Get the Scoop on the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials that Are Showing the Most Promise
The latest findings in Alzheimer’s clinical trials.
Currently about 10% of the over-65 population, around 5.7 million seniors, are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease—and that number is anticipated to escalate to as many as 14 million by the year 2050. The race is on as researchers scramble to find a remedy or at the very least a successful treatment option. And besides the emotional toll the condition takes on both individuals diagnosed and their family members, the financial impact is astounding, costing as much as $277 billion in 2018 and expected to grow to over $1 trillion by 2050.
The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation has recently revealed its 2017 Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Report, and the results are very interesting. There are currently 126 Alzheimer’s therapies in the clinical stage, specifically to deal with symptom management of the common results of Alzheimer’s:
- Agitation
- Violence
- Apathy
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Sleep Problems
Additionally, researchers are looking further into the inherent causes of the disease, beyond the typical suspected beta-amyloid link. Following are the leading kinds of interventions being investigated:
Neuroprotection:
Several drugs are exhibiting promising results in reducing neuron damage and enhancing neuron survival and regeneration.
Chronic Inflammation:
Prior research reports have tried to link inflammation with Alzheimer’s; nevertheless, the anti-inflammatories tested proved ineffective. And yet, more modern research includes newer inflammation-targeting drugs, directed at enhancing the immune cells and removing toxic proteins.
Genetics:
Research that commenced 2 years ago in exploring epigenetic treatments is now evolving to add a chemotherapy medication to attempt to regulate the expression of certain genes.
Repurposed Medications:
More affordable and with less testing requirements than new drug development, trials of existing medications to check their potency against Alzheimer’s are underway.
Early Intervention:
A brand new emphasis has been placed on treating patients who display biological markers indicating a heightened danger of developing the disease, although not yet displaying symptoms. Even while these trials may involve invasive medical procedures, such as spinal taps, the capacity to prevent or at the least slow the progression of Alzheimer’s is really worth considering.
CareWorks Health Services continues to monitor clinical trials and any other progress in the journey towards a cure. In the meantime, our agency is also available to provide specialized, compassionate, and highly skilled Alzheimer’s care for seniors. We start with building a personalized plan of care to deal with immediate concerns, and then monitor that plan ongoing so that the right level of care is provided as needs change—right within the comfort of home. Contact us at (949) 859-4700 to learn more or to schedule a free in-home assessment.