Alzheimer's research is changing. Don't believe it? Just look at the latest Alzheimer's disease news. Instead of looking for ways to prevent the disease in patients who already show symptoms, more and more research is being targeted towards at risk patients. An increased amount of Alzheimer's studies are looking at what can be done to prevent the disease, rather than reverse the disease once it has already begun.
At the Friends of the Alzheimer's Disease Center in the UT Southwestern Medical Center, Clifford Jack, a professor of radiology at the Mayo Medical School, spoke about Alzheimer's disease as well as new research strategies. He shared his thoughts in a forum, saying, "Treating those with Alzheimer's disease isn't going to be about restoring people with dementia to normal cognitive function. It's going to be about preventing it in those who are at risk."
What does this really mean? Instead of focusing research on people who have clear signs of dementia, more research is being done instead that shifts the attention to those without symptoms but who are at-risk to develop the disease in the future. Since there is little to be done once Alzheimer's symptoms reach a certain stage, this new research strategy would focus on early diagnosis instead. Jack believes that identifying the disease in people who don't appear to have any symptoms could help to slow its development.
While many believe that Alzheimer's can only be detected once symptoms occur, this is not necessarily the case. It is possible to identify whether or not you are at-risk to develop Alzheimer's disease. However, the process can be quite invasive - and expensive. The process of both brain imaging and spinal taps can test for proteins that signal the disease. Signs of the disease may actually be present in a patient for many years before any symptoms begin to appear.
This impacts future research. By having a more solid understanding of what causes the disease, as well as an increased focus on the ways to prevent it, more can be done to stop the development of Alzheimer's before symptoms appear. This could impact the lives of many at-risk patients. In addition, focusing more on early detection could open up a whole new set of doors when it comes to preventative measures. Jack went on to say, "If one could intervene earlier, you would be able to exert a much stronger effect at delaying the disease."
The latest shift in Alzheimer's disease research essentially means that more research will be done to slow down or prevent the development of the disease, rather than target those who are already suffering from it. By focusing on early detection and prevention, Alzheimer's disease research is changing. More and more research studies around the world are beginning to focus on early detection of the disease than ever before. Many feel that with early detection come more opportunities to focus on the prevention of the disease.
There is a definite shift happening in Alzheimer's research. Whether that is a good or bad thing remains to be seen. However it means that different measures are being taken and other options are being explored. Since Alzheimer's disease affects the lives of so many, further research is essential. At the very least, this new research focus is a step into the future.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Loss Patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.
