June 13, 2018
The latest findings in Alzheimer’s clinical trials.
Did you know that 5.7 million American seniors, or 10 percent of those over age 65, are currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease? Because that number is anticipated to rise to as much as 14 million by the year 2050, the race is on as researchers scramble to find a remedy, or at the very least an effective treatment option. And apart from the emotional toll the disease takes on both individuals diagnosed and their family members, the financial impact is shocking, costing up to $277 billion in 2018 and likely to grow to over $1 trillion by 2050.
The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation has recently revealed its 2017 Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Report, and the findings are amazing. There are presently 126 Alzheimer’s disease therapies in the clinical stage, specifically to deal with symptom management of the common results of Alzheimer’s:
- Anxiety
- Violence
- Apathy
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Sleep Disorders
Furthermore, scientists are looking deeper into the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease, beyond the common suspected beta-amyloid link. Following are the leading forms of interventions being investigated:
Neuroprotection: Quite a few drugs are showing promising results in protecting against neuron damage and maximizing neuron survival and regeneration.
Chronic Inflammation: Prior studies have tried to link inflammation with Alzheimer’s; nevertheless, the anti-inflammatories tested proved ineffective. That said, more recent research includes newer inflammation-targeting drugs, geared towards improving the immune cells and removing toxic proteins.
Genetics: Research that began 2 years ago in exploring epigenetic treatment therapy is now moving forward to add a chemotherapy medication to try and regulate the expression of certain genes.
Repurposed Medications: Less costly and with shorter testing requirements than new drug development, trials of current medications to check their potency against Alzheimer’s are underway.
Early Intervention: A unique emphasis will be placed on treating patients who exhibit biological markers indicating an elevated chance of developing the condition, although not yet showing symptoms. Even though these trials may involve invasive surgical procedures, such as spinal taps, the capacity to prevent or at the least slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease is really worth considering.
Continuum will continue to monitor clinical trials, as well as other progress in the journey towards a remedy. In the meantime, our agency is also open to provide specialized, compassionate, and highly trained Alzheimer’s disease care for seniors. We begin by preparing a personalized plan of care to address immediate concerns, and then monitor that plan ongoing so that the correct level of care is always provided as needs change – right within the comfort of home. Call us at (314) 863-9912 to learn more about our exceptional home care in St. Louis, Missouri or to schedule a free in-home assessment.