ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, that number is expected to more than double! Researchers are constantly searching for answers as to what causes this mysterious disease. Now, they may be one step closer to identifying some risk factors.
Alzheimer’s disease is both devastating and deadly. In fact, it’s the sixth leading cause of death in the US. One of the biggest problems doctors face is that symptoms typically don’t appear until the disease has progressed.
Reisa Sperling, MD, Dir. Ctr. for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital explains, “We know now that the process of Alzheimer’s disease begins in the brain well more than a decade before people get symptoms.”
That’s why researchers are trying to better identify those at risk. A recent study found people who develop infections such as herpes simplex virus type one or cytomegalovirus in mid and late life are more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Other research found individuals who had viral encephalitis, which is essentially inflammation of the brain caused by a virus, were at least 20 times more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s than those who didn’t have the condition.
Some of the latest research also suggests other possible risk factors include having a head injury, experiencing hearing loss, heart disease, untreated depression, and living in social isolation. Recognizing these risk factors could help doctors spot the disease earlier – which is key for a better outcome.
Doctor Sperling says, “If we can catch this, nip it in the bud before people have symptoms maybe that’s the way we really cure Alzheimer’s disease.”
Age is the single most important risk factor when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years after you reach age 65. But about one in 20 people with the disease have early-onset and are younger than 65.
Contributors to this news report include: Julie Marks, Producer; Roque Correa, Editor.
Sources:
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230420110130.htm
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/causes/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/causes/
ALZHEIMER’S RISK FACTORS
REPORT #3110
BACKGROUND: Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that steadily chips away at one’s memory and thinking skills until the individual eventually loses the capacity to carry out natural simple tasks. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is very rare, but when it happens it’s typically between a person’s 30s and mid-60s. Those with late-onset Alzheimer’s typically first see symptoms while in their mid-60s. Experts say that over 6 million Americans aged 65 and older may have Alzheimer’s. It’s predicted that the number of people who will experience Alzheimer’s will increase to 13 million by 2050. Getting older is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. As far as its symptoms, an individual with Alzheimer’s will usually display vision/spatial issues, poor judgement, or cooking a meal.
(Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-alzheimers-disease / https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures)
DIAGNOSIS: There isn’t one distinct test that can be used to determine whether a person has Alzheimer’s. However, through the combination of varying diagnostic tools (such as brain imaging, neurological exams and cerebrospinal fluid) and other medical information (such as a patient’s medical history), doctors can come to a consensus when diagnosing a patient. During the neurological exam, the doctor will assess the patient for brain disorders aside from Alzheimer’s. They’ll look for brain tumors, fluid buildup in the brain, signs of stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. The test will gauge eye movement, reflexes, coordination, sensation, strength, and speech. An MRI, CT, or PET may accompany the neurological exam as well.
NEW REGULATIONS: A new drug by the name of “Lecanemab” was partially approved earlier this year by the FDA for Alzheimer’s disorder. Due to the partial approval its availability has been restricted to individuals who can either pay $26,500 a year for the medication or were enrolled in the clinical trial. As of yet it’s not covered under Medicare or Medicaid. If the drug receives full FDA clearance, it will be the first drug on the market for Alzheimer’s that modifies the trajectory of the disease, rather than simply treating symptoms. Side effects have reared its head in some people with reports of brain swelling, microhemorrhages, and bleeding in some patients. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has decided to cover the cost of the drug for patients who opt into the national registry. At present, the registry hasn’t been established and the Alzheimer’s Association believes the need for registry “as a condition of coverage is an unnecessary barrier.” It’s estimated that once fully approved, Lecanemab can exceed $1 billion in sales by 2026 and top $5.7 billion by 2030.
(Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/10/lecanemab-leqembi-alzheimers-drug-fda-advisers)
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