Researchers have long suspected that there were similarities between Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. What exactly that was, they were not one hundred percent sure. Now, doctors believe that they are a step closer to answering the question. The similarity seems to rest on abnormal proteins, and their ability to cause massive degenerative damage within the brain. Hopefully, by identifying these proteins and their root causes, scientists can move a step closer toward helping those suffering with these diseases to have a higher quality of life.
Right now, that still seems to be many years off in the future. The good news, however, is that because this link in diseases is becoming more well understood, doctors are beginning to suspect that the same, or a very closely related procedure, will be able to help individuals suffering from any of these three diseases.
These neurodegenerative diseases share common characteristics, and the hope is that new advances in the field will help illustrate exactly how they work and spread within the brain. When these things are more fully understood, preventative measures are more likely to be created. Yes, this is still a ways in the future, but this is yet another big step forward in the field of geriatrics.
One potential benefit that may arise from these advancements is that if one treatment can be found that is effective for all three of these diseases, there’s a chance that it will be much more cost effective than if a separate treatment were needed for each, as we see now. It’s hard to predict the future in terms of what pharmaceutical companies and the legal landscape will look like, but this is a very realistic prediction. These diseases all involve the death of brain cells, and because the protein that does this is similar in all three diseases, there’s a chance that a concerted effort could be effective. Only time and more research will be able to decide this for certain.
When you have a loved one suffering from a degenerative disease like any of the ones listed above, or they suffer from dementia, in-home care can be a good solution, depending on the severity of their needs. Studies show that avoiding disruptions to lifestyle can help those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia to stay healthier for longer, and nowhere is this easier to do than within the home. Now, we realize that this isn’t realistic, or even safe, for everyone. Some people have advanced needs where greater supervision is necessary. Others simply cannot afford in-home care because it is not covered within their insurance policies. In these cases, other arrangements must be made. However, if in-home care is something that will be of help to your family and yourself, be sure to see what arrangements can be made.
Feel free to contact Paradise In-Home Care to get a free consultation set up. If we’re a good fit for your mom or dad’s needs, we will be sure to let you know. And if not, we will get you pointed in the right direction.
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