Treatment for Cognitive Decline in Patients With Alzheimer Disease Possible With Personalized Approach

New research suggests it is possible to treat cognitive decline with personalized, precision medicine.

A research team at Affirmativ Health investigated whether it is possible to mitigate risk factors for Alzheimer disease in individuals experiencing cognitive decline through a personalized program for each individual. The result indicates that this approach can improve risk factors and stabilize cognitive function in patients experiencing cognitive decline.

Among the aging population, cognitive decline is a significant concern. Currently, 5.4 million individuals in the United States and 30 million individuals globally have Alzheimer disease. With such high numbers, effective prevention and treatment become crucial to support aging populations, according to the study.

With the numbers for Alzheimer disease on the rise, it is estimated that by 2050, there will be 160 million people with the disease globally, including 13 million Americans. Additionally, recent estimates suggest that Alzheimer disease is now the third leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Alzheimer disease was first described in the medical field more than 100 years ago, yet there remains no effective treatment for the disease. However, as focus on the disease has increased in recent years, it has become clearer that there are treatment options available.

Recently, research teams have been able to show that Alzheimer disease is a complex and systemic disease. For this reason, the authors of the current study treated patients with a precision and personalized approach that addresses each participant's unique risk factors. With this approach, the researchers observed either stabilization or improvement in memory of patients.

"The findings, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, are encouraging and indicate that a more extensive clinical study is warranted," said Brian Kennedy, PhD, director of The Centre for Healthy Aging, National University Health System, Singapore and chief scientific officer, Affirmativ Health, in a press release.

After reviewing the research previously published on the subject, the study authors created a program with targeted interventions for prevention, increased resiliency, and stabilization of brain function for patients with Alzheimer disease and dementia. Along with in-person coaching and consultation, the program included genetics, an extensive blood panel, medical history, and lifestyle data that help to assess metabolic risk factors and nutrient levels associated with cognitive health.

The research team’s approach also took into account 35 factors known to contribute to cognitive decline in their study. The results demonstrated that only certain factors had an effect on cognitive decline in each patient.

"This study supports the need for an approach that focuses on a one-size fits one, not a one-size fits all, approach that comprehensively assesses all involved risk factors affecting memory loss," said Denise Kalos, the chief executive officer of Affirmativ Health, in a press release.

REFERENCE

Memory loss reversed or abated in those with cognitive decline. IOS Press; July 31, 2020. eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-07/ip-mlr073120.php. Accessed August 18, 2020.