A new study looks at changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s and how doctors can recognize and diagnose the disease. Hopefully, this will lead to earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and provide better long term outcomes for those suffering from the disease.
This study found that one of the changes that occurs in the brain when someone has Azlheimer’s disease is that the telomeres are shortened at a rapid pace. Telomeres are a part of the chromosomes within our body. They act as a sort of protective cap on the end of chromosomes. As the body (and the brain) age, it is normal for telomeres to shorten. However, when Alzheimer’s disease is present, this shortening occurs at an abnormally quick pace. Detecting this may help researchers to more effectively diagnose the disease. This knowledge might also act as a method for a more efficient, helpful way to treat the disease.
The hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s is the cognitive difficulty and memory loss that comes with it. As science and our understanding of the disease have advanced, there have been methods developed to diagnose the disease a little bit sooner. Overall, the sooner the disease is detected, the sooner treatments can be given to help slow its spread. This seems like it may be one more tool at doctors disposal to help ensure that those suffering from this disease can live a better life.
This study was conducted by a team from Oxford Population Health. They published their findings in the journal, PLOS ONE.
In the past, it’s been long known that telomeres protect chromosomes. As cells divide (a normal part of aging), the chromosomes shorten as they compensate for the changes that occur within the brain. However, very little is known about the relationship between telomere functioning and neurological diseases, like Alzheimer’s. This kind of research might not seem like a major advance, but hopefully it is one that can be a springboard for the future and help in a major way.
Better diagnosis methods are certainly a good thing as medicine advances, but if you or a loved one already have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, this advance doesn’t do much for you right now. But that doesn’t mean that there are no options open for you. Depending on your needs, you have a huge variety of resources out there that can help you to get the assistance and care that you need to really thrive, even with such a tough diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t have a cure, but there are certainly things that can help those suffering from this to live a higher quality of life.
Talking with your doctor is an important first step. Working with a senior care service that can meet your memory care needs is often the best second step you can take.
We’d be happy to talk about Alzheimer’s, memory care, and how a professional in-home care service can help everyone in your family live a better life as a result. If you’d like to talk with one of our professional caregivers, please reach out. Our free consultation service might be exactly what you need to set up your family for success in the coming years.
Leave a Reply