Researchers look for new ways of targeting Alzheimer's disease

The Alzheimer's Association released a report on Wednesday, May 19, predicting that the cost of Alzheimer's disease over the next 40 years would reach $20 trillion if newer treatments are not on the horizon.

"Today, there are no treatments that can prevent, delay, slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease," noted Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "While the ultimate goal is a treatment that can completely prevent or cure Alzheimer's, we can now see that even modest improvements can have a huge impact."

Researchers are beginning to look for new ways of targeting this disease that affects 5.1 million Americans age 65 or older.

Dr. Paul S. Aisen, from the department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, and a world leader in the evaluation of these treatments will present "Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutics: the Next Generation," during the 12th Annual Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 21, at the Renaissance Hotel in Glendale, Ariz.

Delaying disease by five years could have a significant impact on Americans with the condition and the cost of their care. If new treatments can slow disease progression, such as been done with HIV/AIDS and several cancers, "would result in far fewer people with Alzheimer's disease in 2050 in the severe stage when care demands and costs are the greatest," the Alzheimer's Association noted in its statement.

"Dr. Aisen will review the progress now being made in the development of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, and he will suggest how Alzheimer's biomarkers could be used to help find demonstrably effective treatments to slow down the disease, even in its earliest stages." noted Eric Reiman, M.D., director of the Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium and executive director of the Phoenix-based Banner Alzheimer's Institute.

"We are delighted about the chance to have Dr. Aisen join us at our Annual Conference and we are excited about the efforts now underway in Arizona to help find demonstrably effective treatments to stop and end Alzheimer's disease as quickly as possible," Dr. Reiman added.