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Skin test for Alzheimer's?

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 1:24 pm
by SusanJ
Interesting connection to look at the skin since it has the same origin as brain tissue in the embryo.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 164909.htm

They also found increases in a marker for Parkinson's.

Re: Skin test for Alzheimer's?

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 1:51 pm
by circular
Wow, kinda scarey ... Early dx getting closer, easier and cheaper. Combine with smell test in a study to see if best results when both are used?

Re: Skin test for Alzheimer's?

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2015 7:22 am
by KatieS
A few years ago, the association of decreased AD risk was noted with squamous or basal cell skin cancers (http://www.livescience.com/32042-skin-c ... -risk.html). However, both of these cancers are precipitated by sun exposure, so it's more likely to be just a Vitamin D connection. Still it's comforting to think my basal cell cancer was linked to a 80% AD reduction. My mom has a history of both these skin cancers. Not sure this relates to the skin biopsy.

Re: Skin test for Alzheimer's?

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2015 10:48 am
by rep
Interesting points about the skin cancer. I am in that club too. Are Alzheimer's rates higher now than they used to be and if so do we know if it's more than a classification from senile to Alzheimer's?

As I understand it, Vitamin D insufficiency rates are very high and may have been caused by sun avoidance and the slathering on of sunscreen that blocks Vitamin D. Despite my skin cancer history I make it a point to only use sunscreen to avoid sunburn and I take Vitamin D supplements and get sun during the time of year when the angle of the sun is high enough to provide Vitamin D.

Re: Skin test for Alzheimer's?

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 2:16 am
by LillyBritches
My stepdad, the 3/4, had recurring squamous skin cancers on both hands (yes, from sun exposure over the years), and he still developed AD. So...