New Hope for Age-related Neurological Diseases
Over
the next fifteen years, the elderly
population in the U.S. is expected to grow by 40 percent. With that growth, experts expect the rate of
neurological diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and strokes to
grow at an unprecedented rate. In fact Alzheimer’s disease is expected to
increase threefold and affect up to 16 million people.
To
meet these challenges, researchers such those at the Cleveland Clinic, a world
leader in the treatment of neurological diseases, have approached the fight
with a combination of cutting-edge technology, multidisciplinary teamwork, and clinical
research. For example, they are one of only
a few centers in the world conducting the first-ever study of an immunotherapy that
targets Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Hubert
Fernandez, directory of the Center for Neurological Restoration at Cleveland
Clinic, says, “It’s a treatment that works by stimulating the body’s natural
defenses to help break down the abnormal clumps of protein found in the brains
of Parkinson patients.”
In
terms of Alzheimer’s, research is focused on improved treatments for symptoms
as well as ways to treat the disease itself.
Dr. Leverenz, a director of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in
Cleveland, explains that medications include “an antibody that attacks amyloid
deposits, the sticky, neuron-destroying protein plaques found in the brains of
people with disease.”
Other
advances include a FDA approved stent retriever for stroke victims. The device removes large clots from the blood
vessels leading to the brain. Also there
has been promising results using surgically implanted electrodes in the
cerebellum of stroke survivors who suffer from long-term paralysis. Using a combination of the electrodes and
therapy, patients have had restored movement.
At
MorningStar
at Jordan Creek, we proudly serve the needs of our
residents by providing the finest assisted living and memory care in the West
Des Moines area. Our newly opened community
offers 56 bright suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the
specialized
care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of
dementia. Please visit our website to set up a tour of our beautiful community.
MorningStar
at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique
mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God,
valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create
a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please schedule a tour to discover the newest
community in the West Des Moines area.
Source:
washingtonpost.com/brand-studio/cleveland-clinic/keeping-your-mind/?noredirect=on
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