Brick Township RSS Feed http://www.twp.brick.nj.us Entire Website Feed Protein that blocksEye Drainage Provides New Clue to Glaucoma Origins http://www.twp.brick.nj.us/content.asp?ContentId=2640
Link to Homepage About AHAF
Donate Now Get Involved  
Alzheimer's Disease Research Macular Degeneration Research National Glaucoma Research


Stay Informed: Medical and Research Updates
Connect With Us!
 
Did You Know...

Globally, 60.5 million had glaucoma in 2010. Given the aging of the world's population, this number may increase to almost 80 million by 2020.
 

Protein That Blocks Eye Drainage Provides New Clue To Glaucoma Origins

AHAF-supported project lays groundwork for future treatments

January 20, 2012
Source: Journal of Molecular Biology

Findings:

Dr. Lieberman

Dr. Raquel Lieberman
Source: Georgia Institute of Technology

In certain cases of glaucoma, increased eye pressure is caused by a protein called myocilin that builds up in the trabecular meshwork, a part of the eye controlling the movement of fluid. An AHAF-supported researcher, Dr. Raquel Lieberman, and her colleagues at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta have discovered that myocilin proteins get converted from their normal shape into fibers that abnormally clump together in a fashion similar to what happens with Alzheimer’s disease proteins. This study has provided an important new clue towards understanding what can trigger glaucoma in some people.

Relevance:

These researchers have discovered a new protein-based explanation for the cause of a certain type of glaucoma. Further research, based on Dr. Lieberman’s findings, could potentially lead to drugs that prevent clumping of myocilin, or maybe even destroy existing deposits.

This important study received support from National Glaucoma Research (NGR), a program of the American Health Assistance Foundation. Dr. Raquel Lieberman is a grantee of NGR.

 

 

Amyloid Fibril Formations

Amyloid Fibril Formations
Source: Georgia Institute of Technology

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Nearly 4 million Americans have the disorder, which affects 70 million worldwide. There is no cure and no early symptoms. Once vision is lost, it’s permanent.

New findings at Georgia Tech, published in January during Glaucoma Awareness Month, explore one of the many molecular origins of glaucoma and advance research dedicated to fighting the disease.

Glaucoma is typically triggered when fluid is unable to circulate freely through the eye’s trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue. Intraocular pressure rises and damages the retina and optic nerve, which causes vision loss. In certain cases of glaucoma, this blockage results from a build-up of the protein myocilin. Georgia Tech Chemistry and Biochemistry Assistant Professor Raquel Lieberman focused on examining the structural properties of these myocilin deposits.

“We were surprised to discover that both genetically defected as well as normal, or wild-type (WT), myocilin are readily triggered to produce very stable fibrous residue containing a pathogenic material called amyloid,” said Lieberman, whose work was published in the most recent Journal of Molecular Biology.

Amyloid formation, in which a protein is converted from its normal form into fibers, is recognized as a major contributor to numerous non-ocular disorders, including Alzheimer’s, certain forms of diabetes and Mad Cow disease (in cattle). Scientists are currently studying ways to destroy amyloid fibrils as an option for treating these diseases. Further research, based on Lieberman’s findings, could potentially result in drugs that prevent or stop myocilin amyloid formation or destroy existing fibrils in glaucoma patients.

Until this point, amyloids linked to glaucoma had been restricted to the retinal area. In those cases, amyloids kill retina cells, leading to vision loss, but don’t affect intraocular pressure.

“The amyloid-containing myocilin deposits we discovered kill cells that maintain the integrity of TM tissue,” said Lieberman. “In addition to debris from dead cells, the fibrils themselves may also form an obstruction in the TM tissue. Together, these mechanisms may hasten the increase of intraocular pressure that impairs vision.”

Together with her research team, Lieberman produced WT and genetically defected myocilin variants that had been documented in patients who develop glaucoma in childhood or early adulthood. The experiments were conducted in collaboration with Georgia Tech Biology Professor Ingeborg Schmidt-Krey and Stanford Genetics Professor Douglas Vollrath. Three Georgia Tech students also participated in the research: Susan Orwig (Ph.D. graduate, Chemistry and Biochemistry), Chris Perry (current undergraduate, Biochemistry) and Laura Kim (master's graduate, Biology).

Adapted from Georgia Institute of Technology

2/7/12 Council Caucus Meeting http://www.twp.brick.nj.us/content.asp?ContentId=2639 Brick Township Council Caucus Meeting February 7, 2012 7:00 PM 1. Call to order. 2. Adequate notice of this meeting was provided and publish.. Alzheimer's Disease SPRINT LEGISLATION http://www.twp.brick.nj.us/content.asp?ContentId=2638
Link to Homepage About AHAF
Donate Now Get Involved  
Alzheimer's Disease Research Macular Degeneration Research National Glaucoma Research


Stay Informed: Medical and Research Updates
Join Us on our Social Networking Sites
Contact Us

  

American Health Assistance Foundation Press Release

FOR RELEASE
February 2, 2012

SPRINT Legislation Would Spur
Critically Needed Alzheimer's Disease Research,
Says American Health Assistance Foundation

Clarksburg, MD—A scientific research bill announced on Capitol Hill today represents a major step forward in the national goal to end Alzheimer’s disease, says the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF), a nonprofit organization whose Alzheimer’s Disease Research program funds research worldwide.

A bipartisan team of Congressional leaders unveiled the Spending Reductions through Innovations in Therapies (SPRINT) Agenda Act of 2012. The legislation would spur public and private research funding and streamline the regulatory review of treatments needed for Alzheimer’s and other costly diseases.

AHAF President and CEO Stacy Pagos Haller, who praised Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Ed Markey (D-MA) for introducing the SPRINT Act, explains why it is necessary:

“A greater investment in research is essential if we are going to defeat Alzheimer’s disease. Current funding levels will not stop this growing epidemic. This year alone, nearly half a million Americans will hear the diagnosis, 'You have Alzheimer’s disease.' If we are to prevent, treat, and cure this disease that now affects millions of Americans and threatens the solvency of our healthcare system, then we need to increase public and private research funding and partnerships.”

Adds Guy Eakin, Ph.D., AHAF Vice President for Scientific Affairs:

“The greatest threat to research advancement is the inadequate financial support available to scientists. There are just not enough funds to support the number of promising scientific projects. More researchers than ever want to study Alzheimer’s disease, and many have compelling proposals. The SPRINT Act would utilize this scientific talent by supporting innovative and promising ideas.”

 About the American Health Assistance Foundation

The American Health Assistance Foundation (www.ahaf.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding cures for age-related degenerative diseases by funding research worldwide under its three programs: Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research.  AHAF also provides public information about these diseases, including risk factors, preventative lifestyles, current treatments, and coping strategies.

To learn more about AHAF-supported research, visit www.ahaf.org/research or call 800-437-2423. Stay connected to breaking research and medical news by signing up for AHAF eAlerts at www.ahaf.org/news. To follow AHAF on Twitter and Facebook visit www.ahaf.org/connect.

# # #

For more information, contact
Melissa May, APR
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
(301) 556-9370
mmay@ahaf.org

Alice L. Kirkman
Marketing and Communications Manager
(301) 556-9349
akirkman@ahaf.org

 Alheimer's Disease may jump from one brain region to another http://www.twp.brick.nj.us/content.asp?ContentId=2637
Text Size Normal Text Sizing Button Medium Text Sizing Button Large Text Sizing Button Text Contrast Normal Contrast Button Reverse Contrast Button Switch to Spanish Language Press Room Contact Us Sitemap Sign In Register
Link to Homepage About AHAF
Donate Now Get Involved  
Alzheimer's Disease Research Macular Degeneration Research National Glaucoma Research


Stay Informed: Medical and Research Updates
Connect With Us!
 
Did You Know...

For a person with Alzheimer's disease, the annual cost of a room in an Alzheimer's special care unit is estimated in the range of $214 and $239 per day or $77,998 and $87,362 per year, for a semi-private or private room, respectively.
 

Two Studies Show Alzheimer’s Disease May Spread By ‘Jumping’ From One Brain Region To Another

Findings open new opportunities for studying Alzheimer’s and testing potential therapies

February 2, 2012

Sources: Neuron and PLoS ONE

Healthy Neuron showing tau protein

Healthy Neuron Showing
the Normal Tau Protein

Illustration created for
AHAF by Bob Morreale

Two different research groups independently made the same discovery:  the Alzheimer's disease protein, called tau, can spread from one part of the brain to other connected regions, effectively "jumping" from one nerve cell (neuron) to another.  

The finding is groundbreaking because for decades researchers have debated whether Alzheimer’s disease starts independently in vulnerable brain regions at different times, or if it begins in one region and then spreads from neuron to neuron to other areas of the brain.  The answer appears to be the latter.  It’s important because if scientists can find the mechanism by which tau spreads from one cell to another, Alzheimer’s disease could potentially be stopped from spreading.

Alzheimer's Disease Research, a program of the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF), funded Dr. Bradley T. Hyman, co-investigator Dr. Teresa Gomez-Isla, and their colleagues at Massachusetts General Hospital for their major discovery. Dr. Hyman's research will be published later this month in the journal, Neuron.

A second study by Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) researcher, Karen E. Duff, Ph.D.,  at CUMC and at the New York State Psychiatric Institute,  also demonstrates that abnormal tau protein, a key feature of the neurofibrillary tangles seen in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s, grows along linked brain circuits, “jumping” from neuron to neuron. Dr. Duff's research was published in PLoS ONE.

Both research projects were highlighted in the February 2 issue of the New York Times.

The findings of the studies have important implications for therapy to reduce or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Treatments could conceivably target tau during its earlier phases, before or as it moves from cell to cell. Said Dr. Duff, “This would prevent the disease from spreading to other regions of the brain, which is associated with more severe dementia.”

March Calendar 2012 http://www.twp.brick.nj.us/content.asp?ContentId=2635

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

 

 

  *AARP Income Taxes are by appointments only from 9:00 am

  to 1:00 pm.   Call  732-920-8686

              to schedule.

 

  New:  “Take Control of Your Health”

             class begins on May 1st

       Must register, please phone

                 732-920-8686

 

1    

D.J. Dancing  9:30-11:00

Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00

Movie  12:00-2:00

 

2            Tai Chi  9:00-10:00

        Humming Birds 10:00-11:00     

 Conversational English10:00-11:00

   Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00

   Ballroom Dancing  1:00-2:00           

 

5         AARP  Tax Appointments*

    Arm Exercise 10:30-11:00

Chair/Aerobics 11:00-12:00

            Tai Chi  12:45-1:45   Water/Oil/Acrylic Class  1:25-3:45

 6     

 Craft & Ceramic Painting 10:00-11:00

       Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00  

  Take Control of Your Health Class                

                    12:00-2:30

7   

    Line Dancing I

                                   10:00-12:00

      Line Dancing II

8   

         D.J. Dancing  9:30-11:00

Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00

Movie  12:00-2:00

Self Defense  2:30-3:30

9          Tai Chi  9:00-10:00

      Humming Birds 10:00-11:00     

Conversational English10:00-11:00

   Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00

   Ballroom Dancing  1:00-2:00

 

12     AARP  Tax Appointments*

   Arm Exercise 10:30-11:00

Chair/Aerobics 11:00-12:00

            Tai Chi  12:45-1:45   Water/Oil/Acrylic Class  1:25-3:45

13 

      Multi-Cultural Club 10:00-11:00

       Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00

     Take Control of Your Health Class               

                    12:00-2:30

 

14            

 

   St. Patrick’s Day Party

                 10:15

15  

D.J. Dancing  9:30-11:00

Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00

Movie  12:00-2:00

 

16         Tai Chi  9:00-10:00

      Humming Birds 10:00-11:00     

Conversational English10:00-11:00

   Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00

       Ballroom Dancing  1:00-2:00

 

19     AARP  Tax Appointments*

   Arm Exercise 10:30-11:00

Chair/Aerobics 11:00-12:00

            Tai Chi  12:45-1:45   Water/Oil/Acrylic Class  1:25-3:45

 20        

Presentation “Fall Prevention”  10:15

       Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00  

      Take Control of Your Health Class               

                    12:00-2:30

21   Line Dancing I

                                   10:00-12:00

      Line Dancing II

 

      Legal Services  1:30-3:30

         (by appointment only)

22

D.J. Dancing  9:30-11:00

Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00

Movie  12:00-2:00

    Self Defense  2:30-3:30

23         Tai Chi  9:00-10:00

      Humming Birds 10:00-11:00     

Conversational English10:00-11:00

   Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00

   Ballroom Dancing  1:00-2:00 

 

26       AARP  Tax Appointments*

          Literary Club   9:45-10:45  

       Arm Exercise 10:30-11:00

Chair/Aerobics 11:00-12:00

            Tai Chi  12:45-1:45   Water/Oil/Acrylic Class  1:25-3:45

 27

      Presentation  “Veterans”  10:15

        Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00  

  Take Control of Your Health Class               

                    12:00-2:30

28

      Line Dancing I

                                   10:00-12:00

      Line Dancing II

29    

D.J. Dancing  9:30-11:00

Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00

Movie  12:00-2:00

 

30            Tai Chi  9:00-10:00

        Humming Birds 10:00-11:00     

 Conversational English10:00-11:00

   Chair/Aerobics  11:00-12:00

   Ballroom Dancing  1:00-2:00           

 

Call 24 hours in advance to reserve Bus (732-317-5526) & Nutrition Lunch (732-920-0700)      www.bricktownship.net         Must be 60 Years or Older