Alzheimers Disease Paper

Currently there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, however, there are drug and non-drug treatments that will aid in the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of this disease. Treatments, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, include; medication for memory loss and behavioral issues, support from close friends and family, exercise and eating right, and lots of mental stimulation (Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, 2015). Studies are showing that the more a person engages the brain before onset of the disease the less likely they are to develop the disease. Genetically speaking, prevention includes knowing which markers affect the chances of developing the disease.

Current medications target memory and thinking problems but they do not treat the underlying causes of the disease. New medications are being targeted for Alzheimer’s disease including; Beta-amyloid, Solanezumab, Beta-secretase, and Tau protein (Treatment Horizon, 2015); all of which target failing neurons in brain activity that is specific to memory loss which may lead to having the potential to treat the underlying causes in the future. Scientists are also looking at inflammation in the brain and insulin resistance in the brain because both contribute to the onset of this disease. If scientists are able to reduce the inflammation and prevent insulin resistance in the brain it is possible that the disease may become treatable.

Although there is not a cure for this disease nor is there a definite way to prevent this disease from developing, there are several ways that a person can reduce their risk; eating right, exercising daily, maintain a healthy weight, no smoking, drinking alcohol moderately, practicing cognitive training, engaging in social settings, furthering education, treating depression early on, and getting plenty of rest (Alzheimer’s Association, 2015). Reducing the risk is important to possible prevention of the disease.

References:

Alzheimer’s Association. (2015). Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Retrieved from: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_treatments.asp

Alzheimer’s Association. (2015). Treatment Horizon. Retreived from: http://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_treatment_horizon.asp

Baumgart, Matthew et al. (2015). Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association , Volume 11 , Issue 6 , 718 - 726 Retrieved from: http://www.alzheimersanddementia.com/article/S1552-5260%2815%2900197-1/fulltext