the Omega-3 fats from fish, may also help slow the progression of the disease.
Lifestyle changes are also crucial.
Simple things like getting enough sleep and sunlight, controlling weight, moderately exercising, and reducing alcohol and drugs may all play a role in managing Alzheimer’s symptoms.
A healthy social life is especially important, as these interactions boost a protein called BDNF, which is linked to memory and learning! The trick is to keep the brain healthy, whether that be through crossword puzzles, stimulating conversations, or simply avoiding things that cause degeneration.
But what about people who are further down the line? What about those with Alzheimer’s who are experiencing late-stage struggles, and who can no longer function on their own and depend solely on family and friends?
There may just be help for them yet…
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Introducing “PBA Treatment”
A recent study published by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania is showing great promise for individuals with Alzheimer’s. The study centers around an interesting compound called 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA). This chemical works by inhibiting the buildup of certain proteins known to cause problems in the brain.
This compound is exciting for various reasons. Firstly, it is linked to improved memory and cognitive ability in the normally aging brain. Secondly, it appears to reverse memory loss in brains undergoing abnormal loss. Finally, PBA shows promise in preventing the build-up of a protein common in Alzheimer’s, called amyloid beta plaque.
While these findings were observed in mice, the compound PBA has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people. Although not yet approved for Alzheimer’s specifically, its benefits are hard to ignore.
Not only does it inhibit the buildup of those nasty amyloid proteins, but it reduces the number of them that were already there.
The future’s looking bright. While there are no surefire ‘cures’ for Alzheimer’s just yet, the compound PBA may prove to be one of the most effective treatments we know!