The thread is in the "humour" section, but it's true that lack of funds is slowing researchers from prevention, better detection, and finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease. It's also clear that members are concerned about this condition which is responsible for possibly 2/3 of cases of dementia.Originally Posted by mindanao
The true frequency is not known ( 18 million to 36 million estimated worldwide)
Much information is available on the UK Alzheimer's Society website (www.alzheimers.org.uk) or Alzheimer's Disease Association of the Philippines website (www.alzphilippines.com).
Memory loss alone is not Alzheimer's disease ! Diagnosis is difficult in the early stages, requiring GPs and specialists in the UK, who use "MMSE" (mini-mental state examination).
It's usually sporadic (less than 1% being inherited). The brain shrinks (atrophies) more than normally found with ageing, and amyloid protein is deposited, with impaired neurochemistry. Drugs may now be prescribed in UK - or bought in the Philippines - for treatment of early mild symptoms - they act by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. These include Donepezil, Galantamine, and Rivastigmine - but they are not a cure, and have side effects. So far there is NO cure.
How to avoid Alzheimer's disease ? You can do nothing about increasing age, and it's commoner in women. Good diet, regular exercise, moderate alcohol intake, and not smoking all help ...together with social interaction.
While Alzheimer's is among the commonest causes of dementia (others being cerebrovascular disease and "Lewy body" disease), onset at a young age could mean a different cause, possibly genetic and possibly treatable in different ways.
