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Every 72 Seconds...
Every 72 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Over 5 million Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. And the effect of this diagnosis goes far beyond the individual to involve the family and the community.
As elder law attorneys, we witness the heartbreaking struggles and suffering of families affected by Alzheimer's disease on a daily basis. That's why the partners, associates and staff members of our firm have committed to doing something about it. And we need your help.
Once again this year, Moschella & Winston was a corporate sponsor of the Alzheimer's Association's Greater Boston Memory Walk. This year's Memory Walk took place on Sunday, September 30. Alex Moschella of Moschella & Winston is serving as the Chairman for this event.
Attorneys and staff members here at Moschella & Winston put together a team of walkers to participate in this event. We raised more than $32,000 for the Alzheimer's Association to assist them in their research and support work.
It is not too late to help in the effort. You can be part of the solution by donating online at www.memorywalkma.org (click on the "Sponsor Participant" button). Thank you.
How is Alzheimer's Being Treated Today?
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's. But drug and non-drug treatments may help with both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Researchers are looking for new treatments to alter the course of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with dementia.
Doctors sometimes prescribe vitamin E to treat Alzheimer's disease. One large federally funded study showed that vitamin E slightly delayed loss of ability to carry out daily activities and placement in residential care. Scientists think vitamin E may help because it is an antioxidant, a substance that may protect nerve cells from certain kinds of chemical wear and tear.
Researchers have also found that red wine helps to prevent the development of amyloid plaques in the brain, which can cause cognitive decline and are a known precursor to full-blown Alzheimer's disease. Past studies have also pointed to the brain benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. The study was published in the journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has, as of this point in time, approved two types of medications to treat cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. These drugs affect the activity of two different chemicals involved in carrying messages between the brain's nerve cells.
Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger important for learning and memory. These drugs support communication among nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels high and are approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's. On average they delay worsening of symptoms for 6 to 12 months for about half the people who take them. Some experts believe a small percentage of people may benefit more dramatically.
Another drug, Memantine (Namenda) works by regulating the activity of glutamate, a different messenger chemical involved in learning and memory. Memantine was approved in 2003 for treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. It is currently the only drug of its type approved to treat Alzheimer's. It works to temporarily delay worsening of symptoms for some people. Many experts consider its degree of benefit is similar to the cholinesterase inhibitors.
Further research is needed and that research requires funding, it is up to each of us to ensure that our loved one's are able to receive the best treatment possible for this devastating disease. Please support the ground-breaking research of the organizations which receive their funding from the Alzheimer's Association.