January 21, 2019 by
Ground breaking research is honing in ever closer to the eradication of Alzheimer’s disease, this time through two medications already developed and approved by the FDA. This permits expedited clinical trials and hopefully fast-tracking us closer to a cure.
The first, surprisingly, is a drug used to treat HIV. Scientists discovered that the genetic blueprint in Alzheimer’s patients is altered as the disease progresses, similar to the genetic shuffling experienced in individuals with HIV. The idea is that placing a halt to the movement of those specific genes can prevent the development of the disease.
According to lead scientist Jerold Chun, “For the first time, we can see what may cause the disease. We also uncovered a potential near-term treatment.”
Secondly, researchers at Mount Sinai have found that medications used to lower blood glucose in diabetics, such as metformin, may have a direct effect on the decrease in the plaques and tangles connected with Alzheimer’s. Although this can be helpful straight away for diabetics with Alzheimer’s who are already taking this medication, further research is necessary before testing on Alzheimer’s patients without diabetes because of the potential for dangerously low blood sugar levels along with other side effects. Optimistically, the research outcomes add another piece to the puzzle of dementia.
These findings “…point us to the biological mechanisms that are being affected by those drugs. Hopefully, now we can find drugs that would have similar effects on the brain without changing the blood sugar levels,” said Vahram Haroutunian, professor of psychiatry and neuroscience of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
With as many as six million Americans currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and a predicted increase to 14 million diagnoses over the next 40 years, it is crucial for medical scientists to acquire ground on more fully comprehending the root cause, effective treatment options, and eventually a cure, for this disease that has truly become an epidemic.
The Alzheimer’s care professionals from At Home Independent Living continue to keep track of these along with other breakthroughs, while offering the best quality care that maximizes general wellbeing while giving members of the family essential peace of mind. Our caregivers are fully trained and highly skilled in helping manage many of the more difficult facets of Alzheimer’s disease, such as wandering, aggression, sundowning, inappropriate behaviors, and many more. And our objective is always to be certain that seniors with dementia are able to live life to its fullest potential, while remaining secure and comfortable in their home.
Give us a call at (315) 579-HOME (4663) for more information or to request resources to help you and your family member navigate the process of Alzheimer’s and independent home care.