We are currently living in a revolutionary time regarding the treatment of the neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. For too long, declining memory was seen as a routine part of aging, with limited diagnostic and treatment options. Recently, there have been significant advances in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, including a combination of laboratory and imaging tests. With a better understanding of the disease process, new treatment options have emerged. Though the medical community’s understanding of Alzheimer’s is still developing, it is widely understood that the disease is caused by a buildup of proteins known as amyloid plaques. At the frontier of research are antibody infusions specifically targeting amyloid plaques. Two new antibody infusions received FDA approval just two weeks ago for early symptomatic Alzheimer disease.
However, it must be understood that no single pharmaceutical agent can cure Alzheimer’s. The end stage of Alzheimer’s involves the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain, killing neurons and brain cells. This can be thought of as being similar to a metastatic tumor. Removing a metastatic tumor does not cure the primary cancer. Similarly, antibodies that target amyloid plaques will slow the disease process, but ultimately not stop disease progression.
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease, and we still don’t know exactly why amyloid starts accumulating in the brain, blocking neurotransmission and killing neurons. The normal function of amyloid proteins is to clean the brain of debris, protect the body from infections, repair leaks in the blood-brain barrier, and promote recovery from injury. These proteins have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. They may intercept cancer-causing organisms and suppress tumor growth. So, we must consider conditions that lead to the proliferation of amyloid proteins. Conditions such as chronic infections of the gut, gingivitis, herpes simplex, hypertension and diabetes can lead to the overproduction of beta amyloids. Early menopause, vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome are also risk factors of development of Alzheimer’s dementia. Poor sleep directly leads to amyloid protein accumulation, causing accumulation of toxins.
In short, Alzheimer’s is in many ways a response to chronic inflammation and the poor extraction of amyloid proteins during sleep.
There are four stages of neurodegenerative disease:
- Asymptomatic stage starts at age 30 – 50.
- SCI – Symptomatic Cognitive Impairment. There are some memory issues, but results of cognitive testing are normal.
- MCI – Mild Cognitive Impairment. Abnormal test results.
- Dementia
It takes about 10-20 years to progress to stage 4, but it is possible to treat risk factors and chronic conditions early enough to prevent development of neurodegenerative diseases.
Unfortunately, many people go to the doctor too late. Stage 3 may lead to full dementia in a few short years. It is often too late to start adequately dealing with chronic infections. Knowing your risk factors, and addressing them, is how we can be proactive in this fight. The earlier you are aware of possible genetic predispositions, and the sooner you take care of chronic conditions, the more control you have over neurodegenerative disease. Regular visits to the doctor, exercise and sleep hygiene are the most important and easiest first steps to take.
In the Englewood Memory Center, we specialize in the early detection of neurodegenerative disease. We will thoroughly evaluate all possible risk factors, and evaluate your neurological system. Our team of board-certified physicians, including a neurologist and internist, along with a full staff of highly-trained technologists will do physiological and computerized cognitive diagnostics, order genetic and imaging testing. Armed with all this information, we will create a unique, customized therapy plan, which may include pharmaceutical agents and non-invasive treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and light therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PBM).
We accept Medicare and all major insurance plans.
Call us at 201 947-4777 to schedule an appointment or go through our website at MemoryCenter.org
