AS BOOMERS AGE, ALZHEIMER'S CRISIS LOOMS
30 December 2006 - Duke University

As the Baby Boomer generation nears retirement age, Alzheimer's disease may soon become an even greater health problem for Americans. A conference at Duke next month will look at advances toward finding new treatments or a cure for the condition. Researchers say increased participation in clinical studies is critical in the fight against Alzheimer's.

'America may be on the threshold of a major public health crisis. With the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, cases of Alzheimer’s disease are expected to grow to record numbers in the coming years. Don Schmechel, director of the Bryan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Duke University Medical Center, says clinical trials of new medications and genetic research, together with expanded care and support resources, are all critical to someday conquering Alzheimer’s. "A lot of researchers strongly believe that early diagnosis and treatment could already make a huge impact. But society right now is really not girded up to deal with it, and we will pay the price." Duke will hold its annual Alzheimer’s conference for patients, families and medical professionals next month. Schmechel says it’s an opportunity to learn the latest advances in Alzheimer’s research and connect to a broad support network. "Facing the illness face-to-face, participating in research, and trying to get the best possible treatment for your loved one gives you some degree of control over this and actually I think gives you a more successful outcome." To learn more about the Duke conference, call (919) 660-7510. I’m Cabell Smith for MedMinute.

http://www.duke.edu

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