Researchers really haven’t been able to do much with being able to predict how Alzheimer’s disease will progress throughout the brain. Yes, there are some things that have been discovered over the years that can slow down the spread of the disease. These include mentally and physically stimulating activities, like exercise and puzzles. However, doctors are also quick to point out that everyone is different, and what works for some people might not work for others. The disease is incredibly unique in how it impacts people, and although these things work for some, they don’t work for all. Even medications present these same frustrations. Some people respond well but others don’t.
In order to help families prepare themselves for the trials that an older loved one with Alzheimer’s will go through, being able to predict how the disease will progress would be extremely beneficial. A research team from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston recently published a research article indicating that movement of the disease might be easier to track and predict in the near future. By using a new statistical model, researchers believe that they can predict the development of the disease with more accuracy than ever before.
Their techniques rely on measuring a longitudinal marker called ADAS-Cog. So far, this seems to be the single greatest predictor of the spread of Alzheimer’s. They also have determined that measuring this gives them the greatest chances of figuring out when and how the disease will spread.
This seems to be an ideal way for those individuals with mild cognitive impairment to be tracked with greater accuracy. This population is at a very high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease because all of the markers for the disease are already in place.
What’s the significance of all of this? There are a few key things to remember. It’s easy to dismiss Alzheimer’s disease and this type of research because there’s no cure for the disease. But just because there’s no cure for the disease does not mean that doctors do not have an obligation to try and help those impacted as much as they possibly can. Early detection of Alzheimer’s, like what this would provide, allows doctors to start treating the disease earlier, and thus give patients a better chance at having a higher quality of life for a longer period of time. It’s not a cure, but when used correctly, it should help the people that we love.
Another thing to remember is that those with Alzheimer’s are not the only ones impacted. Family members like you and me are impacted, and early diagnosis gives us a better idea of what to expect and time to mentally prepare ourselves for this ordeal. It gives us time to prepare senior care or in-home care arrangements with professional services, and it gives us time to sit and talk with our older loved ones to make sure that they have exactly the right care for their needs and desires, before it is too late to get their opinions and input.
Leave a Reply