You might have heard that the molecule called TREM2 is often associated with Alzheimer’s disease. For a while, scientists have believed that when this molecule is mutated, Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases involving cognitive functioning are caused or worsened.
Until very recently, scientists have not known much about TREM2, or even what it really looks like. However, in a recently published study, researchers have been able to carefully detail what the molecule looks like, along with what different mutations of TREM2 look like. The hope is that this information can guide future researchers moving forward as they strive to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and what the best way to help those suffering from this incurable disease is. Researchers also believe that there is a chance that understanding this molecule better may also help with the treatment of other degenerative diseases all over the body.
A study published in the journal eLife in late December outlined just what the molecule looked like. The study was conducted by researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and takes professional knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease another step forward. There is still a long way to go before a cure is arrived at, but progress is still being made. Alzheimer’s is the leading form of dementia in the elderly, and millions of people in the United States currently suffer from it.
While the theory that TREM2 is responsible for Alzheimer’s and other cognitive diseases is still just a theory at this time, learning more about how the brain functions and what things can impact it is a big step forward when it comes to knowing how to treat or even prevent Alzheimer’s. It gives scientists that work in this field more information to move forward on, and could even help with better treatments for those that have the disease in the future.
Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia is a tough task to be up against. Family caregivers often find themselves exhausted trying to supervise and care for their parent or grandparent. In these cases, enlisting the help of a professional in-home caregiver is sometimes the best way to go, especially if that professional has experience working with those with Alzheimer’s. In other cases, more intensive care is needed. However, because of the fact that staying in a familiar setting has been shown to be beneficial to those with dementia, you should strive for in-home care to be your first choice. Of course, if your loved one’s medical situation makes this difficult or even dangerous, you should not pursue this course of senior care.
If you have questions about what type of senior care is best for your elderly family member, be sure to consult with a doctor or a senior care specialist. It is always best to have the opinion of a professional in this field before making big decisions. After all, this is the future care of someone that you love dearly that we are speaking about.
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