Archive for September, 2008

Recent clinical trials aimed at halting Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have proven to be elusive. Two of these drugs, Flurizan and Alzhemed had researchers hopeful for a little while. After failed clinical trials, the drugs were found to be ineffective. This was very disappointing news, since these two drugs had been built up as a possible “cure” for the last couple of years.

Currently there are five Alzheimer’s disease medications available to the public. However, all of these drugs treat the symptoms such as confusion and memory trouble. They do not cure or even slow down the disease. A study published earlier this year concluded that these drugs produce few, if any, meaningful benefits. From my experience, I have seen positive results from these drugs (i.e., Aricept), but whose to say if the results are largely induced by a placebo effect.

Although researchers remain optimistic, other candidates that could provide a cure appear to be in the distant future, 2010 or beyond. For example:

- A drug called bapineuzumab, which uses antibodies to clear beta-amyloid is about to enter Phase III trial. Results of this drug are due in 2010.

- Another drug, Dimebon, discovered more than two decades ago has completed Phase II trial in Russia. So far results from this study have found that patients seem to have improved thinking processes and ability to function. It will be interesting to see how this drug continues to do in Phase III trial.

While we wait for a cure, Congress has been trying to pass a bill entitled the “Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act” (used to be called the Ronald Reagan Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act) that would increase research funding.

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Alzheimer’s disease, Flurizan, Alzhemed, Aricept, bapineuzumab, Dimebon, Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act, Ronald Reagan Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act

Often in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, I have had caregivers come to me and ask:

– “Dad keeps forgetting how to act in public. The other day he started to take off his clothes in the grocery store. What can I do to stop him?”

– “I am completely exhausted from caring for my wife. The moment I take a break, she is headed for the front door, or attempts to use the stove or other unsafe appliances. How do I keep her safe?”

These are just a couple of examples. A caregiver of these individuals has a lot of responsibility which can often lead to stress, and sometimes burnout. Just in Marion County it has been estimated that 11,455 persons have been diagnosed or show signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.

Marion county has been very fortunate in the last year. A new not-for-profit organization began that specializes in this field. It is called The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance Education & Support Inc. (www.adaesinc.org), led by Terrie Hardison of Ocala, Florida.

The purpose of this organization is to bring knowledge and hope to caregivers, the community at large and professionals through education and support. As a volunteer for this organization, I have seen many benefit from their services.

In a way, Marion County should thank the Alzheimer’s Association for the origin of this new organization. Prior to the Memory Walk of 2007, Terrie Haridson ran the local headquarters for the Alzheimer’s Association in Ocala. Unfortunately, after the county raised significant funds for the Memory Walk, it was canceled due to rain. Following this event the local Alzheimer’s Association office was abruptly shut down.

Soon after Terrie Hardison began the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance for Education & Support (ADAES). This organization now gives a voice to local caregivers. While the Alzheimer’s Association continues to remain a national figure for Alzheimer’s research, I would recommend to local caregivers and those interested in volunteering to catch a course offered by ADAES. You won’t regret it.

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Alzheimer’s disease, caregiver, dementia, Marion County, Alzheimer’s Association, Memory Walk, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance for Education & Support, Alzheimer’s research