(July 17, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Southampton - According to research in the Lancet, immunization with a protein found in the plaques of patients with Alzheimer's doesn't prevent dementia. A significant feature of Alzheimer's is the accumulation of amyloid-beta protein, which is believed to lead to the formation of plaques in the brain. In a study of 80 patients randomized to either immunization against beta-amyloid or placebo, immunization did not slow the rate of dementia, but did assist in clearing plaques.

From Hamilton - According to research in the Lancet, apolipoproteins, small lipid-binding proteins, may be better than using cholesterol ratios to predict heart disease risk. According to research from McMaster University, in a study of nearly 30,000 patients with heart attack, 54% of the risk of heart attack was explained by ratios in apolipoproteins, while a ratio of bad to good cholesterol accounted for 37% of the risk, and total cholesterol to good cholesterol accounted for 32%.

From Norway - According to research in the New England Journal of Medicine, premature birth may affect physical and mental abilities in later life. Researchers studied over 900,000 adults and discovered a link between prematurity and the rate of cerebral palsy, mental disability and the likelihood of receiving a disability pension in later life.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Allison Chow from Queen's University.