Anonymous
Source: Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing — and growing fast. The latest Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, which came out this month, finds that more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s. This number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050.
While there is no cure for the disease, there have been extraordinary advancements in research and new treatments that may change disease progression, such as Aducanumab, as well as drug and non-drug options that may help treat symptoms.
The Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter, together with its Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative committee, hosted a spring reception and research update at the Santa Barbara Club on March 24, 2022.
Attendees received updates on the latest research regarding Alzheimer’s treatments and research from Alzheimer’s Association Senior Director of Scientific Engagement, Dr. Rebecca Edelmayer.
The Alzheimer’s Association is currently investing over $300 million in 920 projects across 40 countries.
One of these projects include the New IDEAS Study, which examines how PET amyloid scanning, a kind of brain scan, can help physicians to diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It also examines biomarkers, which are changes that a disease might cause in the body that doctors can measure with tests like blood tests. Identifying biomarkers can help to diagnose or treat the disease, and researchers across the globe are making great progress towards identifying blood biomarkers for dementia.
Edelmayer emphasized the importance of thinking of Alzheimer’s research in a holistic sense, being able to understand what is driving risk in each individual and therefore ensuring that research and trials are inclusive of all different types of the population over ethnicity, gender and age.
Local resources and upcoming involvement opportunities within the Santa Barbara community were also highlighted at the event, including the Santa Maria Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 1, 2022, the Santa Barbara Walk to End Alzheimer’s on November 5, 2022, and Your Brain Matters Luncheon on April 26, 2023.
“It is exciting to hear that we’re in a new era of treatment, care and research, and it is so important to bring this knowledge to our community about a disease that unfortunately impacts and devastates so many of our families,” said Lindsey Leonard, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter. “I am hopeful that with the incredible passion and fight that everyone can bring to end this disease, one day, we will see a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”
To learn more, become involved as a volunteer, or make a donation, please visit alz.org/cacentralcoast. Our 24/7 Helpline is available for around-the-clock care and support at 800.272.3900.
