The Quest for a Cure: Navigating the Alzheimers Pandemic

It has been widely reported that reports of Alzheimer's disease are recent, seemingly coming into existence only a few decades ago. This disease has overtaken our healthcare agenda, primarily due to the biomedical industry's focus on lowering cholesterol. Yet, because the brain is made up of cholesterol, one wonders if the solutions to combat Alzheimer's have perhaps gone in the wrong direction.

Four decades ago, I had high cholesterol at the age of 23. Having a fit and slim body, I paid little heed to medical warnings about my cholesterol levels, believing they were genetically determined. Fast forward to my father's 80s, where he began his treatment with statins, a common method to lower cholesterol. However, as the case with many after undergoing such treatments, he experienced significant brain fog and forgetfulness. This experience led me to question the medical advice we so readily accept, to conduct my own research, and to seek out the viewpoints of others. Eating healthy foods like eggs, keeping the brain active, and avoiding brain-dulling activities such as excessive television watching or internet browsing became my mantra.

Understanding the Complexity of Alzheimer's

Unfortunately, our current understanding of Alzheimer's is deeply affected by our perspective. Alzheimer's is often described as the consequence of a long-term brain disease resulting in the irreversible death of neurons. These neurons are unable to be replaced once they die, meaning any symptoms we observe typically appear only after extensive damage has occurred.

To date, some drugs have been developed that can improve the functionality of the remaining neurons. Some may even help slow down the loss of neurons, but their effectiveness is limited to the early stages of the disease, and at best they only slow down the progression of the disease. Despite the huge amount of investment in research and the high priority given to finding a viable cure, the results thus far have been less than satisfactory.

The Current State of Research

Many believe that the cure for Alzheimer's disease is the dream of the future, but it remains elusive. Our scientists and doctors are currently conducting research on the right path, investing vast sums to achieve their goals. Our efforts should instead focus on how the signs of forgetfulness in young adulthood could be indicative of the initial stages of Alzheimer's, typically appearing between the late 20s to early 40s. We have not yet found a solution to prevent or treat this disease in its early stages, and much more research is needed in this area.

Currently, there is no definitive cure for Alzheimer's, and many pills claiming to be cures must still be approved by the FDA. For now, the best advice is to keep the individual as active as possible and to reduce the intake of high-protein foods and beverages. It has also been suggested that mobile phone use should be minimized, as cell phones are known to shrink and harden the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for short-term memory. Engaging in mental exercises, like solving simple yet challenging brainteasers, can also help maintain cognitive function.

Conclusion

The pursuit of a cure for Alzheimer's disease continues, but the sooner we recognize the signs early in life, the better our chances of preventing or at least managing this disease. As we continue to advance in medical research, it's crucial that we stay informed and engaged in our own health and the health of our loved ones.

Alzheimer's disease is a complex issue, and the path to a true cure is a long and challenging one. However, with continued research, the right treatments, and a better-distributed understanding of the disease, we can hope to make significant progress in the years to come.