Current Research in the Field of Alzheimer's and Related Dementia

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on December 21, 2016

Current Research in the Field of Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Association has been involved in advancements of Alzheimer’s and related dementia research for nearly four decades and continues to be a leader in this fight the world over.  Their vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.

What is the Alzheimer’s Association?

They are the largest non-profit funder of Alzheimer’s research and promotes research throughout various organizations to collaborate to find treatments, preventive strategies, and optimal care for those afflicted.

What efforts has the Alzheimer’s Association promoted?  

It is promising to note the endless efforts of the National Alzheimer’s Association. In summary:

• To date, they have awarded over $375 million dollars to over 2,400 projects to help understand the disease, identify new treatment strategies, provide information to improve patient care, and to further knowledge of overall brain health/disease prevention.
• They have provided global forums (their international conference, scientific journal, and a professional society) to advance the field.
• They partner with other non-profit organizations, industry, academia, and government such as key partnerships with the National Institute on Aging and the World Wide Alzheimer’s Neuroimaging Initiative. 

Much time, study, and research has been directed towards new treatments to slow down, prevent, and even stop Alzheimer’s completely.

What are the areas of greatest need?

The Association claims there are two areas of great need: volunteers for clinical trials and an increase in federal research funding. Bill Thies, Senior Scientist in Residence at Alzheimer’s Association states that volunteering in a study is a helpful way to move research further. He also notes that investing in research now will cost the U.S. less than what is now paid for the rising number of Americans affected by this disease in the future.

What drugs are available now and are envisioned for the future?

Scientists and medical professionals are hopeful for drugs that are already on the market and for any  future drugs. Presently, there are five FDA-approved drugs for Alzheimer’s that work on the symptoms of this disease, helping with thinking and memory problems. There is a sixth drug that is available globally. However, none of these drugs treat the causes of the disease; they modify the disease process itself by impacting the many wide-ranging brain changes that the disease causes.

Perhaps in the future, there will be drugs available to treat the causes of the disease. In fact, many researchers when asked about successful treatments, feel there will be many drugs developed to successfully target this disease, much like the various treatments that are now available for AIDS and cancer.

What is some of the current research?

Current research regarding healthy brain function and Alzheimer’s disease includes a detailed understanding of how the protein fragment beta-amyloid is present in abnormally high levels in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s and how the enzymes can be prevented from clumping into plaques and clearing the brain. There is another drug in research that targets tau protein which helps maintain the structure of a neuron, including tiny tube-like structures called microtubules that deliver nutrients throughout the neuron.  Yet another drug targets inflammation and prevents the beta-amyloid from being deposited on the neurons and at the same time, it reduces problems with memory (cognition) and thinking. Still another drug being developed helps the nerve cells maintain normal communication.

The Multi-Dimensions of the Alzheimer’s Association

Besides research and advocacy, the Alzheimer’s Association has local chapters throughout the U.S. (Find a chapter near you) and provides various services: a 24/7 Helpline (1.800.272.3900) offering advice and information and providing translation services in more than 200 languages; the nation’s largest library and resource center devoted to this disease and related dementias; and a safety service that responds 24/7 to emergencies for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s or a related dementia who have a medial emergency and/or who wander.  

They also host support groups and educational sessions.  There are online message boards to answer your questions and to offer support, and comprehensive online resources and information offered through their Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Center.

Additionally, the Association offers a Alzheimer's Navigator^®,to help people who may have this disease; it determines individual patient needs and helps to develop an action plan. From this, the Community Resource Finder can help with questions regarding programs, service, housing and care services, and legal issues.

Final Thoughts

The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease undoubtedly is growing with an estimated 5.4 million Americans having the disease in 2016.  It is expected that by 1950, someone in the U.S. will develop the disease every 33 seconds, and that the number of those with this disease will triple unless more advancements and medical breakthroughs help prevent or cure this disease.

Thanks to ongoing support, funding, and research of various non-profit organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, industry, academia, and government, perhaps someday the world will not have Alzheimer’s.  That is a vision worth sharing.