In a new report, doctors have indicated that they think that the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease might be better approached in some cases through the use of a nasal spray. Their observations show that microscopic droplets of fat in the spray can help them to better target where the medication goes into the brain, and thus help them to better suit the treatment to individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s. Early tests with this method have shown great promise in the lab. Although it is not a cure for the disease, it looks like this has potential to help slow the progression of the disease.
This line of thinking began in the treatment of certain types of cancer, actually. It was found that when this method was applied, cancer cells could be more accurately targeted and killed. A similar delivery method for Alzheimer’s disease made sense as the targeting of specific cells was involved. In trials on lab mice, it has been found that this delivery method has actually been successful when it comes to helping restore memory loss. Usage in humans is still a little ways away. If all goes well with preliminary tests, we can hope for human trials to begin in a few years. The process can sometimes take as long as ten years, unfortunately. Still, this is progress.
The concept is pretty simple, although this is a novel application of it. The tiny fat droplets, called nanoliposomes, are coated with protein fragments that have the ability to stop the amyloid proteins that accumulate as plaque, which is one of the telltale signs of Alzheimer’s. These plaque deposits cause the cognitive decline that is characteristic of the disease, and stopping the spread of this is one of the things that Alzheimer’s researchers have been working toward for decades. It is hard to know whether or not this will be of any help in humans, and whether or not it will be safe to administer, but this is a promising development in the field of fighting dementia.
Having a loved one with any sort of dementia is an overwhelming and oftentimes frustrating ordeal. Providing care day after day is tough on family members, both physically and emotionally. It is stressful and it eventually takes a toll upon everyone involved. Having a support system in place to help you out once in a while is the best way to avoid this fatigue. It can be a trusted family member who will help out one or two days per week, or you may want to consider hiring a professional in-home caregiver to take over for you on a daily basis. In some cases, a nursing home might be the best choice. If you have questions consult with a doctor that is familiar with senior care and get their opinion. Many senior care and in-home care services will also help with consultations, often for free. Take advantage of these tools so that you can be sure to know what is best for your elderly loved one and the rest of your family.
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