Hope on the Horizon!
Dear Caregivers,
This week I’m attending the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Philadelphia, and gatherings like these always infuse me with hope. Here I meet with fellow scientists, clinicians, and therapeutic companies who are all intent on the same goal: To find the cure for Alzheimer's, care for those living with the disease, and support their caregivers.
It is a daunting task, but not without its moments of hope, as new research reveals promising new pathways to explore. In one study announced this week, for example, researchers from Sweden announced progress towards developing a simple blood test that can more accurately signal whether patients who were experiencing memory problems had Alzheimer’s. In another study, it was found that Ozempic-like drugs that reduce weight also had the effect of cutting the risk of dementia.
The blood test isn’t commercially available in the U.S., yet, and further studies need to be done on the effect of weight-loss drugs on cognitive decline. But this new research does point to the trend that science is chipping away at getting a better understanding of the causes — and potential treatments for — Alzheimer’s. It’s an exciting time.
This research also highlights two major take-aways for caregivers of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s: One, make sure you are working with your loved one’s caregiving team to understand new developments in treatment, and how they can work with you to create a customized plan the is best for your loved one. Second, consider whether your loved one is eligible to participate in a Clinical Trial, which is so important for studying this disease and advancing scientific progress. You can ask your NAN Navigator for more details on how to find a trial near you.
In the meantime, the message from the AAIC here in Philadelphia is, let’s not lose hope!
Here is some further guidance:
The Mind Diet: Meal Planning to Fuel the Brain
Scientific studies have shown that the MIND diet is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s a guide.
Should We Try the Medications for Alzheimer's Disease?:
With any new medication, it is critical to think about the potential benefits as well as the possible side effects. Since there is currently no drug that will cure the illness, the last thing we want to do is reduce the patient’s quality of life with side effects. Here’s how to approach your decision.
Getting to Know Your Caregiving “Village”:
Identifying and engaging with a medical team that you can count on can make a big difference for you and your loved one. Here is an overview of the types of healthcare professionals you may want to seek out as part of your “caregiving village”.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Everything is theoretically impossible until it is done.”
— Robert A. Heinlein
