Rio Grande Chapter Newsletter

Health News: Spinal Fluid Protein Could Predict Alzheimer's

(HealthDay News) -- Measuring levels of a protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of middle-aged adults at high genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease may reveal early signs of disease development, U.S. researchers report.

A team from the University of Washington, Seattle, noted that aging, plus the presence of a copy of a gene called apolipoprotein E*4 (APOE*4) are the two strongest known risk factors for Alzheimer's. People with APOE*4 develop clinical dementia about 10 to 15 years earlier than people without this particular allele (copy).

Previous research had found that Alzheimer's-related plaques in the brain begin forming years before a person shows any symptoms of the disease. These plaques are made of proteins called beta-amyloids, predominately a type known as "A beta 42." As these proteins clump together into plaques, there are fewer circulating through the nervous system.

According to the researchers, this means that lower levels of A beta 42 in the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord are an indicator of the development of Alzheimer's disease.

More information on this study.

More States Screening Newborns for Diseases

(HealthDay News) -- The number of babies receiving 29 essential screening tests has nearly doubled in just a year, a new survey finds.

The good news, from the 2006 March of Dimes Newborn Screening Report Card, is that almost two-thirds of babies born in the Unites States receive most of the recommended newborn screening tests. The bad news is that means about 1 million babies still aren't screened properly. That lack of screening could result in serious complications, including brain damage or death, for babies with rare but potentially treatable metabolic disorders.

These screening tests are important "because they save lives," said Dr. Jennifer Howse, president of the March of Dimes, in White Plains, N.Y. If newborns with certain metabolic conditions aren't screened, she said, "the consequences can be early death or a lifetime of severe health problems and disability."

"What March of Dimes would like to see is that by the end of 2008, every newborn in every state is screened for these 29 core conditions," she added.

Of the 29 screening tests recommended by both the March of Dimes and the American Academy of Pediatrics, 28 are for metabolic conditions and the 29th is a hearing screening test, Howse said. Identifying hearing loss in infancy is important so early interventions and assistance can be given.

Screening for these disorders is crucial because all metabolic conditions on the list can be treated if caught early, according to Howse. Some examples of the disorders include sickle cell anemia, galactosemia and PKU.

More info

How to Protect Your Family's Health During a Natural Disaster

(ARA) - Advance preparation for severe weather is important, and it's critical to consider health information when planning ahead for a natural disaster. If you have to flee your home, you'll need contact information for your doctors, as well as information on your health coverage and medical history to maintain your health and financial security.

Plan for Your Health, a partnership between Aetna and the Financial Planning Association, is a resource to help people quickly and easily prepare their essential health benefits information. The Web site, www.PlanforYourHealth.com, features a personal health information record to fill out in advance and offers tips on handling your health benefits if you're displaced or affected by a natural disaster.

Think about steps you can take now to plan for the possibility of displacement, an injury or a life-threatening emergency as a result of a natural disaster.

1. If you have health insurance, review your policy. Learn what coverage your plan provides when you are away from home.
2. If you don't have health insurance, get it. Go to www.eHealthInsurance.com to get a quote for an individual insurance plan, or contact an insurance agent or broker, or check health plan Web sites.
3. Prepare an evacuation box that is fireproof, lockable and can be quickly grabbed in an emergency.
4. Create a personal health information record. A form is available on www.PlanforYourHealth.com to download and print.
5. Don't forget your pet! If you have to evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to take them with you.
6. If you or your loved ones are injured or become ill as the result of a disaster, take steps to get the medical care and coverage you need. Follow these tips to manage your health benefits after a natural disaster:
7. Local emergency services may be able to direct you to alternative care locations if your regular treatment settings are unavailable.
8. Notify your employer in case you need to apply for time off, disability or unemployment insurance.
9. Call your health insurance provider's customer service department to find out what to do to make a claim.
10. Save any medical or prescription receipts to submit for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) reimbursements, if you have an account.
11. Know your rights. If you are not receiving payment for the medical treatment you need, contact your insurance company to explain the circumstances.

To learn more on how to prepare your family for hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters, visit www.PlanforYourHealth.com. Copyright © 2006, ARA Content