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FOX 47 - HEALTH BEAT
It is a debilitating disease, affecting 160,000 families in Wisconsin. Alzheimer's patients suffer memory loss, poor judgment, and language problems -- making treatment difficult
"The person with the disease has trouble communicating, so we don't know what to do to help them," said Paul Rusk, executive director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Association.
And the number of cases is spiking -- 115 million people worldwide by the year 2050.
"Over the age of 85, 40 percent of people at that age have Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Sanjay Asthana. "Another 20 percent have some kind of memory problem."
Dr. Asthana is director of the new Alzheimer's Disease research center. He says the illness creates social and economic burdens for families.
"The disease is so devastating. It's projected that millions of people will have the disease in this country, and bankrupt the Medicare system, unless we find an effective treatment."
Doctors have lofty goals -- to recognize and treat the disease before symptoms start. Using brain scans, blood tests, and psychological exams, doctors hope to discover the secrets of alzheimer's -- most importantly, how it happens and who's going to get it.
One of the most unique features of the UW center is a statewide registry of at-risk Alzheimer's patients. Doctors say these 1,300 people -- some as young as 20 -- could be a key to treatments down the road.
"We know these people are at genetic risk for the disease," Dr. Asthana said. "So, we'll follow them over 20, 30 years to see who develops the disease and why they're different from those who don't."
Proactive steps, researches hope, will uncover the mystery of Alzheimer's.
Said Rusk, "Participating in research is an incredibly powerful way to fight back."
UWSM received a $7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health and Aging for the project. It is one of only 17 centers in the entire country to take on this kind of work.
People at UWSM hope to open another Alzheimer's center in Milwaukee, targeted at helping minority patients.
HEALTH NEWS
Bone Marrow Transplant
Aug 19, 2009, 11:32 PM - Focus on Health
A cancer diagnosis is no longer a death sentence.
Some people are living longer, others are beating it all together -- thanks to cancer research and some personal sacrifice.
Amy Brooks had leukemia. The treatment was harsh, but it did seem to deliver the knockout blow to her leukemia. ...
Economy Takes Toll on Healthcare
Aug 8, 2009, 11:37 PM - Jeff Angileri
It is an alarming trend across the country -- Americans are neglecting their health, and the poor economy is to blame.
With thousands of people losing their jobs, and subsequently their insurance, health care in America is taking a bruising. ...
Heat & Humidity Put Athletes At Risk
Aug 5, 2009, 7:20 PM - Fox Focus on Health
Six U.S. student athletes died on the field in 2008 because of the heat -- four were in high school and two were in college.
Sports medicine specialists say, while death from heat is rare, getting sick from it isn't.
Coach Todd Greguson knows that he's got to keep his baseball players cool when the heat and humidity are high. ...
Zumbathon Cancer Benefit
Jul 29, 2009, 8:20 PM - Jeff Angileri
A special fundraiser this weekend offers you a chance to get fit and help people whose lives are affected by cancer at the same time.
It's a Zumbathon.
People who Zumba know the amazing effect it can have on a person's body.
"Energized is probably the best word," said Kathy Sitter. ...
Woman to Undergo Surgery in Live Webcast
Jul 14, 2009, 9:22 PM - Jeff Angileri
Wednesday, a Columbus woman will bare her hip to the world all in the name of education. From 4pm - 5pm on July 15, anyone with a broadband internet connection can watch her total hip replacement surgery live on the internet and ask questions which will be answered by the doctor performing the surgery or one of two other orthopedic surgeons hosting the webcast. ...
HEALTH VIDEOS
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Sun. - Fri. on FOX 47 News at 9!
Sponsored By:
HEALTH ARTICLES LIST
TOP HEALTH HEADLINES (foxnews.com)
Fox on Sex: Yes, Virginia, There Is a G-Spot
Never mind the latest 'study' -- the G-Spot is there, if you take the time and effort to find it.
Gov't Orders Recall of 1.2 Million High Chairs
The government is announcing a recall of some 1.2 million high chairs, saying they pose a fall hazard to children.
No matter how innocent you think you are, if you’re keeping these bad habits there’s a good chance you’re turning your girl against you.
Man Eats Child's Brain to Cure Epilepsy
A Chinese cannibal allegedly killed an 11-year-old boy and ate his brain in order to cure his epilepsy, The Sun reported Thursday.
'Addicted:' One Woman's Descent Into Drugs and Alcohol
Kristina Wandzilak had her first drink at 13. At 15, she tried cocaine. By 16, she added methamphetamines. By 18, she was dependent on drugs and alcohol.
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TONIGHT ON FOX 47
5:00pm Are You
Smarter Than A 5th Grader?
5:30pm Two and a Half Men
6:00pm The Simpsons
6:30pm Two and a Half Men
7:00pm Bones
8:00pm Fringe
9:00pm FOX 47 News at 9
9:35pm Everybody Loves Raymond
10:05pm The Simpsons
10:35pm My Name Is Earl
11:05pm Everybody Loves Raymond
AP WORLD VIDEO
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