Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, cognition, and behavior. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is not known, but it is believed to be the result of several factors, such as genetics, environmental factors, and the disease itself. Scientists have recently started to highlight this new area of research and are looking at treatments that could future-proof the population against the disease.
At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. However, there are a number of drug targets that have already been developed to help treat the disease and these can also be used as a preventive measure.
This article will provide an overview of current research into Alzheimer’s and discuss potential future therapies.
What Is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, cognition, and behavior. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is not known, but it is believed to be the result of several factors, such as genetics, environmental factors, and the disease itself. Scientists have recently started to highlight this new area of research and are looking at treatments that could future-proof the population against the disease.
Environmental Factors
Around 90% of cases of Alzheimer’s disease are thought to be related to an individual’s genetic makeup and the way in which he or she is exposed to the disease. For example, having a member of the family with the condition is thought to increase the risk of developing the disease by 10-15%. The other main environmental factor is age. As we get older, our cognitive abilities decline, and this is associated with a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Genetics
Less than 1% of Alzheimer’s cases are thought to be attributable to an individual’s genes, although this number is expected to rise in future. It is thought that certain gene variants may increase the risk of developing the disease by as much as 18%, but there are also some gene variants that are linked with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. If a person has a gene variant that reduces the risk of the disease, he or she will have a lower chance than the general population of developing Alzheimer’s.
The Amyloid-Beta peptide and Alzheimer’s disease
The Amyloid-Beta peptide is a protein that is found in the brain and is thought to be linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists have been able to identify a number of substances that interfere with the Amyloid-Beta peptide and have shown that these can reduce the risk of developing the disease.
New Therapeutic Targets
Scientists are constantly looking for new targets to treat Alzheimer’s. Some of the current targets under investigation include the Amyloid-Beta peptide, microglia, and the extracellular environment. The Amyloid-Beta peptide is thought to be responsible for forming balls of fibres that eventually destroy neurons in the brain. Researchers have been able to identify an antibody that prevents the formation of these balls and has been found to protect against Alzheimer’s.
Microglia are immune cells in the brain that are responsible for removing debris and decaying cells. It is thought that they are responsible for initiating the degenerative process in the brain that leads to Alzheimer’s.
The number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is rapidly increasing. By the year 2050, it is expected that the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will increase to more than 46.9 million worldwide. At the same time, the number of caregivers for those with Alzheimer’s is rising as well. It is estimated that by the year 2025, the number of caregivers for those with Alzheimer’s will increase to more than 11.2 million. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you might have a friend or family member that suffers from Alzheimer’s. Or maybe you see it every day when you go to the grocery store and see the same people over and over again. Or maybe you see it in the person sitting next to you on the train every morning. Alzheimer’s is so common today because people are not aware of what they can do to help with the disease and what they can do to help the caregiver. In this blog, we will discuss what you can do to help someone with Alzheimer’s and how you can help the caregiver.
Help Someone With Alzheimer’s
There are a lot of myths about Alzheimer’s disease. People often assume that it is just a disease that affects old people, or that it is incurable. In fact, Alzheimer’s can strike anyone at any age. It’s estimated that about 40% of people who get it are under age 65. It’s important to know the symptoms because there are things you can do to help prevent or slow it down. You can also help the person who has it. The underlying cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown, but what is known is how to help someone with Alzheimer’s. The first thing you can do is learn more about it. As with most complex diseases, the more you know, the more equipped you are to help someone.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask If There Is Something You Could Do
Most people are afraid to ask their friend or family member with Alzheimer’s if there is anything they can do to help. The truth is, there are things you can do and they are not always easy. Your loved one might need help with bathing, dressing, eating and other tasks that may be difficult for them. They may also have problems with decision-making and judgment. Being the “perfect” caregiver is not easy, there are many challenges and you may need support. You can’t do it all on your own. If you feel like you need to do something, don’t be afraid to ask for help — don’t be embarrassed. It is important to remember that as a caregiver, your loved one is also dealing with a lot of emotions.
Help The Caregiver
One of the biggest myths about Alzheimer’s is that it is a disease that only affects the person who has it. In fact, it is the caregiver who benefits the most from having Alzheimer’s disease. The caregiver is still healthy enough to care for the person with Alzheimer’s, but a lot of the work is now being done by another person. Caregivers can experience depression, anxiety, guilt and a feeling of failure, just like anyone else caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Helping the caregiver can be done in a lot of different ways. Try to keep things as normal as possible. Make sure the person with Alzheimer’s has a routine, so they feel comfortable with the way things are happening. If the person with Alzheimer’s is losing their memories, try to find ways to bring back the memories that are important to them, such as the memories of their loved ones or the things they used to enjoy.
Know The Signs Of Alzheimer’s And Keep An Eye Out For Changes
Knowing the signs of Alzheimer’s can help you and your loved one stay safe. Knowing the changes of Alzheimer’s can help you keep track of your loved one and make sure they are getting the help they need. Keeping track of these signs will help you both stay safe and continue living. Here are some common signs that your loved one may be developing Alzheimer’s disease:
- Memory Loss – Your loved one may not remember things that happened recently, or may have trouble remembering things that happened in the past.
- Confusion – Your loved one may have trouble following conversations or understanding what people are saying to them.
- Trouble Planning – Your loved one may not know how to plan things like grocery shopping, appointments or activities.
- Trouble Coping With Change – Your loved one may complain that things are too change or get upset when change needs to happen.
Don’t Be Pushy And Ask For Assurance That You Are Helping
One of the biggest problems caregivers have is that they feel like they are doing everything wrong. They may feel like they are not helping the person with Alzheimer’s, that they are not doing everything “right” or that they are being “pushy” with their loved one. You need to remember that you are not doing anything wrong. You are providing care for someone who has a disease that is affecting their brain. You may have to remind yourself every day that you are helping your loved one, not doing anything wrong and that you don’t need to “prove” to your loved one how helpful you are.
Take Care Of Yourself
It can be easy to fall into a “caregiver funk” (a depressed, anxious and stressed out state). You need to take care of yourself too. You may find it helpful to talk to a therapist, or practice mindfulness. You can also try to do things that make you happy, such as spending time with friends or doing something you enjoy. Do something for you, not for your loved one. Caregiving is hard work and it can be easy to forget about yourself and your needs. You need to take care of yourself because if you don’t, you are more likely to crash and burn when it comes to providing care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, cognition, and behavior. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is not known, but it is believed to be the result of several factors, such as genetics, environmental factors, and the disease itself. Scientists have recently started to highlight this new area of research and are looking at treatments that could future-proof the population against the disease.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are a number of drug targets that have already been developed to help treat the disease and these can also be used as a preventive measure. This article will provide an overview of current research into Alzheimer’s and discuss potential future therapies.
