A protein found in patients with arthritis could be used to reverse the mental decline suffered by people with Alzheimer’s, new research suggests.

The scientists found that people with rheumatoid arthritis may be protected against dementia because of their condition.

The findings could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer’s, which may arrive quicker than usual because a drug already exists to mimic a special protein found in the arthritis patients.

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To read more, see the full article. (The Scotsman. 23 Aug 2010)

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Eating a diet rich in berries could combat age-related mental decline by “cleaning up” the brain, new research suggests.

Scientists have found the first evidence that health- improving compounds found in the fruits activate the brain’s natural “housekeeping” mechanism.

This mops up and recycles toxic proteins linked to the memory loss and mental decline many people experience as they get older, according to the study.

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To read more, see the full article. (The Scotsman. 24 Aug 2010)

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A decision by the Scottish Government to scrutinise closure proposals for three schools in Glasgow has been branded incompetent and unreasonable.

Glasgow City Council officials went on the attack after a decision by Michael Russell, the Education Secretary, to “call in” the planned closure of two special schools and a primary school in the city.

Mr Russell acted after a report by HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) voiced concerns about moves to shut Stonedyke Primary, in Drumchapel, and special schools St Joan of Arc, near Possilpark, and St Aidan’s, in Carntyne.

However, the council hit back, stating that the concerns of HMIE had already been addressed in full and accusing Mr Russell of making inaccurate statements.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 19 Aug 2010)

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Experts have warned that thousands of Scots are suffering from alcohol-related brain damage but are not being correctly diagnosed.

A new report warns that the numbers are increasing and those affected are getting younger because of increasing problems with alcohol and binge drinking.

In 2007, there were 538 recorded cases of alcohol- related brain damage (ARBD) in Scotland, compared with 367 in 1998.

Figures reveal that one patient was just 28 – despite the fact the condition would ordinarily take 10 years of constant heavy drinking to develop.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 19 Aug 2010)

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A simple brain scan could help diagnose autistic adults and children in just 15 minutes, researchers believe. Scientists have developed a pioneering new method to identify areas in the brain that indicate if someone has autism, which can be a lengthy process to diagnose using current methods.

Tests in adults found the technique picked up the condition with more than 90 per cent accuracy.

The team, from King’s College London, hope that in future the method could lead to screening for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children, making sure they can then be directed to the best services and support at an early stage.

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To read more, see the full article. (The Scotsman. 11 August 2010)

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David Farrell-Shaw is sitting in his bright, clean new office, behind a clutter-free desk, explaining how he came to his current job.

“Before my son was diagnosed I didn’t have any understanding of autism. I thought it was kids rocking back and forward on the floor. But once you become a parent you have to learn very quickly. I didn’t think I’d end up doing this job, but I wanted to get involved.”

Farrell-Shaw is general manager of Specialisterne Scotland, a company which specializes in IT support.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 10 August 2010)

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An Alzheimer’s marker in fluid drawn from the spine can reveal early signs of the disease in healthy adults years before any symptoms appear, new research suggests.

The spinal tap test was 90% accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s in patients already diagnosed with the disease.

But it also produced positive readings in 72% of people with mild mental impairment, and 36% of apparently normal individuals showing no signs of dementia.

The test relies on three protein “biomarkers” linked to Alzheimer’s in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Scientists found that people with different levels of mental impairment had different amounts of the proteins.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 10 August 2010)

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Labour has accused the Scottish Government of failing to take alcohol education in schools seriously.

Health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said the SNP was not meeting its manifesto pledge to ensure that every school operates an effective alcohol education programme, starting in primary school.

Responses from local councils to a Labour Freedom of Information (FOI) request showed that some schools do not provide an effective alcohol education scheme. In those that do provide some form of programme, it is often delivered by staff with no training.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 01 August 2010)

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An advice and support service for rape victims and women who have encountered sexual violence is being wound up as more than half its staff are quitting as part of a cost-cutting drive.

Glasgow-based Breakthrough for Women is closing because four of its seven members of staff are taking an early retirement package offered by the city council in an effort to drastically reduce costs.

The move is already sending shockwaves through other agencies involved in assisting victims of gender-based violence, with fears they could be pushed to breaking point due to increased caseloads. Its demise is also worrying unions, who fear the decision to close the service has been made because of staff numbers and not for strategic reasons, sparking concern that this could happen to other key services.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 02 August 2010)

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A new study has revealed Scotland has some of the worst drug abuse rates in the world, and the situation is getting worse.

The international survey by the UN includes results from 200 countries, and shows greater per-head use of heroin, ecstasy and cocaine in this country than almost any other.
Shocking figures show that almost 4% of the population is regularly using the class A drug cocaine – the highest rate recorded anywhere.

Around 1.5% of Scots adults inject or smoke opiates – almost three times the world average.
Narcotics experts have blamed ministers for not making clear policies on the issue, and they even claim that the Scottish Government’s failure to tackle the misuse of these drugs could be deterring businesses from setting up shop in the country.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 02 August 2010)

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