Remarkable scientific studies are honing in ever closer to the eradication of Alzheimer’s disease, this time through two medications already developed and approved by the FDA. This enables accelerated clinical trials and hopefully fast-tracking us even closer to a cure.
The first, surprisingly, is a drug used for treating HIV. Scientists discovered that the genetic blueprint in Alzheimer’s patients is altered as the disease advances, like the genetic shuffling experienced in those with HIV. The theory is that putting a halt on the movement of these particular genes may prevent the development associated with the disease.
As reported by lead scientist Jerold Chun, “For the first time, we can see what may cause the disease. We also uncovered a potential near-term treatment.”
Subsequently, researchers at Mount Sinai discovered that medications used to lower blood glucose in diabetics, such as metformin, could have an impact in the reduction of the plaques and tangles linked to Alzheimer’s. Although this can be helpful right away for diabetics with Alzheimer’s who are already taking this medication, further research is necessary before testing on Alzheimer’s patients without diabetes as a result of the potential for dangerously low blood glucose levels along with other unwanted effects. Encouragingly, the research results add one more piece to the puzzle of dementia.
These studies “…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, and an estimated increase to 14 million diagnoses in the next 40 years, it is imperative for medical researchers to gain ground on better comprehending the root cause, effective treatment plans, and ultimately a cure for this disease that has certainly grown to be an epidemic.
The Alzheimer’s care specialists at JFS Care will continue to monitor these as well as other developments, while providing the best quality care that increases overall wellbeing while providing family members necessary peace of mind. Our caregivers are fully trained and highly skilled in helping oversee a number of the more complex areas of Alzheimer’s disease, including wandering, aggression, sundowning, inappropriate behaviors, and many more. And our aim is always to make certain seniors with dementia are able to live life to its fullest potential, while remaining safe and comfortable at home.
Give us a call at (213) 383-2273 for more information or to ask about resources that will help you and your family member navigate the experience of Alzheimer’s. At JFS Care, a top provider of home health care in Burbank and surrounding communities, we are here for you. Click here to see our full service area.