Sundowning In Alzheimer’s

New Alzheimer’s Drug shows promise

New Drug Shows Promise Against Alzheimer’s

Good news, a New Alzheimer’s Drug shows promise. First, there has been many failures in Alzheimer’s drugs.  Finally,  there may be a medication that has shown positive outcomes.  For example,  it has some success in clearing out the  toxic amyloid proteins.  Thus,  a significant slowing of the rate of the individuals patient’s cognitive decline.  Biogen and Eisai announced a new experimental drug, “BAN240”.   The New Alzheimer’s drug has shown some encouraging results. 

A news release touting their results

Last week they  released the data results that everyone was waiting for.  However, there was cautious optimism at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Chicago.   The company showed  a study of patinets over  1 1/2 years.  First, the new Alzheimer’s drug was given in the highest dose possible.The dose,  10 mg per kilogram of body weight .  Second, the dose was administered 2 times a month.  Third, the medication was given through a  IV.  Hence,  big impact on  patients with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease.  For example, large  reductions of beta amyloid. They had about 92.9 percent less beta amyloid.  In contrast, individuals men and women receive a placebo.  Finally, is showed a lesser level on cognitive tests than patients who were taking a type of placebo.

The New Alzheimer’s drug also has dome negative side effects

First 13-16 Percent of patients on the highest dose of the drug patents had some negative side effects.  Second, some of the negative side effects were serious.  However, 16% of people on placebos had some negative side effects.  For example,  brain swelling related to removal of amyloid from the brain.  Again,  a phenomenon refereed to as ARIA-E. Most ARIA didn’t cause problems.  To sum up, 9-10%  had headaches, visual disturbances, as well as types of confusion.  Hence, the New Alzheimer’s Drug  is the light at the end of the tunnel.

Beta amyloid  protein is the primary component of sticky plaques which builds up in the brain

New Alzheimer's Drug shows promise
Alzheimer’s Drug

It’s considered a signature, and a likely cause, of the disease.  “Beta amyloid is in everyone’s’ brain.  Hence, it is a perfectly normal protein.  This being said, the new Alzheimer’s drug helps keep this in check.  To sum up,  disease, the body’s normal process for getting beta amyloid out of the brain stops working properly.  The results, Alzheimer’s or dementia can be helped with the New Alzheimer’s Drug.

Usually,  beta amyloid gets cut out by an enzyme called alpha secretase.  The two pieces get cleared from the brain and everything is OK,  In Alzheimer’s disease, two other enzymes–beta secretase and gamma secretase–cut the protein in places it wouldn’t normally be, leaving fragments that the body doesn’t recognize or know how to get rid of, he says.

Possible Next Steps in treating Alzheimer’s

The pharma company  presented  BAN2401 data to regulatory authorities like the FDA.  There has been no commitment for the beginning of a phase 3 trial.  Hence, the final steps before the new Alzheimer’s drug receiving regulatory approval.  Med-Q Medication Compliance System syas it’s encouraging to see positive results.  However,  lot more research ought to be done.  This new drug can be a miracle.  Hence will this new New Alzheimer’s Drug  help millions.

First of all, these toxic fragments will begin to accumulate  and start to form plaques. .  The new Alzheimer’s drug  is particularly good at breaking down the  toxic beta amyloid fragments.  These fragments are called protofibrils. The new drug originated from a family in a small town in the country of Sweden.  This unique family had an inherited genetic mutation.  The mutation has been labeled the Arctic mutation.  The mutation leads to elevated levels of protofibrils in their brains.  Hence,  at ay high risk for developing  Alzheimer’s  or dementia.  Researchers are guessing that clearing these toxic fragments may help.  Finally, it shows BAN2401 was effective at removing beta amyloid.

No drug has ever demonstrated both the ability to clear beta amyloid and slow the progression of the disease in such a short period of time,   The Alzheimer’s Association said the research indicates “that amyloid remains an important therapeutic target to pursue in Alzheimer’s disease.  To sum up,  the jury is still out on whether that will be the miracle cure that is being looked for.

Could It Be Alzheimer’s?

It’s normal for people to become a bit forgetful as they age. So how can you tell a harmless “senior moment” from Alzheimer’s disease? One in eight people 65 and older have this devastating form of dementia. In its first stages, Alzheimer’s may not be obvious to friends and family. But there are some early warning signs to watch for.

Warning Signs: Memory and Speech

In early Alzheimer’s, long-term memories usually remain intact while short-term memories become sketchy. Your loved one may forget conversations you had. She may repeat questions that were already answered. The disease also disrupts speech, so she might struggle to remember common words.

Warning Signs: Behavior

In addition to memory loss, Alzheimer’s can cause confusion and behavior changes. Your loved one may get lost in familiar places. Mood swings and lapses in judgment are also common, as is poor hygiene. People who were once stylish may start wearing stained clothes and forget to wash their hair.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

It’s hard to face the thought that a loved one could have this disease, but it’s better to see a doctor sooner rather than later. First, the diagnosis might be something else. The symptoms could be caused by a highly treatable problem, like a thyroid imbalance. And if it is Alzheimer’s, treatments work best when they’re used early in the course of the disease.

How Is It Diagnosed?

There’s no simple test for Alzheimer’s, so the doctor will rely on you to describe the changes in your loved one. A mental status test, sometimes called a “mini-cog,” or other screening tests can measure his mental skills and short-term memory. Neurological exams and brain scans may be used to rule out other problems, like a stroke or tumor, and they can provide other information about his brain.

What Happens to the Brain?

Alzheimer’s causes nerve cell death and tissue loss throughout the brain. As the disease gets worse, brain tissue shrinks and areas that contain cerebrospinal fluid become larger. The damage harms memory, speech, and comprehension.

What to Expect for Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s is different for every man and women.  For example. for some people the symptoms get worse very fast.  Thus, leading to severe memory loss and confusion. Another example, for many other men and women the changes are slow and gradual. It could take decades for the disease to run its full course. To sum up, most people live 3 -9 years after the original diagnosis.

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How Will It Change Daily Life?

Alzheimer’s affects concentration, so your loved one may not be able to do ordinary tasks like cooking or paying the bills. A study suggests trouble balancing the checkbook is often one of the first signs of the disease. As symptoms worsen, he may not recognize familiar people or places. He may get lost easily or use utensils improperly, like combing his hair with a fork. Incontinence, balance problems, and loss of language are common in advanced stages.

Should My Loved One Stop Driving?

Poor coordination, memory loss, and confusion are a dangerous combination behind the wheel. If you feel your loved one should stop driving, tell her why. If she won’t listen, ask her doctor to step in. If she still insists on driving, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles for an assessment. Then make other plans for her transportation needs.

Can Exercise Help?

Physical activity can help your loved one keep some muscle strength and coordination. It might also boost his mood and help him feel less anxious. Check with his doctor to learn which types of exercise are appropriate. Repetitive activities, like walking, gardening, or even folding laundry may be the best at giving him a sense of calm.

How Is It Treated?

There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s and no way to slow the nerve damage it causes in the brain. But there are medications that appear to help maintain mental skills and slow the disease’s effects. If your loved one gets treatment early on, she may be able to stay independent and do her daily tasks for a longer period of time.

The Caregiver’s Role in the Alzheimer’s Journey

Caring for someone with this disease is not easy.  Caregivers must wear many hats.  For example , a cook, chauffeur, and house keeper.  First,  you may have to handle meal planning and finances.  Second, try to encourage your loved one to do some things for themselves.  Another example,  label cabinets with their contents or use a smart pill dispenser with alarms to hold the New Alzheimer’s Drug.

What are the Challenges in Care giving

Alzheimer’s  sufferers will usually often understand what’s happening to them at the beginning .  Again, many fell ashamed as well as getting agitated or anxious.  First, be on the look pout  for signs of depression.  Second,  the patient will often become paranoid or aggressive.   Again, they may  and could even turn on you. Remember that the disease is responsible for this change. Tell their health care professional. if you are experiencing this kind  of behavior.

What is “Sundown Syndrome”

What is Sundown Syndrome?.  Sufferers have a reaction at sunset.   Researchers have no idea why.   However, many people with Alzheimer’s start to get upset when the sun goes down.  First of all, it  tends to last through the evening.  For others, it may last all night long. To ease the aggression, try to keep the house well lit.  In addition close the drapes before sunset so the Alzheimer suffer can not see the sunset.  Try to distract your loved one with a favorite activity or TV show.

When Your Loved One no longer remembers who you are

Many people  have difficulty remembering names.  Furthermore, the may forget the names of the people closest to them. Try doing this:  put up pictures of people with names printed underneath. Eventually, your loved one may no longer recognize faces and may react as if family members are strangers. This can be distressing, especially for the main caregiver.

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