We Have Liftoff!
Dear Caregivers,
This week I experienced one of the great treats that come from living in Florida: The sight of humans reaching for the stars. We were staying about 20 miles south of Cape Canaveral, along the shore, and I was able to stand on the beach and watch SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket blast off into space, its bright orange glow streaking into the clouds while the rumble of the engines echoed over the ocean’s waves.
No matter how many times I see a liftoff, it still gives me a thrill, for it is a real-time, visceral demonstration of human ingenuity. I marvel that our species, which began so long ago with crude wooden tools and flint blades, can develop such sophisticated technology that enables us to literally leave the planet.
Still, as wondrous as experiencing a liftoff is, it also gives me a twinge of frustration. As the old saying goes, “If we can put a person on the moon, why can’t we….”. And nothing is more true of that statement than research on Alzheimer’s disease. Despite decades of study and billions of dollars spent, we are still far away from knowing what causes the disease, and how to cure it. I know that this lack of progress is frustrating for you, too, who are caregiving for a loved one suffering from the disease.
Still, there is hope. New research is coming out that points to possible pathways for managing, delaying and perhaps even preventing the disease. There are still no cures. But it is a beginning, a glimmer of hope on the horizon. I’ll be telling you more about these scientific developments throughout the year.
Meanwhile, here is some more information about the scientific research on Alzhiermer’s:
Is Alzheimer’s Hereditary?
A so-called “family history” is not always associated with developing the disease — it is likely a combination of genetic, other medical, and lifestyle risk factors. Here’s an overview.
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.
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 weigh your options.
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
“Anywhere the struggle is great, the level of ingenuity and inventiveness is high.”
— Eleni Zaude Gabre-Madhin
