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Is Alzheimer’s Really Three Distinct Disease Subtypes?

There was an interesting article from ScienceAlert published in Advanced Science on January 11, 2021 by Carly Cassella discussing whether Alzheimer’s could possibly be three distinct disease subtypes. She states that postmortem RNA sequencing shows three major molecular subtypes to the disease, each one presenting differently and holding a unique genetic risk. 

Cassella says that knowledge of each subtype could help determine who is at greatest risk and if this subtyping will help pinpoint critical medicines for this devastating disease. The author says this research might determine how the disease could progress, which treatments could help, and the best treatment for each subtype. 

Pharmaceutical companies are constantly researching and testing to identify new Alzheimer’s drugs. If your loved one is not on medication, and you think they may need to be, you may want to ask their doctor if there are any cognitive-enhancing medications that would help them. 

If you have a friend or loved one with Alzheimer’s, you may want to speak with their doctor about the latest and most advanced Alzheimer’s drugs available to the general population, finding out which ones would help your loved one or friend. That is, if your loved one and friend will allow you to speak to the doctor, and the doctor will speak to you. 

You can also perform a Google search about Alzheimer’s to obtain general knowledge on how to help a friend or loved one with the disease. You can also join local support groups. Knowledge is power. The more you understand about this disease, the better you will be able to assist your friend or loved one who is dealing with this disease.

Researching and joining support groups will also give you helpful ideas and hints while you assume the role of caregiver and show you what to expect as a caregiver. Remember, community organizations offer resources to assist you with your caregiver duties. You just need to find what works best for your friend or loved one, as well as the situation with your friends and family.  

As the Alzheimer’s disease progresses, you may need to set up a guardianship to care for your loved one’s affairs and take care of them. When that time comes, give us a call. 

If you have questions regarding a Guardianship matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at AnnMarieGildenLaw.com; and check me out on these other sites: Ann Marie Giordano Gilden on Facebook; Ann Marie (Giordano) Gilden on LinkedIn; and Ann Marie Giordano Gilden on AVVO and Lawyers.com. 

This article is for informational purposes only, and it does not form an attorney client privilege.