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




Proteomics and Metabolomics in Psychiatry


Book Description

This publication compiles data generated by proteomics and metabolomics about psychiatric disorders. Leading researchers in these fields review the basic principles of proteomics and metabolomics and propose the new directions to be followed in molecular psychiatry. The chapters divided into two sections – Schizophrenia/Psychotic Disorders and Mood Disorders – deal with findings in diverse tissues from human and preclinical models in order to unravel the biology and biochemistry behind the establishment and course of these illnesses as well as potential biomarkers for clinical applications. More than an update, this publication indicates the next steps to discover biomarkers and understand psychiatric disorders more comprehensively. This publication is valuable reading for psychiatrists, neuroscientists and analytical chemists interested in the basics of proteomics and metabolomics, psychiatric definitions and the most advanced hypotheses about the pathobiology of schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder.