Professor Stephen Macfarlane was the central speaker at last Wednesdays special meeting where he spoke on treatment approaches to Alzheimers. With such interest in this topic and Stephen's well known roles as an aging/Alzheimers researcher and radio/TV communicator there was a large attendance. Guests outnumbered members and expanded facilities at Kooyong were required.
Following Chairman David Rosback's introduction the audience was lead through a very complex technical topic in expert fashion. Cleverly breaking down the subject into various apparently simple blocks appropriate to a number of different approaches of treatment and or prevention Stephen's address flowed. The audience followed all with interest and a self belief of clear understanding. Well done Stephen.
In the course of the address there were some sobering observations. First age is the predominant risk factor (by the age of 90 years, 50% will be impacted). Projections of the prevalence of the disease in contrast with previous years were startling (see below the three graphs on the screen on which the audience is focused). The top right one is an iconic reminder that as the world's population ages Alzheimers will be a huge problem both socially and financially unless checked.
Some detailed explanation of the role of those protein "plaques" and "tangles" which kill brain cells was most interesting. To the technical minded Amyloid plaques build up on the cell, and are culprits which absorb metals in the body. These can be oxidised and liberate those oft spoke of damaging free radicals---. A good diet full of anti-oxidants may indeed counteract the effects as will other good health practices such as regular physical and mental exercise, blood pressure and weight control.
Stephen noted that there have been very many drug trials (100+) necessarily funded by drug companies with only a handful having gone all the way to be used clinically. It's a difficult and varied area for research. Recent trials with Anavex 2-73 has gained some publicity here.
Finally audience questions clarified several common concerns. For instance dementia is a broader description for various brain degradation processes, e.g "vascular"..... results from sustained periods of reduced blood flow to the brain. Alas, we have an excess (well some of us do!) of brain cells and brain degradation can go undetected for many years while we simply use that reserve--until the time that it is exhausted and then symptoms manifest.
Wonderfully Stephen explained that those "Senior Moments" was not an indicator of concern but just natural aging.