Will Alzheimer’s be cured?

Finding a cure for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's is a challenge, to say the least. The disease is difficult to diagnose, and the drugs that are somewhat effective struggle to get into the brain since the brain's blood supply is largely isolated from the rest of the body.  Doctors have spent many years and countless amounts of money on studies and testing to find patterns in the degeneration of the disease and how to at least slow down the progression of the disease since being able to reverse its effects seems almost impossible. It has been shown that mediations such as Aricept and keeping the brain strong and working doing things like working on puzzles and brain games slow down the progression to some extent but not completely. 

One of the most important factors in curling the symptoms of Alzheimer’s is to recognize early signs and whether the is genetically susceptible to inherit the disease.  While there is no cure at this time, there are several treatments that doctors have found to help a person manage the symptoms that they are experiencing.  Many people with Alzheimer’s experience changes in their sleep. Scientists have not yet been able to understand why this happens. They know that as with changes in memory and behavior, sleep changes somehow result from the impact of Alzheimer’s on the brain and how the neurotransmitters fire and connect.  By understanding this better, it is easier for doctors to closely monitor sleep and make sure that this does not become a factor that could cause the person to decompensate.  Any stress on the mind and body can turn Alzheimer’s into a snowball of symptoms that they may not always come back from. It is much better to be proactive and prevent these issues before they happen.  Most importantly, if you know someone with Alzheimer’s or care for someone with this disease, make sure to monitor their behaviors and symptoms closely and report any changes that you may see to their medical provider immediately.