From the first moment I discovered my dad
had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it seemed like I was alone in this ugly
place. Even ones who had loved ones suffering in this way; even though people TALKED
about the disease, it felt for me like they did little more than mumble about the
experience. Not one to shut up for any known reason, I added a section to this
blog…
Every month, I’ll be highlighting Alzheimer’s
research that is going on RIGHT NOW! Harvested from different websites, journals
and podcasts, I’ll translate them into understandable English and share them
with you. Today: https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/304009-a-new-alzheimers-vaccine-could-be-headed-for-human-trials
(This
is an online summary of the actual study below).
Too late for Dad, but in time for us?
So, I emailed my doctor about some of the things I’ve written about in
this blog, in particular, this post: “What
do these four things have in common: LSDs, Eye Tests, a Video Game, and Blood
Tests?” https://breastcancerreaper.blogspot.com/2019/08/alzheimers-research-right-now-3-what-do.html
Here's what I wrote along with his response:
"Dear Dr. Holton:
"My name is Guy
Stewart, and I have some concerns about myself and Alzheimer's. My father died
about a year ago from complications resulting from an initial Alzheimer's
diagnosis four years earlier. He and my mom eventually moved to assisted living
in Maple Grove; and when my mom went on hospice, we used the opportunity to
move both into Memory Care. Mom passed, and Dad stayed. I am a writer and
science teacher and did much research on dementias. I would like to see if
qualify for some early screening advances in the field. The link here is to an
essay I wrote regarding some developing research. If you would take the time to
skim the links, I'd appreciate it as I would like to see what I can do BEFORE I
begin to develop symptoms and it's too late. DON'T rely on the essay -- read
the links at the bottom. Thank you." https://breastcancerreaper.blogspot.com/2019/08/alzheimers-research-right-now-3-what-do.html
"Guy,
"Thanks for the information. It
is very difficult to watch a parent slowly decline from Alzheimer's
dementia. It is a very painful disease
process. If you are noting short-term memory lapses, more so than others your
age, recommend getting a MoCA test (stands for Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Our nurses do that at the clinic at Brooklyn
Center. Can just make an appointment
with the RN for the MoCA test. This is
quite sensitive and specific for early Alzheimer's type dementia. Suggest follow-up appointment with me
immediately afterwards to discuss the results."
The Health Partners Neuroscience Center in Saint Paul is presently
doing several research projects for Alzheimer's type dementia. I recommend you contact them regarding the
most recent research in early detection.
They have the most up-to-date stuff, and perhaps you or family members
could be enrolled in their studies. Good
luck and best wishes.”
So, I signed up to be alerted if they are interested in doing
Neuroscience studies, in particular, research into stopping Alzheimer’s
Disease. (I’ve participated in several studies already! ARIC (Atherosclerosis
In Communities); D2D (The effect of vitamin D2 on pre-Diabetes (which earned me
a kidney stone…ouch…)); and a couple of other minor ones.
Next time, I’ll talk about the vaccine and its progress. Also, I’ll make an appointment after I retire, to take the MoCA – and I’ll actually report on that test later, in GGTA…Alzheimer’s!
Image: https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/fileadmin/_processed_/e/1/csm_shutterstock_142671010_4683b6bf13.jpg
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