For those of use getting up in age, this is very encouraging... Full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/02/h...s-like-a-virus-in-the-brain-studies-find.html
Alzheimer's is one of my biggest aging fears. Hopefully they'll find a cure for it within the next decade.
No kidding. My biggest fear. I hope that if they don't find a cure that there is at least euthanasia available by then legally. I don't want to live through the madness and I don't want to put family through it either.
Agree with both posts. I have similar fears and as one of those getting up in age, those little "senior" moments that we jokingly refer to now, will get less humorous as we start wondering if it's not something more serious. I think this breakthrough may be huge if they are able to halt or at least slow the progression of this horrible affliction.
Nothing really new to see here. The question is whether or not this tau protein is essential for other brain or bodily functions. The only worry is that if they use an antibody for the the protein or even do a gene knockout before its ever translated is that it serves an essential function and you get some nasty side effects. Nonetheless, I really hope they do crack this b*stard because I am more fearful of losing cognitive/mental ability than dying from a cancer or something related
Same here, would not want to live with this disease. When you have cancer or something related, at least you know what will happen. But not having the control over your mind and brain seems horrifying. My great-gradma had it and in the end didn't even recognize us and all other family members, friends, etc. She couldn't live on her own and had to be taken care of like a child. Before the disease she always been one of the strongest old people, both mentally and physically. Aged well even being 80+ and always seemed to be tough as a rock. She got Alzheimer when she was like 91 or somethin and it went downwards in no time then. It was heartbreaking to witness how the disease basically destroyed the person we once knew and left a shell. Wish this to no one, really hope they find a cure so that none of us have to go through this.
My grandma has been showing early signs of this disease and it's definitely no fun. I'm already starting to look at long term solutions for care and such because I can no longer do it on my own . I definitely wish that none of y'all ever have to go through this because it is painful to watch them change from who they were at one point.
I heard curry works. Curcumin or something in curry helps prevent formation of beta-amyloid holes in their brains. Might maybe slow down progression?
agreed. If I'm ever in that state, just guide me to the roadside and let someone collect the points.... Spoiler
I wonder if they will be able to implant something akin to a Deep Brain Simulator, much the same way they did with Parkinson's patients. On the surface, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's have a lot of similar elements (beta amyloid, plaque build-up, loss of motor functions, etc), however the levels under which the plaque builds up is very different. I hope they can figure out the cause, and subsequent solution soon.
I hope this does not sound cruel because I in no way wish for anyone to suffer; but I sometimes wonder if there is not some relief in those with severe Alzheimer's. For sure it is horrible for the family and to a person who is in otherwise good health, but if your health is deteriorating and life is already becoming miserable, perhaps there is some bliss with the ignorance. Kinda like how the r****ded can be so happy. I just can't help but hope/wonder if the patient isn't in an otherwise happier place - like in a pleasant dream. I would like to think so. Those of you who have family dealing with Alzheimer's please know this is just wishful thinking on my part.
