I read this article about a new drug that reduces memory loss in dementia and alzheimer patients. The drug, named aducanumab, works by targeting beta-amyloid protein that builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimers. In a study to test the drug, scientests found that the drug not only reduced memory loss after developing the disease by the estimated 20%-30% but by almost 70%.
This article was interesting and easy to relate to because I have a grandfather who suffers from dementia. I see how the disease affects his memory and how it affects his level of interaction and communication with my family and I. I feel that memory degenerating diseases are not focused on as much as they should be.
Diseases such as Alzheimers affect not only the patient but all people associated with the patient. Finding a cure or an antidote to slow the symptoms of this disease would be very beneficial to the patient and the quality of their life.
Herzog, Norbert, and David Niesel. "Excitement About a New Alzheimers Drug." Medical Discovery News. Ed. Pamela Bond. N.p., 2014. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. <http://www.medicaldiscoverynews.com/shows/461-alzheimers.html>.
Rachel Grzanka
This was very interesting! I agree with you; it is important to recognize as many treatment options as possible for memory degenerating diseases because of how they affect both the patient and their families/friends. There are so many people who suffer from Alzheimers, my friends grandfather in particular, and she struggles with it daily. It would be extremely beneficial to discovering a cure!
ReplyDelete-Samantha Beck
Alzheimers and dementia are very major diseases, but it's very interesting to see how the drug could help treat it. Did the article happen to talk about any symptoms or side effects from the drug?
ReplyDelete-Alex Brown
I agree with you when you say that memory degenerating diseases are not as focused on as they should be, and I was pleased to find out that there are steps being taken towards reducing the affects of Alzheimers and dementia. Do you have any stats that show how many people are affected yearly by these diseases?
ReplyDelete-Brooke Breidenbach