MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'aricept'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:11:25 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207505&cid=t_136318_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F4JmCOEReBiI%2F Welcome back, everyone. We hope you had a nice long weekend that was refreshing and relaxing. Now, though, the time has come to resume the routine - yes, those meetings and deadlines loom once again. So please join us for a much-needed cup of stimulation as we plow through the to-do list. And here is another invite: our Dec. 9 webinar on the FDA’s Accelerated Approval program (see here). Meanwhile, here are a few tidbits to get you going. Have a great day… Glaxo Signs Deal With Russia’s Binnopharm (The Moscow Times) Ranbaxy May Start Selling Generic Aricept (Bloomberg News) Cardinal Health Buys Chinese Drug Distributor (MarketWatch) KV Pharma Given Extra Time To Pay Fines (St. Louis Business Journal) EMA To Revise Guidance On GMP Tech Transfer To CMOs (OutsourcingPharma) ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207505 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:57:59 +0100 4207505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573944&cid=t_136318_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FyWRw6FKi8nc%2F Prices for the most widely used brand-name meds jumped 9.7 during the 12-month period ending in March, according to AARP, which called the increase the largest since the organization began tracking this sort of thing in 2002. Specialty drug prices rose 9.2 percent and generics fell by 9.7 percent. AARP notes that general inflation climbed 0.3 percent during the same period. AARP then makes another comparison - the average annual cost for three generic meds declined by $51 during this period, while there was a $706 increase for three brand name drugs. “The life-saving drugs Americans need are out of reach for many because of unjustifiable price hikes,” AARP Executive Vice President John Rother says in a statement. “Consumers desperately need a competitive prescription drug market that... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573944 Tue, 18 May 2010 12:23:54 +0100 3573944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092904&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2F87ACg4jw32M%2Ffda-approves-generic-aricept-to-treat.html The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic versions of Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) orally disintegrating tablets.This is great news for Alzheimer's patients taking Aricept. I'll try to get more information from the generic drug manufacturer on the pricing and availability as soon as possible. Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic versions of Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) orally disintegrating tablet s on Dec. 11. Donepezil hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. Orally disintegrating tablets dissolve on the tongue, without having to be swallowed whole. This may make it easier to take the medication for older or disabled patient... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092904 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:47:12 +0100 3092904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3015452&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FIthK7Zjk0yQ%2Fmy-alzheimers-awareness-television-ad.html Mi sento agitata.... Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Editor I'm feeling agitated. This is when my stomach starts bothering me. I am also suffering from a case of deja vu. Yesterday I published an article -- Study of aging in Group Health patients aims to prevent dementia, including Alzheimer's -- and the following words are stuck in my mind. When older people cannot walk except very slowly, this predicts that they are likely to become "frail" (weak and prone to diseases) and develop dementia. This reminds me of when I first noticed my mother was scrapping her feet on the ground. A sound that was so disconcerting it had me worried. My sister Joanne also noticed the sound. I asked everyone, what do you think? They all said the same thing -- she's getting old. Subscribe to The Alzhe... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3015452 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:26:00 +0100 3015452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2985004&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FmMBexF6Fpeg%2Faricept-out-namenda-in-dimebon-next.html Bye Bye Aricept -- Is Dimebon in our future..... I took my mother off Aricept yesterday. She continues on Namenda. After two months my mother will be eligible for the Dimebon clinical trial that interests us. I had her tested yesterday, so I know where we stand. She has experienced a slow steady decline over the last three years. We are getting close to what I would personally describe... Comments, feedback, additional advice welcome. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The) Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2985004 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:02:13 +0100 2985004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2972035&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FDiSGcTTwX7A%2Finsurance-company-requires-proof-for.html The insurance company wants proof from the doctor each time I call in the prescription... Our reader Lisa described this problem in the comments section under the article -- The Combination of Aricept and Namenda Helps Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients: My father is taking Namenda twice a day and aricept at night. However, his insurance company balks each time I try to get the Aricept refilled. First of all, I can only get 20 days worth at a time filled...then the insurance company wants proof from the doctor each time I call in the perscrption--proof that he really needs it and the Namenda together. The doctor makes at least two calls to the insurance company before we get approval...this happens each refill. There was a lag time this last time as my father spent some tim... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2972035 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:52:27 +0100 2972035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963309&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2F15WB71zKhMc%2Fdimebon-contact-and-constellation.html Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) and Medivation, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDVN) today announced the initiation of CONTACT and CONSTELLATION, two Phase 3 trials of the investigational drug dimebon (latrepirdine)* in patients with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD).The CONTACT study will... Comments and sharing welcome. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The) Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963309 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:47:56 +0100 2963309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2924945&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2Fo6lU6RU0lCA%2Frember.html The Alzheimer's Reading Room receives visitors to this site every day from people that are searching the Google key word -- Rember. What is Rember? Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Editor Rember is supposedly a new version of an existing chemical substance, methylene blue, but modified to be used as a drug for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s. The news on Rember was released at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD) in 2008. It created a tidal wave of press and news on television when the company made this claim: Research findings point to a new treatment that appears to slow the progress of Alzheimer's by 81% over a year. The product - Rember - is the first drug to act to arrest the progression of Alzheimer's disease by targeting the tangles whi... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2924945 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:38:40 +0100 2924945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865903&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FhZGFRAgyL4I%2Fpopular-articles-on-alzheimers-reading.html Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes (#1 June, July, August, September) A new cognitive test for detecting Alzheimer's disease is quicker and more accurate than many current tests, and could help diagnose early Alzheimer's, dementia, or mild cognitive impairment. To continue reading go here. Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia Dementia is a an illness that usually occurs slowly over time, and usually includes a progressive state of deterioration. The earliest signs of dementia are usually memory problems, confusion, and changes in the way a person behaves and communicates. To continue reading go here. Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away A recently released study showed that regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia and can ... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865903 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:39:09 +0100 2865903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786247&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FrA7XAmmpijk%2Fdementia-care-are-less-drugs-and-more.html Below the fold, you can read a thought provoking article about the use of drugs versus on hands personal care in nursing homes. My recent research, conversations with neurologists, and other specialist indicates that there is a growing consensus that the combination of Aricept and Namenda are getting better results in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's than is commonly known. I first read about the benefits of the combination Aricept and Namenda in July, 2004  It seems neurologists are finally becoming convinced that this is the way to go. In the article below, the author... This is a content summary. Comments welcome on the website. Click the headline to find the comments box under the article. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The) Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786247 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:00:44 +0100 2786247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782295&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FGL60ixwR6Wk%2Fpopular-articles-for-august-top-landing.html Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes (#1 June, July, August) A new cognitive test for detecting Alzheimer's disease is quicker and more accurate than many current tests, and could help diagnose early Alzheimer's, dementia, or mild cognitive impairment. To continue reading go here The Aricept Conundrum Conundrum: a question or problem having only a conjectural answer; anything that puzzles. To continue reading go here Alzheimer's Wandering Why it Happens and What to Do Wandering is among the most unsettling and even terrifying behaviors people with Alzheimer's display. Often poorly clad, they leave safety at random hours and strike out into unknown territory, for no apparent reason. But this seemingly aimless activity usually does have a reason. It's often an... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782295 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:35:29 +0100 2782295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2748028&cid=t_136318_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FaqOIzrK2JUE%2F (Editor's Note: given the growing media attention to three apparently separate worlds -cognitive enhancement via drugs, brain fitness training software, computerized neurocognitive assessments-, I found it refreshing to see our co-founder Elkhonon Goldberg introduce the topic of cognotropic drugs with an integrative perspective in the much updated new edition of his classic book, now titled The New Executive Brain: Frontal Lobes In A Complex World. Below goes an excerpt). For many neuropsychologists, like myself, science is a labor of love, but seeing patients is bread and butter. Traditionally, the clinical contribution of neuropsychology has been mostly diagnostic, with precious little to offer patients by way of treatment. Neuropsychology is not the only clinical discipline for years c... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2748028 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:11:08 +0100 2748028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2748129&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2F8Pr10P_T9fw%2Fin-memory-of-doctor-carlos-chiriboga.html My name is Bob DeMarco, I am an Alzheimer's caregiver. My mother Dorothy, now 93 years old, suffers from Alzheimer's disease. For those of you that have been here for a while, you know that I am adamant about the importance of finding a personal care physician that is fully familiar with Alzheimer's disease. In fact, I believe this is the most important decision you will ever make in a fight against Alzheimer's disease. Sadly, our incredibly competent, loving, caring, personal care physician--Dr. Carlos Chiriboga--died last week. Carlos Chiriboga was a young man. He is survived by his loving wife, and three young children ages 3-12 years old. Dr. Chiriboga died from a complication during surgery. His death was unexpected.Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email It would b... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2748129 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:42:39 +0100 2748129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2745617&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abclocal.go.com%2Fstatic%2Fflash%2FembeddedPlayer%2Fswf%2FotvEmLoader.swf%3Fversion%3D%26station%3Dkgo%26section%3D%26mediaId%3D6986904%26cdnRoot%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fcdn.abclocal.go.com%26webRoot%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fabclocal.go.com%26site%3D This is interesting research. I believe Namenda in combination with Aricept works well for my mother. After viewing this video I found myself wondering, what if she had Namenda when she was in a very early stage or dementia or mild cognitive impairment? Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email Popular articles on theAlzheimer's Reading RoomAlzheimer's Wandering Why it Happens and What to DoDoes the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients10 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room NowTest Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five MinutesWorld Health Care Spending and Performance Ranking by Country (Table)What is Dementia?Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's AwayDimebon Connection StudyAre Alzheimer's Car... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2745617 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:17:56 +0100 2745617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2734238&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FUbWOhlflbHI%2Fdoes-combination-of-aricept-and-namenda.html My name is Bob DeMarco, I am an Alzheimer's caregiver. My mother Dorothy, now 93 years old, suffers from Alzheimer's disease.A year ago, my mother's Alzheimer's disease started to worsen. As a result, I was both concerned and worried.At the same time, I read a new research study about the combination of Aricept and Namenda as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. "The results of this study should change the way we treat patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are approved for use in mild to moderate dementia, while memantine has been approved for advanced dementia. But it looks like there is an advantage in prescribing both drugs as initial treatment."--John Growdon, MDThe results of the research study indicated that the combination of Aricept and Namenda helped slow th... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2734238 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:12:32 +0100 2734238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2716204&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FUbWOhlflbHI%2Fdoes-combination-of-aricept-and-namenda.html My name is Bob DeMarco, I am an Alzheimer's caregiver. My mother Dorothy, now 93 years old, suffers from Alzheimer's disease.A year ago, my mother's Alzheimer's disease started to worsen. As a result, I was both concerned and worried.At the same time, I read a new research study about the combination of Aricept and Namenda as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. "The results of this study should change the way we treat patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are approved for use in mild to moderate dementia, while memantine has been approved for advanced dementia. But it looks like there is an advantage in prescribing both drugs as initial treatment."-->John GrowdonThe results of the research study indicated that the combination of Aricept and Namenda helped slow the r... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2716204 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:32:30 +0100 2716204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2678840&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2F_AuJKl0bEMU%2Faricept-conundrum.html There is an interesting article about Aricept over on the New Old Age Blog. Basically, Jane Gross puts the knock on Aricept. She does back up her words.Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading RoomDoes Aricept work?My conversations with caregivers indicate that most believe it is ineffective.Further conversations with them indicates that they believe the drug is designed to stop Alzheimer's in its tracks. Aricept, if it does work, is designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Aricept is very expensive, and it has lots of side effects.My mother takes Aricept and it is my belief that the drug does work as expected for us. I believe it did slow the progression of her Alzheimer's disease.Can I be certain? No. I don't have anything to compare our results with; I just don't know what w... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2678840 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:28:55 +0100 2678840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611155&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FqeHkbLdwt6k%2Fmedivation-dimebon-active-clinical.html The Google keyword search "Dimebon" brings visitors to the Alzheimer's Reading Room every day. It is easy for me to understand why. Dimebon is the search for the "holy grail" when it comes to a cure or treatment for Alzheimer's disease.If you want to find all the active clinical trials for Dimebon (Medivation) go here.If you want to see all the clinical trials for Dimebon--recruiting, not yet recruiting, active but not recruiting, and completed--go here.If you are thinking about applying for a clinical trial--go for it. There is no downside and the process is easy and non-threatening. Call the number on the clinical trial page, and if you are qualified go in for the initial interview.Join UsSubscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading RoomPfizer and Medivation Present Positive Safety and Tolerabil... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611155 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:13:22 +0100 2611155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2580448&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2Fo_U81ruUkno%2Feisais-patents-on-alzheimers-drug.html For those of you paying around $166 a month for Aricept there is good news coming soon. The patent for Aricept expires in November, 2010.I would expect the price of Aricept to fall fast once the patent expires.When a patent expires, a single generic drug manufacturer usually gets the competitive edge to manufacture and sell the drug for the first six months. After this six month period of exclusivity, any approved generic manufacturer can jump in and start manufacturing and selling the drug.I would expect the cost of Aricept to plunge to $20 a month in 2011. There should be some good healthy competition in the Aricept market.I remember when Zocor (Simvastatin) went generic. The drug quickly fell from around $120 a month to $20. Now that there is healthy competition it sells around $10. Gue... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580448 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:12:03 +0100 2580448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2571157&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealth.usnews.com%2Farticles%2Fhealth%2Fdiseases-conditions%2F2009%2F06%2F30%2Fattacking-alzheimers-with-a-new-test-for-amyloid-beta.html Living Alone Increases Odds of Developing DementiaMiddle-aged adults who live alone are twice as likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer's disease later in life compared to those who are married or live with a partner. And the risk is three times higher among those who are divorced or widowed, according to a new study by Swedish and Finnish researchers.Go here to Continue ReadingAttacking Alzheimer's With a New Test for Amyloid BetaHoltzman's persistence is paying off. Until now, it typically took about two years to determine whether a new Alzheimer's drug was having an effect. But recently, he and colleagues devised a test that rapidly shows whether an experimental medication has a chance of working. "There aren't good ways without doing a long, expensive trial" to determine this, he says... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2571157 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:12:50 +0100 2571157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2550271&cid=t_136318_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FwqZRH9S9VxM%2F (Editor's Note: I recently came across an excellent book and resource, The Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems, recently released in paperback. Dr. Murali Doraiswamy, one of the authors and leading Alzheimer's expert, kindly helped us create a 2-part article series to share with SharpBrains readers advice on a very important question, "How can we help the public at large to distinguish Alzheimer's Disease from normal aging --- so that an interest in early identification doesn't translate into unneeded worries?" What follows is an excerpt from the book, pages 72-78, discussing the Pros and Cons of the most common assessments). --- While no single test (other than a brain biopsy, which is a very invasive and risky proc... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2550271 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:37:04 +0100 2550271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2474102&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FWFyNFlGabYc%2Fdimebon-connection-study-complete.html Medivation, Inc. (MDVN) today announced the completion of patient enrollment in the CONNECTION study, a six-month, confirmatory, pivotal Phase 3 trial of the investigational drug dimebon in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.The following Dimebon Clinical Phase Three Clinical Trials are open to new participants or scheduled to open.A Phase 3 Study To Evaluate The Safety And Tolerability Of Dimebon Patients With Mild To Moderate Alzheimer's DiseaseIf on existing anti-dementia therapy, have been on a stable dose of anti-dementia therapy (cholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine) for at least 60 days prior to dosing in study.If not taking existing anti-dementia therapy, have not received therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine within 60 days prior to dosing i... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2474102 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:15:28 +0100 2474102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442629&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FFEvYRAzJkrc%2Fside-effects-of-alzheimers-and-dementia.html This study does not suggest that dementia patients shouldn't take these drugs," says Dr. Gill. "What's critical is that patients, caregivers and physicians be aware of the potential side effects, and weigh these risks carefully against the potential for beneficial effects."To receive more information about Alzheimer's -- Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading RoomDementia drugs may put some patients at risk, Queen’s study showsSide effects associated with several commonly-prescribed dementia drugs may be putting elderly Canadians at risk, says Queen's University Geriatrics professor Sudeep Gill.Cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl) are often prescribed for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias because they increase the level of a chemical in the brain that... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442629 Sat, 30 May 2009 00:14:42 +0100 2442629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349595&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FcTRdWyex5_A%2Fhow-we-saved-62472-on-prescription.html If you understand Medicare then you know all about the Medicare Donut Hole-- see The $4350 Medicare Donut Hole. The short version goes like this. Once you exceed the initial coverage limit porvided by Medicare on perscription drugs purchased, you enter the Medicare Donut Hole.The initial perscription drug coverage you receive from Medicare amounts to $1,800 out of the first $2,700 you spend on prescription drugs (can vary if you are in a Medicare approved HMO).Once you exceed the initial coverage limit of $2,700, you are on the hook for the next $4,350 of drugs you consume. Put it this way. If you consume around $7,050 worth of prescription drugs a year, you can expect to pay for all of that amount less $1,800.  Or, $5,250 right out of your pocket.Ask the next baby boomer you see if they... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349595 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:28:57 +0100 2349595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1895043&cid=t_136318_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fq27N3Quhfbc%2F Medications that have been slowing the mental decline in Alzheimer’s patients are showing promise as drugs that can boost the mental skills of children with Down Syndrome. Two of those promising drugs are Aricept and Exelon, which were found to increase skill levels of Down syndrome children in small clinical trials. Aricept and Exelon are FDA-approved drugs for treating Alzheimer’s. Doctors had observed that adults with Down Syndrome were developing Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier age than the general population. The drugs were given to children, in appropriate doses, to test if they could delay the development of the illness. The results surprised the physicians. In a very short period of time, the children’s communication skills and understanding improved. Dr... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1895043 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:24:32 +0100 1895043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1526287&cid=t_136318_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2008%2F06%2F13%2Fmild-cognitive-impairment-mci-memory-loss-without-dementia%2F Many patients over the age of 65 complain of memory loss and are concerned they have dementia. Others attribute their memory loss to aging. While there is a very mild degree of memory loss associated with aging, it is usually not significant. For example, forgetting where you put your keys or where you parked your car. These are not serious memory problems. A more problematic degree of memory loss, while not dementia, is called Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). MCI is characterized by an increase level of forgetfulness. There are two primary types of MCI: (1) Amnestic MCI (2) Non-amnestic MCI. In patients affected with amnestic MCI, they have significant memory and recall difficulty. There is a stronger association with this type of MCI with Alzheimer’s disease. Non-amnestic MCI usual... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1526287 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:49:58 +0100 1526287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1413596&cid=t_136318_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F281502191%2F Pharma won a “stunning victory” over the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, or NICE, which a UK Court of Appeal ruled had acted unfairly in refusing to allow Pfizer and Eisai full access to a computer model that was used to assess cost-effectiveness of their Aricept drug for Alzheimer’s, The Times of London reports. NICE had decided that the drug shouldn’t be prescribed on the NHS to patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease, because it wasn’t worth the $5-a-day price tag. But Eisai and Pfizer, which jointly market Aricept, were put at a disadvantage during their appeal because NICE refused access to the data. The ruling doesn’t require NICE to make Aricept more widely available, but the drugmakers will now get full details of the com... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1413596 Thu, 01 May 2008 15:23:08 +0100 1413596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1413449&cid=t_136318_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fbig-pharma-vs-nice-ok-computer.html The pharmaceutical industry won a stunning victory today in the UK Court of Appeal over the Government’s value-for-money watchdog.NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, had acted unfairly in refusing to allow Eisai and Pfizer full access to a computer model used to assess the cost-effectiveness of Aricept, an Alzheimer’s drug, the court ruled.More at The Times (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1413449 Thu, 01 May 2008 14:04:00 +0100 1413449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1379588&cid=t_136318_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F272089773%2F Nice to see you again. As usual, we are hustling the short people off to their various schools and feeding the mascot. Nonetheless, there is always time to view something interesting. And so, as we reach for our daily ammunition - which we call coffee - please join us in perusing some of the latest developments. Hope your days goes well… Roche Sales Fall On Lower Tamiflu Demand (Bloomberg News) HIV Drug Sales Boost Gilead Profits (TheStreet.com) Glaxo’s Tykerb Reduces Breast Cancer Stem Cells (Yahoo/Reuters) Pfizer May Face Class Action Lawsuit Over Neurontin (Bloomberg News) ViroPharma, Wyeth End Development Of Hep C Drug (Yahoo/AP) Lipitor Didn’t Boost Aricept Efficacy (MarketWatch) Pfizer, Avant Sign $50M Cancer Deal (Boston Business Journal) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1379588 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:57:50 +0100 1379588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1303460&cid=t_136318_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F251329034%2F Take heart. The weekend is near. Even if you bring work home with you, the time for relaxation and, maybe, fun is near. So attack those meetings and deadlines with enthusiasm and conviction. While we take the short people to school and encourage the Pharmalot mascot to poop, here are a few items to help you along… Shire Stock Rises On Pfizer Bid Rumor (Yahoo/Reuters) Eisai Seeks To Sell Aricept Jelly In Japan (Bloomberg News) Wyeth Sues Watson In Patent Dispute (Associated Press) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1303460 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:03:49 +0100 1303460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1082983&cid=t_136318_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F198015561%2F The maker of the world’s best-selling Alzheimer’s medicine is going after MGI in order to gain more cancer drugs, and is the latest example of what larger drugmakers are willing to do when faced with thinning pipelines. MGI investors will get $41 a share, which amounts to a 23 percent premium above MGI’s closing price on Friday, The Aricept Alzheimer’s drug is Eisai’s biggest seller, but revenue is expected to drop in 2010 when cheaper generics become available. Eisai shares plunged to a two-month low in October because of delays in potential successors, Bloomberg News notes. “This acquisition will also help us achieve our sales target of 1 trillion yen by 2012,” Eisai’s ceo, Haruo Naito, told reporters and analysts in a briefing in Tokyo. MG... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1082983 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:18:42 +0100 1082983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=927914&cid=t_136318_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F165359278%2Fdonepezil_ineffective_at_calmi.html After a 12-week trial it was found that Alzheimer's patients with significant agitation experienced no change when compared to patients given a placebo reported Robert J. Howard, M.R.C.Psych., of Kings College London, and colleagues.While previous studies had show some effect in the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors any positive effect has been small. There was however, a small improvement in cognitive function among patients taking Aricept, brand name of donepezil. William Thies, vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer's Association, warns that completely writing off the drug is foolhardy. More research is needed because it is possible that cholinesterase inhibitors may delay the onset of agitation.The Alzheimer's Assosication has the lates... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=927914 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:30:18 +0100 927914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=894215&cid=t_136318_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2007%2F09%2F24%2Ffda-approves-new-alzheimers-medication-patch%2F The FDA has recently approved the dementia fighting drug Exelon in a patch form. The new formulation, Transdermal Exelon, offers patients a new and unique way to get medication which can help with improving cognitive function and slow down memory loss in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The new patch is also FDA approved for patients with Parkinson associated dementia. This is the second patch approved for use in treatment of Parkinson disease. The other is Neupro, a transdermal patch containing the dopamine agonist rotigotine. Transdermal Exelon joins the group of other medications used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, such as Aricept, Razadyne and Namenda. The patch for of Exelon offers the advantage of not having to take a pill twice daily, continuous medication adm... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=894215 Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:04:16 +0100 894215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=888781&cid=t_136318_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F159095434%2F Another busy day is shaping up, marked by numerous meetings and phone chats. Still, we endeavor to bring you as many interesting tidbits as possible. Here are a few of the latest… EU Experts Urge Ban Lifted On Roche HIV Drug (Yahoo/AP) AstraZeneca Bets On Prostate-Cancer Drug (Bloomberg News) Bayer And Genzyme Get New Campath Approval (Yahoo/AP) Abbott Labs prez Richard Gonzalez Sells A Chunk Of Stock (Yahoo/AP) Bayer Paid Sidley Austin $200K To Lobby On Medicare (Yahoo/AP) Share / E-mail (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=888781 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:42:02 +0100 888781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=783160&cid=t_136318_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F141266946%2F Last week, three key managers in Pfizer’s HIV marketing division departed amid an internal investigation into allegations of improper promotion of two meds - maraviroc, which was approved only today, and the aging Viracept. The probe into the use of unapproved materials and CME funding began when a Pfizer sales rep complained within the company and, after hitting roadblocks, provided documents that we subsequently reported. This morning, we asked the sales rep, who has been granted anonymity while a potential lawsuit is explored, to look back on the events and reflect on the outcome. Here’s an excerpt of our discussion… Pharmalot: What prompted you to report a problem in the first place? Sales Rep: I thought what I saw happening was wrong. I didn’t see any gray area... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=783160 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:39:51 +0100 783160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=771670&cid=t_136318_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F139470877%2F A six month multi-nation study involving over 300 patients with severe Alzheimer’s disease ‘…found that cognitive function stabilized or improved in 63 percent of people taking donepezil in comparison to 39 percent of people taking placebo. In comparison to the placebo group, those taking donepezil showed improvement in memory, language, attention, and recognizing ones name. The donepezil group also showed less of a decline in social interaction, skills needed to complete a jigsaw puzzle, and arranging sentences in comparison to the placebo group.’(reference) Results of the study were published in the July 31, 2007 issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology Further reading: Donepezil slows cognitive decline with severe Alzheimer&#82... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=771670 Wed, 01 Aug 2007 06:42:34 +0100 771670