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.