Alzheimer's Breakthrough Could Halt Disease
New Procedure May Even Reverse Symptoms

10:46 a.m. PST November 19, 2003
UPDATED: 11:32 a.m. PST November 19, 2003

LOS ANGELES -- A new procedure may be the first to halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease -- it may even reverse symptoms.

We hear so much about Alzheimer's treatments, all of which have failed to pan out -- until now. The new procedure involves the COGNIShunt® Device and it may be the first to actually help treat the disease.

Norma Thaier's doctor recently told her she was in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. "This is a terrible disease. It steals your mind," said Thaier, whose symptoms are mild now. Thaier's symptoms may never get worse, thanks to the COGNIShunt®.

"I think I was lucky to get into this study," said Thaier. Researchers implanted the tiny shunt in Thaier's brain nine months ago.

Dr. George Grossberg said the treatment continually draws a small amount of spinal fluid off the brain, and that may prevent the damage thought to cause the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

"What's special and unique about the COGNIShunt®, is that it's almost like a circulatory device," explained Grossberg.

During the minor procedure, a tiny tube is placed into the spots where fluid collects and two small chambers pump the fluid into the stomach.

"By using this circulatory shunt type device, we, in essence, can remove these plaque-type deposits before they get deposited in the brain itself and can do the damage," said Grossberg.

The new shunt has kept Thaier's symptoms from getting worse. "It stopped it pretty much where it was," said Thaier.

The pioneering study may protect future generations as well. "I've got four kids and I don't want them to get it," said Thaier.

The COGNIShunt® is being tested in San Francisco, Calif., and La Jolla, Calif. To find a COGNIShunt® study site nearest you, call (888) 4-MY MIND. Participants have to be in the very early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The study is 18 months long. For the first nine months, participants will have either a working implant or a placebo.



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For information about the COGNIShunt® or referral to a site, call (888) 469-6463, or you can get information on their Web Site.

For information on Alzheimer's Disease contact the Alzheimer's Association
Or the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center

Linda

The study was concluded in October 2004. The results appeared generally favorable. The company sponsoring the study, Eunoe, has since filed for dissolution.

Since my father was affected by this Alzheimer's disease I was keen to know more about the disease and what else but the internet I found to be the best place to look for the same. However I was somewhat shocked when I came across http://www.imsickofbeingfat.com where it was stated that obesity can be a key toward the Alzheimer's disease, is this true?

Some recent study findings suggest that there seems to be a higher incidence of Alzheimers and dementia in obese elderly people than in non-obese elderly people. That doesn't mean obesity causes dementia, or vice versa, it just means the two problems tend to be found together. A lot more research will need to be done before anyone can legitimately claim there's a causal link between the two.

The internet can be a very useful research tool, but remember that anyone can post anything on the web. Information found on reputable sites, such as the Alzheimer's Association site and their approved links, is much more trustworthy than that found on a public chatroom. If you're looking for facts, it's better to go to the source.

We all hope the cause and cure for Alzheimer's Disease are discovered SOON, because it is taking a huge toll on our society, as you know from firsthand experience.

Please let me know what else you find out, and if there's any way I can help. May I ask how your Dad is doing?