Memory Loss Research Roundup – Latest Studies On Dementia & Alzheimer’s
Memory loss isn’t easy on the lives it touches, and one of the ways to cope with a loved one’s memory loss is to educate yourself as well as remain up to date with the latest research. Compiled below are major new studies’ findings in the areas of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
New Vascular Dementia Concerns and Cures
In the United Kingdom, they have discovered a link between vascular dementia and stroke victims. This is important because:
- 10 percent of stroke survivors found to develop dementia within a year of their stroke.
- Vascular dementia affects 75 percent of those suffering from dementia.
Finding and treating for the linked causes could significantly reduce those suffering from vascular dementia. Three U.K. charities are coming together to help continue research into the correlation between surgeries to prevent strokes helping to stave off dementia or at least treat vascular dementia.
Alzheimer’s Drug Therapy Discoveries
One of the main components of memory loss in those suffering from Alzheimer’s is the protein beta-amyloid. When this protein clumps together into plaque in the brain, it causes nerve cell death. The death of the communicating cells causes the cognitive decline that is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
However, this isn’t the new information. What is new are the drug treatments doctors are using to address the problems caused by the beta-amyloid.
- Solanezumab – This drug will bind to the beta-amyloids and keep them from forming plaque and may carry some of the beta-amyloids away.
- Verubecestat – The utilization of this drug would prevent the creation of the enzyme that makes beta-amyloids, halting the problem altogether.
- CSP-1103 – Helps bring down brain inflammation, one of the contributing causes of nerve cell death. This would be most effective on those already dealing with Alzheimer’s and hopes to slow the condition in concert with other drugs.
- Intepirdine – Inclusion of this drug to a Alzheimer’s drug cocktail would help maintain normal nerve cell communication.
While these drugs are not yet available to the public, there is hope that as the trials go well these drugs will join 5 other FDA approved drugs to help in the struggle against Alzheimer’s.
While it may feel like a long wait, remember that all potential new Alzheimer’s and dementia drug treatments have to go through extensive testing. Should these drug therapies prove safe for humans, generations to come will benefit from them.
