Are We Ready for an Alzheimer’s Cure?
When reading that headline, you may think that the answer is a no-brainer.
On a personal level, we’re well overdue for an Alzheimer’s cure, there’s no doubt about that.
If a treatment would to surface today, the word ‘Alzheimer’s’ would no longer be such a devastating blow to patients and their loved ones.
While focusing on our healthcare system, however, the answer isn’t as black and white.
Could We Handle an Alzheimer’s Cure Today?
If you have been following recent headlines, you may have seen that Bill Gates donated a generous $50 million to fund and develop Alzheimer’s research. At the same time, he expressed a vital (and realistic) concern.
When we look at the current population — especially in terms of the aging population, there has been rapid growth. If we were to find a cure today, based on this one variable alone, the healthcare system wouldn’t be able to handle it. It simply isn’t equipped.
It is estimated that by 2040, approximately 11.6 million Americans will be living with Alzheimer’s. In order to diagnose these individuals in the early stages and then administer an effective treatment, the healthcare system would need to be prepared — which many fear isn’t the case.
This concern mainly stemmed from a recent report, conducted by the RAND Corporation. Sponsored by Biogen (a company who is currently in the third testing phase regarding their experimental Alzheimer’s treatment), this report discusses a concern regarding the diagnostic process, followed by the treatment phase.
At this time, there simply are not enough doctors who specialize in geriatric or PET scanners. Since approximately 15 million Americans will suffer from mild cognitive impairment by the year 2020, they will be at-risk for developing Alzheimer’s. The only way to confirm, however, is to identify amyloid plaques in the brain, using a PET scan.
Based on RAND Corporation’s prediction, if a cure was to be found, patients would need to wait 18+ months to be treated — causing more than 2 million people to progress into full-blown dementia over the next two decades.
While we’re still searching for a cure, perhaps these are the types of discussions that we need to have. All the other pieces of the puzzle will need to be put into place before a treatment is found and then made accessible. The ultimate goal will be to help as many people as possible, as quickly as possible — but that will take some planning.
Does This Mean We’re Closer to a Cure?
At the end of the day, this prediction isn’t set in stone — and on a more positive note, this discussion has a silver lining.
The fact that we’re talking about a potential cure is exciting. It brings awareness to not only the disease itself, but also the concerns surrounding a potential treatment. The amount we have learned over the past decade or so is astonishing, and researchers are not slowing down any time soon.
There is hope here, so don’t feel as though we’re in a crisis. The reality of the situation is we’re not yet 100% ready, but that doesn’t mean that action cannot be taken today, in order to better prepare for the years ahead.
Although Biogen is focusing on a BACE inhibitor, targeting amyloid, Bill Gate’s donation will support other efforts beyond this prominent theory — which is good. Since there are still so many unknown variables and potential contributing factors, it is important that we continue to explore all possibilities.
How You Can Take Action Today
I have said it time and time again — the best thing that YOU can personally do to protect yourself, is to take a more proactive approach within your daily routine. Recognize risk factors and then make your own personal neural health plan. Think variables such as uncontrolled blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and your current BMI.
Recommended reading: Powerful Risk Factors That May Prevent One-Third of Dementia Cases
From obesity to the effects of smoking, these risk factors are in your control. The actions you take today, may significantly influence your elderly years.
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Comments (1)
When can I think of No Alzheimers-cure.