Alzheimer research to treat disease

For more than 20 years ago, there are drugs for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's. However, the last approved indication that dates back to 2002.

So far all clinical trials designed to change the course of the disease have failed. Specialists in Neurology say that the best treatment for the patient remains his caregiver, accompanied by all measures that have been created for patient care and support of family in each of the stages of the disease (home care, hospitals sociomedical day, etc).

Excellent research tries to demonstrate that, acting in very early stages, it can prevent progression of symptoms; mainly attacking the deposition of amyloid protein and tau. But above all, hope lies in translational research which will understand the relationship between the accumulation of these proteins in the brain, neurodegeneration and associated symptoms. Neuropsychological exploration specialist is able to detect those cognitive changes that are characteristic of the onset of Alzheimer's, while the use of biomarkers, in cerebrospinal fluid, and neuroimaging (CT, MRI), molecular imaging (PET-FDG, PET-amyloid) indicate the degree of risk of developing Alzheimer's disease very early stage or even in asymptomatic phases.

With research will be fought the disease since its inception and may establish guidelines for primary and secondary prevention: "O investigate, or investigate us."

Edited by Noelia García Pino