Alzheimers Prevention, Alzheimer’s Treatment & Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Alzheimers Disease (AD) is a terrible mind-robbing affliction that is now the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and the fifth leading cause of death for those over age 65. It will almost certainly kill all of the over 5 million existing AD sufferers within the next 8-10 years.
Alzheimers disease research is going into full swing with hundreds of millions of dollars being spent on Alzheimers treatment and Alzheimers prevention.
As we better understand how AD develops and progresses, the research emphasis appears to be shifting to Alzheimers Prevention. The principal indicator of AD is the development of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain. As these develop, brain cells die. When enough brain cells die, symptoms begin to appear.
AD appears to be a problem not unlike Infantile Paralysis (Polio) or Hydrophobia (Rabies) in that once the disease can be diagnosed from its symptoms, the damage has already been done. That damage to the victim’s neurological system is irreparable. We cannot restore lost brain cells, and even if we could, we could not replace the information and memories that the lost cells had contained…
For this reason, although there are some types of Alzheimers treatment under development that show promise, the emphasis has shifted to prevention as the way to go.
While pharmaceutical companies and the rest of the ethical drug industry are certainly deeply involved in Alzheimers disease research, others are involved too. Researchers looking at why some people get AD and others don’t are coming up with interesting findings that apply to prevention.
Researchers are finding that heredity plays a part, but the genetic link is a predisposition, not an absolute. Environmental factors apparently play a larger role. In studies of identical twins researchers found that one twin might get AD while the other did not. Outside factors appeared to be determining in which twin the genetic predisposition was being triggered and which not.
People with heart and circulation problems or with type 2 diabetes (usually brought on by being overweight), or with lower levels of physical and mental activity are more likely to get AD. While heart-healthy, normal weight people who stay mentally and physically active are more likely to avoid AD altogether. Maintaining proper levels of certain B-vitamins in one’s bloodstream and many other factors seem to work to avoid AD.
Where do we stand right now, as the clock ticks while we wait for AD research results? Well, sadly the medical profession can do little more than make AD victims as comfortable as possible while they are dying. The only effective prevention available is for each of us to take personal action.
The best bet for Alzheimers prevention is to use wise lifestyle and nutritional choices to put yourself firmly in the “less likely to contract AD” groups. Fortunately this is relatively easy to do. You just need to inform yourself and get started!
[Disclaimer: Before taking any medical advice you should make it a point to become knowledgeable in the subject and you should consult your Doctor.]
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