MACI - a new era?

Full thickness articular cartilage defects have limited regenerative potential and are a significant source of pain and loss of knee function. Numerous treatment options exist, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the problem of cartilage injury, a brief description of current treatment options and outcomes, and a discussion of the current principles and technique of Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI). While early results of MACI have been promising, there is currently insufficient comparative and long-term outcome data to demonstrate superiority of this technique over other methods for cartilage repair

Evidence supporting exercise interventions for persons in early-stage Alzheimer's disease\ud \ud

The purpose of this article is to grade research evidence supporting exercise-based interventions for persons with early-stage dementias and to report the recommendations of a consensus panel. The search produced 11 databased articles testing the effects of exercise interventions in a variety of outcomes. The body of evidence to support exercise interventions in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease is growing and has potential as a treatment modality following translational studies in recreation therapy and other fields

Frontières : Francine Desmeules, Martial Lefebvre, François Vallée

In response to the need to develop evidence-based best practices interventions and services for individuals\ud in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the authors conducted an interdisciplinary literature\ud review of exemplar programs, defined as those including multimodal or unimodal interventions; shown to be appropriate for individuals in the early stages of AD; demonstrating promise to support, maintain, and improve independent functioning; and shown to have positive effects for a variety of outcomes, including quality of life. This article examines evidence from five kinds of programs:-- (a) multimodal interventions,-- (b) programs developed by the Southwest Florida Interdisciplinary Center for Positive Aging,-- (c) sleep enhancement interventions,-- (d) managed care programs, and-- (e) technology-based interventions.\ud Evidence from the review suggests that a number of programs can support functioning and improve quality of life for adults living with the early stages of memory loss. The article concludes with recommendations to advance a national research agenda in this area

Evidence supporting nutritional interventions for persons in early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD)

The purpose of this paper is to grade research evidence supporting nutritional interventions for persons with early stage dementias and to report the recommendations of a consensus panel. Thirty four studies were reviewed in the areas of dietary restriction, antioxidants, and Mediterranean diet with strong support from epidemiological studies found in all three areas. The body of evidence to support nutritional interventions in the prevention and treatment of AD is growing and has potential as a treatment modality following translational studies. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Agin