Many of us have friends, family members, or know of someone that has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This disease gradually destroys memory and other mental functions that cause confusion. While there is no cure currently, the medical community continues to search for ways to relieve symptoms, test for early signs, and find a cure.
Studies have shown that changes in learning and memory happen well before signs of Alzheimer’s are found in brain scans. Early detection could offer an opportunity for preventative treatment in the future.
Testing for Earlier Diagnosis
Recently, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the first in vitro diagnostic for early testing of Alzheimer’s disease. It is an alternative to positron emission tomography (PET) scans consisting of radiation and cerebrospinal fluid tap that are costly and time-consuming.
In May 2022, Fujirebio Diagnostic developed a new testing application for patients 55 years and older who have shown cognitive impairment. It can be used to detect brain plaques and analyze spinal fluid and proteins that accumulate to form the amyloid-beta plaques tied to Alzheimer’s disease. The FDA suggests this testing be combined with other clinical evaluations to confirm a diagnosis.
Most primary care doctors are hopeful that one day, dementia will be managed as a chronic disease, but that means doctors and patients need to be made aware of new treatments and technologies, such as the test developed by Fujirebio Diagnostic.
A survey by the Harris Poll for Quest Diagnostics suggests 75% of physicians believe new therapies might help manage the disease but about half don’t think Alzheimer’s will ever be cured. The company wants to see physicians and patients begin to prepare for the new and improved diagnostics, so they can become widespread tools in the healthcare industry.
Quest introduced diagnostic blood tests that would be faster and more cost-effective for the healthcare system overall and lead to a more immediate referral to specialists. However, the majority of clinicians also feared the blood tests for Alzheimer’s would cause a surge in diagnoses and stress the health care system.
The FDA approved the first treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, aducanumab (Aduhelm), in 2021, although Medicare will only cover patients participating in clinical trials. This drug may benefit both cognition and function.
Other medications are known to only treat symptoms:
· Cholinesterase inhibitors like Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Galantamine are prescribed to treat symptoms related to memory, language, judgment, and other thought processes at different stages of the disease.
· Glutamate regulators like Memantine can improve memory, reason, language, attention, and the ability to perform simple tasks. Some of these drugs are used in combination for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
· Orexin receptor antagonists like Suvorexant can help with insomnia in Alzheimer’s patients.
Quest reports that more than 100 disease-modifying therapies are now in clinical trials, with nearly 20 in later stages. With all the new technology to help physicians evaluate patients’ Alzheimer’s risk and disease progression, the future of Alzheimer’s may change from a debilitating illness to a manageable one. There is hope for those of us who have friends or family members with Alzheimers. There is optimism around treatments to slow the development and better manage the symptoms of the disease.
Sources:
Managing Alzheimer’s as chronic disease will require clinician, patient education, docs say
Subtle cognitive problems may reveal Alzheimer’s far earlier than thought
First Alzheimer’s commercial blood test to detect amyloid beta hits the market
We are in the midst of one of the most substantial intergenerational transfers of wealth in history. Referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” it is expected to continue for another couple of decades. Baby boomers are the primary source of the...
In 2023, consumers across the United States lost a total of more than $10 billion to fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission. More than a million of them were victims of identity theft, with reports of these and other types of scams up...
You’re walking along a coastline where forest meets sea. You hear the rhythm of crashing waves and see gulls swooping down from a crystal blue sky. A light breeze ruffles your jacket. You take a deep breath of the salty, pungent air and watch as a...
Estate planning involves various legal instruments, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We specialize in estate planning, ensuring that your documents comply with the ever-changing state and federal laws. We can help you navigate intricate legal requirements, minimizing the risk of costly errors and potential disputes.
Every person's financial situation and family dynamics are unique. We will take the time to understand your goals and circumstances, allowing for the creation an estate plan that suits your individual situation.
We can assist you in structuring your estate plan to protect your assets from potential creditors, lawsuits, and taxation. Our experience can also help you employ strategies to minimize tax liabilities.
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's assets are distributed. It can be time-consuming and costly. We can help you explore options to minimize or avoid the probate process, allowing your beneficiaries to receive their inheritances more quickly and efficiently.
When estate plans are unclear or disputed, it can lead to conflicts and legal battles. We can help you draft clear and legally sound documents that minimize the chances of disputes among heirs and beneficiaries. In the event that a dispute arises, we can also represent your interests and work toward an amicable resolution.
Estate plans need to be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in your financial situation, family dynamics, and applicable laws. We can provide ongoing support and guidance, ensuring that your estate plan remains current and effective.
Engaging a law firm for estate planning provides peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in capable hands. It allows you to focus on enjoying your life without the constant worry of what may happen to your assets and loved ones in the future.
Estate planning involves various legal instruments, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We specialize in estate planning, ensuring that your documents comply with the ever-changing state and federal laws. We can help you navigate intricate legal requirements, minimizing the risk of costly errors and potential disputes.
Every person's financial situation and family dynamics are unique. We will take the time to understand your goals and circumstances, allowing for the creation an estate plan that suits your individual situation.
We can assist you in structuring your estate plan to protect your assets from potential creditors, lawsuits, and taxation. Our experience can also help you employ strategies to minimize tax liabilities.
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's assets are distributed. It can be time-consuming and costly. We can help you explore options to minimize or avoid the probate process, allowing your beneficiaries to receive their inheritances more quickly and efficiently.
When estate plans are unclear or disputed, it can lead to conflicts and legal battles. We can help you draft clear and legally sound documents that minimize the chances of disputes among heirs and beneficiaries. In the event that a dispute arises, we can also represent your interests and work toward an amicable resolution.
Estate plans need to be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in your financial situation, family dynamics, and applicable laws. We can provide ongoing support and guidance, ensuring that your estate plan remains current and effective.
Engaging a law firm for estate planning provides peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in capable hands. It allows you to focus on enjoying your life without the constant worry of what may happen to your assets and loved ones in the future.
Mon - Thurs: 9AM - 5PM
Friday: 9AM - 2PM
