Alzheimer’s Disease

In 2015 I traveled to Columbia to prepare for the first ever prevention study in Alzheimer's disease. A simple blood test could detect the mutation. If the study is successful patients could be identified and treated before the onset of symptoms. But what about the rest of the world with Alzheimer's disease do the different genetic and environmental risks, what about patients like my friend David? Today's technologies, smartphones wearables, online patient communities, and online assessment tools can be used to gather data in an unprecedented global scale. With enough data, we can begin to understand the emerging genetics and this disease much the way Dr. Lopera did in Columbia. When that happens, we can begin to understand your risk for Alzheimer's disease. The biological pathways that are the most important in you and most importantly, when to begin treatment. Now it's the time that patients, family members, physicians, scientists, and drug developers all have a role to play in defeating Alzheimer's disease.