Bill Gates announced he was donating $100 million of his own money to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The first $50 million launched the Dementia Discovery Fund that is being used to find new treatments for Alzheimer’s. The other $50 million will go to start-ups who focus on Alzheimer’s research.

The founder of Microsoft admits that he’s seen the toll Alzheimer’s has on families. Several men in his family have the disease. He wants answers to certain questions. What exactly causes Alzheimer’s? Why is it more common in people of African American or Latino descent? While medications slow the disease, how do you stop it from progressing?

One of his biggest concerns is the flood of research going into amyloid and tau proteins. Shouldn’t researchers still be looking at other possibilities and not focusing all their attention on these two proteins? If it could be something else, scientists should be examining the possibility sooner rather than later.

What’s amazing is that he’s using her personal funds for this research. The $100 million is not coming from the Gates Foundation. It’s coming from his savings. He admits a cure may be more than a decade away, but he wants to make every effort to get to a cure faster than we currently are.

Alzheimer’s Facts

In the U.S. more than 5 million men and women have Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association believes that at this rate, it could reach 16 million in the next 33 years. Thirty-three percent of all elderly deaths are attributed to Alzheimer’s disease. While there’s been progress in finding possible contributing factors, there’s nothing solid.

There are prescription medications that help reduce the symptoms, but they can’t stop the disease. Researchers have found medications that reduce the quantity of plaque in the brain, but the medications are years from being released to the public and, again, there’s no proof they stop the disease.

What if Your Parent is Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s?

As soon as you learn your mom or dad has Alzheimer’s, start getting a plan in place. First, your mom or dad should complete legal forms before memory loss prevents them from being able to make decisions. They should complete a medical power of attorney, financial power of attorney, and medical directive.

Some of the issues that occur with Alzheimer’s include forgetting to take medications, not dressing appropriately for the weather, and depression. As you start to provide more care for your parent, you’ll find yourself stressed and struggling to find enough hours to balance senior care with your children or significant other.

Senior care services are a must. You’ll need someone to help you care for your mom or dad. Caregivers can help your parent bathe, get dressed, and prepare meals. Caregivers also give you a break so that you can take a break. Learn more by calling a senior care agency.

Sources:
https://www.alz.org/facts/?gclid=CjwKCAiA6K_QBRA8EiwASvtjZZsRv2vcWLuISlPJEb41QdYqy34gMzdo5ImWgfPmMeedKs5wAXrgKBoC5egQAvD_BwE

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/bill-gates-offers-100-million-fight-alzheimer-s-n820341

For senior care in Hamilton, NJ, and the surrounding areas, call and talk to us at Home to Stay Healthcare Solutions (856) 321-1500.