Ground-Breaking Therapies in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s
The fight against Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most important of our time. While there is not yet a cure, increased focus on dementia-related illness has produced exciting new possibilities. These include both drug-based and cognitive-centered therapies that slow the progression of the disease.
These groundbreaking therapies are key to not only improving the quality of life of Alzheimer’s residents, but they are also important breakthroughs, moving us toward discovering a cure. Here are some insights from the team specializing in memory care in South Jersey:
3 Important Areas of Medication – Focused Alzheimer’s Research
- Disease-Modifying Small Molecules – This area focuses on inhibiting multiple disease pathways by controlling specific biologic processes. For example, these types of medication may reduce inflammation, encourage the growth of nerve synapses in the affected areas of the brain, and may even boost communication between nerve synapses.
- Symptom-Reducing Small Molecules – This area of study works to develop medications that ease Alzheimer’s residents’ symptoms in order to improve their quality of life and to ease caregiving. These types of studies focus on enhancing sleep, antidepressant, antipsychotic, and mood-stabilizing medications.
- Disease-Modifying Biologics – These are ongoing studies into developing medications using or containing components from living organisms — much like a vaccine or antibody therapy. These will target two critical components of Alzheimer’s disease, namely the malfunctioning tau protein and toxic amyloid.
Slowing the Progression of Alzheimer’s May Be Within Reach
U.S. drug company Biogen was recently granted regulatory approval here for aducanumab, a breakthrough drug that may help slow clinical decline in Alzheimer’s residents.
In March 2019, this drug appeared to be ineffective, but researchers say higher dosages offer promise and justify moving into clinical trial phases. This drug targets toxic amyloid, a plaque that attaches itself to brain cells in people with Alzheimer’s. By attacking and clearing away this build-up, researchers believe they can possibly slow the progression of the disease.
Cognitive-Centered Therapies for Alzheimer’s
Another important area of research is non-drug treatments. These use cognitive therapies to stimulate areas of the brain targeted by the disease in order to improve symptoms. These include therapies like NeuroPulse, which is an ultrasound brain stimulation. It recently showed promising results within the study. For instance, there was a 10-point improvement on the CERAD scale for around three months after treatment.
Another promising therapy involves shining light directly onto affected parts of the brain to potentially reverse the course of the disease. This daily treatment has recently completed a major trial and, with more research, the Neuro RX Gamma headset by Vielight could help Alzheimer’s residents to:
- Improve their writing and reading skills,
- Restore their memory,
- Reduce the stress and anxiety they suffer; and
- Improve their cognitive development.
This makes it an exciting innovation in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
The Shores – Compassionate Hospice and Dementia Care in Cape May County
The Shores is a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization focusing on memory care in South Jersey. We offer a wide range of services including the compassionate, professional Tapestries® Memory Care Residence, designed and built as a tranquil and safe space for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents, emphasizing the strengths of each individual.
Tapestries offers high-quality living for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents, including beautiful apartment-style living space, 24/7 monitoring, access to nurses and trained aides, and engagement programs that support your loved one’s strengths. Tapestries associates receive specific training to care for seniors who suffer from various neurocognitive disorders and related dementias.
To visit our community and experience exceptional Alzheimer’s care in the Jersey Shore area, please contact us today and book a tour, or visit our website at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/alzheimers-dementia-care/
