What's the Latest in Alzheimer's Research?

Eldercare professionals are continually learning more about Alzheimer's disease and how it can impact seniors through the work of medical researchers. Research regarding Alzheimer's disease—encompassing topics pertaining to detection, treatment, prevention, and finding a cure—has been pursued by healthcare professionals for decades. Today, Alzheimer's care providers are more educated than ever before regarding the needs of their elderly patients; however, there is still much to learn about this condition and how it affects seniors. Below are several different developments in Alzheimer's disease research, policy development, and more, as reported by the Alzheimer's Association.

• The National Alzheimer's Plan has been updated to create a timeline for Alzheimer's research efforts, create milestones regarding treatment and prevention, develop educational materials for general practitioners, organize an expert panel to focus on the later phases of the condition, and enhance efforts regarding public awareness and engagement pertaining to disease prevention. 
• The Alzheimer's Association supported the reintroduction of the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act (HOPE standing for Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education). This is a program that is targeted at improving the timeliness and accuracy of diagnoses related to dementia. Additionally, it is focused on assisting elderly individuals and their loved ones in accessing the support and information they need. 
• President Barack Obama has dedicated $100 million of the FY 2014 budget to Alzheimer's disease research and awareness programs. These funds will drive the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease as well as many initiatives that have been established to fight and learn more about this condition. While financial concerns have certainly limited such budgetary allowances on a national scale, this is an investment in future financial security because the cost of Alzheimer's has risen to $203 billion each year. 
• The Obama Administration has supported Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies, or BRAIN. This is an initiative that aims to map the brain in order to better understand its functions—and the diseases, like Alzheimer's, that can interrupt the healthy activity of the human brain. 

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition, and healthcare professionals are striving to learn as much as they can about this illness in order to better prevent, diagnose, and treat it.