Alzheimer's Research: The Present and the Future

Alzheimer's research are actually been provided by entire organizations. Among them are medical organizations searching for treatments and cures, and others work on the political aspect of getting increased funding for that research. Some even sponsor conferences that bring together doctors and scientists in the field of Alzheimer's research from all over the world. And there are some organizations that carry out all of these, with great benefit to the patients and their caregivers.

Alzheimer's research has yielded two types of medicines for Alzheimer's that treat the cognitive symptoms of the disease. Since the disease itself affects the chemicals and nerve endings in the brain, these medicines address those two

Cholinesterase and memantine are both inhibitors that stop the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the brain that's important for learning and memory. Both are suitable for mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Research shows that they don’t cure the disease, but both offset the progression of its symptoms for some time.

Alzheimer's disease affects more than only memory. Many patients experience behavior symptoms as well, including paranoia, irritability, annoyance, outbursts, impatience, and delusions. Alzheimer's research has shown that some medications can be prescribed to help control these side effects of the disease. Though, if you would like to try a non-medical approach, there are things that one can do. Understanding that their behavior problems are simply part of the disease helps the caregivers to cope tremendously.

Some Alzheimer's researchers believe that they have pinpointed a certain gene that causes or contributes to the disease. Nevertheless, there is still much work to be done in this area. Research data shows that those with the gene do not necessarily get the disease and those without it still can contract it. There is much controversy over the tests for this gene as they can be very misleading.

Organizations devoted to Alzheimer's research have done much good on the way to the treatment of the disease and the help needed for the caregivers. While doctors are still a long way off from finding a permanent cure, they are able to do quite a bit in helping to delay the progression of the disease in the meantime. And as long as they are able to go on funding Alzheimer's research, there is always hope that one day Alzheimer’s disease will be in the past.