They are the key to stopping dementia may lie in the gut rather than the brain, new research shows.

Decades of research from around the world, costing billions of pounds, have so far failed to find a way to deal with the disease that robs memory.

But the gut “is an alternative target that may be easier to respond to with medication or dietary changes,” experts said.

A series of experiments linking the gut to the development of Alzheimer’s will be presented today at a medical conference.

One will reveal how microbiomes – the community of bacteria in the gut – of patients with the disease can differ significantly from those without the disease.

Another found that rodents that received fecal transplants directly from Alzheimer’s patients performed worse on memory tests.

A third study showed that brain stem cells treated with blood from patients with the disease were less able to grow new nerve cells.

In theory, patients’ intestinal bacteria affect the levels of inflammation in the body, which then affects the brain through the blood supply.

Inflammation is considered a key factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The disease is the most common type of dementia and one of the leading causes of death in the United Kingdom.

Charities estimate that approximately 900,000 people in the UK and 5 million in the US live with the disorder, a number that is growing every year as we live longer.

UK researchers present results of two experiments potentially linking gut microbiome to brain

Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by plaque buildup in the brain, which ultimately causes brain cell death.

There is no ongoing treatment, but medications are already coming out to help reduce symptoms by helping nerve cells communicate.

Hopefully, treatments can be developed that target the gut, which can then improve the condition of the brain.

Dr Edina Silajdzic, a neurologist at King’s College London who analyzed samples from Alzheimer’s patients, said: “Most people are surprised that their gut bacteria can have an effect on their brain health.

“But the evidence is growing – and we’re building an understanding of how that happens.

“Our intestinal bacteria can affect the level of inflammation in our bodies, and we know that inflammation is a key factor in Alzheimer’s disease.”

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain in which the accumulation of abnormal proteins causes nerve cells to die.

This disrupts the transmitters that carry messages and causes the brain to contract.

More than 5 million people suffer from the disease in the United States, where it is the 6th leading cause of death, and more than 1 million Britons have it.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

As brain cells die, the functions they provide are lost.

This includes memory, orientation and the ability to think and reason.

The development of the disease is slow and gradual.

On average, patients live five to seven years after diagnosis, but some can live ten to 15 years.

EARLY SYMPTOMS:

• Short-term memory loss
• Disorientation
• Behavioral changes
• Mood swings
• Difficulty working with money or making a phone call

LATE SYMPTOMS:

• Severe memory loss, forgetting close family members, familiar objects or places
• Become anxious and frustrated by the inability to make sense of the world, which leads to aggressive behavior
• Eventually he loses his ability to walk
• There may be eating problems
• The majority will eventually need 24-hour care

Source: Alzheimer’s Association

She is behind King’s study, which compares the microbiomes of 68 people with Alzheimer’s disease and a similar number who do not.

Blood and stool samples were taken from all participants and analyzed in a biological laboratory in Italy.

These tests revealed that people with Alzheimer’s disease have a different microbiome, as well as more markers of inflammation.

Subsequent experiments involving the treatment of brain stem cells with blood from people with Alzheimer’s disease.

They have been found to be less able to grow new nerve cells than controls treated with blood from people without the disease.

Dr Silajdzic said: “This leads us to believe that inflammation related to intestinal bacteria can affect the brain through the blood.”

Her team’s research will be presented at Alzheimer’s Research UK 2022 in Brighton today.

Another study that will be revealed looks at the effects of Alzheimer’s microbiome on rats.

Stool samples were taken from people with and without Alzheimer’s and then transplanted into the intestines of rodents.

Professor Yvonne Nolan, a neuroscientist at King’s who analyzed the results, said there were key differences in how the rats performed in the memory tests, depending on which sample they received.

“We found that rats with intestinal bacteria from people with Alzheimer’s disease performed worse on memory tests,” she said.

They also did not develop as many new nerve cells in memory-related areas of the brain and had higher levels of inflammation.

She added that this result suggests that Alzheimer’s disease, at least in part, could be caused by abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.

Previous studies have suggested that intestinal bacteria may be involved in a variety of brain functions, from appetite control to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Professor Nolan said that unlike the brain, the gut could be an alternative and easier part of the body to target potential Alzheimer’s treatments.

“Although it is currently difficult to deal directly with Alzheimer’s processes in the brain, the gut is potentially an alternative target that may be easier to respond to with medication or dietary changes,” she said.

Both sets of studies were not reviewed before the conference.

In response to new research, Alzheimer’s Research Director Dr Susan Koolhaas said they provided a good basis for further work on the link between intestinal bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease.

“Taking these results together reveals differences in the composition of intestinal bacteria between people with and without dementia and suggests that the microbiome may lead to changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” she said.

“Future research will need to build on these findings so that we can understand how gut health fits into the broader picture of genetic and lifestyle factors that affect a person’s risk of dementia.”

She added that in the meantime, people should actively try to keep their brains healthy with age to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

“Current data shows that we need to stay in shape, eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, not smoke, drink only within recommended limits and keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control,” she said.

Fears are widespread Vladimir Putin turns to previous barbaric tactics to target civilians and level cities during the war Ukraine continues to grow.

Amid the sixth day of violence in the country, rockets hit a TV station tower in the capital, Kyiv, knocking out some TV operators and destroying a nearby Holocaust memorial.

Over the weekend, more rockets were fired at apartment buildings in the east, and banned cluster munitions were reportedly used against civilians.

Speaking of the horrific scenes created by Russia, said former US Secretary of Defense William Cohen CNN that Putin plans to “besiege Kyiv” and “unleash a sacred hell on strikes on civilian areas, killing hundreds if not thousands of civilians.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among the first to condemn the attacks, urging Putin not to flee Grozny against Kyiv as Russian forces faced fierce resistance from brave Ukrainian fighters.

There are fears that Vladimir Putin is turning to previous barbaric tactics to target civilians and level cities, as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate. In the photo: The shelling of Ukrainian streets in Russia takes its toll

Smoke rises around Kyiv’s main TV tower after several explosions near its base on Tuesday afternoon. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among the first to condemn the attacks, urging Putin not to “miss Grozny” to Kyiv as Russian forces face fierce resistance from brave Ukrainian fighters.

His comment “Grozny-fy” refers to the capital of the Chechen Republic in southern Russia, which was almost completely destroyed during the Second Chechen War in 2000 – at the cost of many thousands of lives.

The city was the site of chemical weapons attacks, indiscriminate bombings and cluster bombs.

These are the tactics in President Putin’s military book. If things do not go according to plan or there are failures, then it will double with even greater force.

Chechnya, the first major conflict during his time in power, gave a first look at his relentless approach, which was repeated in Syria, Georgia and, to a lesser extent, Crimea.

And now the threat of thermobaric “vacuum” bombs on Ukraine’s battlefields shows that Putin is serious.

Russian forces had already spent years suppressing the independence movement in Chechnya when Putin took control of Russia in 1999 after Boris Yeltsin resigned.

Mr Johnson’s comment “Grozny-fy” refers to the capital of the Chechen Republic in southern Russia, which was almost completely destroyed during the Second Chechen War in 2000 – at the cost of many thousands of lives.

Putin and his commanders were relentless: Grozny was first blocked without ammunition, food or other supplies; the artillery bombardment lasted for weeks, killing thousands; and later both sides were accused of using chemical weapons against each other

Grozny was eventually lost on February 6, 2000 – between 5,000 and 8,000 civilians were killed and every building was damaged.

He immediately faced the issue of the Chechen Republic, where militants invaded neighboring Dagestan and claimed an independent Islamic caliphate.

Putin went on the offensive, using intense heavy artillery and air bombardment campaigns to drain his forces.

However, the key to victory would be the battle of Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, and fighters with innate knowledge of the region had gone to bed to defend themselves.

In a chilling echo from Ukraine today, Russia was initially met with fierce resistance, with Chechens using trench systems and even sewage to defend themselves expertly against an offensive. Entire buildings could be locked or nailed to create a deadly ambush.

But Putin and his commanders were relentless: Grozny was first blocked without ammunition, food or other supplies; the artillery bombardment lasted for weeks, killing thousands; and later both sides were accused of using chemical weapons against each other.

Grozny was eventually lost on February 6, 2000 – between 5,000 and 8,000 civilians were killed and every building damaged.

However, the horrors of the Russian military machine did not reach its peak until the Syrian Civil War – which Russia joined in 2015 and was found to have committed UN war crimes.

One human rights group found that between September 17 and October 13, 2015, 36 Russian strikes hit only two ISIS targets and 22 civilian targets, including hospitals, a fire station, and at least one school. 70 civilians were killed

The UK-based pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that between the start of the intervention in September 2015 and February 2016, Russian air strikes killed at least 1,700 civilians, including more than 200 children.

The bombing was so brutal that until 2003, the UN still called Grozny the most devastated city on earth.

But what is important for Putin is that the war will be the first in a series of victories during his presidency – and he has not yet “lost” the conflict in which he participated.

– When it comes to waging war, he [Putin] “He has no sense of decency or concern about how many or who have been killed,” said former Secretary of State Cohen on Putin’s tactics.

However, the horrors of the Russian military machine did not reach its peak until the Syrian Civil War, which Russia joined in 2015 and was found to have committed UN war crimes.

Putin sided with President Bashar al-Assad following a request for air support.

But instead of fighting only Islamic State terrorists, Russian officials at the time said they would help the Syrian government reclaim territory from various anti-government and rebel groups.

Using the same scorched earth policy as in Chechnya to find and kill rebel groups, Putin’s forces launched a series of airstrikes and bombings that would have killed thousands.

Amnesty International and other human rights groups say Syria and Russia have targeted and destroyed several hospitals and schools.

One group found that between September 17 and October 13, 2015, 36 Russian strikes hit only two ISIS targets and 22 civilian targets, including hospitals, a fire station, and at least one school. 70 civilians were killed.

The UK-based pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that between the start of the intervention in September 2015 and February 2016, Russian air strikes killed at least 1,700 civilians, including more than 200 children.

Ukraine is now the last country to face a Russian invading force – and the full cost of life and physical destruction will not be known for months.

Yesterday, during one of its strikes on Ukrainian targets, Russia struck the Babin Yar Holocaust Memorial in Kyiv, the site of one of the largest single massacres of Jews during the Holocaust.

The memorial was built next to the gorge, where nearly 34,000 Jews were killed by SS troops in two days in 1941 during Adolf Hitler’s campaign against the Soviet Union.

After the latest attack, Vladimir Zelensky wrote on Twitter: “To the world: what’s the point of saying ‘never again’ for 80 years if the world is silent when a bomb falls on the same spot on Babin Yar?” At least 5 killed. ‘

Similar to Putin’s use of tactics, Zelensky ended with a warning that “history repeats itself.”

The midterm elections began Tuesday in Texas, full of bitter and costly primaries that will determine control of Congress and the offices of governors.

Compared to the frequency of the presidential primaries, the mid-term calendar is much more scattered. It’s been running for over six months, with the next group of competitions scheduled for May, including the key states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia.

Some states don’t hold primaries until September, including New Hampshire, which has a fierce Senate race.

Almost only once in the past decade has Texas held a primary in early March, including during presidential election years. This year’s primary date on Tuesday was tied to the redistricting plan that was approved last year by the Legislature.

Here are some other dates:

May 3: Ohio

The swing state, twice led by former President Donald J. Trump, of Ohio is in a crowded GOP Senate primary to replace Republican Senator Rob Portman, who is resigning.

May 17: Pennsylvania and North Carolina

In Pennsylvania, the race for a vacant Senate seat could play a key role in determining whether Democrats retain control of the House. The region of the Republican Party is headed by the famous physician Dr. Mehmet Oz.

In North Carolina, the impending resignation of Republican Senator Richard Burr has caused a stir among candidates.

May 24: Georgia

Georgia, which helped Democrats flip the Senate in 2021 and brought victory to Joseph R. Biden Jr. in 2020, is hosting important contests for governor and the Senate. Stacey Abrams, a Democrat running for governor, is back. The race of the Secretary of State is also noteworthy.

June 14: Nevada

The last time Catherine Cortez Masto, the first Hispanic senator, was on the ballot, outside groups flooded Nevada with more than $90 million. Now she is ready for re-election.

Adam Laxalt, a former Nevada Attorney General who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2018, must enter the GOP primary to challenge it.

August 2: Arizona and Michigan

Arizona has been one of the top prizes this year, with an open seat for governor and a fierce race in the Senate. The Senate seat is held by Mark Kelly, a Democrat who won the 2020 special election to fill the seat once held by John McCain.

In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat and the center of conservative ire over pandemic restrictions, is running for re-election. In addition to picking a gubernatorial candidate, Republicans have struggled with internal tensions and the influence of Mr. Trump, who has provided support in the race for the House of Representatives.

Both states also have noteworthy racial secretaries of state.

August 9: Wisconsin

Wisconsin has bipartisan potential as the gubernatorial and Senate contests attract many candidates.

Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican whose approval ratings have plummeted due to an onslaught of television ads criticizing him for questioning Mr. Biden’s election results, is a top Democratic target. Republicans are focused on taking the place of Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat.

September 13: New Hampshire

The winner of the GOP Senate primary will have less than two months to organize a general election campaign against Senator Maggie Hassan, a Democrat who is seen as vulnerable.

They began to appear for the first time two days after the invasion – dozens of glowing red and green crosses painted on the roofs of buildings.

Not without reason, the people of Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine, feared the worst.

They were drawn to help Russian bombers set targets, or so the rumor went.

But now that they have found red crosses on tree tops near the 13th-century castle and elsewhere, police and council officials have come up with another explanation. One that is a little less anxious.

It is believed that they were painted weeks before the conflict to target Putin’s paratroopers instead of missiles.

Green seems to mean good, and red means danger, like maples and maples on a hill near the center.

Covering them is the work of volunteers who roam the streets at night, when the crosses are most visible.

Another 40 were found on Sunday, including one on the roof of a large apartment building in the Levandivka suburb.

Since the conflict began six days ago, stylish Lviv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose churches, cafes and trams are reminiscent of Vienna and where people still dress for the opera, has been a refuge for those fleeing fighting in western Ukraine.

Two large red crosses painted on the roof of a large residential building in Levandivka, Ukraine

The crosses are believed to have been painted weeks before the conflict to guide Putin’s paratroopers.

Ukrainian security forces imagine inspecting a car while a man lies on the ground with arms outstretched on Monday

But its millions of citizens still have the same terrible fears as the rest of the country.

Leaving aside the crosses, what seems to worry them the most at the moment is Belarus. Or rather, its President, Alexander Lukashenko, known as Europe’s last dictator, who hosts tens of thousands of Russian troops and is too willing to carry out Putin’s orders.

In a strange statement, Lukashenko warned that the war in Ukraine would “turn into a meat grinder”. There are reports that he is ready to declare war on his neighbor.

And this week, the EU warned that Belarus could start having Russian nuclear weapons after a “very dangerous” decision to relinquish its non-nuclear status.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said: “We know what it means for Belarus to be nuclear. This means that Russia will put nuclear weapons in Belarus, and this is a very dangerous path.

No wonder then that Lviv, less than 150 miles from the Belarusian border, is becoming increasingly anxious.

“It simply came to our notice then [Lukashenko] he can come for us, “said Christian, a teacher who helped refugees in front of Lviv Central Station yesterday.

“I know that 90 percent of Belarusians are against the attack on Ukraine, but Lukashenko is crazy who says one thing and does another as the wind changes.

“I called my friend in Minsk [Belarus’s capital] yesterday he also sounded very nervous and said he would call me again.

“He did this using an unregistered SIM card because the conversations were being tapped in Belarus and he was worried that he would get into trouble because he was talking to a Ukrainian.

“This is crazy. Only last week we were going to talk together freely, but now this one.

They may be afraid, but the people of Lviv are no less determined than the rest of the country to repel the enemy invaders. After all, it is not called the City of Lions in vain.

President Zelensky imagined signing an application for Ukraine’s EU membership

President Zelenski posed after signing a form requesting immediate membership in the European Union

Form signed by President Zelensky as he pleads with the EU to take advantage of its support and grant membership to Ukraine

Men who hoped to join the army of 18- to 60-year-old volunteers were rejected at a military station in the center yesterday morning.

“I was told that there was a huge response – thousands – and that they already have more than enough men,” said Anton, 29.

“They took my data and said they would call me if they needed me. It’s disappointing, but I had to be faster.

For now, he will listen to Mayor Andriy Sadovi’s advice that everyone “should be ready” to defend every inch of the city, with weapons, if they have them, and Molotov cocktails – or “Bandera’s embarrassment”, as they have been renamed since the beginning. of war.

Vyacheslav Molotov was the Soviet foreign minister under Stalin. Instead, the new improvised explosive devices are named after Stepan Bandera, a hero of the Ukrainian resistance who is fighting the beginning of Soviet rule.

Police Captain Dmitro Mihalets said: “Residents are especially asked to be vigilant and check their homes. Besides balconies, they [crosses] are placed on roofs, especially in old tall buildings where access is easy. ‘

The mayor told the citizens of Lviv in a video address: “If you see incomprehensible signs in an accessible place – cover them with sand, boards, resin. If you notice such marks on the roof, report them to the hotline.

“District administrations have been instructed to immediately paint any obscure traces on the buildings.”