Rochester, N.Y.—Scientists and doctors have renewed optimism in the battle against Alzheimer’s. Findings from two studies were released this week and seem to show great progress in the effort to learn how to eradicate a disease that causes loss of brain function.
Iceland StudyResearchers in Iceland identified a protective gene-mutation that prevents a small percentage of people from getting Alzheimer’s.
“It allows us to intervene at a stage of disease where there hasn’t been irreversible damage with a drug that is likely, with an approach that is likely to make a real difference,” said Dr. Anton Porsteinsson, Geriatric Psychiatrist at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Washington University Study Washington University-St. Louis School of Medicine doctors and researchers reportedly discovered new information related to the timing of changes in the body that could help uncover signs of Alzheimer’s long before it develops.
“In a reasonable time frame, more like 10-15 years, we have a chance to make a real dent in Alzheimer’s disease,” said Portsteinsson.
Families Given HopeBruce Holroyd wears a purple Alzheimer’s bracelet to symbolize hope.
His 88-year-old father has the disease and can no longer speak or open his eyes.
Bruce’s wife, Kathy watched over the course of five years as her mother died from complications due to Alzheimer’s.
“It’s an absolute nightmare for the person living with the disease and the family,” said Kathy Holroyd
But new research has given this family hope beyond what’s worn on Bruce’s wrist.
“There’s always a glimmer of hope, I’m just hoping that it proves out,” said Bruce Holroyd.
“I would give most anything, I would do anything to help this progress,” said his wife.
Across the nine counties that make up the Rochester region, it is estimated that 25,000 people live with Alzheimer’s according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
If you would like more information on the disease or would like to help with studies, you may click the links below.
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_1973.asphttp://www.urmc.rochester.edu/alzheimers-care/
