Alzheimer’s disease can look very differently from case to case. In some people, Alzheimer’s progresses slowly and the person suffering from it can live a high quality of life for years before a noticeable negative decline occurs. In other cases, the diagnosis is made and cognitive decline occurs quickly. In cases like this, it is not uncommon for the person with Alzheimer’s to pass away in three years or less. Unfortunately, not much has been known about why some people are impacted so differently.
Until now. A new research project has undertaken looking at the different progression rates of Alzheimer’s to figure out just why this occurs so differently in different people. What was discovered is that misshapen tau proteins play a role in how quickly the disease can spread. They also found that identifying these strains of tau proteins can also help doctors to better target just how the disease is treated. It won’t cure or stop the spread of the disease, but it can help doctors create a better course of treatment for someone suffering.
The bottom line is that Alzheimer’s disease is not quite as simple as we once thought. There are different variations and subsets of the disease. While they all possess the same hallmark symptoms, the disease will progress in different ways as time goes by based upon medical interventions in place and the type of disease that is present. And because all people are different, brain chemistry nuances can impact how the disease spreads, too. No two experiences with Alzheimer’s are going to be identical.
Variations in the shape of tau proteins may have an impact on how quickly or slowly Alzheimer’s disease spreads through the brain.
The research team was based out of Case Western Reserve University. They recently published their findings in the journal, Science Translational Medicine.
It can be a struggle to help a loved one that is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. And unfortunately, because there is no cure for this disease and it is a degenerative one, it is going to get harder and harder to cope with symptoms over time. If this is a struggle for your family, it’s okay to ask for help. It’s not an indicator of giving up, but rather one that shows that you want to give the people that you love the best help and care that you can provide.
We can help you to find that help. Our team of professionally trained caregivers prides itself in being able to not just help seniors with advanced needs get through their days in a safe, healthy, and happy manner, but also in helping families get connected with the right care for their situation.
The right memory care is vital when someone that you love has dementia. Finding a care service that takes into account your unique situation and goals is important. You want a care service that listens and really strives to work with you. This individualized approach to care is not impossible to find. We’d love to talk more with you about how in-home care might help you to better achieve what you’d like to get out of senior care. Give us a call today to talk to a professional caregiver and learn more about what care can do to help your family live a better life.
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