Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that involves the ongoing loss of memory, thinking and behavioral skills.
Over time, the symptoms of this disease worsen, impairing a person’s ability to function independently.
Known as “the epidemic of the 21st century,” it is estimated that 5% of the population over the age of 65 is affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
However, this percentage increases by 20% when it comes to people over 80 years of age.
Although there are currently around 800,000 patients suffering from this disease, studies indicate that this figure will double by the year 2025, since we live in a society with a clearly aging population.
Current challenges facing the scientific community in Alzheimer’s disease
Currently, the greatest challenge facing the Alzheimer’s scientific community is the recognition and identification of the causes of the disease in order to find appropriate treatments.
How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?
In the past, the diagnosis was based on the confirmation that the patient suffered from dementia that affected his or her abilities, eliminating other possible causes of the symptoms of the disease.
However, this diagnosis was only definitive after an autopsy was performed.
For this reason, the diagnosis has recently changed. Doctors can now establish an early diagnosis, using some techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography, among others.
Research into new treatments
Making the diagnosis by means of the new formulas mentioned above is very important, because it can be useful for investigating new treatments that favor the arrest or reversal of the neurodegenerative process involved in this disease.