Marijuana may help stave off Alzheimer’s

Marijuana may help stave off Alzheimer’s

Active ingredient in pot may help preserve brain function
Reuters

Updated: 3:31 p.m. ET Oct 5, 2006

WASHINGTON - Good news for aging hippies: smoking pot may stave off Alzheimer’s disease.

New research shows that the active ingredient in marijuana may prevent the progression of the disease by preserving levels of an important neurotransmitter that allows the brain to function.

Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in California found that marijuana’s active ingredient, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, can prevent the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from breaking down more effectively than commercially marketed drugs.

THC is also more effective at blocking clumps of protein that can inhibit memory and cognition in Alzheimer’s patients, the researchers reported in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.

The researchers said their discovery could lead to more effective drug treatment for Alzheimer’s, the leading cause of dementia among the elderly.

Those afflicted with Alzheimer’s suffer from memory loss, impaired decision-making, and diminished language and movement skills. The ultimate cause of the disease is unknown, though it is believed to be hereditary.

Marijuana is used to relieve glaucoma and can help reduce side effects from cancer and AIDS treatment.

Copyright 2006 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15145917/
© 2006 MSNBC.com

FMS News: A new twist on an old drug

www.news14.com


A new twist on an old drug
Updated: 9/25/2006 9:58:57 AM
By: Casey Taylor, News 14 Carolina

Pamela Kennedy sings every day to the little boy she thought she would never have.
Fibromyalgia affects one in nine people and leaves its victims in constant pain. It's difficult to diagnose, and there is no cure. But there is hope. An ingredient found in a common over-the-counter drug may ease patients' pain.

Pamela Kennedy sings every day to the little boy she thought she would never have.

"With fibromyalgia, I have had pain for the last 15 years in all my joints," she said. "We were trying to have children, but I was never able to conceive."

Kennedy adopted Kenton. She lovingly takes care of him while living every minute with muscle aches and fatigue.

"It's really hard, especially because he's not walking and he's heavy,” she said. “I take pain pills all day."

The pills help relieve nerve cells that are highly sensitive.

“These patients with minor activities experience significant pain," Dr. Roland Staud, a rheumatologist at the University of Florida in Gainesville, said.


Dextromethorphan is an ingredient commonly found in cough syrup, but doctors found it also targets nerve cells.
A new twist on an old drug may help. Dextromethorphan is an ingredient commonly found in cough syrup, but doctors found it also targets nerve cells.

"The activity of these nerve cells is significantly decreased, resulting in less amplification of pain," said Staud.

He says, however, the levels found in cough syrup are not strong enough. They studied a special dose that needs to be taken to feel a difference -- about four to five-times stronger than what you can buy over the counter.

“If they could find something where I could be lucid all day, be a good mom, that would be very good," Kennedy said.

At high doses, dextromethorphan causes problems related to memory and confusion. The drug is still being studied and isn't available to the public yet.




Contact Information



Mike Garrison
Director of Broadcast News
University of Florida Health Science Center
Gainesville, FL 32611
mgarriso@vpha.health.ufl.edu
www.news.health.ufl.edu









Research Summary



BACKGROUND:

Fibromyalgia is an incurable illness that causes widespread muscle aches, stiffness, fatigue and sleep disturbances. An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from the condition, most of them women. Current treatment strategies include pain medication, exercise, stretching, sleep management, and psychological support.

THE CAUSE:

The underlying cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, but in the past 25 years substantial progress has been made toward understanding the mechanisms behind specific features of fibromyalgia. Rheumatology expert Roland Staud, M.D., a University of Florida associate professor, says, "One [mechanism] is central sensitization, a feature of many chronic pain conditions in which the central nervous system -- the brain and spinal cord -- somehow magnifies pain signals to abnormally high levels." Central sensitization is associated with wind-up, a phenomenon in which repeated touches -- even handshakes or pats on the back -- generate lingering pain that increases with each new contact.

NEW HOPE:

Dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter medication that silences coughs, may help fibromyalgia patients quiet over-reacting nerves that amplify ordinary touches into agony. A University of Florida study documents, for the first time, that dextromethorphan temporarily reduces the intensity of fibromyalgia "wind-up," a snowballing pain response to minor, repetitive physical contact.

WHAT IS IT?

Dextromethorphan is popular in cold remedies because it elevates the threshold for the coughing reflex but does not cause physical addiction, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. But fibromyalgia patients should not resort to self-medicating by taking cough syrups for pain, Staud cautioned. "Like every medication, dextromethorphan has side effects," he said. "At high doses, patients can have problems related to memory and confusion."

THE STUDY:

Though the UF study did not establish guidelines for using dextromethorphan clinically, it suggests the drug may eventually be an option for treating fibromyalgia and other conditions involving heightened pain sensitivity. Dr. Staud, the study's principal author says: "I think it's one piece of the mosaic. We currently have no single therapy in chronic pain that has a big effect. So what this really means for chronic pain patients is that they need to use a whole host of different interventions to decrease the pain they have. And in this, dextromethorphan may have a role in the future." In the current study, researchers worked with 14 women with fibromyalgia and 10 women who did not have the disease, using mechanical devices that tapped the participants' hands repeatedly. One part of the study involved contact with a heated probe, the other used a small rubber-tipped peg. The intensity of the heat or pressure of the stimulation was individually adjusted so that all participants reported feeling the same degree of pain.

Researchers then gave each participant a capsule containing 60 milligrams of dextromethorphan, 90 milligrams of dextromethorphan, or a placebo containing none of the drug, and asked them to rate the amount of pain they experienced when the stimulation was repeated.

THE RESULTS:

With the heat stimulus, 90 milligrams of dextromethorphan reduced wind-up pain, but 60 milligrams was no more effective than the placebo. With the pressure stimulus, 90 milligram and 60 milligram doses were equally effective, reducing wind-up pain.

Psychiatric ills common in adults with fibromyalgia

Psychiatric ills common in adults with fibromyalgia
By Amy Norton
Wed Sep 20, 11:52 AM ET



Many people with the chronic pain disorder fibromyalgia have also suffered from depression, anxiety or other psychiatric conditions at some point in their lives -- suggesting, researchers say, that the disorders have some common causes.

In a study of 336 adults with and without fibromyalgia, researchers found that those with the condition were substantially more likely to have ever had depression, bipolar disorder or an anxiety disorder. They also had higher rates of eating disorders and substance abuse problems.

In most cases, the psychiatric condition preceded the development of fibromyalgia, making it unlikely that the mood disturbances were simply a reaction to having chronic pain.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome marked by widespread aches and pains, fatigue and sleep problems, among other symptoms; the cause is unknown, and there are no medications specifically approved for the condition. Treatment usually involves a combination of approaches, such as painkillers, antidepressants, behavioral therapy or exercise therapy.

The new findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, are based on a comparison of families with members affected by either fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis, another condition marked by chronic pain.

Between both groups of families, there were 108 adults, nearly all women, with fibromyalgia and 228 without the condition.

Overall, those with fibromyalgia were almost three times more likely to have ever had major depression and nearly seven times more likely to have suffered an anxiety disorder. They also had a two to three times greater risk of eating disorders and substance abuse problems, and a much higher risk of bipolar disorder.

The associations between fibromyalgia and these psychiatric conditions suggest that there is some "shared vulnerability" at work, according to study chief Dr. Lesley M. Arnold, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

"We are not saying that fibromyalgia is a psychiatric disorder," Arnold told Reuters Health.

Rather, some people may be vulnerable to developing both fibromyalgia and certain psychiatric disorders -- possibly because of genes, Arnold explained, or because of environmental factors such as chronic stress. But no one yet knows for certain.

Still, the evidence suggests that people with fibromyalgia should be screened for psychiatric disorders, according to Arnold. Even when people aren't currently suffering any psychiatric symptoms, their mental health history can influence how their fibromyalgia is treated, she noted.

For example, Arnold explained, medication with both antidepressant and pain-relieving effects might be the first choice for people with a history of depression. Another option is cognitive behavioral therapy, which addresses harmful thought patterns and behaviors; this approach, Arnold said, might help fibromyalgia patients with a history of depression or anxiety disorders.

SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, August 2006.

Nasal spray effective for cluster headaches

Nasal spray effective for cluster headaches
Mon Sep 25, 4:53 PM ET



The migraine medication zolmitriptan when administered as a nasal spray appears to be a safe and effective treatment of acute cluster headache, European researchers report.

The study shows that nasal zolmitriptan, which is known by the brand name Zomig, "provides a further, much-needed, evidence-based and effective option to treat acute cluster headache -- the worst such pain known," senior author Dr. Peter J. Goadsby told Reuters Health.

Dr. Goadsby of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London and colleagues note in the Archives of Neurology that cluster headache "is the most painful form of primary headache, typically characterized by attacks of usually excruciating unilateral pain lasting 15 to 180 minutes."

Oral zolmitriptan is known to be an effective treatment for migraine headache and there is preliminary evidence that the new intranasal formulation may be helpful for treating cluster headache.

To investigate further, the researchers conducted a study involving 92 patients with cluster headache. Without knowing the order of treatment, the participants treated one headache with 5 milligrams of zolmitriptan nasal spray, another attack with 10 milligrams, and a third with an inactive "placebo" nasal spray.

The team found that headache relief rates 30 minutes after treatment were 40 percent for the low-dose zolmitriptan, 62 percent for the high-dose zolmitriptan, and 21 percent for placebo.

Goadsby noted there is increasing interest "in this highly disabling, important form of primary headache." Patients should know, he added, that "work is being done on their condition."

SOURCE: Archives of Neurology, September 2006.

Migraines common among nasal-allergy sufferers
Mon Aug 28, 1:53 PM ET



Many people with nasal allergies suffer from migraine headaches as well, new research indicates. This suggests that the compound that causes allergy misery -- histamine -- may also be involved in triggering migraines.

In a study of nearly 300 children and adults, researchers found that 34 percent of those with allergic rhinitis -- better known as hay fever -- also had symptoms that met the diagnostic criteria for migraine. That compared with only 4 percent of study participants without hay fever.

The findings might prompt doctors to have a "heightened awareness" of migraine symptoms among patients with nasal allergies, the researchers say in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Past research has suggested that many headaches assumed to be sinus headaches may instead be migraines. Sinus headaches occur when the sinus cavities become inflamed, with allergies being one cause. However, sinus headaches can be hard to distinguish from migraines because they share a number of features.

Migraines are marked by throbbing pain, typically concentrated on one side of the head and often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. But they can also come with facial pressure, nasal congestion and other signs often ascribed to sinus headache.

For the new study, researchers led by Dr. Min Ku of Allergy & Asthma Care PA in Haddonfield, New Jersey, surveyed 294 adults and children with and without nasal allergies.

They found that patients with allergies were 14 times more likely to have symptoms consistent with migraine.

The connection makes sense, according to Ku's team, because histamine -- a chemical released by immune system cells during allergic reactions -- may trigger migraines by causing inflammation and blood vessel dilation.

Distinguishing migraines from sinus headaches is important to getting proper treatment. Migraines can be managed with common painkillers, but other medications -- such as a class of drugs called triptans -- may be necessary. In addition, people with frequent migraines may need preventive drugs.

There is no evidence, Ku's team notes, that the antihistamine medications used for hay fever can relieve migraines. But that's not surprising, they add, because antihistamines have little effect on the blood vessel dilation triggered by histamine.

The researchers are currently studying whether topical steroid medications can treat or prevent migraine in people with nasal allergies.

SOURCE: Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, August 2006.

Fibromyalgia

FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons – the soft fibrous tissues in the body.

Most patients with FMS say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn. More women than men are afflicted with FMS, and it shows up in people of all ages.

To help your family and friends relate to your condition, have them think back to the last time they had a bad flu. Every muscle in their body shouted out in pain. In addition, they felt devoid of energy as though someone had unplugged their power supply. While the severity of symptoms fluctuate from person to person, FMS may resemble a post-viral state. This similarity is the reason experts in the field of FMS and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) believe that these two syndromes may be one and the same. Gulf War syndrome also overlaps with FMS/CFS.

SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED SYNDROMES

Pain - The pain of FMS has no boundaries. People describe the pain as deep muscular aching, throbbing, shooting, and stabbing. Intense burning may also be present. Quite often, the pain and stiffness are worse in the morning and you may hurt more in muscle groups that are used repetitively.

Fatigue - This symptom can be mild in some patients and yet incapacitating in others. The fatigue has been described as "brain fatigue" in which patients feel totally drained of energy. Many patients depict this situation by saying that they feel as though their arms and legs are tied to concrete blocks, and they have difficulty concentrating, e.g., brain fog.

Sleep disorder - Most FMS patients have an associated sleep disorder called the alpha-EEG anomaly. This condition was uncovered in a sleep lab with the aid of a machine which recorded the brain waves of patients during sleep. Researchers found that most FMS patients could fall asleep without much trouble, but their deep level (or stage 4) sleep was constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity. Patients appeared to spend the night with one foot in sleep and the other one out of it.

Sleep lab tests may not be necessary to determine if you have disturbed sleep. If you wake up feeling as though you've just been run over by a Mack truck – what doctors refer to as unrefreshing sleep – it is reasonable for your physician to assume that you have a sleep disorder. Many FMS patients have been found to have other sleep disorders in addition to the alpha-EEG, such as sleep apnea (as well as the newly discovered form of interrupted breathing called upper airway resistance syndrome, or UARS), bruxism (teeth grinding), periodic limb movement during sleep (jerking of arms and legs), and restless legs syndrome (difficulty sitting still in the evenings).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea represent symptoms frequently found in roughly 40 to 70% of FMS patients. Acid reflux or gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GRED) also occurs with the same high frequency.

Chronic headaches - Recurrent migraine or tension-type headaches are seen in about 70% of FMS patients and can pose a major problem in coping for this patient group.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome - This syndrome, sometimes referred to as TMJ or TMD, causes tremendous jaw-related face and head pain in one quarter of FMS patients. However, a 1997 published report indicated that close to 75% of FMS patients have a varying degree of jaw discomfort. Typically, the problems are related to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the jaw joint and not necessarily the joint itself.

Other common symptoms - Premenstrual syndrome and painful periods, chest pain, morning stiffness, cognitive or memory impairment, numbness and tingling sensations, muscle twitching, irritable bladder, the feeling of swollen extremities, skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, and impaired coordination can occur. Patients are often sensitive to odors, loud noises, bright lights, and sometimes even the medications that they are prescribed.

Aggravating factors - Changes in weather, cold or drafty environments, infections, allergies, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual and menopausal states), stress, depression, anxiety and over-exertion may all contribute to symptom flare-ups.

COMMON TREATMENTS

Traditional treatments are geared toward improving the quality of sleep and reducing pain, which means that a sleep study may aid with individualizing your therapy. Deep level (stage 4) sleep is crucial for many body functions (such as tissue repair, antibody production, and the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals). Therefore, the sleep disorders that frequently occur in FMS patients are treated first because they may be a strong contributing factor to the symptoms of this condition. Medications that boost your body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters that modulate sleep, pain, and immune system function) are commonly prescribed in low doses, such as amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine and Cymbalta. Ambien, Lunesta, clonazepam, and trazodone are just a few of the medications that may be used to aid sleep. Ultram may help with the pain, although stronger opioids may be needed for treating moderate to severe pain. Muscle relaxants, anti-epileptics (such as Neurontin and Lyrica) and other drug categories may be prescribed as well. Each issue of Fibromyalgia Network contains information about new drug therapy options, as well as advice about how to make use of existing medications to minimize FMS symptoms.

In addition to medications, most patients will need to use other treatment methods as well, such as trigger point injections with lidocaine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, relaxation/biofeedback techniques, osteopathic manipulation, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, or a gentle exercise program.

Links for Research ... Updated Periodically.

Fibromyalgia Network

eFibro

Calif. Settles With Xenadrine Maker for $1M

Updated:2006-06-16 00:08:49
Calif. Settles With Xenadrine Maker for $1M
AP
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California and 10 local prosecutors have reached a $1 million settlement with diet-pill maker Nutraquest Inc., which was accused of using deceptive techniques to sell weight-loss products that contained ephedra.


The Food and Drug Administration banned ephedra in April 2004 after it was linked to dozens of deaths and thousands of reports of health problems such as heart attack or increased blood pressure.


A federal judge subsequently lifted the FDA ban for supplements containing smaller doses, but the FDA determined the supplement presents an unreasonable risk of illness or injury at any dose and is appealing the judge's ruling.


Nutraquest Inc. was accused in a lawsuit filed by the California prosecutors of making numerous deceptive advertising claims about its best-selling diet pill, Xenadrine RFA-1.


Among the claims, Nutraquest said the drug was "clinically proven to increase fat-loss by an unprecedented 1,700 percent," and is "the only diet supplement in the world clinically proven to increase fat loss by an extraordinary 38.6 times more than diet and exercise alone."


Nutraquest filed for bankruptcy protection in 2003 after a flood of lawsuits claiming the ephedra in Xenadrine caused medical problems, including at least one death.


As part of the settlement announced Thursday, Nutraquest president Robert Chinery is required to pay $600,000 in civil penalties and $400,000 in costs.


The prosecutors are Attorney General Bill Lockyer, the city attorney of San Diego and district attorneys in Alameda, Kern, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, Solano and Sonoma counties.


Some people who bought the diet pills also will be eligible for restitution as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.


Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
06/16/06 00:06 EDT

Ordinary Days?

What is an ordinary day?

Each day comes with new information, sights and smells.
Meeting new people and hanging out with the old.

Some days are good, many are not.
We survive one day to the next.

What you do with your days
determines how the day is.