How You Can Help Unravel The Mystery Of Alzheimer's
Medical Doctors and Scientists are finding hope for the patients by having them join clinical trials for new drugs. Clinical trial for a drug that holds promise in slowing Alzheimer’s are being conducted nationwide involving hundreds of patients.
Dr. examines a patient. (Steph Whiteside/Side Effects Public Media)
“Medical Doctors and Scientists are working constantly to try to find new ways to prevent this disease to find a cure to reduce your risks," says Doiron, who helps match patients and caregivers with study opportunities.
One patient, Joe Houston agreed to be part of Clinical Trial to slow Alzheimer's. That involves taking the drug and being subject to physical and mental exams to see how the disease is progressing.
Joe has been in a number of trials. Following a strict schedule for medications and making periodic office visits can complicate life for wife Carol, who takes care of him.
“He's a wonderful sleeper at night, which is a blessing for him and for everybody ... " she says. "But during the day, in a lot of ways, he needs a warden, because there are pills they have to be taken in the morning and noon and night."
Still, she’s philosophical about the demands on her time.
“A long time ago, I came up with the idea that, okay, these are new opportunities for loving Joe. And a lot of the time I can, I can hold on to that, then there are other times when, whoops,” she says with a laugh.
The Houstons have been together since grade school. Now, they cope with the disease in various ways, including holding onto a sense of humor. She still finds her husband's jokes funny, even though she’s heard them before.
They banter back and forth, exchanging inside jokes and reminiscing. Joe sings a jingle from an old commercial they both remember. Carol prompts him to explain what he always says at meals, and when he can't remember, she laughs it off.
Many people who join clinical trials realize it may be too late to slow or stop their own disease. But they participate because they want to help others.
“They'll say we’re helping their children, helping the community helping others dealing with Alzheimer's. Because if we don't have research like this accomplished, nothing will be done,” .
People are hoping for a cure, they want to be a part of that it's something they can give back to future generations, hopefully, a future generation without Alzheimer's disease.
Let's Hope the Cure for Alzheimer's is Near !!!
More information on the Alzheimer’s Association can be found on its website, including clinical research opportunities.
Source
https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/how-patients-help-unravel-the-mystery-of-alzheimers
Comments
Post a Comment