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HellaTroi t1_j1xg9vr wrote

If they dont know what causes it, how can they test for it?

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NotReallyFamous5 t1_j1xhri2 wrote

Confirmed cases all having the same biological markers? (Not a scientist btw)

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TheVisageofSloth t1_j1y11et wrote

The problem with that is Alzheimer’s doesn’t really have something simple like that. For instance, you can’t say they have Alzheimer’s even if they have the elevated markers and brain decay if they don’t have symptoms. There are many cases where they should have symptoms, but don’t. Other cases where they have symptoms but no markers are present. That’s why it’s so hard to diagnose and make treatments for Alzheimer’s as the things we think are connected don’t seem to be the only factors.

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sloppyredditor t1_j1xjp4z wrote

They’re checking for a specific protein that’s indicative of an onset. If found (and a blood draw is much easier and cheaper than scans) they can start preventive treatment sooner.

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GETitOFFmeNOW t1_j1xoe4z wrote

Preventative treatment - like what?

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sloppyredditor t1_j1xu2h6 wrote

Trials are in progress to slow it - not sure about prevention yet but if you can increase the timeline of Alzheimer’s or dementia impact by 1/3 or 2/3, trust me… it’s worth it.

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FlashMadalyn t1_j1zi06j wrote

Aalzheimers is largely lifestyle related. Studies have shown that exercise can help prevent MCI from developing into full on dementia. Obviously, we don't know in those cases if Alzheimers specifically was avoided, but it stands to reason.

Diet is also a huge factor. A revised diet might prevent or at least delay onset.

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GETitOFFmeNOW t1_j1zpnoe wrote

I've been reading about a lowercase diet for Alzheimer's where the key factor is decreasing brain insulin resistance. Re: type 3 diabetes.

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FlashMadalyn t1_j20ae0b wrote

Ya I've been hearing about that for some time.

What I think is likely more impactful is lowering saturated fat for people with the Alzheimers gene (Apoe4) -- the highest sf consumers are 1100% more likely to develop dementia than the lowest sf consumers (among Apoe4s)

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GETitOFFmeNOW t1_j20dj2f wrote

It's not the fat, it's the excess carbs, which become too much glucose that causes the brain to be insulin resistant.

Saturated fats can be really good for you, especially if they contain medium chain fatty acids which creates ketones without being in ketosis. If your brain can't take up glucose properly, feeding it ketones will keep it going. It works so well it can have a huge impact on epilepsy and c ommin brain fog.

Check out this 2002 article from Gary Taubes in The NYT magazine. He makes some points that still stand 20 years later.

I gather you've been to Google Scholar and read up on the abandoned type- 3 diabetes data? It's eye-opening. The AMA seems completely uninterrsted in non-pharmaceutical remedies.

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FlashMadalyn t1_j20dt08 wrote

Um it's definitely the saturated fat. I've got the study I can link it later. Apoe4s have different lipid metabolism.

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GETitOFFmeNOW t1_j20fsrk wrote

Yes, we take a much longer time to get into ketosis than people without the APOE4. An issue with low liver production of certain enzyme.

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Apprehensive_Sun1849 t1_j1xqhmg wrote

I am not an expert in any way, but aren't there medications that slow progression, especially if started early?

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Admirable_Savings_63 t1_j1z0a7e wrote

Alzheimer and dementia are cardiovascular diseases. ED (erectile dysfunction) is also a cardiovascular disfunction, and also refered to as the "canary in the coal mine" pertaining to bigger cardiovascular issues in men. The arteries of the penis and brain are so tiny they are usually affected first. The trouble with preventing/reversing ED and dementia is a complete overhaul of diet which most people won't do. Check out the video for the science.

https://nutritionfacts.org/video/how-to-prevent-alzheimers-with-diet/

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cattledogcatnip t1_j1zx8j4 wrote

There is zero treatment for Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

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sloppyredditor t1_j204nwu wrote

There are trials under way to address this. The way it's been discovered is often too late in the process and costly, so insurance companies screw with the process. Blood draws are much easier on their wallet and give a good idea if further testing should be performed.

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cattledogcatnip t1_j204vf8 wrote

The majority of clinical trials fail to get approval from the FDA. There is currently NO proven treatment for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

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sloppyredditor t1_j20agee wrote

*looks at comment history*

I can't tell if you're trying really hard to argue with me over a pedantic misrepresentation of my initial comment, or just being your generally negative self, but...you win. Congrats.

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lotsofsyrup t1_j1yc3ph wrote

Because we know certain things appear when it is present. Think of a smoke detector, you have that to tell you there's a fire even though what it actually detects is smoke. Your smoke detector still works even if the smoke detector can't tell what made the smoke.

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