Monday, January 21, 2008

Looking Into Alzheimer Research

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people world wide, and their loved ones. Alzheimer disease is a progressive brain disorder that has devastating results on patients. The disease was first discussed in 1906 at a medical meeting in Germany. Dr. Alois Alzheimer reported on a strange case that he had involving a 51 year old woman. This woman’s symptoms did not seem to match any in the realm of psychology. She had rapid memory loss, confusion, disorientation and was suspicious of her own family and staff members at the hospital.

When the woman died, Dr. Alzheimer performed an autopsy of her brain and was shocked to find the deterioration that had occurred. He documented what he had discovered, and the disease was named after him.

Today Alzheimer research is conducted around the world, in hopes of discovering a way to prevent, or treat this disease. Alzheimer research is opening the door to a variety of new information regarding this disease.

What Alzheimer Research Tells Us

Alzheimer research is conducted at many different clinics around the world. Yearly, Alzheimer researchers get together to discuss their findings, and make connections about what they have discovered.

Alzheimer research is leading to some interesting thoughts about Alzheimer’s. One theory that has been to spring forth is a connection between Alzheimer’s and insulin resistant Type 2 Diabetes. There seems to be some Alzheimer research to support a connection between a persons chances of getting Alzheimer’s and if they have Diabetes.

Another interesting discovery was that changes in the eye lens may indicate Alzheimer’s. The eye was exposed to a rapid non-invasive laser, and changes were noted. These were thought to correlate to the build-up on the brain of beta-amyloid. This is a plaque like substance that is found on the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferer. This test could help identify the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and help see if treatments are diminishing this build-up.

There is also Alzheimer research into a skin patch that can be used to administer a drug to help with Alzheimer’s. Caregivers preferred this patch method to the previously used pill form, and the effects seemed to be better when using the patch. This will continue to be monitored for its effectiveness. Alzheimer research takes many years when looking into new medications and ways to administer it.

Alzheimer research plays an important role in finding ways to not only treat this disease but also, discover it early enough to start treatment. Many scientists and pharmaceutical companies spend much of their time in Alzheimer research.

Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan: Facing Adversity With Great Courage

Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan made Nancy Reagan, the former President’s wife very concerned about what could be done to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease which led her to explore the many possibilities that the research taking place regarding stem cell could make possible, and which could hopefully provide many uses in being able to treat the dreaded disease. This has led to much public interest as well with many more people voicing their support on finding the cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Letter From The Ailing President

With Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan, this support has gained in momentum and more human embryonic stem cell research is needed that can throw up means that will someday lead to the cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Before President Reagan died of Alzheimer’s disease he wrote a letter for the American people informing them about his condition. This was a very thoughtful thing for Reagan to do and the contents of his letter regarding Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan were sure to have elicited much positive response and concern about the former President’s well-being.

The contents of the letter show the courage and determination of the former President in meeting the challenges posed to him from this dreadful disease and not wanting to keep the Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan condition private was a bold move on his part in that by going public it would raise consciousness about Alzheimer’s disease and promote better understanding of the condition.

The letter goes on to state that he, the President was feeling fine and that he had the courage to face life even in spite of Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan thanks to the support he got from his wife Nancy and the rest of his family. There is however, he further states, the need for the family to be able to cope with the ‘painful experience’ that his family would surely go through, and that he was sure that with the help of the public such difficulties would be less for the former First Lady.

He closes the letter pertaining to Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan with the hope that he would meet the problem squarely and he thanks his Maker for having been given the opportunity to serve the nation as its President. It is indeed a touching letter and the public should be glad that Reagan had the courage to go public with his condition.

It is really a good demonstration of courage in the face of adversity, and it is for the common good of the American people to know that their First Citizen had the courage to face the problems raised by Alzheimer’s disease which would only help provide others with hope that they too could deal with the problem without flinching nor being downcast whatever the difficulties life throws up.