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Q: What age is considered to be early-onset Alzheimer's?

A: Early-onset Alzheimer’s is considered to be Alzheimer’s disease that begins before the age of 65. Although it has been known to develop between the ages of 30 and 40, it more commonly develops when people are in their 50s. Only about five to 10 percent of Alzheimer’s patients have the early-onset form of the disease. Many people with early-onset Alzheimer’s have a parent or grandparent who developed the disease at a younger age.

Nausea Treatments?

Q: I would love to hear about treatments for nausea - even high quality ginger or other supplements. I have had unexplained, chronic nausea in the evenings for a few months, but my doctor, who I see every few weeks, has ruled out all the obvious issues. He suggested ginger but would love to hear if there are other ideas. - Maria

A: There are a number of natural home remedies for nausea that some people swear by. Here are a few:

• Rice water – Boil half a cup of rice in a cup of water for 20 minutes. Drain the rice and sip the rice water until symptoms are gone.
• Peppermint tea – Brew then drink a strong cup of peppermint tea. Results should be felt within 30 minutes.
• Ginger – Boil fresh ginger in water to make ginger tea, or put a couple slices of fresh ginger in regular tea. Ginger ale can also help.
• Flat soda – Add a pinch of salt to cola, root beer or lemon-lime drinks to flatten the carbonation, then sip slowly.
• Corn syrup – Take two tablespoons of corn syrup (light or dark).
• White wine vinegar – Stir one tablespoon of white wine vinegar into a glass of water and sip slowly. Cider vinegar works, too.
• Acupressure – Apply pressure between the forefinger and thumb. It may take some trial and error to find the right spot.

Wear and Tear Arthritis?

Q: I have had osteoarthritis for 20 years. The rheumatologist I went to said I had “wear and tear arthritis.” He said I wore my body out. I was born with Cerebral Palsy. Is it truly possible to wear your body out at 38 years of age by just doing a lot of walking? – Sue

A: Wear and tear arthritis is a descriptive term sometimes used for osteoarthritis because it was originally thought to be simply due to wear and tear on the joint cartilage. However, scientists now know there is also a biologic component to the disease. There may also be a genetic link, since osteoarthritis can run in families.

The reason you developed osteoarthritis at such a young age may be connected to your cerebral palsy, which can cause greater than normal wear and tear on the joint cartilage due to abnormal relationships between joint surfaces and excessive joint compression.

Air Bubble in My Brain?

Q: I don't think I'm the only one who feels pressure in the brain, mostly toward the back. It's like an air bubble expanding and contracting. I can also have another headache in front at the same time, from sinus or a slight migraine. Is there a gas bubble in my brain that stress causes to expand? I have tried an expensive migraine pill that did nothing. I take aspirin now and other over-the-counter pain relievers. I discovered my teeth are causing sinus infections and I've had several removed. If my teeth hurt, my sinuses hurt, my head hurts, then I feel discomfort everywhere. – Kathleen

A: We asked Teri Robert, the Migraine Expert Patient from MyMigraineConnection.com to answer your question. She said:

“No, gas bubbles can't get into your brain, but I've heard similar descriptions of expanding and contracting from people who have migraines. Sometimes, it's possible for such a feeling to occur because of the dilation of blood vessels that occurs during a migraine attack.

“You don't say which expensive migraine pill you tried. I'd suspect that it was one of the triptans (tryptamine-based drugs used as ‘abortive’ medication). There are seven of them – brand names Imitrex, Maxalt, Zoming, Amerge, Relpax, Frova, and Axwert. Each of them binds to different combinations of serotonin receptors, making them act just a bit differently from each other. So, it's worth trying others to see if they help - IF you're having migraines. They don't work for headaches, only migraine attacks. Doctors should have samples of them so you can try them before filling an expensive prescription.

“If you have a sinus infection, it can cause a headache. If there's no infection, it's more likely to be a migraine. Research has shown that 90% of what people think to be "sinus headaches" are actually migraines.

“Please be careful of taking prescription or over-the-counter pain meds or migraine abortives for more than two or three weeks because they can cause rebound headaches. See: “Medication Overuse Headache: When the Remedy Backfires” for more information on this.

“If your doctor isn't able to help with all of this, try a headache and migraine specialist.”

Migraine Management?

Q: I have 60 to 80 migraines a year. I am on disability for Fibro/migraines and have been for 10 years. I have tried Topamax and had too many side effects to stay on it. I am on Neurontin. I give myself Imitrex shots for the Migraines. It works great; however, next year I won't be able to afford it. I look at it as a lifesaver. I have so many triggers I can't possibly eliminate the migraines on my own. I sure try.

A: Once again we asked expert patient Teri Robert for recommendations. She said:

“There are now over 100 medications in use for migraine prevention, so you have many, many options. If the Neurontin isn't working to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines, it's time to talk to your doctor about other options.

“There are now seven triptans, the family of meds which includes Imitrex. Imitrex injections are the most expensive of all. It's well worth trying some of the others to see how they work for you. Also, there should be a generic sumatriptan (Imitrex) injection available in the next year.

“Bottom line, though, is that with effective preventives you should be able to get your migraines cut to a third of the number you have now, or even fewer. If your doctor isn't able to help you with this, find an actual migraine specialist.”

Label Cloned Meat?

Q: Is there any way we can force the FDA or the markets to label meat that is cloned? I do not believe we should have to eat cloned meat if we do not want too. I do not care if someone else wants to, but I should know what I am eating. Help me out here. – Sharon

A: Several groups are pushing the FDA to require that cloned foods be labeled as such. But the FDA said if food from clones is scientifically indistinguishable from other food, they don’t have the authority to require labels. They did say, however, that the agency would be open to “clone-free” labels on foods from other sources.

Although it will probably be several years before meat and milk from cloned animals begins appearing in supermarkets, you may start seeing “clone-free” labels sooner. Since surveys show most people are uncomfortable with the idea of cloned foods, many manufacturers want to make it clear where their products come from.

Although we can’t force the FDA to do anything, the best way to have an impact is to make sure your voice is heard. Write a letter, send an e-mail, or make a phone call – not only to the FDA, but to your Congressional Representative and Senator as well. When we speak loudly enough, Washington listens.

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Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is generic and is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any condition, illness, or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.