What if you could detect Alzheimer’s disease years before any sort of symptoms occurred? Would you want this information that far ahead of time?
If you are like most others, this would be a huge blessing. Although there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s and it is a degenerative disease ultimately leading to the death of the person impacted by it, the sooner it is detected, the better it can be treated. The spread of the disease can be slowed down dramatically if it is found in the early stages. Additionally, the person impacted by the disease can ensure that their senior care is planned out precisely the way they want it to be.
The researchers at Edith Cowan University recently discovered a biomarker that is an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. This biomarker tends to be present before the forgetfulness and confusion that are hallmark symptoms of this type of dementia are present. The biomarker is called glial fibrillary amyloid beta. Elevated levels of this biomarker in the blood have been observed to be an indicator that the individual has Alzheimer’s disease. This biomarker is present in the healthy brain, but in a brain that has been damaged because of Alzheimer’s, it is released into the bloodstream. Detecting Alzheimer’s may be as simple as a blood test in the near future.
Currently, Alzheimer’s is diagnosed through a brain scan or a sampling of spinal fluid. These tests are lengthy and expensive and are usually only done once someone has begun to show signs of battling dementia. The new test may help people to take actions to slow the spread of the disease before symptoms occur, effectively increasing their life span and their quality of life.
The team of researchers published their findings in the journal, Translational Psychiatry.
When someone has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, an elevated level of care is needed. The caregiver will need to be aware of the special needs that accompany dementia, and compensate for them. Many of the same needs will be present for someone with a physical disability because of the progressive nature of this type of dementia, but there will be other concerns, too. Those with Alzheimer’s can suffer from outbursts of anger or otherwise be overwhelmed by emotions. There’s memory loss and confusion, as well. Understanding how these things need to be approached in care is important. That’s true if it’s a family member helping with care, or a professional.
If you’re looking for senior care for a loved one with dementia, finding the right memory care service to help you out is important. Depending on your loved one’s needs and goals, there are many different approaches to care that might be helpful. In-home care is one of those approaches.
We can help you get started. Call us today to schedule a free consultation. Even if you don’t go with our in-home care service to assist your loved ones, you will walk away from our meeting understanding how senior care can benefit the people that you love and help them to stay safe and healthier while they are cared for.
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