Redefining Alzheimer’s
Dear Caregivers,
This holiday weekend we celebrate Presidents’ Day, which commemorates the birthday of Abraham Lincoln. But there is another luminary, born in fact on the exact same day as Lincoln (February 12th, 1809) who is also very worth acknowledging, and that is Charles Darwin.
In his tragically short life Lincoln helped architect a new meaning for the concept of democracy, arguing that it applied to everyone in the U.S., not just a select few. Darwin, with his book “On the Origin of Species,” redefined the meaning of life, arguing that all creatures on earth are descended from, and intimately connected to, all the other creatures who have inhabited the earth.
Darwin in effect reinvented the life sciences, and his impact continues today, as I and my colleagues work tirelessly to find new ways to manage, and hopefully someday prevent and cure, the scourge of Alzheimer’s disease. The result of this work is that there is an ongoing flow of new discoveries about the causes, mechanisms, and strategies to overcome the disease. We haven’t produced any definitive cures, yet, but we have created a new sense of hope.
As your NAN Navigator works with you every day to help manage your loved one’s disease, know that they are backed by a legion of scientists working to redefine Alzheimer's, and your efforts are critical to this ongoing effort.
Here are some more resources for understanding Alzheimer’s:
15 Things to Know About the Two New Alzheimer's Drugs:
Patients suffering from Alzheimer's now potentially have access to two medications that may be able to modestly slow the progression of the disease — at least for some. Here's an overview and guide.
Delirium vs. Dementia: How to tell the difference:
Delirium and dementia are different disturbances that can be confusing to caregivers, because some of their symptoms can overlap. Here's how to tell the difference between the two.
Testing for Alzheimer's Genes:
There is scientific evidence that in some cases, genes can play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The most common gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer's is known as “APOE”. Here's a list of commercial companies that test for the presence of the gene.
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
“A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life."
— Charles Darwin
