New research indicates that it might be easier to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease than was originally established. Brain scans, which have been used in the past but with limited success, might be even more successful than what was once thought possible.
This new line of research comes out of Imperial College London, who recently published their findings in the journal, Communications Medicine. The team believes that a brain scan can be used to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with this tool by focusing on parts of the brain that are not normally looked at when diagnosing Alzheimer’s.
Researchers are looking at structural changes in the brain, including portions where Alzheimer’s hasn’t traditionally been focused on. By seeing these changes through brain scan technology, doctors might be able to more accurately diagnose this form of dementia in its early stages, something that hasn’t been done with a lot of success in the past.
Research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre. While there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done concerning Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in general, this is an important step. It indicates that we might be able to tell when someone has Alzheimer’s even if there are no visible symptoms yet. Early detection equals early treatment. And early treatment can help someone who has the disease to live a higher quality of life for longer periods of time.
Right now, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. People who have this disease will face a decline in cognitive and physical ability as the disease progresses. The rate of decline will differ from person to person and at what stage the disease is in. Typically, if the disease is detected early on, the likelihood of being able to treat the disease and slow down its spread is much better than if the disease is not found until later on in its course.
This is one of the reasons why studies like the one discussed above are so important. Early detection isn’t a cure, but early detection can help people that are struggling with the disease–or will be struggling soon–to live a higher quality of life as they go through the stages of this. It might be a small thing, but anything that allows seniors that are struggling to make life a little bit better should be given more attention.
If you have a loved one that is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, you have options. We can help you talk through them and get you pointed in the right direction. Ultimately, you are the expert on your own family. You know better than any other professional what’s going to work and what isn’t.
When you partner with a care service that knows what’s out there and how to connect to it, you can combine the expert knowledge that comes from years in the industry with your understanding of your family.
Give us a call. We’d love to partner with you and ensure that your family is connected to the care you need.
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