Recent studies have yielded a potentially promising result in the use of a particular cancer drug. This particular drug is from compounds called HDAC inhibitors which allows the DNA to allow neurons to make new proteins. (Dotinga). This drug could potentially stop the progression of Alzheimer's Disease as well as reverse the effects.
This information has been proven in labs among mice but clinical trials aren't expected to commence for another 3-4 years. If the number of Alzheimer patients is steadily increasing then it would seem more prudent to begin clinical trials as quickly as possible. Now that researchers have a better understanding of how Alzheimer's Disease works the potential success of this treatment is very promising. The effects of Alzheimer's Disease is debilitating and is increasing the need for individual care for these patients. If the clinical trials are successful then the number of Alzheimer's patients could drastically be reduced and hopefully in the future the disease can be completely treatable.
It is very sad to see someone with Alzheimer's Disease because the effects of the disease affect those around them as well. Family members are nothing more than strangers to patients with Alzheimer's Disease and it is a very emotional time. It is hard to see someone live the rest of their life without being able to remember where they are or what is going on. It is a sad way to live. Hopefully these clinical trials begin very soon so that people will not have to be affected by this disease.
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I completely agree with your statement! Clinical trials should be started as soon as possible. My grandmother, who helped raise me, had Alzheimer's Disease. It is extremely difficult to see someone so close to you not be able to recognize you from some stranger. She also had to be in a nursing home because the disease progressed where she needed supervision 24 hours a day. This is something the drug companies need to put all that money to use and get those trial studies going.
I agree with Crystal. I too had a family member that had Alzheimer's. We were able to keep my grandfather at home but many families can't afford that. The cost of Alzheimer's is devastating and with the baby boomer generation living longer their chances for getting Alzheimer's increase. It will be interesting to see if more drugs will pass the FDA's criteria for being"safe" when we have national health care and "the public" will be absorbing these costs.
I think there will be a whole different way of looking at the approval of drugs. At least I hope so!
how come in this article you are talking about the need to speed up clinical trials where with the H1N1 vaccines you are talking about the need to take their time. i know, this drug is more tested for patients with cancer but the rules do state that the testing needs to be done the same.