Centre for Policy on Ageing



The end of Alzheimer's disease?
Author(s)	John C S Breitner
Journal title	International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, vol 14, no 7, July 1999
Pages	pp 577-586
Keywords	Dementia ; Research Reviews.
Annotation	The author cites sources to support his view that there may be at least a partial resolution of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) problem in the next 20 years. First, there is a finite risk period for AD, which has its end in extreme old age. In addition, strategies for prevention may soon end, or at least reduce, the present morbidity of AD. Both ideas derive from an evolving understanding of AD as an extended degenerative process that is predominantly under genetic control. After outlining the genetics associated with AD, the author discusses whether the incidence of AD increases forever. A section on environmental factors introduces five interventions which have shown potential for the prevention of AD, possibly through delay of onset: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT); anti-oxidant vitamins; histamine H2 blocking drugs; and red wine. The evidence gives cause for considerable optimism; but it should also be recognised that another 10-15 years of work is required before there is any reduction in AD morbidity. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-990825282 A
Classmark	EA: 3A:6KC
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.