2024-09-28 18:00:50
Genetic tests, laboratory tests and biological drugs are the future of science planned to fight Alzheimer’s. But social support is needed for these breakthroughs to reach many patients.
Last update: September 28, 2024
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Currently, it is the most common form of dementia.
The symptoms, in the beginning, are mild forgetfulness, confusion and some language problems. As the disease progresses and progresses, the patient may experience confusion, personality changes, and loss of their ability to perform daily tasks.
Today, there is no cure. However, in recent years we have learned more about the disease and experimental treatments are being developed that are promising. Therefore, here we present the most relevant scientific advances on Alzheimer’s.
1. Detect early symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease is a medical diagnosis. That is, the neurologist decides that a patient has after conducting tests and tests of memory and cognitive function.
But the symptoms of the disorder can mimic those of other diseases, such as dementia. Therefore, it is not always obvious or easy to reach a critical diagnosis.
Apart from, It may happen that the first symptoms are not noticed. This delays the onset of Alzheimer’s and worsens the quality of life of the affected person.
We had study of the last 10 years found that patients with worse identification of odors have a greater risk of suffering from the disease in the future. And although it is not an important sign, the fact that we have seen the group many years before the oblivion begins is a gateway to an early diagnosis.
2. New methods for diagnosis
Making a medical diagnosis, with only symptoms, brings problems. Not all patients get an immediate diagnosis and many are classified as having cognitive impairment or showing only signs of aging, but not with Alzheimer’s disease they suffer from.
That’s why researchers are working to have faster diagnostic tests. According to the Alzheimer’s AssociationThe latest developments in this field are as follows:
- Structure pictures: MRI and brain CT measure brain shrinkage, which is a sign of the disease. In particular, progress was made in measuring this reduction in the hippocampus, which would be one of the first areas to undergo changes.
- PET: PET is positron emission tomography. It allows you to see the activity of brain cells and their energy production. Since it is known that the neurons involved use less sugar, this signal can be measured with this method.
- Radio transmitters: In some countries, health centers have prescribed substances that, once injected into the patient, link to the abnormal proteins that appear in the brain with Alzheimer’s. Then, through MRI or tomography, it is possible to see in a different color the areas where the injected substances and foreign viruses are combined.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): There are also countries that mandate lumbar puncture testing for diagnosis. Some of the CSF is removed and analyzed to look for abnormal proteins.
- Blood tests: Options are being researched to measure substances in the blood that indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s. There are a few tests available, but none of them have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
3. Genetic tests to identify the risk
We also cannot diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with genetic testing. However, We have identified more than 80 regions of DNA that are related to the disorder.
The most studied gene is called APOE. One of its forms, APOE4, has a strong connection with the disease. People who carry this variant have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
One of the most famous cases of someone with the APOE4 gene is that of Chris Hemsworth. However, the test is not accurate. It is reserved for cases with a family history and if there is a lot of suspicion due to the appearance of early signs.
4. New treatments
Since 2003, only one drug has been able to overcome three stages of research to become a treatment option against Alzheimer’s. But 10 years ago, more than 50 items reach the second level. These numbers are contradictory, because there is a lot of development by scientists, although the number of formulas that are improved by perfect testing is minimal.
Even so, there are hopes on the horizon to find a cure and there are two main lines:
- Antiamyloid drugs: such as aducanumab and lecanemab. These are substances that reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. In patients who participated in the trials, improvement in symptoms was minimal.
- Drugs against tau protein: This group of drugs inhibits the formation of abnormal Alzheimer’s proteins.
For its part, the use of stem cells is an emerging field of research. These cells have the ability to differentiate into neurons, which makes them attractive for the regeneration of damaged brain tissue.
5. Knowledge of risk factors
To prevent Alzheimer’s disease, we need to know the factors that lead to its occurrence. And in that we have made a lot of progress, since we are becoming more and more aware of the situations or situations that put us in danger.
According to researchers, people with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, oral health disorders and depression are more susceptible. That means Controlling these conditions can reduce the chance of getting Alzheimer’s.
Smokers, those who are obese and have a poor night’s rest are also more likely. Therefore, changes to general health habits may be key.
Air pollution may also play a role in the disease. Like aluminum in drinking water.
What awaits us in the future?
New tests for earlier and more accurate diagnosis could be the next big advance in the science against Alzheimer’s. With recent research in genomics and molecular biology, it is also possible that more personalized treatments will emerge, according to the characteristics of each patient.
An increase in collaboration between researchers from different fields is expected. For example, among scientists in physiology and psychology, and among molecular scientists and biomedical engineers.
As research continues, an increase in public awareness of the disease is also expected. This can increase support for research and improve services for patients and caregivers.
In conclusion, The future of the approach to Alzheimer’s is a multidisciplinary approach that will combine biology and science. All in pursuit of a better quality of life for people suffering from the disease.
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