Alzheimer ’ s Disease ( AD ) is a progressive neurological disorder affecting millions of Americans , most of whom are not yet diagnosed . It slowly destroys memory and thinking skills , leaving the patient unable to manage basic daily tasks without considerable support . It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States , but the National Institute on Aging ( NIA ) said current estimates suggest it might actually be third after heart disease and cancer .
The chances of developing AD are not equal and are quite complicated . Older age does not cause AD , but advancing age , specifically for late-onset disease , is the most common form . Early-onset AD occurs in less than 10 percent of cases , typically between ages 30 to mid-60s . It is often linked
“ The more we learn , the more questions we have and the more uncertainty . The trick is to not let the uncertainty hinder us and to keep integrating the pieces of the puzzle of Alzheimer ’ s disease ,” says neurologist Howard Feldman , MD , director of the Alzheimer ’ s Disease Cooperative Study ( ADCS ).
Collaborative Efforts The ADCS is part of a larger effort at UC San Diego that includes the Shiley- Marcos Alzheimer ’ s Disease Research Center ( ADRC ) and the Brain Health and Memory Disorders Clinic at UC San Diego Health . Feldman ’ s arrival in 2016 signaled a shift in focus away from massive , monumental studies and trials that have , so far , not produced a singularly effective treatment . Instead ,
Mental Picture : A colorized magnetic resonance image ( MRI ) identifies different regions in the brain of a patient with Alzheimer ' s disease .
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A research priority and a family ' s heartbreak .
to an inherited change in one of three genes . AD can run in families , though a family history is not necessary to develop the disease .
Other AD risk factors are modifiable . Smoking , poor diet , high blood pressure and low physical activity have all been associated with a heightened risk . Some populations and demographics are hit harder than others , though existing research and data is far from comprehensive and equitable .
The complexity of AD has long stymied a full understanding of the condition , not to mention discovery of any preventive or curative remedies , but scientists remain undaunted . Too much — and too many people — remain at risk . efforts have focused on smaller , more nimble efforts with sharpened targets that may , at the very least , answer some questions and produce measurable progress , quickly and efficiently .
“ We strive to keep focused on the highest-quality research and how we set achievable research goals that answer important questions with approaches that will make a difference in the lives of our patients ,” Feldman says . “ You might not reach all of the goals on schedule , but each step successfully contributed helps move us closer .”
Currently , the ADCS is involved in eight clinical trials , including investigations into whether different drugs can protect or improve memory and the therapeutic benefit of exercise on cognition . It has completed 10 other trials . ADCS scientists have published more than 200 related papers . They are also developing HALT AD ( short for Healthy Actions and Lifestyles to Avoid Dementia ), a novel online brain health platform that will help persons lower their risk factors for AD before disease manifests .
“ You would be hard pressed to find another place that has devoted more brainpower and brilliance to solving the enigma that is Alzheimer ’ s ,” says UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K . Khosla . “ Across the spectrum , from basic science to clinical care , our scientists and physicians have grappled with the challenge like few
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