Perhaps one of the most frightening aspects of growing older is the thought of contracting Alzheimer's Disease. Many people regard AD as worse than cancer because, while many forms of cancer can be dealt with, there are no cures for AD. To make matters worse, it seems that cases of AD are on the rise with the number of people getting the disease doubling every 5 years beyond the age of 65.

Scientists really don't have a clear understanding, as of yet, as to what causes AD. Some studies seem to link family history to AD. Early onset familial AD, which is relatively rare, usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 60. More common is late-onset AD, which attacks people later in life with no clear link to familial patterns.

It's currently believed that there are several genes that interact with each other as well as non-genetic factors to cause the disease. So far, the only gene that has been identified as a risk factor for late-onset AD is one that makes a form of protein called apolipoprotein E (ApoE). This protein is used by everyone's body to help carry cholesterol through the blood, but only about 15 percent of people have the form that increases their risk for AD.

In addition to genetics, Scientists are also looking into diet, education and environment to see what role, if any, they play in the contracting of AD. There is also some evidence that suggests that mental, physical and social activities might help in preventing the disease later in life.

Steps Toward a Cure

As mentioned, there currently is no cure for AD, but there are some medications that can slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for those stricken with AD.

One of the ways AD affects the brain is by decreasing the levels of acetylcholine, which is thought to be vital to memory, thought and judgment. Using a Cholinesterase (ko-lin-ES-tur-ase) inhibitor can improve acetylcholine's effectiveness by increasing its levels in the brain. So far, these types of medications have proven to be most effective in the early to middle stages of the disease.

The most common FDA approved drugs in this class are:

• Donepezil (Aricept) - The most popular cholinesterase inhibitor on the market today. Donepezil can be taken once a day unlike other AD meds.
• Galantamine (Razadyne) - The newest cholinesterase inhibitor available.
• Rivastigmine (Exelon) - A good medication, but one that has been known to cause severe gastrointestinal problems than the other drugs in this class. This drug is typically prescribed in low doses at the outset so that the body can develop a tolerance for it.
• Tacrine (Cognex) - This medication has been available since 1993. Today, though, it's rarely prescribed because of its side effects, which include liver damage.

Currently the only FDA approved drug for later stage treatment of AD is Memantine (Namenda). This drug regulates the activity of glutamate, which is a chemical used for memory and learning.

Other Research

Currently, scientists are testing a number of medications they hope will stop AD or prevent it altogether. In order to test new medications and therapies, researchers undertake clinical trials to determine what does and doesn't work.

Neuroimaging is currently being used by scientists to study damaged parts of the brain that involve memory. It's believed that this damage can be seen on brain scans before the symptoms of AD show up. A study, conducted by the National Institute on Aging and the AD Neruoimaging Initiative to see if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can pick up early changes in the AD affected brain.

The NIA is sponsoring the AD Genetics Study to get more information about the risk factor that genetics plays on late-onset AD. Families with two or more living siblings who have been diagnosed with AD are able to participate in this study and can call the National Cell Repository for AD (NCRAD) at 1-800-526-2839 or can get more information by visiting http://ncrad.iu.edu.

In addition to drugs to deal with AD, researchers are looking at whether antioxidants (particularly vitamin E and C) are able to slow the progression of AD. There are also some early indications that Ginkgo Biloba might be effective in the treatment of AD symptoms.

As mentioned earlier, scientists are using clinical trials to test different medications and treatments for AD. Many of these trials are now recruiting people for testing. To be part of one of these clinical trials, or for more information, log onto http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/.

While there currently isn't a cure for Alzheimer's the work is being done around the clock and hopefully this disease that brings so much pain to families will be stopped before it ruins any more lives.