Memory loss can be reversed in Alzheimer’s patients

A small study has had exciting results showing that memory loss in patients can be reversed and even retaining the improvement over a long period of time.

While the research is still in its early phases – the current study, published in the journal Aging, only focuses on 10 different Alzheimer’s patients – the research team noted that the benefits of the combination of certain medications, diet and lifestyle changes, could be sustained for over two years in some cases.

Those suffering from the disease experience mental confusion, difficulty thinking and understanding, mood swings, loss of appetite, and a plethora of other symptoms.

“They’re always, if they’ve had Alzheimer’s disease in their family, they worry when they start to forget things and aren’t really sure what they should look out for”, Verda said, “so the 10 warning signs are really helpful (in deciding) if you need to go to the doctor or not”.

The program – which is adapted to each individual patient – is described as a “36-point system” that involves changes in diet, exercise, sleep optimization, the use of specific medications and vitamins, and brain stimulation. The program suited so much for some patients that they were able to resume their jobs, which they had quit owing to the condition. He also emphasized the value of acknowledging the concerns of patients and families anxious about memory problems.

“All of these patients had either well-defined mild cognitive impairment (MCI), subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) or had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease before beginning the program”.

According to Bredesen, the study showed a remarkable rate of success.

A small clinical trial of 10 patients with early Alzheimer’s disease has shown that the memory loss and cognitive impairment can be reversed. “If we could just get the word out about Alzheimer’s disease the needs for- raising funds for Alzheimer’s [then it’s a start]”. YouTube channel WatchCut Video recently sat down with several older adults, ages 49 to 75, who have been diagnosed with the disease, to ask them to share some of their most important memories. Five of the patients carry two copies of APOE4, which gives them a 10-12 fold increased risk of developing AD. If the disease is detected in time, there are techniques and methods modern medicine have guaranteed as proper solutions to Alzheimer patients. Alzheimer’s kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think, plan and ultimately function.

Researchers are also studying the potential of medical marijuana to relieve day-to-day symptoms.

Knowing just how devastating Alzheimer’s Disease is to its victims, and knowing just how much more prevalent the disease is expected to become in the coming decades, this new information regarding possible reversals to its effects is welcome news. This participant had gone through the progressive loss of his memory during last 11 years. After six months, his wife, co-workers and he noted improvement in memory.

After 22 months on the MEND program, the man increased from 3rd percentile to 84th percentile in a particular cognitive test, and was able to go back to work and expand his business.

Also, this month the call for increased Alzheimer’s research funding from Alzheimer’s Association advocates reached a critical milestone nationally.

The third, striking case reported by the scientist was linked to facial recognition and Dysnomia. She no longer showed evidence of cognitive decline, according to the researchers.

“For those facing Alzheimer’s, every day is the longest day”, says Donna McCullough, chief development officer of the Alzheimer’s Association in a press release.