Nearly 750,000 Canadians are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. However, there’s still no cure for this progressive condition that can affect all aspects of daily life. On a positive note, there are efforts underway to test and explore new treatment and prevention options for Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some of the ones that have been frequently mentioned in recent years.
Disease-Modifying Medications
Produced from living organisms, biologics are a class of drugs researchers are looking at. It’s hoped these medications can be used to control genes, proteins, and immune system responses related to Alzheimer’s. Specifically, researchers are focusing on modifying toxic antibodies related to abnormal brain protein accumulation.
Small Molecules Targeting the Disease & Its Symptoms
A nonbiological approach to Alzheimer’s treatment involves the use of small molecules that don’t originate in living organisms, although they could affect biological processes related to the disease. Similar treatments already in use don’t affect the course of the disease itself.
The newer therapies are being designed to use small molecules to change factors that affect how Alzheimer’s advances, such as inflammation and certain toxic enzymes. These molecules may also minimize disease progression by increasing cellular energy production.
Targeting Problematic Plaques
Beta-amyloid is a sticky protein fragment that tends to form in clumps called plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. Researchers are continuing to study drugs called monoclonal antibodies that mimic antibodies naturally produced by the immune system. The hope is that these drugs may prevent Alzheimer’s-related plaques from forming.
If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, help is just a phone call away. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Calgary live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
Reducing Brain Cell Inflammation
It’s not clear why, but Alzheimer’s produces a type of constant low-level brain cell inflammation. Researchers are looking at a diabetes drug and one commonly used to manage chemotherapy side effects that may also be able to reduce brain cell inflammation.
Researching Heart Disease Medications
There’s growing evidence suggesting issues with blood vessels in the heart may affect brain health in a way that contributes to Alzheimer’s disease. For this reason, researchers are currently investigating drugs normally used to reduce heart disease risk factors. The goal is to see if these drugs may also minimize the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Calgary Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Non-Medicinal Research
Researchers are actively looking at all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and exploring both drug-based and non-medicinal options. Trials are currently underway to learn more about non-drug treatments to manage Alzheimer’s-related symptoms and behaviors. Some of these treatments and therapies include:
• Light therapy to enhance sleep patterns and control wandering
• Acupuncture to manage mood and minimize cognitive decline
• Deep brain stimulation to increase brain activity
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to enhance brain functioning
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to manage Alzheimer’s-related agitation
Special Diets
Results from initial research suggest people with Alzheimer’s may benefit from the Mediterranean diet and the related MIND diet, both of which are often recommended to boost heart health and lower blood pressure. Researchers are doing more rigorous testing to determine if either of these diets could delay or even prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading home care service provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call 403-301-3777 today.