New study could be key to unlock mysteries of Alzheimer’s Disease – QC family reacts
A new study in the journal of the American Medical Association Neurology suggests testing someone’s blood for key proteins could help detect the Alzheimer’s disease early. The protein buildup is often detected by a brain scan or spinal tap.
Results show the proteins could be detected much earlier through blood testing. The test is currently available only for research but could be available for clinical use soon. Researchers say the new development would lead to better assessment of cognitive decline, patient management, and modifying therapies.
“They call this disease the long goodbye because it is,” said LivWell Seniors owner Rhonda Halterman.
For more than 40 years, the Alzheimer’s Association has helped people navigate this disease that robs people of their minds. The organization is hopeful about the idea of early detection.
“There have been lots of promising studies,” said Lauren Livingston, a spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association. “None are quite ready to get into your doctor’s office yet but hopefully they are very close. Early detection is so critical especially now that there are treatments available.”
Rhonda Halterman’s grandfather died of the cruel disease and she has a stepfather who currently has it, meaning Halterman’s mother has seen the disease in multiple loved ones.
“It was my mother’s father (her grandfather), so she’s experienced it for several years,” Halterman added.
“When you are personally entrenched with this disease progression, you are just overwhelmed with so much,” said Halterman. “There’s a lot of grief that is involved. My mom had plans. She was planning on retiring with my stepfather and traveling and doing things together. She retired and became a care-giver for my stepfather.”
Halterman looks forward to potentially getting answers from the early testing.
“There are lots of risk factors that I think, ‘Wow if I had some early indicators that can help identify some risk factors that I can get in control of and get ahead of, it would be worth it,’” said Halterman. “Especially seeing family members go through the disease progression and watching how it affects people, I think it’s really exciting.”
Halterman says she is very passionate about raising awareness and hopes to help out other families affected by the disease. She started a company called LivWell Seniors to help families get the information and resources they need to help navigate Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“I realized that people are struggling with what to do. They don’t really know what to do. They don’t know what questions to ask and it inspired me to start my own business,” said Halterman. “Especially when you have a disease progression like Alzheimer’s or a memory condition that affects the whole family. Not just the care-giver but everybody that tries to help and assist the family.”
For more information on LivWell Seniors, click here.
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