[ad_1]
With an estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease. The road to cure therefore appears long and uncertain.
But when it’s near the end of this year Experts are reviewing some of the advances in diagnosis, treatment and risk management that will occur in 2024.
Alzheimer’s Association , a Chicago-based non-profit organization committed to research, care, and support for Alzheimer’s disease. shared their top 5 key discoveries of the year.
Dementia report reveals ‘alarming’ signs at age 60 You develop the disease at age 80.
1. Third new Alzheimer’s drug approved
In 2024, there’s a new drug for dementia. This is because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kisunla (donanemab) in July.
This is the third new approval since 2021.
Alzheimer’s Association , a Chicago-based non-profit organization committed to research, care, and support for Alzheimer’s disease. shared their top 5 key discoveries of the year. (Istock)
Kisunla, manufactured by Eli Lilly, is designed to “Slow the progression and change the course of the disease,” according to an association press release.
at Injected once a month It is intended for adults with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
This is the first drug used to target amyloid plaques. which is a protein that is created in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients This often impairs memory and cognitive function. There is evidence to support stopping therapy once the amyloid plaques are removed, the company said.
Research has found that fat ‘Hidden’ disease can predict Alzheimer’s disease up to 20 years before symptoms appear
“This is real progress,” Dr. Joanne Pike said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital at the time.
“This (FDA) approval gives people more choice and more time. Having such a wide range of treatment options is the advancement we have all been waiting for.”
2. Blood tests may help speed and accuracy of diagnosis.
This year’s research brings Alzheimer’s disease blood tests closer to being used in doctors’ offices.
The results of the study found that Blood tests can achieve a more accurate diagnosis. This may help patients gain faster access to clinical trials and treatment. According to the Alzheimer’s Association
“This is real progress.”
“Blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease are showing in research that they can significantly improve the accuracy and confidence of doctors. Makes it more accessible And there is more reason to communicate,” the same source said.
In one study reported this year, Specific blood tests are approximately 90% accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s disease in patients with cognitive symptoms seen in primary care and specialized memory care clinics. According to the association’s report
3. Individuals and caregivers need additional support after diagnosis.
People newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers need additional help navigating the health care system.
That’s according to a 2024 Alzheimer’s Association survey that found 97% of dementia caregivers expressed a desire for such a support system.
2024 Approval of first drug to target amyloid plaques which is a protein that is created in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and often impairs memory and cognitive function (Istock)
The majority (70%) of caregivers of people with dementia also stated that “care coordination causes stress”.
To help address this issue, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in July 2024 launched an eight-year pilot project to manage dementia care. It’s called the Guiding an Improvementd Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model.
Dementia risk may be linked to walking speed. Study advice
The program aims to work with health care systems to provide support services for people with dementia and their carers. Its focus is on helping patients stay in their homes and communities. According to the Alzheimer’s Association
4. Wildfire smoke increases the risk of dementia.
According to 2024 research, air pollution is linked to an increased risk of dementia.
The 10-year study, which was presented during the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia in July. It was found that wildfire smoke may be “Extremely dangerous” to brain health
A 2024 Alzheimer’s Association survey found that 97% of dementia caregivers expressed a desire for such a support system. (Istock)
The research included more than 1.2 million people in Southern California. This is an area where forest fires occur frequently.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Alzheimer’s Association says air pollution from wildfires may be more harmful to health because of higher temperatures. Contains higher concentrations of toxic chemicals and has a smaller diameter than other sources
5. Alzheimer’s disease causes physical changes in the brain.
In June 2024, scientists and doctors published research showing the physical changes that occur in the brain as a result of Alzheimer’s disease.
Click here to subscribe to our health newsletter.
The Alzheimer’s Association writes: “Defining disease using biology has long been the standard in many medical fields, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.”
In June 2024, scientists and doctors published research showing the physical changes that occur in the brain due to Alzheimer’s disease. (Istock)
“The new publication defines Alzheimer’s disease as a biological process that begins with changes in the brain before people show memory and thinking problems.”
These brain changes occur before common external symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and trouble planning or organizing.
See more health articles at www.foxnews.com/health
Additional research and support resources from the Alzheimer’s Association can be found at www.alz.org.
[ad_2]
Source link
