Today, Thomas Edison’s words ring true in the race to find a new Alzheimer’s disease theory that cures the dreaded disease: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Each day tends to bring hopeful news of still another clinical trial, followed shortly afterwards by the disappointing news that outcomes did not meet expectations – and so the cycle carries on.
One neuroscientist, Christian Holscher, is indicating that to be able to win the fight against Alzheimer’s, we have to look beyond the tried-and-tried-again plaque theory. In fact, he points to the identifier of the disease himself, Alois Alzheimer, who stressed that while certain plaques were found particularly in older brains, there was no conclusive evidence that they actually result in the disease. Yet researchers have persistently honed in on these plaques as the culprit, and then come up empty-handed.
Holscher advises a unique avenue that ought to be explored instead in our mission to eradicate Alzheimer’s: the connection between Alzheimer’s and insulin. We understand that people with type 2 diabetes have a greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s; and, we understand that brain cells require insulin to grow and stay healthy. Could insulin deficiencies lead towards the type of irreparable neuron damage displayed in Alzheimer’s?
Research of brain tissue from those with Alzheimer’s who are deceased verified that insulin’s effectiveness in brain cell growth was destroyed, and interestingly, it was true both in diabetic and non-diabetic patients – leading scientists to the conclusion that testing diabetic treatment options on individuals with Alzheimer’s is really worth a try. A current clinical trial to test this theory demonstrated promising results, with neuron deterioration ceased in patients through the 12-month study.
Independence-4-Seniors Home Care will continue to closely follow any and all advancements regarding the continuous hunt for an end to Alzheimer’s disease. Our home healthcare team is highly trained and experienced in successfully managing some of the more challenging elements of Alzheimer’s disease, while supporting those affected to live life to their fullest potential. Whether the need is for just a couple of hours every week for family members to take a much-needed getaway from care, full-time, around-the-clock monitoring and assistance, or something in between, Independence-4-Seniors Home Careis here to help.
Contact us at (630) 323-4665 to request additional Alzheimer’s disease resources and then to schedule a totally free consultation, right within the comfort of home, for more information on our specialized Hinsdale elder care assistance.