WASHINGTON, D.C. — The latest report on Alzheimer’s disease urges the World Health Organization to declare dementia a health priority and recommends that major governments increase their investments in research, the Associated Press reported Monday.
The previous report in 2005 estimated 31 million people worldwide would suffer from the incurable disease by 2010. The World Alzheimer Report just released predicts 35.6 million will be affected. Earlier studies didn’t account for the increased life spans in developing nations, AP reported. One in eight people 65 and older, and nearly one in two people over 85 are affected, the report said.
Although age is undoubtedly the leading cause, obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes are being linked to Alzheimer’s — all increasing health problems in developing countries, the report stated.
In some countries, “weak brain” or “tired brain,” as the disease is coined, is thought to be a normal part of the aging process. In parts of India and Britain, the report found that dementia is not discussed. According to the report, raising awareness in these countries is critical.
A substance called beta-amyloid, which builds up in patients’ brains is being studied as a starting point to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, stated Dr. William Thies of the U.S. Alzheimer’s Association. Currently, doctors can provide medications to alleviate symptoms, but the exact causes of the disease are unknown, the AP reported.
Doctors need to understand the causes if they are to slow if not stop the disease that robs people of their memories, their ability to care for themselves, and eventually, their lives. Thies’ group is advocating for an increase in U.S. research spending from just over $400 million to about $1 billion.
A Deep-dive Into Specialty Pharma
A specialty drug is a class of prescription medications used to treat complex, chronic or rare medical conditions. Although this classification was originally intended to define the treatment of rare, also termed “orphan” diseases, affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the US, more recently, specialty drugs have emerged as the cornerstone of treatment for chronic and complex diseases such as cancer, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS.
More stories worth a read:
- Concerns over high U.S. health care costs ‘Arbitrary’ says Gingrich (Wall Street Journal)
- HIPPA’s broken promises (The Heath Care Blog)
- Major health-care reform challenge is affordability (The Washington Post)
- HHS investigates Humana for Medicare mailer warning seniors on health overhaul(StarTribune.com)
- Case study: Physician-owned hospitals remain profitable (Fierce Health Care)
- UTI vaccine shows early promise, University of Michigan study (Med Page Today)
- GlaxoSmithKline bans political donations, alters spending rules on doctor training, consulting (Associated Press)
- A century of stem cell research(Medgadget)
