Have you ever heard of stiff heart syndrome? Known clinically as cardiac amyloidosis , this condition mimics other heart health problems and, as a result, is often overlooked and untreated—which could lead to serious and even deadly complications. Here's what you need to know about cardiac amyloidosis. What is cardiac amyloidosis? Cardiac amyloidosis occurs when abnormal proteins called amyloid build up in the heart. As the amyloid proteins accumulate and start to replace healthy heart tissue, the heart begins to have a harder time working properly. Over time, this can cause the heart to

You are cordially invited to join us as we honor National Farm Safety and Health Week ! From September 17-23, SIU Medicine is doing its part to promote physical and mental wellness among farmers and their families. We recognize the crucial role that farmers and agricultural workers play. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation , a single U.S. farm feeds as many as 166 people annually both home and abroad. With a growing population, it's clear that the agricultural sector will continue to have a major influence over the global community's well-being. We also recognize that members of

You are cordially invited to join us as we honor National Farm Safety and Health Week ! From September 17-23, SIU Medicine is doing its part to promote physical and mental wellness among farmers and their families. We recognize the crucial role that farmers and agricultural workers play. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation , a single U.S. farm feeds as many as 166 people annually both home and abroad. With a growing population, it's clear that the agricultural sector will continue to have a major influence over the global community's well-being. We also recognize that members of

Where should research start in solving Alzheimer's? That's a tricky question to answer. What exactly are researchers looking for when trying to solve the Alzheimer’s puzzle? “It depends on the researcher,” says Kevin Hascup, PhD. “Really, the tried and true biomarkers are three — amyloid, tau and neurofilament light chain, or what is known as A/T/N.” A biomarker (molecules in blood, body fluid, and tissue) helps with understanding the changes that occur with age and disease onset. Each of the three A/T/N biomarkers progress in its own way in aging and with dementia. But no matter which

Aida Adlimoghaddam, PhD, joins the Smith Alzheimer's Center in 2023 as an Assistant Professor. Most recently, she was the Senior Research Associate and Clinical Scientist at St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre in Winnipeg, Canada. What sparked your interest in research? As an undergraduate student, I developed a deep passion for biological sciences and discovered the vast array of research opportunities within the field. However, what truly fueled my interest in Alzheimer's research was a personal connection. My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and endured several years of