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Alzheimer's disease. Hope for the future
1morrison@nia.nih.gov
Caring : National Association for Home Care Magazine
|May 13, 2003
Summary
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not a normal part of aging, but a specific disease process. Recent scientific advancements offer a brighter outlook for preventing and curing AD.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Pathology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) was identified as the cause of most "senile dementia" only two decades ago.
- Previously, dementia was often considered an unavoidable aspect of aging.
- Extensive research has been conducted over the past 20 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress in understanding Alzheimer's disease.
- To highlight the shift in perspective regarding the potential for prevention and cure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Alzheimer's disease research.
- Analysis of scientific progress in the last 20 years.
Main Results:
- Significant accumulation of research findings on Alzheimer's disease.
- A notable shift from viewing AD as an inevitable aging process to a treatable condition.
Conclusions:
- The understanding of Alzheimer's disease has dramatically advanced in the last two decades.
- Preventing and curing Alzheimer's disease, once considered distant possibilities, are now viewed with optimism.