Focus on Alzheimer’s Disease Shifts to Prevention

In recent years, researchers have found a new tool in detecting early stages and precursors to Alzheimer’s disease. They created a special tracer that binds to a brain protein named amyloid beta. This tracer can be detected within a PET imaging machine. With that, researchers are able to detect these proteins associated with the disease far earlier then before.

The new detection method allowed people to be diagnosed at an earlier age. In the past, it was believed that early stages of cognitive loss was a precursor to the Alzheimer’s. Researchers now think that build up of the amyloid beta protein is the precursor to the disease.

Because of the detection of the protein as a precursor, multiple organizations are working on different methods to reduce the protein. On such study is now looking at detecting and combating a more rare form of Alzheimer’s which effects younger people. Another is developing a drug, which at higher doses, can effectively reduce and prevent the symptoms. While a third is working on a drug which can be taken orally that does the same as with the other drug.

With the advent of the amyloid beta protein and its association with Alzheimer’s, researchers are more excited than ever before. Most are more optimistic that they will now be able to find more ways to prevent the disease.