Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

In the past, an accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s (versus other dementias) was possible only by an autopsy in which doctors could identify the physical hallmarks of the disease; the beta amyloid and tau proteins that look like plaques and tangles. Recently a type of PET scan or a sampling of cerebrospinal fluid has been able to identify these with a reported 95% accuracy. Researchers are still looking for a “cure:” something that controls the symptoms of the disease or that gets rid of the beta-amyloid and tau proteins. Earlier this year, some researchers began investigating what might be done to prevent the development of plaques and tangles, as it is common knowledge that prevention tends to bump cure. Early results are pointing to lifestyle contributors, especially fructose that is metabolized in the liver.