Dissapointing recommendations to treat Alzheimer’s disease

These recommendations, from a group of experts, take a narrow view of Alzheimer’s disease. They focus on early detection and the use of existing prescription drugs.

That’s fine as far as it goes, but what about those with advanced Alzheimer’s? Why not develop a more comprehensive approach?

If I might quote Paul Harvey, “here’s the rest of the story.” Continue reading Dissapointing recommendations to treat Alzheimer’s disease

Natural herbal medicine used to complement SARS treatment

SARS, of course, is severe acute respiratory syndrome — a viral pneumonia. There was one major epidemic in late 2002 where about 10% of those infected died.

In this study, a concoction of natural herbal medicines (NHM) plus routine western treatment appeared to be safe, with evidence of benefit over western treatment alone. Continue reading Natural herbal medicine used to complement SARS treatment

Acupuncture is comparable to ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure

ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors are a group of drugs used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. In most cases they are drugs of first choice.

Now, a study by Dr. Frank Flachskampf and colleagues concludes that acupuncture likely represents an attractive option. Continue reading Acupuncture is comparable to ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure

Cannabinoid-receptor blocker will probably not be sold in the US

The New York Times reports, “The [FDA] advisory panel voted unanimously, 14 to 0, against recommending the drug [rimonabant, Acomplia, Zimulti], saying there was inadequate evidence of its safety. The FDA is not required to follow this advice, but it typically does.”

The report is interesting to this blog because rimonabant works by blocking cannabinoids receptors in the brain. Continue reading Cannabinoid-receptor blocker will probably not be sold in the US