Have you ever noticed that someone in your family, perhaps your beloved mother, father, grandmother or grandfather, is gradually forgetting things? At first, small things, but then when they forget important things, we all get a little scared. This condition is what we often call Alzheimer's Disease. It is a very complex and distressing condition. But the good news is that doctors and scientists around the world are working day and night to find a solution to this disease. Today, let's talk about the new hope that this research has given us.
Why is Alzheimer's research so important?
Simply put, Alzheimer's disease is a disease that gradually destroys brain cells, leading to memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily tasks. This is caused by the deposition of abnormal proteins called amyloid beta plaques in the brain. Think of it as a buildup of debris and debris in the pathways that carry information between nerve cells in our brain, blocking those pathways. That's what happens to these proteins.
So far, no cure has been found for this disease. That is why research is our greatest hope . The world's leading pharmaceutical companies, institutions like the American government, and organizations like the Alzheimer's Association have invested a lot of money in this research. They have three main goals:
1. Finding treatments that reduce symptoms.
2. Finding ways to prevent the disease from occurring.
3. Providing a complete cure to those who have already contracted the disease.
Key points of focus from the research
Researchers are looking at this disease from many different angles. Like solving a big puzzle, they put together information from all sides to build the complete picture.
Factors that increase the risk of developing the disease
Some people are more likely to develop Alzheimer's than others. Researchers are studying these risk factors in depth because finding out what causes them could help prevent the disease.
| Risk Factor | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Aging | This is the main risk factor. The risk gradually increases after the age of 65. However, not everyone who gets older develops this disease. |
| Family history and genetics | If your mother, father, or sibling had this disease, you may also be at risk. Certain genes influence it. |
| Severe head injuries | A serious head injury (especially one that results in loss of consciousness) during youth or at any time can increase risk in the future. |
| Low educational level | Education and regular brain-intensive work create a strong network of connections between brain cells. This has led to the discovery that people with less education may be at slightly higher risk. |
Newly approved treatments
This is the most promising area. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two drugs that target and remove amyloid beta plaques from the brain, which we talked about earlier, a primary cause of Alzheimer's disease.
1. Aducanumab-avwa (Aduhelm)
2. Lecanemab-irmb (Leqembi)
Rather than curing the disease completely, these drugs help slow the progression of the disease and remove harmful proteins from the brain. This is considered a major step forward in the field of Alzheimer's treatment.
This medicine may not yet be available in Sri Lanka, but with the results of research like this, we can hope that more successful treatments will emerge in the near future.
Things that help protect against disease
Research is not only looking for risk factors, but also for 'protective factors' that help protect against the disease.
- Use of NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that we use to relieve pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen and diclofenac. Studies have shown a link between their use and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's. But this is very important: Do not take these medications to prevent Alzheimer's without the advice of a doctor for any reason . It can cause other side effects.
- Antioxidants: These are substances that fight free radicals, which damage cells in our bodies. They are found in abundance in fruits, vegetables, and dark berries. This is why a balanced diet is so important.
- Keeping the brain active: Getting a higher education, working in a complex job, learning something new (a language, a musical instrument), solving puzzles, etc. keep the brain active. This increases the brain's 'cognitive reserve' and can delay the onset of symptoms.
How can we add these things to our lives?
No matter where research takes place in the world, the knowledge it brings can be applied to our lives. If you're concerned about your or a loved one's brain health, consider these things.
- Healthy lifestyle: Avoid smoking. Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. These are risk factors for heart disease as well as Alzheimer's disease.
- A balanced diet: Reduce oil, sugar, and salt, and add vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish to your diet.
- Exercise: Even something as simple as a daily walk can help maintain good blood supply to the brain.
- Be mentally active: Read a newspaper, read a book, solve puzzles, chat with friends, be social. All of these are good exercises for the brain.
The most important thing is that if you suspect that you or someone in your family has a memory problem, do not dismiss it as "just the way things are with age" and see a doctor immediately . The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the better the results you can get from treatment. He will examine you thoroughly and, if necessary, refer you to a neurologist.
Take-Home Message
- Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder, but there is a lot of new research that is promising.
- Recently approved drugs like Aduhelm and Leqembi are considered a major step forward because they attack the root cause of the disease.
- Although we cannot change risk factors like age and family history, we can reduce our risk by living a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and keeping our brain active.
- If you or someone close to you is having memory problems, don't ignore it and see your family doctor immediately. A quick diagnosis is very important.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න