Stepping Out Blog

A recent study published by the CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) has found that people with cognitive impairment are significantly more likely to have a stroke, with a 39% increased risk, than people with normal cognitive function.

The researchers observed a significantly higher rate of strokes in people with cognitive impairment than in people with normal cognitive function.

The authors said “We found that the risk of future stroke was 39% higher among patients with cognitive impairment at baseline than among those with normal cognitive function at baseline.”

“This risk increased to 64% when a broadly adopted definition of cognitive impairment was used.” They added.

The study in CMAJ, which was carried out by researchers in South Korea, Taiwan and the United States, analyzed data from 18 studies of over 120,000 people with cognitive impairment, of whom 7799 later had strokes. Most of the included studies were conducted in North America or Europe.

Cognitive impairment and stroke are major contributors to disability, and stroke is the second leading cause of death across the world. Although stroke is linked to the development and worsening of cognitive impairment, it is not known whether the opposite is true. Previous studies that have looked at the link between cognitive impairment and subsequent stroke have been inconsistent in their findings, but the chance still remains open for those who suffer from it.

Cognitive Impairment and Strokes Expected to Soar

Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele, Chair of the Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina says “Given the projected substantial rise in the number of older people around the world, prevalence rates of cognitive impairment and stroke are expected to soar over the next several decades, especially in high-income countries,”

Blockage of blood vessels in the brain (brain infarcts), atherosclerosis, inflammation and other vascular conditions are associated with a higher risk of stroke and cognitive impairment and may contribute to the increased risk.

The authors concluded their research by saying “Cognitive impairment should be more broadly recognized as a possible early clinical manifestation of cerebral infarction, so that timely management of vascular risk factors can be instituted to potentially prevent future stroke events and to avoid further deterioration of cognitive health.”

Semi Independent Living

Stepping Out provides comprehensivee semi independent living services throughout North London & Hertfordshire. Our facilities are staffed up to 24 hours a day offering a high level, structured and supervised group living arrangement.

Assistance and help can be provided for those who suffer from a number of illnesses and conditions, and where necessary we can provide specific move on placements. If you would like more information on our semi independent living services, please feel free to contact us.

Recent studies have shown that although being highly toxic and foul smelling, hydrogen sulphide may be able to offer potential health benefits in small doses.

Research from the University of Exeter has found that hydrogen sulphide has potential health benefits in a range of issues, from diabetes to stroke, heart attacks and dementia.

Scientists in Exeter have already found that the compound protects mitochondria, which drive energy production in blood vessel cells. Preventing or reversing mitochondrial damage is a key strategy for treatments of a variety of conditions such as stroke, heart failure, diabetes and arthritis, dementia and ageing.

AP39 Could Hold the Key to a Breakthrough

Professor Matt Whiteman from the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “When cells become stressed by disease, they draw in enzymes to generate minute quantities of hydrogen sulphide. This keeps the mitochondria ticking over and allows cells to live.

If this doesn’t happen, the cells die and lose the ability to regulate survival and control inflammation. We have exploited this natural process by making a compound, called AP39, which slowly delivers very small amounts of this gas specifically to the mitochondria. Our results indicate that if stressed cells are treated with AP39, mitochondria are protected and cells stay alive.”

Dr. Mark Wood of Biosciences, at the University of Exeter, added “Although hydrogen sulphide is well known as a pungent, foul-smelling gas in rotten eggs and flatulence, it is naturally produced in the body and could in fact be a healthcare hero with have significant implications for future therapies for a variety of diseases.”

The research is being conducted in several models of disease, and pre-clinical results are promising. In models of cardiovascular disease, research shows that almost 90% of the powerhouse mitochondria cells survive under otherwise highly destructive conditions when AP39 is administered. Professors Whiteman and Wood are now working towards advancing the research to a stage where it can be tested in humans.

The study was published in the journal Medicinal Chemistry Communications. A follow-up study, published in The Nitric Oxide Journal with collaborators from the University of Texas Medical Branch, also found that the compound selectively prevented mitochondrial DNA damage. Once damaged, this DNA cannot be repaired, leaving individuals more vulnerable to disease symptoms.

Early indications in small-scale studies, presented at this year’s 3rd International Conference on Hydrogen Sulphide in Biology and Medicine in Kyoto, also show that in high blood pressure, AP39 reversed blood vessel stiffening and lowered blood pressure. It also dramatically improved chances of survival after a heart attack by slowing the heartbeat, improving its efficiency.

It seems that this new breakthrough will certainly be able to help ease the pain and suffering of those who suffer from numerous medical conditions and illnesses. If the research and results continue to be this positive then who knows what else AP39 could be used to treat or cure in the future.

How important do you think the AP39 compound is and what do you feel is the next step in order to ensure that this becomes a successful treatment tool?

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Experts have addressed the state of the science on suicide prevention and have provided useful recommendations for research to assist with suicide prevention, these suggestions have been made in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine supplement titled ‘Expert Recommendations for U.S. Research Priorities in Suicide Prevention’

The supplement draws together topic experts across the spectrum of suicide prevention research, who have considered and proposed ways in which research improvements could more effectively reduce suicide.

The 24 articles cover a broad range of scientific topics, from basic science regarding the neurobiological underpinnings of suicide to the dissemination and implementation of prevention strategies.

The supplement’s guest editors Morton Silverman, Jane Pirkis, Jane Pearson and Joel Sherrill have said “The articles in this special supplement represent the collective thinking of suicide prevention experts from across the United States and several other countries about where research efforts might best be invested to address the vexing public health problem of suicide.”

They added “We are confident the articles will have a major influence on the suicide prevention research community.”

Research Goals

The content of the supplement directly addresses research that will inform the following main goals:

• Know what leads to, or protects against, suicidal behaviour, and learn how to change those factors to prevent suicide.
• Determine the degree of suicide risk among individuals in diverse populations and in diverse settings through feasible and effective screening and assessment approaches.
• Ensure that people who are thinking about suicide but have not yet attempted receive interventions to prevent suicidal behaviour.
• Ensure that people who have attempted suicide can get effective interventions to prevent further attempts.
• Ensure that people at risk for suicidal behaviour can access affordable care that works no matter where they are.
• Ensure that people getting care for suicidal thoughts and behaviours are followed throughout their treatment so they do not fall through the cracks.

Proposed strategies include research into early detection of suicidal behaviour, particularly among youth and adolescents, intervention, evidence-based follow-up care, and reducing stigma through the use of mass media.

The supplement’s guest editors conclude, “The papers in this supplement, like the Research Agenda itself, are intended as inspirational resources that highlight the challenges and rewards of engaging in suicide prevention research, and suggest future research directions that have the potential to advance the overall goal of reducing attempts and deaths.”

Semi Independent Living

Stepping Out provides comprehensive semi independent living services throughout North London & Hertfordshire, our facilities are staffed up to 24 hours a day offering a high level, structured and supervised group living arrangement.

Assistance and help can be provided for those who suffer from suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Our expert carers can be on hand 24/7 to look after patients to make sure that they receive the care and support they need.

If you would like more information on our semi independent living services, please contact us.