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Recently, I asked my weekly newsletter subscribers for suggestions as to topics they would like to see addressed on my blog. One reader requested that I write about the latest research into the causes and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
That’s a tough assignment! Why? Because despite many decades of research, it seems as if we still know so little about this common type of dementia.
What I decided to do today is offer you an update on what I believe are 4 of the most fascinating developments in Alzheimer’s research. Please let me know if you find this helpful, and I’ll be happy to post more updates in the future.
Eye exams to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease
A few studies over the years suggest that sometime in the future we may be able to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease through a simple eye exam. For example, a recent study at Duke University noted differences in the retinas of people with Alzheimer’s disease as compared to those with normal brain function.
The study used a noninvasive scanning technique known as OCTA. Alzheimer’s patients showed fewer retinal blood vessels and less retinal blood flow in their eyes.
But before you run to your eye doctor’s office to learn if you have Alzheimer’s disease, be aware of a few limitations with this and similar studies:
- The sample size was small.
- This test is not part of a routine eye exam.
- The study involved a one-time scan. It didn’t follow people over time.
If an eye test for Alzheimer’s disease becomes a reality, this will represent enormous progress. Today it is difficult to get a definitive diagnosis, and current tests are usually invasive and expensive.
Vaccinations for Alzheimer’s disease
For many years, scientists have worked to identify a vaccine for the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The goal is to trigger the body’s immune system to fight the disease.
Unfortunately, most of these trials had to be halted in the early stages due to dangerous side effects such as brain swelling. But there is hope.
An ongoing study in a small group of people in Ireland shows promise. A significant number of patients displayed improved cognition after being vaccinated, and without experiencing significant side effects.
Before you ask for an Alzheimer’s vaccination next time you’re at the pharmacy, know that it will probably be many years before a vaccine becomes widely available. Multiple steps are required to assure vaccines are safe and effective before they can receive FDA approval.
The Nun Study
Beginning in 1986, Dr. David Snowden studied a group of nuns living in Mankato, Minnesota in an attempt to better understand Alzheimer’s disease. I find this study especially fascinating because I attended a Catholic college where we had nuns as teachers.
The sisters in the study volunteered to take part in medical exams, cognitive testing, and even agreed to donate their brains for autopsy upon death. The group (which later expanded to include nearly 700 nuns from across the U.S.) provides excellent research subjects. That’s because they share so many of the same environmental variables, and they keep meticulous records of their activities.
Among many findings, the Nun Study helps us understand:
- The relationship between head trauma and Alzheimer’s disease
- How a positive attitude can affect one’s life span
- The protective effect of an active intellectual life
- How linguistic ability can be a predictor of Alzheimer’s disease
If you wish to learn more about the Nun Study, you can find Dr. Snowden’s book on Amazon:
Medications to treat Alzheimer’s disease
Currently, five prescription medications have FDA approval to treat Alzheimer’s disease: Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne, Namenda, and Namzaric. The most recent of these drugs appeared on the market in 2014. Sadly, despite an enormous amount of research, no new medications have received approval in the past 5 years.
It’s important to note that for some people these medications may help slow the progression of the disease. Or they may temporarily reduce the symptoms. However, they do not cure Alzheimer’s disease.
So, how can we help? I hope you’ll seriously consider signing up to take part in Alzheimer’s disease research. Many studies need healthy participants as well as people living with Alzheimer’s disease. These are a few options to consider:
- TrialMatch: Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, this organization matches individuals with specific dementia studies.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: This site recruits people for research studies on an enormous number of diseases, not just Alzheimer’s.
- Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry: I signed up with this group that focuses on research to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
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