Growing Closer to a Cure for Alzheimer's

Unlike a hundred years ago, when caretakers could only observe and report on the disease, today we have methods that can help. 

So far, a cure has not been found, nor has a proper treatment come into the picture. However, we are able to combat some of the symptoms, as the FDA has started approving drugs capable of fighting the memory loss and cognitive impairment

A blood test for Alzheimer’s has also been developed, potentially catching it before symptoms start to come into play. Remember that the plaque deposits and tangles start a decade before Alzheimer’s raises its head and causes trouble? Imagine finding the disease during that time frame, and being able to fight it off before it can make you forget.

And, there are other studies being performed or are in the stages leading up to the research, to learn more about what causes Alzheimer’s disease, how the symptoms manifest, and what can be done to help victims of the disease.

Heather Snyder, PhD, and director of medical and scientific operations at the Alzheimer’s Association, says, “at the Alzheimer’s Association, we are optimistic about the future, and our urgency continues to grow. We can and will solve the Alzheimer’s disease epidemic.”

Across the pond in the United Kingdom, other people are just as optimistic. James Pickett, who is the head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, mentions, “We now understand much more about the progression of Alzheimer's disease and researchers are finding ways to identify people in the earliest stages where they have the best of developing treatments that work.”