Alzheimer’s: a revolution is underway

Alzheimer’s disease (MA) has long been considered a fatality of aging. Similarly, Between scientific advances. Consequently, more precise and new treatments diagnostic tools, it seems to enter an era of transformation and its management is evolving. However, in the absence of healing, has the situation for patients really changed?

By Jean-Paul Briand.

MA is the most widespread neurodegenerative disease and the first cause of dependence in seniors. Meanwhile, In France, it concerns more than 1.2 million people and this figure could double by 2050. However, The MA has complex relationships with aging which is the first risk factor. Furthermore, During the aging process. Moreover, the volume and weight of the brain decrease and are accompanied by a loss of synapses and a alzheimer’s: revolution underway cognitive decline. Consequently, It is therefore difficult to distinguish normal aging from the beginning of Alzheimer’s. However. Similarly, this condition is not a direct consequence of aging: it is a disease in its own right, which often begins years before the appearance of the first troubles.

A better understood disease. However, but still mysterious

MA has long been reduced to the accumulation of amyloid plates and “tau proteins” in the brain, but it turns out to be much more complex. However, Recent research highlights inflammatory, vascular and genetic mechanisms that influence its development. The hypothesis of an “amyloid cascade” which triggers. maintains the neurodegeneration remains central, but is no longer enough to explain all the diversity of cases. Studies also suggest that metabolic (diabetes, hypertension) or environmental (pollution, lifestyle) factors could accelerate its appearance. Sex also intervenes in the MA, women being more predisposed than men, especially after the age alzheimer’s: revolution underway of 80. This multifactorial vision of the MA opens the way for personalized preventive approaches.

Early diagnosis: a major issue

For years, Alzheimer’s diagnosis was made late, often at an advanced dementia. Today. thanks to the biomarkers (analyzes of the cerebrospinal fluid, amyloid PET imaging), the disease can be detected before the appearance of serious symptoms. This is important because it is thus possible:

• To better plan the future: an early diagnosis allows the patient. his family to anticipate legal, financial and therapeutic,
• to set up non -drug interventions: cognitive stimulation, adapted physical activity and balanced diet (Mediterranean diet) can slow down the evolution,
• To offer therapeutic trials: new treatments target early stages and a late diagnosis excludes patients with promising innovative therapies.

In medical areas, there are many tests for assessing cognitive losses. The most commonly used tool is alzheimer’s: revolution underway the mini-moderate state examination (MMSE). a score below 24 is generally considered to be indicative of a cognitive impairment. In Simple Sage Self-Dispistence Downloadable here can detect light cognitive disorders.

The arrival of new treatments: a measured hope

After decades of failures. several drugs modifying the disease appear, such as the Donenémab, not yet authorized in Europe and the LecaneMab which has just been. These monoclonal antibodies target the amyloid plates and modestly slow down the cognitive decline. However, these treatments pose challenges. They are very expensive. Their efficiency remains limited. They do not stop the disease, but delay its increase by about 30 %. Their side effects are not harmless: risk of edema and cerebral micro-hemorrhages. Deaths under treatment took place. They are only reserved for early stages and require rigorous follow -up. Other tracks are explored: anti-thie therapies, anti-inflammatory drugs, even vaccines. But alzheimer’s: revolution underway their generalization will take years.

Better living with Alzheimer’s: the importance of support

In the absence of curative treatment, the quality of life remains essential. Non-pharmacological approaches (speech therapy, art therapy, support groups) improve the well-being of patients. The entourage, often exhausted, must be helped (training, respite). An early diagnosis, coupled with overall management, makes it possible to better prepare patients and their loved ones. The new treatments, although imperfect, mark a turning point. Research is progressing and with it, the hope of effectively slowing down this devastating disease. MA remains an incurable disease, but fatality is falling …

« Memory is the future of the past “Writing Paul Valéry. Tomorrow, thanks to science, this past could remain present longer.

More info otherwise on Magcentre: how to fight cognitive decline?