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Detecting Alzheimer’s Early
All you need is a brain scan
Note: I provide links to all of my sources. They are underlined and in boldface. I want my readers to be able to check out all sources for themselves.
Alzheimer’s disease is a horrible disease. It slowly destroys the afflicted person’s memory and thinking skills. Over time, the person has trouble carrying out even simple tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
Dr. Alois Alzheimer was the one who discovered the disease in 1906. He noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who experienced memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. When she died, he found that her brain contained abnormal clumps and tangled fibers.
This horrible disease affects more than 6 million Americans. More than 11 million people help care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. The grief of a loved one no longer recognizing you is tragic.
Recently, there came a cause for hope. A new algorithm has been found that allows detection of even early stage Alzheimer’s Disease. Up to now, this was a limitation of testing strategies. Obviously, the earlier you can detect signs of the disease, the better the chances to treat it and limit the progression.