A possible cure for Alzheimer's may be made available in the next five years, a recent study reports.
Researchers involved in the study recruited people aged between 55 and 90 and asked them to take part in the final-stage study in the United States. The study examines if the drug solanezumab slows the cognitive and functional decline of people suffering from mild Alzheimer's. The participants will be given solanezumab as a 400 milligram monthly injection for the next 18 months. This final-stage trial is expected to conclude by December 2016.
Dr. Eric Karran, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK said: "The results would suggest monthly injections should be given early to ward off the disease. The drug showed reasonable effect in people suffering from mild Alzheimer's and results would come within five years." On the other hand, the number of people suffering from dementia worldwide is said to explode in the coming decades. At present, approximately 44 million people are already living with the disease, according to Alzheimer 's disease International (ADI).
"It's a global epidemic and it is only getting worse - if we look into the future the numbers of elderly people will rise dramatically," said Marc Wortmann, executive director of ADI. It's vital that the World Health Organization (WHO) makes dementia a priority, so the world is ready to face this condition. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and makes up approximately 70 percent of the cases. British actress, Carey Mulligan, who grandmother suffers from Alzheimer's encouraged the increase for research funding on the disease.
"I have experienced at first hand just how terribly painful and frightening dementia can be for both the person diagnosed and their family. On behalf of all those who have dementia today, and the future generations who might still be spared, I would urge the G8 to deliver."
