Medical News and Breakthroughs 2 October 2008

A round up of the latest medical news and breakthroughs for the week ending 2 October 2008.

New tests have shown that the MS drug Tysabri may im­prove the condition of MS sufferers as well as slowing down the progression of the disability. Elan, the Athlone-based co-marketer of the drug, has said that new analysis from phase three trials of Tysabri shows that the drug increases the probability of patients achieving sustained improvement in physical disability over two years. More info

Of late, a considerable amount of people have acquired awareness on Dyslexia, thanks to the movie Taare Zameen Par. As depicted in the movie, Dyslexia indeed creates complicated situations for child as well as the parents of the dyslexic child. It is a disability that was particularly difficult to identify until now and is many a times confused with intellectual disability. More info

Children born to older fathers are at increased risk of having an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), according to new research published in the October issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry. The study, which was carried out in Japan, involved 84 participants with 'high-functioning' ASD. This meant that they displayed symptoms of autism, such as difficulties with socialising, communication and behaviour, but did not have an intellectual disability (i.e. all the participants had an IQ of more than 70).

In America one-in-six children born every year have been exposed to mercury levels so high that they are potentially at risk for learning disabilities and motor skill impairment and short-term memory loss. 630,000 children each year are exposed to potentially unsafe mercury levels in the womb. An EPA scientist estimated that one in six pregnant women has enough mercury in her blood to pose neurological risks to her developing baby. This means that hundreds of thousands of newborns each year in the United States may be exposed to enough mercury to hinder nervous system development. More info

One county in Minnesota is looking into using GPS tracking technology to help some its residents with disabilities. Dakota County may follow lead of neighboring counties and municipalities across the country. Jurisdictions can provide tracking bracelets to those who have had brain injuries, suffer with autism, Alzheimer’s or similar ailments. Families and caregivers may not always be able to prevent someone from wandering off, but it is possible to take measures to protect those with special needs. More info

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