What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease occurs when the normal functioning of the brain breaks down due to the loss of an important protein that results in plaque build-up between messages sent to one another in the brain. The neurons that lost are essential to the functioning of the brain and the reason for the individual’s ability to retrieve short-term and long-term memory, solve problems and learn languages. (Kish., T., 2018. Pg. 234). According to the research, inflammation of these beta-amyloid proteins appears to be the most likely responsible for the progression of the disease (Kish, T., 2018). Although there is no cure currently, various pharmaceutical companies continue to research new medications to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. While these studies prove to be hopeful, the evidence shows that no medications currently available are fully effective to slow the progression of the disease. Various pharmaceutical companies plan to launch trials soon to continue research into side-effects, symptoms, risks, and benefits.
Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s research continues as the disease rises with no signs of slowing down. Scientists are hopeful that a cure will one day become possible, however not as this time. Mendes presents the importance of knowing what Alzheimer’s is before treating a patient with this disease. As healthcare practitioners, we must understand the effect of treatment on our clients and what works and what does not. Due to the nature of the disease, treatment of mild, moderate, and severe AD is possible and effective through a provider, patient, and family collaboration. Due to the current state of the research, treatment of AD may be more effective through prevention rather than a medicinal cure. According to Mendes, AD research has continued for two decades with data continuously being investigated through pharmaceutical companies (Mendes, A., 2018). Perhaps while utilizing our time to effectively treat those individuals with AD, reducing symptoms is a pathway to patient success in treatment. Medication is used to prevent the dysregulation of essential proteins to preserve normal functioning. The article states that early detection of AD may prove to be more effective in treatment than a specific medicinal cure. The preventative measures include healthy eating, exercise, and higher cognitive activities such as puzzles.
Dementia is the leading cause of long-term care stays, increased risk for falls, and increased risk for further injury of aging individuals. Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia and is caused by the dysfunction of proteins that are essential to the basic functioning and memory processing in the brain. The article presents truthful data that supports evidence towards the ongoing search for a cure through pharmaceutical companies. While trials of protein blockers that have been performed in mice do reveal promise, these trials have proven to be limited in humans. However, the proof of preventable methods towards Alzheimer’s appears to be more effective, such as a healthy diet, exercise, and cognitive strengthening exercises. Mendes (2015) presents how lifestyle changes in older adults result in higher scores in cognitive assessment tests than those educated with basic advice from healthcare professionals (pg. 267). While the cure for Alzheimer’s is continuously pursued, prevention may be more effective.
Fact or Fiction?
The answer is neither. While research continues to cure Alzheimer’s, there is no cure-all at this time. However preventative methods to reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s prove to be more effective. Like everything in healthcare and the well-being of humans, we are all growing and learning.
Helpful Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm
References
Kish, T., PHARMD, BCPS. (2018). Intense Focus Yet Many Setbacks for Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Development. Pipeline Plus, 43(4).
Mendes, A. (2018). Understanding Alzheimer’s research and the journey towards a cure. British Journal of Nursing, 27(18).
Mendes, A. (2015). Hope surfaces in the desperate global hunt for a dementia cure. Nurse Prescribing, 13(6).