MediciNova Receives a Notice of Patent Allowance for a Method of Treating Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

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SAN DIEGO, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediciNova Inc, a biopharmaceutical company traded on the NASDAQ Global Market (Nasdaq:MNOV - News) and the Jasdaq Market of the Osaka Securities Exchange (4875), today announced that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a pending patent application, which covers the use of ibudilast for the treatment of progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. Ibudilast (MN-166), is the company's lead drug development candidate for certain neurological conditions, including progressive multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and drug addiction.

A patent maturing from this allowed patent application is expected to expire no earlier than early 2029 and covers a method of treating primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS) by administering ibudilast either alone or in combination with other drugs. The patent application is based upon clinical investigations conducted by MediciNova researchers which showed an apparent disease-modifying benefit in which brain volume loss, or brain atrophy, commonly associated with disease progression, was reduced by oral administration of ibudilast to a group of multiple sclerosis patients including some subjects with progressive multiple sclerosis, in a dose-related fashion over at least a 10-month treatment period.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is recognized as a chronic disease in which disability progresses over time. Patients suffering from progressive forms of MS tend to have a poor prognosis and have greater levels of disability. Robert J. Fox, M.D., M.S., FAAN, Medical Director of Mellen Center for MS, Cleveland Clinic, noted that, "Despite recent improvements in pharmacotherapy for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, treatment options in progressive multiple sclerosis are extremely limited in the absence of relapses. There is great need for safe, effective, and conveniently-administered therapies for progressive MS."

Obtaining long-term protection of market exclusivity for the use of ibudilast in certain neurological conditions has been a key component of MediciNova's development strategy for the MN-166 program. Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of MediciNova, noted that, "We are very pleased to receive notice of this patent allowance for ibudilast in progressive MS. Moreover, we anticipate that this allowance will facilitate further development and business options around this program."

About Ibudilast

Ibudilast has been used in asthma and post-stroke disorders in Japan for around 20 years. MediciNova has demonstrated the potential utility of ibudilast in the treatment of neurological disorders at higher doses with encouraging outcomes in company-sponsored clinical trials in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuropathic pain. MediciNova's collaborative trial planning with drug addiction investigators at organizations like Columbia/NYSPI and UCLA has led to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-to support clinical investigations of the use of ibudilast to treat both opioid and methamphetamine addiction. A Phase 2 investigator-sponsored trial of ibudilast in the treatment of chronic medication overuse headache (MOH) pain is also ongoing in Australia. MediciNova's priorities include pursuing Phase 2 proof-of-concept trials of ibudilast for the treatment of progressive MS and/or neuropathic pain through non-dilutive funding.

About MediciNova

MediciNova, Inc. is a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company founded upon acquiring and developing novel, small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of diseases with unmet need with a commercial focus on the U.S. market. Through strategic alliances primarily with Japanese pharmaceutical companies, MediciNova holds rights to a diversified portfolio of clinical and preclinical product candidates, each of which MediciNova believes has a well-characterized and differentiated therapeutic profile, attractive commercial potential, and patent coverage of commercially adequate scope. MediciNova's pipeline includes six clinical-stage compounds for the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, multiple sclerosis and other neurologic conditions, asthma, interstitial cystitis, solid tumor cancers, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, preterm labor and urinary incontinence and two preclinical-stage compounds for the treatment of thrombotic disorders. MediciNova's current strategy is to focus on its two prioritized product candidates, MN-221, for the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, and ibudilast (MN-166/AV411). Each drug candidate is involved in clinical trials under U.S. and Investigator INDs. MediciNova is engaged in strategic partnering discussions to support further development of the MN-221 and ibudilast programs. Additionally, MediciNova will seek to monetize opportunistically its other pipeline candidates. For more information on MediciNova, Inc., please visit http://www.medicinova.com.

The MediciNova, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3135

Statements in this press release that are not historical in nature constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our the potential utility of ibudilast in the treatment of progressive MS and other neurological disorders and the proposed proof of concept trial of ibudilast, including any implication that the company will have the ability to execute on its priorities. These forward-looking statements may be preceded by, followed by or otherwise include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "can," "could," "may," "will," "would," or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the risk and certainties of raising additional capital to fund clinical development of Ibidulast, risks and uncertainties inherent in clinical trials, product development and commercialization, such as the uncertainty in results of clinical trials for product candidates, the uncertainty of whether the results of clinical trials will be predictive of results in later stages of product development, the risk of delays or failure to obtain or maintain regulatory approval, risks regarding intellectual property rights in product candidates and the ability to defend and enforce such intellectual property rights, the risk of failure of the third parties upon whom MediciNova relies to conduct its clinical trials and manufacture its product candidates to perform as expected, the risk of increased cost and delays due to delays in the commencement, enrollment, completion or analysis of clinical trials or significant issues regarding the adequacy of clinical trial designs or the execution of clinical trials and the timing, cost and design of future clinical trials and research activities, the timing of expected filings with the regulatory authorities, MediciNova's collaborations with third parties, the availability of funds to complete prod
uct development plans and MediciNova's ability to raise sufficient capital when needed, and the other risks and uncertainties described in MediciNova's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and its subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. MediciNova disclaims any intent or obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements.

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MediciNova Receives a Notice of Patent Allowance for a Method of Treating Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

DementiaToday Daily News and Views on Alzheimer's …

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Alzheimers Dement.2015 Jun 15. pii: S1552-5260(15)00194-6. [Epub ahead of print] MINDdietslowscognitivedeclinewithaging. Morris MC1,Tangney CC2,Wang Y3,Sacks FM4,Barnes LL5,Bennett DA6,Aggarwal NT6. Abstract Background The Mediterranean and dash diets have been shown to slowcognitivedecline; however, neitherdietis specific to the nutrition literature on dementia prevention. Methods We devised the Mediterranean-Dietary [Read More...]

PLoS One. 2015 Mar 12;10(3):e0118333. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118333. eCollection 2015. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of dementia: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies with investigation of potential effect modifiers. Zhong G1, Wang Y1, Zhang Y2, Guo JJ3, Zhao Y2. 1The Second College of Clinical Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China. 2School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing [Read More...]

Neurobiol Aging. 2014 Sep;35 Suppl 2:S74-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.03.033. Epub 2014 May 14. Dietary and lifestyle guidelines for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Barnard ND1, Bush AI2, Ceccarelli A3, Cooper J4, de Jager CA5, Erickson KI6, Fraser G7, Kesler S8, Levin SM9, Lucey B10, Morris MC11, Squitti R12. Abstract Risk of developing Alzheimer's disease is increased by older age, genetic factors, and several medical [Read More...]

Alzheimers Dement. 2015 Jun;11(6):718-26. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2015.05.016. Epub 2015 Jun 1. Summary of the evidence on modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia: A population-based perspective. Baumgart M1, Snyder HM2, Carrillo MC3, Fazio S4, Kim H1, Johns H5. Abstract An estimated 47 million people worldwide are living with dementia in 2015, and this number is projected to triple by 2050. In the absence of a [Read More...]

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DementiaToday Daily News and Views on Alzheimer's ...

Dementia Types | Signs, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

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Type of Dementia

Characteristics

Alzheimer's disease

Most common type of dementia; accounts for an estimated 60 to 80 percent of cases.

Symptoms: Difficulty remembering recent conversations, names or events is often an early clinical symptom; apathy and depression are also often early symptoms. Later symptoms include impaired communication, poor judgment, disorientation, confusion, behavior changes and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

Revised criteria and guidelines for diagnosing Alzheimers were published in 2011 recommending that Alzheimers be considered a slowly progressive brain disease that begins well before symptoms emerge.

Brain changes: Hallmark abnormalities are deposits of the protein fragment beta-amyloid (plaques) and twisted strands of the protein tau (tangles) as well as evidence of nerve cell damage and death in the brain.

Learn more about Alzheimer's disease.

Vascular dementia

Previously known as multi-infarct or post-stroke dementia, vascular dementia is less common as a sole cause of dementia than Alzheimers, accounting for about 10 percent of dementia cases.

Symptoms:Impaired judgment or ability to make decisions, plan or organize is more likely to be the initial symptom, as opposed to the memory loss often associated with the initial symptoms of Alzheimer's. Occurs because of brain injuries such as microscopic bleeding and blood vessel blockage. The location, number and size of the brain injury determines how the individual's thinking and physical functioning are affected.

Brain changes: Brain imaging can often detect blood vessel problems implicated in vascular dementia. In the past, evidence for vascular dementia was used to exclude a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (and vice versa). That practice is no longer considered consistent with pathologic evidence, which shows that the brain changes of several types of dementia can be present simultaneously. When any two or more types of dementia are present at the same time, the individual is considered to have "mixed dementia" (see entry below).

Learn more about vascular dementia.

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)

Symptoms: People with dementia with Lewy bodies often have memory loss and thinking problems common in Alzheimer's, but are more likely than people with Alzheimer's to have initial or early symptoms such as sleep disturbances, well-formed visual hallucinations, and muscle rigidity or other parkinsonian movement features.

Brain changes: Lewy bodies are abnormal aggregations (or clumps) of the protein alpha-synuclein. When they develop in a part of the brain called the cortex, dementia can result. Alpha-synuclein also aggregates in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease, but the aggregates may appear in a pattern that is different from dementia with Lewy bodies.

The brain changes of dementia with Lewy bodies alone can cause dementia, or they can be present at the same time as the brain changes of Alzheimer's disease and/or vascular dementia, with each abnormality contributing to the development of dementia. When this happens, the individual is said to have "mixed dementia."

Learn more about dementia with Lewy bodies.

Mixed dementia

In mixed dementia abnormalities linked to more than one type of dementia occur simultaneously in the brain. Recent studies suggest that mixed dementia is more common than previously thought.

Brain changes: Characterized by the hallmark abnormalities of more than one type of dementia most commonly, Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, but also other types, such as dementia with Lewy bodies.

Learn more about mixed dementia.

Parkinson's disease

As Parkinson's disease progresses, it often results in a progressive dementia similar to dementia with Lewy bodies or Alzheimer's.

Symptoms: Problems with movement are common symptoms of the disease. If dementia develops, symptoms are often similar to dementia with Lewy bodies.

Brain changes: Alpha-synuclein clumps are likely to begin in an area deep in the brain called the substantia nigra. These clumps are thought to cause degeneration of the nerve cells that produce dopamine.

Learn more about Parkinson's disease.

Frontotemporal dementia

Includes dementias such as behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), primary progressive aphasia, Pick's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Symptoms: Typical symptoms include changes in personality and behavior and difficulty with language. Nerve cells in the front and side regions of the brain are especially affected.

Brain changes: No distinguishing microscopic abnormality is linked to all cases. People with FTD generally develop symptoms at a younger age (at about age 60) and survive for fewer years than those with Alzheimer's.

Learn more about frontotemporal dementia.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

CJD is the most common human form of a group of rare, fatal brain disorders affecting people and certain other mammals. Variant CJD (mad cow disease) occurs in cattle, and has been transmitted to people under certain circumstances.

Symptoms: Rapidly fatal disorder that impairs memory and coordination and causes behavior changes.

Brain changes: Results from misfolded prion protein that causes a "domino effect" in which prion protein throughout the brain misfolds and thus malfunctions.

Learn more about Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus

Symptoms: Symptoms include difficulty walking, memory loss and inability to control urination.

Brain changes: Caused by the buildup of fluid in the brain. Can sometimes be corrected with surgical installation of a shunt in the brain to drain excess fluid.

Learn more about normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Huntington's Disease

Huntingtons disease is a progressive brain disorder caused by a single defective gene on chromosome 4.

Symptoms: Include abnormal involuntary movements, a severe decline in thinking and reasoning skills, and irritability, depression and other mood changes.

Brain changes: The gene defect causes abnormalities in a brain protein that, over time, lead to worsening symptoms.

Learn more about Huntingtons disease.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Korsakoff syndrome is a chronic memory disorder caused by severe deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B-1). The most common cause is alcohol misuse.

Symptoms: Memory problems may be strikingly severe while other thinking and social skills seem relatively unaffected.

Brain changes: Thiamine helps brain cells produce energy from sugar. When thiamine levels fall too low, brain cells cannot generate enough energy to function properly.

Learn more about Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

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Dementia Types | Signs, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

Dementia – Cognitive Impairment Disorder Symptoms & Signs …

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What is Dementia?

Dementia is a decline in cognitive function. It may affect memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. To be considered dementia, mental impairment must affect at least two brain functions. It may also cause personality changes.

Dementia is not a disease. It may be caused by a variety of illnesses or injuries. Mental impairment may range from mild to severe. Some dementias are progressive, which means they get worse over time. Some dementias are treatable or even reversible. Some experts restrict the term dementia to irreversible mental deterioration.

Dementia can be caused by degeneration of neurons (brain cells), or by disturbances in other body systems that affect how neurons function.

Several conditions can cause dementia, including diseases of the brain. The most common such causes are Alzheimers disease and vascular dementia.

Neurodegenerativemeans that neurons gradually degenerate (cease to function or function inappropriately and eventually die). This impacts the neuron-to-neuron connections, calledsynapses, which arehow messages are passed along in your brain. This disconnect can result in a range of dysfunction.

Some of the more common causes of dementia include:

Another cause is frontotemporal lobar degeneration, which is a blanket term for a range of conditions that cause damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. They include:

Dementia may also be caused by

Some of these dementias may be reversible. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to see your doctor and get a medical workup as soon as symptoms develop.

Its absolutely normal to forget things once in a while. Memory loss by itself does not mean you have dementia. However, there is a difference between occasional forgetfulness and forgetfulness that is cause for serious concern.

Potential red flags for dementia include:

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the above.

Getting lost in familiar settings (driving to the supermarket, for example), is often one of the first signs of dementia.

The Merck Manual states that approximately five percent of people aged 65 to 74 years and 40 percent of people older than 85 years have some form of dementia.

The number of people diagnosed with and/or living with dementia is increasing. This is at least in part due to increasing life expectancy. By 2030, the size of the population 65 years of age and older in the U.S. will have increased from 37 million people (in 2006) to an estimated 71.5 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Scientists all over the world are working hard to gain a better understanding of the many different aspects of dementia. This might help to develop preventive measures (such as a vaccine), improved early detection diagnostic tools, better and longer-lasting treatments, and even cures.

For example, a vaccine known as a bapineuzumab jab is currently in its final phase of testing.Though it cannot cure dementia or related disorders, this vaccine has been shown to prevent, and in some cases reverse, the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain.Amyloid plaqueswhich are the hallmark of Alzheimers diseaseare dense, mostly insoluble (not dissolvable) clumps of protein fragments that deposit a highly damaging gunky substanceoutside and aroundthe brains nerve cells.

Scientists are also investigating genetic factors, various neurotransmitters, the role of inflammation, factors that influence programmed cell death in the brain, the roles oftau (a protein found in neurons of the central nervous system), and the possible roles of oxidative stress (i.e., chemical reactions that can damage proteins, DNA, and lipids/fats inside cells) in the development of dementia. Such research can help doctors and scientists better understand what causes dementia, and in turn, how best to treat and possibly prevent the disorder.

There is also increasing evidence that lifestyle factors, such as getting regular exercise and maintaining social connections, may be effective ways to decrease the risk of developing dementia.

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Dementia - Cognitive Impairment Disorder Symptoms & Signs ...

Dementia Friends

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Get my dad to go to a dementia friends class by nicola Whittam

I am going to be more patient with people with dementia, and embrace their world more openly. I will also share the knowledge I now have with as many people as posssible x by samantha quinnell

Share facts and articles about dementia and latest news on social media, hoping to bring awareness to friends. Blog about nursing dementia patients, and the lessons that come with. by Alexandra Wong

Support my friend with his comndition and show understanding. by Ian Barnes

To tell my friends and family about what I have learned about dementia and to wear my dementia friend badge where ever I go by Lisa Chaffey

Tell friends about dementia and why it is important to have patience and look out for anyone who may be struggling to do a task. by Lauren Mackintosh

Attended first session and told family about what I had learned by Graham Hart

I am a student OT and I will wear my dementia friend badge on my uniform when on placement. by Donna Moy

To continue to raise awareness at my sons school and in the local area ... by Kelly Fraser

Teach my mother about dementia by JOANNE GRIFFITHS

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Dementia Friends

FTD/Dementia Support Blog

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* I run a private FTD Patient Support Group on Facebook. Thegroups for FTD Patients Only and is open to those with a firm FTD diagnosis. The support group is a place where those with FTD can gather in a positive environment and realize there not alone. It's also a source of accurate information which is rare in the quick changing world of FTD. The director of AFTD, Sharon Denny is a permanent guest member. AFTD has been kind enough to open up there medical board to answer member questions. Please email me athowardglickftd@gmail.comto join.

Howard

10 years ago FTD entered my life. Forced to leave work on disability being misdiagnosed as bipolar I just disappeared from the 17+ year career I had. My career started in NYC and culminated in Seattle. Then I just disappeared. Never returned calls from friends or associates. My absence was a mystery to many.

Some months ago I was contacted by an old colleague and close friend Dave Ashcraft who had looked me up on the web. I used to manage a string of independent dealerships in North America for a Japanese business equipment manufacturer. Dave is now the VP of of the largest independent dealership in the country, Witt Company, that has dealerships across the Western US including Phoenix. A few weeks ago I was contacted by the President and owner of the company Bill Witt. Bill wanted to come visit me in Phoenix. We met at the Starbucks I frequent. I worked closely with Bill for years and years. You couldn't find a fairer, more honest and astute businessman anywhere. He was also a huge handful to work with. Complicated, but you'd be hard pressed to find a finer individual.

Bill entered Starbucks and his first words were, "Howard Glick, the last time I was with you was March 2x, 200x at the Metropolitan Grill in Seattle. You took me and Gail (wife) out for dinner and bought us a bottle of Jordan wine. Told us you were sick and had to leave Riso. Then I was gone.

Bill rehashed mutual colleagues and friends across the country that I've not thought of in years. Some I remembered, some I didn't. Everyone I used to know was doing well in one form or another. It was good to hear. Bill also discussed the years I worked with him. Told me I was the best manufacturers rep he had from the company I worked for and that I always had his companies interests in the forefront - even if it caused me to have problems with my company. I broke down a couple of times. Tried to explain FTD. Tried to explain how I rarely leave my apt., curse out old ladies without realizing I'm doing anything wrong, frequently eat spoiled food and make inappropriate sexual remarks. Also that I now have frequent swallowing/choking issues and balance issues. Explained how I lost my disability from Unum because I was misdiagnosed which has me living now on the poverty line. Bill asked about longevity. I sort of lied and told him I'll be around for a long time. No one has a crystal ball with FTD, but FTD is marinating nicely and I know my time has become limited at best. At least I'm hoping to move on soon.

Bill told me if there was an emergency and I needed some financial help, not to hesitate to call and actually called someone at the company in front of me to let them know if I called to send out help. I was deeply moved at the gesture, but anyone who knows me knows that I'd be homeless before I'd make that call. Bill said he would visit me on his periodic trips in. There are no words to describe how much Bill's visit meant to me. It's soul shaking what I've lost since we worked together. Sitting here at Starbucks crying as I type. 10 years ago I had a consistent six figure income, kids, and a woman I was madly in love.

Yesterday I received an email from Dave Ashcraft from the same company in Seattle saying he would be visiting me in 4-6 weeks. You were one of the best salesman I've ever known. I'm looking at my schedule and I'm going to plan on coming down to Phoenix for a long weekend in the next 4 - 6 weeks. I'll let you know the exact dates."

Was recently contacted by a childhood friend. I haven't seen Peter Herzog since I left for college 35+ years ago. Peter came from Boca Raton, Fl. last week to look and possibly move to AZ. Peter's son was amazed how we just sort of clicked again like many of us NYC Washington Heights alum do. While we were in the car I pointed to a girl and mentioned what a great ass she had. Both Peter and his 23 yr. old son berated me that she looked really young. Age just didn't click, didn't cross my FTD corroded mind. Of course I'm aware now that she was just a kid and am once again on the edge of tears as I'm typing.

FTDCocktail-

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FTD/Dementia Support Blog

Dementia Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Tests, Treatment, Care …

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About dementia Find out what how typical age-related memory loss compares to early signs of Alzheimer's and other dementias. Learn the signs.

Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's diseaseaccounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type. But there are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.

Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as "senility" or "senile dementia," which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging.

Learn more: Common Types of Dementia, What is Alzheimer's?

Many people have memory loss issues this does not mean they have Alzheimer's or another dementia

Learn more: Visiting Your Doctor

While symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired to be considered dementia:

People with dementia may have problems with short-term memory, keeping track of a purse or wallet, paying bills, planning and preparing meals, remembering appointments or traveling out of the neighborhood.

Many dementias are progressive, meaning symptoms start out slowly and gradually get worse. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don't ignore them. See a doctor soon to determine the cause. Professional evaluation may detect a treatable condition. And even if symptoms suggest dementia, early diagnosis allows a person to get the maximum benefit from available treatments and provides an opportunity to volunteer for clinical trials or studies. It also provides time to plan for the future.

Learn more:10 Warning Signs,7 Stages of Alzheimer's

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Dementia Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Tests, Treatment, Care ...

Dementia Types, Stages, Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

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If your doctor tells you that your loved one has dementia, it means he's got a brain condition that causes problems with thinking and memory. It's important to understand the different types so he can get the right kind of treatment.

Although most types of dementia get worse over time, there are drugs that might help with some of your loved one's behavior changes and other symptoms.

This is the most common type of dementia, and it affects about 5 million Americans.

If someone you know has Alzheimer's, you'll notice symptoms such as memory loss and trouble planning and doing familiar tasks.

The symptoms are mild at first but get worse over a number of years. Your friend or relative might:

If a relative or friend of yours gets this type of dementia, it's usually because he's had a major stroke, or one or more "silent" strokes, which can happen without him realizing it.

The type of dementia symptoms depend on the part of the brain that's affected by the stroke.

While Alzheimer's usually begins with memory problems, vascular dementia more often begins with poor judgment or trouble in planning, organizing, and making decisions.

Other symptoms may include:

Lewy bodies are microscopic deposits of a protein that form in some people's brains. They're named after the scientist who discovered them.

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Dementia Types, Stages, Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Can a Wife With Dementia Say Yes to Sex? – Bloomberg

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More than 350 people attended the wedding reception of Donna Lou Young and Henry V. Rayhons in Duncan, Iowa, on Dec. 15, 2007. Family and friends ate pork roast and danced polkas to celebrate the union of a widow and a widower, both in their 70s, who had found unexpected love after the deaths of their long-time spouses.

For the next six-and-a-half years, Henry and Donna Rayhons were inseparable. She sat near him in the state House chamber while he worked as a Republican legislator. He helped with her beekeeping. She rode alongside him in a combine as he harvested corn and soybeans on his 700 acres in northern Iowa. They sang in the choir at Sunday Mass.

We just loved being together, Henry Rayhons says.

Today, hes awaiting trial on a felony charge that he raped Donna at a nursing home where she was living. The Iowa Attorney Generals office says Rayhons had intercourse with his wife when she lacked the mental capacity to consent because she had Alzheimers. She died on Aug. 8, four days short of her 79th birthday, of complications from the disease. One week later, Rayhons, 78, was arrested. He pleaded not guilty.

To convict Rayhons, prosecutors must first convince a jury that a sex act occurred in his wifes room at the Concord Care Center in Garner, Iowa, on May 23. If prosecutors prove that, his guilt or innocence will turn on whether Donna wanted sex or not, and whether her dementia prevented her from making that judgment and communicating her wishes.

The State of Iowa vs. Henry Rayhons offers a rare look into a complex and thinly explored dilemma that will arise with increasing frequency as the 65-and-over population expands and the number of people with dementia grows. It suggests how ill-equipped nursing homes and law enforcement agencies are to deal with the nuances of dementia, especially when sex is involved. The combination of sex and dementia also puts enormous strains on family relationships, which turned out to be a critical element in the Rayhons case. His four children are supporting him. Two of Donnas three daughters played a role in Rayhons investigation. Through their attorney, Philip Garland, the two declined to be interviewed for this story.

Sexual assault laws years ago recognized that a spouse cannot force himself or herself upon the other. Dementia confuses the issue. People with dementia can lose past inhibitions about sex and become aggressive about seeking it. They might be unable to balance a checkbook while theyre perfectly capable of deciding whether they desire a partners affections.

Experts in geriatrics say that intimacy -- from a hug to a massage to intercourse -- can make dementia sufferers feel less lonely and even prolong their lives. Love complicates things further.

By many accounts, Henry and Donna Rayhons were deeply in love. Both their families embraced their marriage. The case has produced no evidence thus far that the couples love faded, that Donna failed to recognize her husband or that she asked that he not touch her, said Rayhons son Dale Rayhons, a paramedic and the familys unofficial spokesman.

Based on evidence generated so far, state prosecutors are likely to portray Rayhons as a sex-hungry man who took advantage of a sweet, confused woman who didnt know what month it was, forgot how to eat a hamburger and lost track of her room.

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Can a Wife With Dementia Say Yes to Sex? - Bloomberg

Dancing Makes You Smarter – Social Dance at Stanford

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Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter Richard Powers

Most recently we've heard of another benefit: Frequent dancing apparently makes us smarter.

A major study added to the growing evidence that stimulating one's mind by dancing can ward off Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, much as physical exercise can keep the body fit. Dancing also increases cognitive acuity at all ages.

You may have heard about the New England Journal of Medicine report on the effects of recreational activities on mental acuity in aging. Here it is in a nutshell.

The 21-year study of senior citizens, 75 and older, was led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, funded by the National Institute on Aging, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Their method for objectively measuring mental acuity in aging was to monitor rates of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

The study wanted to see if any physical or cognitive recreational activities influenced mental acuity. They discovered that some activities had a significant beneficial effect. Other activities had none.

They studied cognitive activities such as reading books, writing for pleasure, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and playing musical instruments. And they studied physical activities like playing tennis or golf, swimming, bicycling, dancing, walking for exercise and doing housework.

One of the surprises of the study was that almost none of the physical activities appeared to offer any protection against dementia. There can be cardiovascular benefits of course, but the focus of this study was the mind.

There was one important exception: the only physical activity to offer protection against dementia was frequent dancing.

Bicycling and swimming - 0%

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Dancing Makes You Smarter - Social Dance at Stanford

Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia | Alzheimer's Association

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Alzheimer's and dementia basics Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Learn more: What We Know Today and Understanding Dementia.

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There is a lot to know about living with Alzheimer's disease. Stay up-to-date on the latest advances in Alzheimer's, plus get tips on managing daily life with the disease.

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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or a related dementia, you are not alone. The Alzheimer's Association is the trusted resource for reliable information, education, referral and support to millions of people affected by the disease.

Call our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 Locate a chapter in your community Use our Virtual Library Go to Alzheimer's Navigatorto create customized action plans and connect with local support services

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The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information.

Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age . Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing.

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information because Alzheimer's changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

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Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia | Alzheimer's Association

Dementia Reconsidered: the Person Comes First …

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"For some years now, Tom Kitwood's work on dementia care has stood out as the most important, innovative and creative development in a field that has for too long been neglected. This book is a landmark in dementia care; it brings together, and elaborates on, Kitwood's theory of dementia and of person-centred care in an accessible fashion, that will make this an essential source for all working and researching in the field of dementia care." Robert Woods, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Wales

"Over the last ten years or so Tom Kitwood has made a truly remarkable contribution to our understanding of dementia, and to raising expectations of what can be achieved with empathy and skill. This lucid account of his thinking and work will communicate his approach to a yet wider audience. It is to be warmly welcomed." Mary Marshall, Director of the Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling

* What is the real nature of the dementing process? * What might we reasonably expect when dementia care is of very high quality? * What is required of organizations and individuals involved in dementia care?

Tom Kitwood breaks new ground in this book. Many of the older ideas about dementia are subjected to critical scrutiny and reappraisal, drawing on research evidence, logical analysis and the author's own experience. The unifying theme is the personhood of men and women who have dementia - an issue that was grossly neglected for many years both in psychiatry and care practice.

Each chapter provides a definitive statement on a major topic related to dementia, for example: the nature of 'organic mental impairment', the experience of dementia, the agenda for care practice, and the transformation of the culture of care.

While recognizing the enormous difficulties of the present day, the book clearly demonstrates the possibility of a better life for people who have dementia, and comes to a cautiously optimistic conclusion. It will be of interest to all professionals involved in dementia care or provision, students on courses involving psychogeriatrics or social work with older people, and family carers of people with dementia.

Key features: * One of the few attempts to present the whole picture. * Very readable - many real-life illustrations. * Offers a major alternative to the 'medical model' of dementia. * Tom Kitwood's work on dementia is very well known

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Dementia Reconsidered: the Person Comes First ...

Discussion on Senior citizen (Provision of Geriatric & Dementia care) Bill 2014: Shri Vijay Sampla – Video

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Discussion on Senior citizen (Provision of Geriatric Dementia care) Bill 2014: Shri Vijay Sampla
13 March 2015, Private member #39;s legislative business: Discussion on Senior citizen (Provision of geriatric and dementia care) Bill , 2014: Shri Vijay Sampla Subscribe - http://www.youtube.com/user...

By: Bharatiya Janata Party

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Discussion on Senior citizen (Provision of Geriatric & Dementia care) Bill 2014: Shri Vijay Sampla - Video

If sex requires prior consent for vulnerable dementia patients, shouldnt spoon-feeding, also?Terman – Video

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If sex requires prior consent for vulnerable dementia patients, shouldnt spoon-feeding, also?Terman
Lively discussions about SEX: Yeah, of course! About spoon-feeding: --Lively? Are you kidding? Yet the two issues share much in common. What shall we assume for vulnerable patients living...

By: Stanley Terman

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If sex requires prior consent for vulnerable dementia patients, shouldnt spoon-feeding, also?Terman - Video