Experimental Alzheimer’s Research

It’s a sad fact that there still is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but experimental Alzheimer’s research is ongoing and producing some exciting results. There are many new drugs being tested; it is estimated that at least fifty to sixty new compounds are currently involved in clinical trials. These studies focus on three major areas of treatment: maintaining cognitive function, managing any behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, and slowing the progressive nature of the disease or even preventing it altogether. Vaccines, treatment through caloric intake, vaccines and practical measures to aid those in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Vaccine

Scientific teams are conducting Alzheimer's research in the hopes of developing an Alzheimer’s vaccine. This would work with the body’s own immune system to combat the plaques that build up in the brains of those who have AD. These studies have encountered some serious safety issues and were put on hold in 2002. But researchers are still very hopeful that a useable vaccine can be developed.

Blocking Enzymes in the Brain

Scientists have been studying ways to halt the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s disease. New Alzheimer’s research shows that trying to block the enzymes that create the plaque formations and neurofibrillary tangles has potential

Therapeutic Approaches

Alzheimer's research using non-drug therapies is also making interesting discoveries these days. Therapeutic approaches in general are designed to relieve behavioral symptoms like depression and agitation, to help improve memory, language, attention, and lessen disorientation, and slow down the progression of the disease with the hope of preserving as much quality of life as possible. Therapeutic approaches are also being studied to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.

Current studies have found that music therapy is a valuable tool to decrease agitation in Alzheimer’s patients. Music seems to help individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s feel a sense of acceptance; when favorite songs are heard, many Alzheimer’s sufferers are able to calm down and feel less anxious. Music is also an alternative way of communicating with Alzheimer’s patients who have lost their ability to converse. Singing songs from a person’s childhood helps to access their long-term memory, as well as promoting social interaction with their family members and friends. Just as it does for healthy people, music helps improve the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer’s.

Light therapy is another alternative being considered in Alzheimer’s research. Because light is very important to mental well-being, light therapy has always been used to treat depression. Salt lamps that combine light therapy with aromatherapy are very effective too. Studies have shown that lemon balm and lavender oil are beneficial for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Both light and aromatherapy aid in calming restlessness and sleep problems.