This post was originally published on this site Scores of efforts to mark June’s Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month are designed to raise funds and visibility around the degenerative brain disease and related disorders, and the estimated 50 million people worldwide thought to be affected. Across the United States, patients, caregivers, and advocates will “go…
About Alzheimer’s Disease
Walking into a room and forgetting why you went into the room is normal. Walking into a room and forgetting what room you are in is not normal. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and affects one in ten people over the age of 65. Unfortunately, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood however leading scientific experts in the field attribute the illness to the irreversible and progressive generalized degeneration of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease goes well beyond the forgetfulness that may accompany aging, and typically first signs include difficulty remembering current information or performing new tasks. Ongoing hallmark symptoms include impaired memory function, difficulty performing everyday tasks, and neurobehavioral abnormalities. Currently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and multi-disciplinary treatment focuses on symptom management and limiting progression.
Conditions
Alzheimer’s News
My Guilt Was Endless as My Mom’s Disease Progressed
This post was originally published on this site Mourning a person who is still living is a sad and surreal experience. I’ve had my fair share of grief as a caregiver for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. My emotions have ranged from feelings of abandonment to denial and guilt. Being the sole caregiver for Mom…
High Levels of ‘Bad’ Cholesterol Linked to Increased Risk of Early-onset Alzheimer’s, Study Suggests
This post was originally published on this site High levels of “bad” cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), might increase the risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a study suggests. The study, “Association of Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease With Elevated Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels and Rare Genetic Coding Variants of APOB,” was published in the journal…
Mourning Is a Natural Process for Caregivers
This post was originally published on this site We tend to categorize loss. The loss of a child is the pinnacle of grief. That’s understandable. The loss of a parent is also devastating. However, it wasn’t until my mother received her dementia diagnosis that I genuinely understood that loss doesn’t always involve finality. Dementia isn’t…
ProMIS’ PMN310 Antibody Candidate Shows Greater Effect, Less Risk Than Other Therapies, According to Data
This post was originally published on this site ProMIS Neurosciences’ candidate PMN310 can specifically target toxic clusters of soluble amyloid-beta protein, and be safely administered at high doses with reduced risk of characteristic Alzheimer’s brain changes or swelling, according to clinical data. PMN310 has the potential for greater therapeutic potency compared with other amyloid-beta-directed antibodies…
Alzheimer’s Diagnostics Accelerator Program Awards Nearly $3.5M to Develop Early-detection Methods
This post was originally published on this site Selected through the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation’s (ADDF) Diagnostics Accelerator program, four scientists will share nearly $3.5 million to develop new biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Philanthropists, including ADDF co-founder Leonard Lauder, Bill Gates and Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, are expected to fund $10…
Virtual Reality May Improve Quality of Life of Hospitalized Dementia Patients, Study Says
This post was originally published on this site Virtual reality may help improve the quality of life for people with dementia, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, by stimulating them to recall past memories, reduce aggressive behavior, and connect with caregivers, a study suggests. The study, “Bring the Outside In: Providing Accessible Experiences Through VR for…
Tips to Help Members of the Sandwich Generation Balance Responsibilities
This post was originally published on this site The sandwich generation is one of the many terms that define caregiving. As you can guess, the term has nothing to do with two pieces of bread spread with peanut butter and jelly. Rather, the sandwich generation refers to those who currently are raising children or supporting…
Antibodies That Target Neurotoxic Proteins in Alzheimer’s Are Identified
This post was originally published on this site ProMIS Neurosciences researchers have discovered new antibody candidates that selectively bind to the neurotoxic form of the tau protein — one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. These new antibodies join the company’s PMN310, a humanized antibody that attacks only toxic forms of the amyloid beta protein…
Early Brain Alterations May Occur Decades Before Onset of First Symptoms, Researchers Say
This post was originally published on this site Scientists have found a series of brain alterations associated with Alzheimer’s disease that occur decades before the onset of the first symptoms. Identifying these biological and anatomical brain alterations in people at high-risk for the disease may help them receive earlier therapeutic interventions, the researchers said. The study,…
The Death of Denial
This post was originally published on this site I was helping Mom in the bathroom when suddenly she slumped over, unable to hold herself upright. Her hospice nurse was scheduled to come later that day but had previously offered to come sooner if needed, so I immediately contacted her. As soon as she saw Mom, she…
More than a Million Children Provide Familial Care in the US
This post was originally published on this site The most recent statistics surrounding family caregiving in the United States are staggering. A 2005 National Alliance for Caregiving report estimates that 65.7 million Americans are familial caregivers. Of that number, more than 16 million care for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Shockingly, some of those…