VISITING ANGELS SHEBOYGAN, WI 920-221-1000
Facebook YouTube X Instagram LinkedIn

September is World Alzheimer’s Month: Recent Advances in Alzheimer’s Research

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately one in every ten older adults have Alzheimer’s. That equates to roughly 5 million older adult Americans who are living with the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that this number will only increase, predicting that there will be an increase in cases of 27% in adults 65 years and older by the year 2025. The majority of older adults who are living with Alzheimer’s in the United States fall between the ages of 75 and 84 years; this cohort makes up 44% of current Alzheimer’s cases.

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. 1 in 3 seniors die with an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis. Since 1980, the Alzheimer’s Association has been pioneering the way to find the cure for the disease. Along the way, they have made significant advancements in the treatment and prevention of the disease. Currently, there are medications available that treat the symptoms of the disease, but there isn’t anything available that treats the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month. Worldwide, there are approximately 50 million people living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Every day there are new advancements made in regards to the treatment, prevention, and care of those living with Alzheimer’s. Here are a few recent advancements in Alzheimer’s research.

Tackling Plaques
The presence of plaques in the brain is a characteristic sign of Alzheimer’s disease. These plaques are clumps of the protein beta-amyloid. As they clump together in the brain, they collect between neurons and disrupt cell function. Recent research has taken aim at targeting these plaques that form. Medications are being developed that aim at preventing these plaques from forming in the first place.

Preventing Neurofibrillary Tangles
Another common marker of Alzheimer’s disease is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles, formed as a result of the twisting of a protein called tau. These tangles then block the neuron’s transport system, forming synaptic communication between neurons. Research has suggested that abnormal tau appears to accumulate in specific brain regions related to memory. Currently, researchers are working toward preventing tau from forming tangles through inhibitors and vaccines.

Decreasing Inflammation
Another recent advancement in research indicates that the buildup of glial cells, which aim to keep the brain free of debris, causes chronic inflammation in the brain. As cells collect, they cause more damage to the neurons. Researchers are focusing efforts on decreasing inflammation through medication.

Connection Between the Brain and the Heart
Researchers are finding evidence that there’s a critical link between heart and blood vessel health and brain health. Researchers are looking at the impact of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high cholesterol in relation to Alzheimer’s. It appears that these conditions significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. As arteries become blocked, they lead to reduced blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Researchers are looking at which current medications used to treat vascular disease may be appropriate for current Alzheimer’s patients. They are also working to develop new medications that target the heart and brain connection on the molecular level. In addition to medications, researches are focusing efforts on lifestyle choices, specifically eating a heart-healthy diet and participating in cardio exercises.

Did you know that one out of seven older adults with Alzheimer’s disease lives alone, and up to half do not have an explicit caregiver? If you have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, or are concerned about your aging loved one living with Alzheimer’s, Visiting Angels Sheboygan is here for you. We offer Alzheimer’s and dementia care as a part of our senior home care services. Let us help support you and your family, while giving you peace of mind. Our compassionate caregivers are trained in dementia care and offer a gentle approach, making aging-in-place possible even with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. To learn more please contact us today by calling 920-221-1000.

Serving Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties

Visiting Angels SHEBOYGAN, WI
2108 Kohler Memorial Dr #70
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: 920-221-1000
Fax: 920-328-0324

Serving Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties

Visiting Angels SHEBOYGAN, WI
2108 Kohler Memorial Dr #70
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: 920-221-1000
Fax: 920-328-0324