I featured guests to speak on the topic of Alzheimer’s because we all need to advocate for those living with dementia, through awareness and empower those family members & people who live with the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder that slowly destroys memory and cognitive abilities. An estimated 6.2 million Americans of all ages are living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021. More than 1 in 9 people (11.3%) age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease. The number of cases is expected to triple by 2050 as the Baby Boomer generation ages.
Although there are medications available to treat symptoms such as memory loss or confusion, these do not cure the underlying condition in most patients. Furthermore, due to high costs and insurance restrictions many people cannot afford treatment for this devastating illness.
While we don’t have a cure for Alzheimer’s yet, there are some promising therapies that may provide relief from symptoms or even slow down its progression in certain individuals. Researchers are working on ways to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to lower your risk of developing it later in life.
Joining me in conversation is Dr. George Perry, Professor of Biology, University of Texas, and Dean of the College of Sciences. He will share his work in “Living with Aging: Alzheimer’s, the Disease of Our Time”.
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Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction to George Perry.
[02:21] George shares a little bit about himself on a personal level.
[03:06] What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
[04:17] What are the main stages that a person moves through as they develop Alzheimer’s?
[12:08] What are some of the top risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease?
[14:20] What are the current treatments or therapies for Alzheimer’s?
[24:34] What types of therapies do you think are currently most promising?
[27:54] Why do you think clinicians are chasing after the same amyloid theory for the past 30 years and yet not showing something that’s effective?
[36:26] What is your goal with regards to Alzheimer’s therapies? What are you working on right now?
[41:43] Has artificial intelligence assisted in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other diseases linked to dementia?
[47:44] Do you think in 10 years we will have a cure for Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia?
[55:41] Do you have anything else that you would like to share?
[59:35] How can people contact you?
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Bio:
George Perry is a distinguished professor of biology and chemistry at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He has been recognized in the field of Alzheimer’s disease research for his work on oxidative stress. Perry received his Bachelor of Arts degree in zoology with high honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara after which he continued to Scripps Institution of Oceanography where he obtained his Ph.D. in marine biology under David Epel in 1979.
Learn more about George Perry:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeperry/
