Do I Want to Know if I Will Have Alzheimer’s Disease?
Whether or not one is likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, or any other disease for that matter, may not be something people want to know. In a Washington Post article entitled, “Would You Want to Know if You’re Likely to Get Alzheimer’s Disease?” we learn of an interesting phenomenon where people are reluctant to sign up for a study to develop protocols to prevent memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients because it requires that they be tested for the presence of amyloid plaque in their brains which has been found to be highly associated with developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
Amyloid plaques
Amyloid plaque is clusters of protein in the fatty membrane around nerve cells. It seems those with Alzheimer’s have this type of plaque buildup. According to a study out of Stony Brook University, cognitive impairment may likely result when this protein begins to amass.
Aiming for Early Intervention
In light of this, researchers are eager to get ahead of the curve and find ways to target and reverse this buildup. The first study in this area, Anti-Amyloid Treatment of Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s (A4 Study), tests the drug solanezumab. At the present time, the drug was unable to reverse the effects of full-blown Alzheimer’s. But, it shows promise for greater impact earlier on by flushing out the amyloid before its buildup can affect cognition.
No Thank You to Screening
Yet, few seniors in the 65-85 age range seem willing to screen in order to be part of a study. It seems that they would prefer not to know of an impending doom to which they are, at the moment, defenseless. The screening does include preparing participants for results, but takers are scarce.
This ambivalence about being tested is likely to get even more dicey since a group of British Researchers just announced that they are closing in on a blood test for 10 different blood proteins that can predict with 87% certainty that early signs of dementia will result in Alzheimer’s Disease.
For the time being, moving the playing field in the fight of Alzheimer’s to the pre-symptom stage is challenging. Researchers might have trouble bussing the players to the field.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Helps Seniors in Berkeley Heights
David York Agency knows all about caring for the elderly with Alzheimer’s disease. Our home health aides and home healthcare team are adept at in-home senior care and Alzheimer’s treatments.
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and down. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Berkeley Heights that provide in home health care services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (908) 373-5300. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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