For the past several years, researchers have been looking for a specific type of protein that is associated with damage caused by heart disease and stroke. Now, a group of researchers believes that they have identified it. Called the proton-activated chloride channel, this protein is linked to damage from heart disease, some types of cancer, and inflammation. By identifying this protein, where it is found in the body, and learning more about how it acts, researchers now believe that they can create a new medication that will lessen the damage that is done to an individual in the event that they suffer from the above mentioned health issues.
The protein is stimulated by acid, and can cause damage that has long been associated with heart disease. Minimizing this damage could help to improve the recovery of those who have suffered from a debilitating health incident.
This research was conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Their findings were published recently in Science, a professional research journal. Although there was a lot of evidence that such a protein existed, researchers were not able to pinpoint what it was until this breakthrough.
With cardiovascular disease being the number one killer in the United States, this new research carries a lot of potential with it. By improving the health of those who have suffered from a catastrophic health event, many premature deaths can be prevented, those helping seniors to live longer lives.
For now, the outcome of this discovery is still up in the air. Even if it does fulfill the hopes of those working in this arena, we are still several years away from this medication being used on a widespread basis. There is a lot of testing and many clinical trials ahead for those that are working on developing this new medication. And while it’s exciting, it doesn’t carry that much promise for those seniors that are currently struggling with heart disease and cancer.
For those of us that have a loved one suffering from the after effects of heart disease now, there is still hope. Finding a good care team that can give your loved one the attention and help that they need to make each day a little easier will go a long way toward reducing the strain that can be created. Whether this means better access to medical care and treatment, or more supervision during the days in the form of long term care, is completely dependent on your unique situation. Both have a lot of merit and both can help to improve the quality of life that your elderly loved one experiences. Both are definitely worth learning more about.
If you have questions, contact an expert near you that can help point you in the right direction. This could be your county’s Department of Social Services office, or maybe just a professional senior care service. And if you’re in the San Francisco area, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule a free consultation and learn what tools and resources you can use to help your family live a better life.
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