Diseases often have connections, even when they don’t seem like they should. For example, ALS, sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that impacts muscle movement. It can cause muscle atrophy, paralysis, and is a terminal illness. However, a recently developed enzyme that has been produced works along a pathway within the body to help reduce these symptoms. This treatment has been shown to also help with unrelated illnesses, such as strokes and a handful of other disorders.
The connection between ALS and stroke seems to be that of brain injury. In ALS, neurons are damaged and die off, which also occurs after a stroke. Strokes are the result of blocked oxygen flow to the brain, usually because of a blood clot. When this occurs, brain cells die. The disease is a cardiovascular one and not a neuro-based issue, but the end result seems to be connected in some way. The treatment to help improve symptoms for those with ALS is proving to be surprisingly similar to the treatments for improving the lives of those who have suffered from a stroke.
An enzyme called NAMPT is currently being studied because of the promise that it has shown in mouse models for helping lab animals with these conditions. If successful, it could prove to be a huge breakthrough in the medical field.
Yes, many of these developments are years off from occurring. But it is exciting to know that seniors in the future are likely to have better treatments available than what we have today. Research in these areas is still growing, and doctors are learning more every day about how best to care for the senior population. Senior care in the future is likely to be very different than what our parents have now. And that’s a good thing. It means that we will have better care when we need it, and it means that our children and grandchildren will see even a higher quality of care than what we will experience.
Today, caring for an elderly loved one is certainly not easy, but care doesn’t need to be be impossibly hard, either. Enlisting the help of a professional care service, like Paradise In-Home Care, might be just what you need to help give your mom or dad the care that they need to get through the day safely and stay happy while doing so. A professional caregiver does far more than make sure medications are taken. They also provide companionship, help out with chores, provide transportation to and from appointments, and more. They are a way to not just help your parent make it through the day, but to enjoy their lives more, too.
If you have questions about how in-home care for an older loved one can increase the quality of life for your whole family, feel free to get in touch with us today. We’ll schedule a free consultation and see whether our services are a good fit for your family. And if they’re not, we can help steer you toward the best choice for your unique situation.
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