevention and Alzheimer’s Disease, introduces physicians, scientists, and other stakeholders to this subfield of AD research. It investigates the AD preventome, which will continue to expand as the understanding of new factors and related biomarkers is refined. Optimizing this preventome leads to an improvement in overall brain health, an outcome which reduces the risk of developing AD and improves quality of life. The book goes on to examine other domains of prevention, from vascular risk factors to social engagement and from sleep health to spirituality. If the journey to end AD can be likened to a long and arduous challenge, understanding every possible part of the overall toolkit of approaches for disease prevention and intervention is essential. Together with its companion volume on intervention, the book provides a comprehensive overview of strategies for tackling Alzheimer’s disease, and will be of interest to all those working in the field. Cover illustration: White matter tracts showing sex differences in connectivity in men versus women as a function of increasing body mass index. Reprinted with permission from Rahmani F, Wang Q, McKay NS, Keefe S, Hantler N, Hornbeck R, Wang Y, Hassenstab J, Schindler S, Xiong C, Morris JC, Benzinger TLS, Raji CA. Sex-Specific Patterns of Body Mass Index Relationship with White Matter Connectivity. J Alzheimers Dis. 2022;86(4):1831-1848. doi: 10.3233/JAD-215329. PMID: 35180116; PMCID: PMC9108572.




Integrative Neurology


Book Description

Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, headache, and neuropathy are all conditions for which narrowly focused medical interventions all too often fall short. The first book in its field, Integrative Neurology synthesizes complementary modalities with state-of-the-art medical treatment to offer a new vision for neurological care. The authors begin by looking inward at the crisis of stress and burnout that confronts all of medicine, but neurology in particular. It goes on to provide a selective yet in-depth review of important topics in neurological practice from the perspective of integrative medicine. Taking an evidence based approach throughout, chapters cover chronic diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, and Parkinson's Disease. The volume also address clinical issues such as headache, traumatic brain injury, navigating the endocannabinoid system and aging, nutrition and stroke, neuropathy, toxins and neurodevelopment, as well as the modalities of Ayurvedic Medicine and acupuncture. Integrative medicine is defined as a healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit) as well as all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative. Series editor Andrew Weil, MD is Professor and Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Weil's program was the first such academic program in the US, and its stated goal is "to combine the best ideas and practice of conventional and alternative medicine into cost effective treatments without embracing alternative practices uncritically."




Oxford Textbook of Neuropsychiatry


Book Description

New from Oxford Textbooks in Psychiatry, the Oxford Textbook of Neuropsychiatry bridges the gap between general psychiatric textbooks and reference texts in neuropsychiatry. Divided into four sections, it covers core knowledge and skills for practice in all psychiatric disciplines, with key information for training in neuropsychiatry.




Biological Aspects of Suicidal Behavior


Book Description

Suicide is one of the most important causes of death in modern societies. To develop more effective preventive measures, we have to be aware of and learn more about its neurobiological foundations. In recent years, the tools of modern neurosciences have increasingly been utilized to characterize the pathophysiology of complex human behaviors such as suicide. To improve suicide risk assessment and suicide prevention, a better understanding of its pathophysiology is crucial. This includes research from a variety of disciplines such as neuropsychological, psychosocial and cultural studies but also findings from biochemistry, neuropathology, electrophysiology, immunology, neuroimaging, genetics, and epigenetics. Important results have, for example, been obtained in the field of gene-environment interaction and suicidal behavior. We have just begun to understand how early-life adversity may increase suicide risk by epigenetic mechanisms. Based on such insights, novel therapeutic interventions and preventive measures can be developed. Furthermore, a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in suicidal behavior could reveal the mechanism of compounds like lithium salts. In this book, suicidal behavior and its prevention is discussed by international experts in the light of the most recent results from a broad spectrum of neurosciences.




Handbook of Intervention and Alzheimer’s Disease


Book Description

It is almost 120 years since Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was first reported, and the concept of managing some of the modifiable risk factors associated with the disease has been present from the outset. Intervening to manage risk factors as a way of tackling AD is not new, but optimizing brain health as a way of minimizing risk and maximizing the potential benefits of revolutionary new treatments for AD is becoming increasingly important. This book, the Handbook of Intervention and Alzheimer’s Disease, presents 47 papers exploring factors which may either inspire or inform future treatment and clinical trials. While novel interventions such as anti-amyloid immunotherapy present great opportunities, they may also increase the risk of brain bleeds and edema, which in turn may lead to adverse clinical outcomes. Such adverse outcomes are demonstrably more likely to occur in persons with poor brain health, so improved management of the risk factors which make up the AD preventome will also minimize the risks associated with such novel therapies. The papers in this volume can therefore be thought of as offering insight into those factors that can optimize brain health or providing key insights into interventions which may achieve such outcomes. Together with its companion volume on prevention, the book provides a comprehensive overview of strategies for tackling Alzheimer’s disease, and will be of interest to all those working in the field. Cover illustration: Improved hypoperfusion (resolving blue colors) on ASL MRI Z-score maps superimposed on structural MRI scans at baseline and one year in a PET amyloid-positive research participant with cognitive complaints undergoing one year of multi-domain personalized brain health interventions (vascular disease management, dietary optimization, sustained physical activity etc.). Permission to use this figure was granted both by the study P.I. Dr. David Merrill, MD, PhD, of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute and the research participant.




Medicinal Chemistry Approaches to Personalized Medicine


Book Description

Edited by two renowned medicinal chemists who have pioneered the development of personalized therapies in their respective fields, this authoritative analysis of what is already possible is the first of its kind, and the only one to focus on drug development issues. Numerous case studies from the first generation of "personalized drugs" are presented, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for pharmaceutical development. While the majority of these examples are taken from the field of cancer treatment, other key emerging areas, such as neurosciences and inflammation, are also covered. With its careful balance of current and future approaches, this handbook is a prime knowledge source for every drug developer, and one that will remain up to date for some time to come. From the content: * Discovery of Predictive Biomarkers for Anticancer Drugs * Discovery and Development of Vemurafenib * Targeting Basal-Cell Carcinoma * G-Quadruplexes as Therapeutic Targets in Cancer * From Human Genetics to Drug Candidates: An Industrial Perspective on LRRK2 Inhibition as a Treatment for Parkinson's Disease * Therapeutic Potential of Kinases in Asthma * DNA Damage Repair Pathways and Synthetic Lethality * Medicinal Chemistry in the Context of the Human Genome and many more




Sex and Gender Differences in Alzheimer's Disease


Book Description

Sex and Gender Differences in Alzheimer's Disease: The Women's Brain Project offers for the first time a critical overview of the evidence documenting sex and gender differences in Alzheimer's disease neurobiology, biomarkers, clinical presentation, treatment, clinical trials and their outcomes, and socioeconomic impact on both patients and caregivers. This knowledge is crucial for clinical development, digital health solutions, as well as social and psychological support to Alzheimer's disease families, in the frame of a precision medicine approach to Alzheimer's disease.This book brings together up-to-date findings from a variety of experts, covering basic neuroscience, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials development, socioeconomic factors, and psychosocial support. Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, remains an unmet medical need for the planet. Wide interpersonal variability in disease onset, presentation, and biomarker profile make Alzheimer's a clinical challenge to neuroscientists, clinicians, and drug developers alike, resulting in huge management costs for health systems and society. Not only do women represent the majority of Alzheimer's disease patients, but they also represent two-thirds of caregivers. Understanding sex and gender differences in Alzheimer's disease will lead to novel insights into disease mechanisms, and will be crucial for personalized disease management strategies and solutions, involving both the patient and their family. Endorsements/Reviews: "There is a clear sex and gender gap in outcomes for brain health disorders like Alzheimer's disease, with strikingly negative outcomes for women. This understanding calls for a more systematic way of approaching this issue of inequality. This book effectively highlights and frames inequalities in all areas across the translational spectrum from bench-to-bedside and from boardroom-to-policy and economics. Closing the Brain Health Gap will help economies create recovery and prepare our systems for future global shocks." Harris A. Eyre MBBS, PhD, co-lead, Neuroscience-inspired Policy Initiative, OECD and PRODEO Institute. Instructor in Brain Health Diplomacy, Global Brain Health Institute, UCSF and TCD. "Sex and Gender Differences in Alzheimer's disease is the most important title to emerge on Alzheimer's disease in recent years.This comprehensive, multidisciplinary book is a must read for anyone with a serious interest in dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, cure and research. Precision medicine is the future of healthcare and this book represents an incredible and necessary resource to guide practice, policy and research in light of the fact that Alzheimer's disease disproportionately affects women. The combination of contributions from the most eminent experts and the most up-to-date research makes this an invaluable resource for clinicians, care providers, academics, researchers and policy makers. Given the complex nature of dementia and the multiple factors that influence risk and disease trajectory the scope of the book is both impressive and important covering sex differences in neurobiological processes, sex and gender differences in clinical aspects and gender differences linked to socioeconomic factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease. If you work in Alzheimer's disease, or indeed other dementias, then Sex and Gender Differences in Alzheimer's disease is a must have for your bookshelf." -- Sabina Brennan, PhD., C.Psychol.,PsSI., National representative for Ireland on Alzheimer Disease International's Medical and Scientific Advisory Panel