With the COVID-19 pandemic taking the spotlight this past year, another quietly continues brewing: the pandemic of Alzheimer’s disease. It remains the 7th leading cause of death worldwide and is predicted to impact as many as 150 million families by the year 2050. Yet, despite those statistics, the last time a new drug was introduced to combat the disease was 15 years ago.
Now that we’ve seen how rapidly a vaccine for one global crisis can be developed, approved, and administered, dementia research specialists are striving for the same degree of urgency to be brought to eradicating dementia. To that end, a coalition for progress in dementia research has been established to focus on:
Developing a worldwide research platform with extensive data on a diverse population
Creating a worldwide clinical trial network
Initiating a bid to invest in innovations to help with detection, diagnosis, and treatment
A $700 million budget and 6-year timeline are in place to meet these objectives. And the team is optimistic about the potential for at least an earlier diagnosis of the disease – a key component of treatment, as we know that Alzheimer’s can begin to emerge as early as 20 years before being diagnosed.
Dr. Andrea Pfeifer, chief executive of Swiss biotech AC Immune, believes that “We are at the crossroads of the breakthrough we had in cancer 35 years ago.”
At Modern Health Home Care, we’re passionate about helping older adults with dementia and eagerly anticipate the day when earlier detection and more effective treatment options – and even a cure! – are available. We’re always here to share helpful resources and provide highly skilled dementia care services at home for families struggling with the challenges of the disease.
Some of the many complex effects of dementia we can help seniors and their family members better manage include:
Wandering
Sundowning
Aggression
Agitation
Inappropriate behaviors
And more
Whether it’s engaging in memory-boosting activities, puzzles, and games, utilizing effective distraction techniques, or simply serving as a friendly companion for the older person to spend time with, our in-home caregivers make life the best it can be each day. We also provide trusted respite care services, enabling family caregivers to take time away regularly for their own needs.
Call us at 215.995.2012 for a free in-home consultation to learn more about our specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia and general elder care in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
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