Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Alzheimer's DNA Bank » Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by profound memory loss. The patient cannot remember what he/she had for lunch or whether he/she had lunch. The patient may forget how to handle money or may get lost going to work or church. The patient can look quite healthy. Yet in the end stages of the disease, the patient must be cared for as one cares for a child. The burden of care is with the family, usually the spouse.
WHAT IS THE DNA BANK?
The DNA bank is a collection of DNA samples from patients and their family members who live all around Texas. The DNA is taken from the blood given when a person enrolls into the DNA bank. The DNA is used for genetic research to find the cause of Alzheimer's disease. The DNA bank includes samples from the patient and the spouse, the patient's brothers and sisters and their spouses, the children and their spouses, and even the grandchildren. If the parents are still alive, we try to have them participate as well. We are also interested in patients with other neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease or Multiple Sclerosis.
HOW WILL THE DNA BE USED?
We are searching for the cause of Alzheimer's disease. Since the disease can exist in several members of a family, there is probably a genetic basis for much of the disease. Finding the genes involved will enable us to devise tests to identify patients early before symptoms start. Only then can we establish methods that will prevent the disease from happening.
WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN THE DNA BANK?
The more people that enroll in the DNA bank, the better the chances are of finding the cause of the disease.
WILL THIS RESEARCH HELP ME?
Yes. Even though finding the genes involved in causing the disease will probably not help the patient, it will help other members of the family, especially the children and grandchildren.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
Participants must complete a detailed family history form on the patient, sign consent forms as well as medical release forms so that we can obtain medical information on the patient to confirm the diagnosis. All the information that we obtain will be kept in complete confidence. Finally we take two tubes of blood from each participant.
IS THIS A TEST FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
No. There is no test for Alzheimer's disease. When the genes that cause Alzheimer's disease are identified, then a test can be devised.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO HELP THE DNA BANK?
Memorial and benevolent contributions in support of the DNA bank for Alzheimer's research can be directed to Dr. Randolph Schiffer, TTUHSC, Department of Neuropscyhiatry, 3601 Fourth Street, Lubbock, Texas, 79430.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
A video explaining the DNA bank for Alzheimer's research discusses the disease, enrollment into the DNA bank, as well as the genetic research. It is available for viewing. Please call our office for particulars.
The DNA UPDATE is our quarterly newspaper highlighting our progress. To be on the mailing list, please call our office. If there are further questions, please call our office at 743-2385 or 743-2538 or 1-800-661-0968.
IF YOU HAVE AN ALZHEIMER'S PATIENT IN YOUR FAMILY, OR KNOW OF A FAMILY WITH AN ALZHEIMER'S PATIENT, ASK THEM TO JOIN THE DNA BANK.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS GINKGO BILOBA?
Ginkgo Biloba has not been approved by the FDA for Alzheimer's treatment but it is listed under alternative treatments. A recent American, multi-center, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial demonstrated modest improvements in patients treated with Ginkgo Biloba extract (derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba tree) relative to patients given placebo only. However, the improvements ascribed to Ginkgo extract were fairly modest. Recommended dosage, 40 mg, three times daily with meals.
DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON HUPERZINE A AND THE POSSIBLE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE FOR CONSUMPTION?
Huperzine A is in clinical trials at the planning stage and is an alkaloid derived from a traditional Chinese herbal remedy for fever. This chemical shows promise as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, similar but potentially more potent than Tacrine or Donaphil (Aricept). It has not been FDA approved yet but is currently being sold as an herbal nutritional supplement. The recommended dose for improved memory function, according to Herbal Handbooks, is 50 mg. However, we would recommend caution when using this herb until more information is available and highly recommend you speak to your doctor in regards to possible side effects when combining this herbal medication with other currently prescribed FDA approved medications.
