If 2021 will be remembered as the year for COVID-19 vaccines, perhaps 2022 will make its mark in an equally life-changing way: with an Alzheimer’s vaccine that might slow or prevent the progression of the disease.
The first human trial of Protollin, delivered through a nasal spray, began in 16 seniors with-early-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms between the ages of 60 and 85 years old. The predicted outcome is to activate immune cells, eliminating the beta-amyloid plaque believed to result in the disease.
Arriving on the heels of controversial results of Biogen’s Aduhelm, the first new approved drug for Alzheimer’s in decades, the stakes are high. Aduhelm is an antibody infusion that at first seemed to fail in its goal of improving memory and cognition functioning, leading Biogen to discontinue clinical trials. However, after a few months, it did seem that a small number of participants saw positive results, showing the Food And Drug Administration to approve its use – even if the outcomes are not definitively clear.
Developing an effective preventative option is at the forefront of researchers’ concerns. The latest data show that approximately 6 million Americans are currently identified as having the disease. Alzheimer’s disease is also a leading cause of death in the U.S., with a dramatic increase in the mortality rate of 88% between 1999 and 2019. And that statistic may only be scratching the surface since it represents only those clinically diagnosed. Individuals with cognitive impairment may have trouble receiving an appropriate diagnosis, and other medical conditions often challenge them.
Researchers are hopeful that Protollin, in addition to Aduhelm and other antibody drugs undergoing study, is placing us on a promising path forward. Jeffrey Cummings, a brain-science professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, goes as far as to state, “It just feels like we have turned a corner.”
The senior care experts at Modern Health Home Care help patients with Alzheimer’s every day, and we excitedly anticipate a day when the disease is defeated. But, until then, we’re here for your needs with creative, personalized care to make life the best it can be for seniors with dementia.
We help family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s provide the best care possible by stepping in to help whenever and however we can. Our dementia respite care team can help you set up a schedule for regular time away – as much or as little as you desire. We’re skilled in effectively managing many difficult signs of the disease, including wandering, aggression, agitation, sundowning, etc.
Contact us online or call at 215.995.2012 for a complimentary consultation to learn more about our in-home care support services in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.
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