ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: POSSIBLE TREATMENT IN FUTURE
We have seen the first tissue implants into the brains of sufferers of Parkinson's disease. The tissue has either been from their own adrenal glands (situated on top of the kidneys) or from aborted foetuses, and contains the cells capable of producing the neurochemical transmitter dopamine (the substance deficient in the disease). The tissue is placed via a thin needle into the brain, with the hope that the cells will 'take' and produce dopamine.
Many carers have asked whether or not the same sort of operation will soon be available for sufferers of Alzheimer's disease. The answer is almost definitely not. Unlike Parkinson's disease, the deficits in Alzheimer's disease are multiple and very complex and accompanied by structural changes in the nerve cells. The door cannot be slammed shut, however; tissue brain transplants have a science fiction, fantasy aura about them, but in the case of Parkinson's disease they have become a reality. As research continues, possibilities concerning prevention, treatment and cure of Alzheimer's disease may well become realities.
New types of dementia are being discovered almost daily. The latest ones include Prion disease, Cortico-Basal Degeneration and Cortical Lewy Body disease. Some of them are extremely complex microscopic-based changes and their true place in the overall picture is unclear. What is clear, however, is that Alzheimer's disease may soon have to be called Alzheimer's diseases. It is beginning to appear that what was once thought to be a single disease is now made up of many sub-types. As the technology advances, we may soon be talking about the various ways in which these sub-types can be treated or even prevented by drugs. As the role of genetics gets bigger and bigger there is now an urgent need for the issue of genetic counseling to be considered. A few of the large research-based memory clinics already provide this service as part of their total work-up of the patient, as important as the history, examination and high technology scans. Genetic engineering has arrived for some diseases, could it have a role in the future in chronic confusion?
Despite the major advances in medicine and science, the reality for most people is of a slow decline into a mental desert, dependent on their loved ones for care and comfort. Carers above all need hope, but even more they deserve recognition of their role and as much practical support as they feel they need. It is a cliche that knowledge is power, but with dementia there are at least two victims, sufferer and carer.
*96/128/5*
GENERAL HEALTH
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
- Read the product information leaflet provided with the product before using it.
Information that this website contains are general information only and are not intended as a replacement for advise and recommendations made by your medical practitioner. We do not make any warranty or represent the accuracy of information supplied herein. We reserve the right to omit portions, correct errors or withdraw an entire page on this website as we see fit without prior notice.
Information about a certain drug, its uses, recommended dosages and side effects do not serve as a substitute to a prescription or information relayed to you by a licensed medical practitioner. These materials are just a general overview about the product. Likewise, we do not endorse use of any drug found on this site.
Use of this site is at your sole risk. We disclaim responsibility for reliance you place upon the information that we posted on this site. Always seek medical advice from a professional healthcare and discuss thoroughly your intention of using any of the medicine that is offered in this website.
|
