February 9, 2022
Learn the latest from our St. Louis, MO elder care experts about a vaccine for Alzheimer’s that is being tested.
If 2021 will be recalled as the year for COVID-19 vaccines, perhaps 2022 will make its mark with a different version of life-changing vaccine: a vaccine for Alzheimer’s, which may actually prevent or slow the further advancement of the disease.
The first human trial of Protollin, delivered by way of nasal spray, is underway in 16 seniors with early-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms and who are between the ages of 60 and 85 years old. The anticipated outcome will be to activate immune cells that will eliminate the beta-amyloid plaque believed to cause the disease.
The Alzheimer’s vaccine arrives on the heels of the controversial results of Biogen’s Aduhelm, the first new approved drug for Alzheimer’s in decades, so the stakes are high. Aduhelm is an antibody infusion that at first seemed to fail in its goal of improving memory and cognition functioning, leading Biogen to discontinue clinical trials. Yet several months later, there did seem to be a positive impact in a small number of participants, leading the Food and Drug Administration to approve its use – even though the results are not definitively clear.
Finding a successful preventative or treatment option is extremely important. The latest data show approximately 6 million Americans currently clinically determined to have Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also among the top causes of death in adults in the United States, with a steep increase in mortality rate of 88% between 1999 and 2019. And that statistic may only be scratching the surface, since it represents only those clinically diagnosed. Our St Louis, MO elder care experts know that individuals with cognitive impairment may have trouble with receiving an appropriate diagnosis, and they often are challenged by other health conditions as well.
Scientists are hopeful that Protollin, along with Aduhelm and other antibody drugs undergoing study, are positioning us on a promising path forward. Jeffrey Cummings, a brain-science professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, goes as far as to say, “It just feels like we have turned a corner.”
Our St Louis elder care experts are helping older adults with Alzheimer’s each day, and we excitedly anticipate a day when the disease is defeated. Until then, we are here for you with personalized, creative home care to help make life the very best it can be for seniors with dementia.
It is very important for loved ones caring for a person with dementia to safeguard their own health by ensuring ample time for self-care. Our dementia respite care team can help you set up a schedule for regular time away – as much or as little as you desire. We are skilled in effective management of many difficult signs and symptoms of the disease, including wandering, aggression, agitation, sundowning, and others.
Give us a call at any time at (314) 863-9912 or (636) 861-3336 for a complimentary assessment or for more information.