A new study is helping researchers better understand why Alzheimer’s disease begins, and how it spreads within the brain.
The research focused on microglia, which are a sort of first responder cell when something isn’t right within the brain. One of the findings of this study was that genetic variations in microglia can actually exacerbate the spread of Alzheimer’s which is the opposite of the intended purpose of these immune cells.
By targeting microglia response through medication, some researchers believe that the spread of Alzheimer’s can be slowed down significantly. This medication is already being used in cancer treatment with a good deal of success in preclinical models. Hopefully, the same results can carry over into Alzheimer’s treatment.
A new study suggests the progress of Alzheimer’s disease might be slowed by targeting immune cells.
This study was conducted by researchers at the Weill Cornell Medicine. Their results were published in Science Translational Medicine at the beginning of December. Hopefully, this helps lead to more targeted Alzheimer’s research–and brings us closer to a cure. There’s still a long way to go before we get to this point, but studies like this one keep getting us a step closer to a better life for those that are suffering from Alzheimer’s.
The future of Alzheimer’s treatment is promising, but for those that have Alzheimer’s now or are to develop it in the near future, there’s a long and painful road ahead–both for those that are suffering from this cognitive disease and their families.
The proper care for those with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia is vital to health and safety. Those suffering from Alzheimer’s that don’t have appropriate support can often find themselves in dangerous situations, such as wandering out of the house at night, forgetting medications or taking the wrong ones, skipping meals and appointments, and more. Depending on the progress of the disease, different levels of support may be needed.
Finding appropriate senior care can be very helpful here. For some, a concerned and present family member is adequate, especially early on in the course of the disease. As things decline, more and more support might become necessary. In-home care can be a great way to give your loved one the support and love that they need, all while not disrupting their life. In-home care allows your mom or dad to stay on their own but still receive the professional attention that they need to stay safe and keep up with daily tasks.
Memory care can take many different forms. Depending on your specific situation, in-home care might be right, or something different might be required. There are a lot of options out there, including assisted living, in-home health care, and the nursing home. Each family is a little bit different and goals will differ depending on each situation, so what’s best for me might not necessarily be best for you.
Talking through your choices with a professional caregiver can help. Feel free to contact us for a free consultation session to get started. This can be a challenging experience for families and having a skilled team of professionals on your side can help make it a little bit easier. Let us know how we can help.
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