Seniors and Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It affects the lives of millions of seniors. Each year, many more are diagnosed with this disease, for which there is no cure. However, research is being conducted on various drugs that will hopefully be effective in slowing down the disease and allowing it to be detected at earlier stages. Below is some more information about Alzheimer’s research.

1.    More than 5 million seniors in the US have Alzheimer’s and many of these cases are severe, resulting in the loss of daily functions.

2.    As the population continues to age, the number of people that will be affected by Alzheimer’s will also be on the rise. Currently, a senior in the US develops Alzheimer’s every 70 seconds. This is expected to become every 33 seconds in the next decade.

3.    Those who are researching early detection of the disease say they are on the road to substantial advances.

4.    Alzheimer’s drugs are now being used on many senior patients. The medication focuses on amyloid, which is a protein that clumps in the brain of those with the disease.

5.    Researchers are optimistic that once an anti-amyloid drug is perfected, the disease could be stopped in its tracks. It will also allow the disease to be detected by using scanning technology.

6.    Currently, there is no national plan aimed at researching the disease. Not enough funding and lack of researchers is the reason more progression has not yet been made.

7.    Researchers have a goal of perfecting medications and learning much more about this debilitating disease.

Source: Consumer Health Day

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