Yes, there's pill -- a possible new approach to Alzheimer's that may be a way of curing the disease before you get it.Hey, one third of Americans over 85 are already affected by Alzheimer's. Globally, 50 million are living with dementia. Since 2000 more than 200 Alzheimer's drugs have been tested; only a handful of drugs can relieve some of the worst problems of memory loss and confusion.
In this issue of Time Magazine, we are told about Dr. Frank Longo, top neurologist at Stanford University -- his very impressive background, and the drug Longo created -- LM11A-31, that he calls C31. It's currently in Phase two of testing; the first Phase proved it was safe for humans to take. Right now, it is being tested on people with the disease to see if it ameliorates their symptoms. After Phase two, it will be on its way to being approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Dr Longo's drug can treat the disease before "amyloid" (waxy sticky protein) appears in the brain.
Huh? What age does the Doc mean -- age 65, age 50, or younger -- 30 or 40? This sticky stuff -- what causes sticky protein to form -- diet, genes -- is it related to diabetes, sedentary existence? I waded through this six page cover story, without finding specific answers, just more about Longo's approach and other doctors' strategies. If you want to read it, click Alzheimer's From a New Angle.
I read the other sections in this issue about fear of dying, and what other things you can do to live longer, like getting your 23 chromosomes analyzed by 23AND ME, a DNA testing website that tells you what you can expect to go wrong with you as you grow older.
Hurray for the sciences that give us information about the dangers for us as we travel down the road. NO, I wouldn't enroll in 23AND ME, but gee, yes, oh YES, I would take Dr. Longo's test.
I want my brain to keep functioning, growing, getting wiser, and keep on being busy -- busier than ever -- working and learning and creating every single-wingle day of my life.
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1 comment:
My great aunt Shirley Lawrie died of alzheimer's. We first noticed it when she would call people by different names. She was able to correct herself at the beginning and then it got increasingly more noticeable. Her final stages of life were very saddening, she didn't know anyone, she was in distress, her spark and smile were all but a distant memory. She was a lovely woman, kind, generous and very caring. She certainly made an impact on my life. I hope this new drug is able to do what it says it can and save a lot of people from this terrible illness.
Thank you for posting Emily. I hope you and John are well.
Kevin x
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