Few medical conditions strike more terror into the hearts of older adults than Alzheimer’s disease.

While many diseases cause considerable pain and discomfort, Alzheimer’s strikes at the heart of who we are as people. It interferes with our memories and can have a significant impact on our loved ones and caregivers.

Furthermore, with 10,000 people in the U.S. turning 65 every single day, the race is on to find medical solutions for this challenging condition.

The Search for an Alzheimer’s Cure is Accelerating

Scientists have known for some time that amyloid plaques contribute to brain cell death in Alzheimer’s patients. Unfortunately, until now, scientists have struggled to find a way to fight back against amyloid plaques. Instead, most of the treatments for Alzheimer’s have focused on reducing the onset of symptoms rather than addressing the causes of the condition.

New Treatment Offers Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients

Recently, a team from Biogen and the University of Zurich released the results of a study that will undoubtedly be good news for those impacted, directly or indirectly, by Alzheimer’s disease.

In the study, the team used Aducanumab, a human monoclonal antibody to reduce amyloid plaques. This trial is especially exciting because it used human subjects. Previous studies found similar results in mice.

Speaking about the results, Prof. Roger Nitsch of the University of Zurich commented, “The results of this clinical study make us optimistic that we can potentially make a great step forward in treating Alzheimer’s disease.”

Of course, it is important to note that, like all new medical treatments, this approach will need to undergo significant testing before it is approved or disapproved by the FDA. Even if all of the future trials go well, it may be years before a viable drug is available in the market. You can read more about this potential treatment at Alzheimer’s News Today.

Still, there is no denying that this study is great news for Alzheimer’s patients and their families. Let’s hope that everything goes well with the trials and that this treatment becomes available in the near future.

Has someone in your family suffered from Alzheimer’s disease? Have you ever been a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient? Please join the conversation.