Researchers identify gene variant protective against Alzheimer's

Researchers have found the first gene mutation that protects against Alzheimer's disease, a finding that supports a now-controversial theory about the cause of the disease and that could eventually lead to the development of new drugs to treat the disorder. The gene mutation also protects against normal dementia of aging, suggesting that the two diseases have mechanisms in common.

SA docs 'helping people die'

South Africa should legalise euthanasia as many doctors are already secretly helping elderly patients to die, Western Cape University Prof Sean Davison said on Thursday.

"Many doctors have said to me privately that they've helped people to die... at their request. It's the choice of the doctor [though]... and they have to do it behind the scenes illegally," he said.

With no choice whether to die or not, critically ill patients had to rely on the graciousness of their doctor.

"If you don't have a law change, you might be playing Lotto with your doctor."

Davison was addressing the Cape Town Press Club in Newlands.

He returned to South Africa in May after serving a five-month detention in New Zealand for helping his cancer-stricken mother end her life.

She had tried going on a hunger strike, but when that failed he gave her a lethal dose of morphine.

Davison pleaded guilty to assisted suicide in the Dunedin High Court last year. He was originally charged with attempted murder and was arrested in September 2010.