Finding a Cure in the Dark for Alzheimer’s Disease

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The disease that is upending the lives of an estimated 6.2 million Americans over the age of 65 is free to continue its grim march onward. More than a century has passed since it was first brought into the consciousness of the scientific community by Dr. Aloise Alzheimer, yet, research scientists are still at a loss as to the exact mechanism of its attack on the brain cells. The human body, in all its complexities, still finds a way to elude discovery of its inner workings.

Dr. Alzheimer’s research in 1906 on senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles forming in brain cells opened the world’s eyes to the stark reality of Alzheimer’s disease and the insidiousness of dementia that it inflicts on hapless patients. With the brain’s neurons progressively destroyed because of the plaques and tangles, the brain shrinks affecting memory. Because ideas are limited on why there is an accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and the formation of tau protein tangles inside the brain, formulation of a decent cure has been next to impossible. 

With no cure in sight, medical professionals have resorted to medication to stem the onslaught of Alzheimer’s disease. Most of these intercessory treatment drugs are centered on the prevention and limitation of senile plaque accumulation and neurofibrillary tangle formation. One of those popularly used is the cholinesterase inhibitors. They work by inhibiting the cholinesterase enzymes from breaking down acetylcholine, the body’s main neurotransmitter and essential to memory function. Cholinesterase inhibitors help alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease such as depression, agitation, and aggressiveness. Donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine are some of the most-prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors.

Memantine is another drug that is used to contain Alzheimer’s disease. It is used to regulate the concentration of glutamate, another important neurotransmitter that affects learning and memory. It has proven to be effective in alleviating symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease and is sometimes taken in combination with donepezil. 

Aducanumab is the latest drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. It is directed toward the removal of amyloid plaques in the brain.

by Carl Kegerreis, author of the book,  I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets