An Alzheimer’s vaccine may be available in our lifetime! Results from a small study have shown that people are responding positively to a Phase II trial.
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not known. As you know, it causes memory loss and cognitive decline. If you’ve ever loved someone who was suffering from this unspeakably wicked disease, you know how brutal it is. It robs a person of who they are and it breaks the hearts of their families. There is no cure… yet. But a new vaccine now entering Phase III trials looks very, very promising. Here’s what you need to know.
Facts About the Alzheimer’s Vaccine
Currently, you cannot walk into a doctor’s office and ask to get the vaccine. I want to be clear about that. However, you shouldn’t be surprised if it happens sooner than you ever hoped.
Researchers believe Alzheimer’s patients have plaques containing beta-amyloid, a sticky brain protein which forms in the brain. (You’ll forgive me if my explanation isn’t the best. Not a doctor!)
But what United Neuroscience, the folks behind the research, believes they have found is a vaccine that appears to improve brain function and reduce the protein plaque gumming up their neurons.
“We are doing better than the placebo on all these things,” said United Neuroscience CEO Mei Mei Hu to Bloomberg News. “We can’t make any claims yet, but we’re pointing in all the right directions.”
In fact, there was a small United clinical trial that showed that a whopping 96 percent of patients responded, without serious side effects, to the Alzheimer’s vaccine they call UB-311. That’s incredible! It’s a small study, but it gives me hope and it should give you hope as well. (Read more about it here.) The company is beginning Phase III studies now.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
If a loved one is exhibiting these symptoms to the point that you feel concern, take them as soon as possible to see a doctor who specializes in dementia.
The very first signs of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information. Don’t freak out, though. We all have problems in that area from time to time.
Read about all the other symptoms so you can get a full picture of what to look for. The information below was found on the Alzheimer’s Association website. I encourage you to visit the site to learn more.
1. Memory loss that interferes in everyday living. Asking for the same information over and over is one example.
2. Challenges in planning or problem-solving. They may have trouble following a recipe or managing bills.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. One example would be forgetting how to play a game they’ve always loved.
4. Folks might be confused about the passage of time. Sometimes they forget where they are.
5. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast.
Alzheimer’s Vaccine: “This is still the beginning of the beginning.”
-Eric Reiman, Alzheimer’s researcher
6. Following or joining a conversation may be problematic. There may be trouble with their vocabulary or calling things the wrong names. Like calling wheels on a car round things, or a watch a hand clock.
7. Misplacing things and being unable to retrace their steps to find them. They often complain that their things were stolen.
8. Poor judgment and personal care. Patients may not shower as much and unfortunately, they may be swindled easily by folks after their money. (Like telemarketers.)
9. Sufferers commonly withdraw and stop doing the things they once loved to do.
10. Their moods and personalities may change. Folks may be super irritable when their plans change or they are outside their comfort zone.
In closing…
Do you love someone with Alzheimer’s? Have you ever worried about yourself? We’d love to hear your experiences and wisdom on the subject, so please join in the conversation in the comments.
Leave a Review!
We LOVE hearing from you! Submit your question or comment here.
Your email address will not be published.
170 comments on “Everything You Need to Know About the Alzheimer’s Vaccine Studies”
My Mother died of this horrific disease! The day she did not know who I was broke my heart! I know there’s a test to see if I’m predisposed for this insidious disease! I’m terrified to take it! God bless you for doing all you can to try and eradicate this disease!
My 30 years old son has Down Syndrome, OCD, Anxiety, Emotional Disorders, violent outbursts, and 2 1/2 years ago was diagnosed with early onset dementia. After assessments, blood work and eliminating other types of dementia, we were left with Alzheimer’s. We have learned that with Down, it isn’t if but when with Alzheimer’s because the gene attaches to the 21st chromosome. We have seen some decline since he was diagnosed, and yet it’s hard to tell how much since the neurologists’ assessments scored him so low using verbal assessments instead of nonverbal, it was hard to know how much he has lost. The understanding of Down among the medical community is difficult enough, and then to add Alzheimer’s has been next to impossible. As his advocate, it is a constant battle to get his needs met!
I could go on for hours and pages telling about this new life we live, but we are doing our best to enjoy him and all the time we have left with him. However, I would still love to see a vaccine that could help others, even if it could do nothing for him.
My dad has Alheimers Stage 4…My mom os his Caregiver and let me tell u..its hard wrk.. please hurry up with the Vaccine….thank U…Please we need all the help we can get..
My dad has Alheimers Stage 4…My mom os his Caregiver and let me tell u..its hard wrk.. please hurry up with the Vaccine….thank U…
This makes me so happy I am crying. My dad and my Aunt have Alzheimers. As did their brothers and sisters 12 of them. also their mom. I have worked with people for years with this . Anyway I am so happy they are finding maby a cure or something to slow it down. I will be the first in line to get that shot if I can run faster than my family members. thank you thank you
I worry about myself sometimes having it since my Mother has it now.
My mother, my mother’s sister, their grandmother and now my sister all the victims of this terrible disease, scared you bet your butt I am since it runs in the family, I would be glad to be a part of a trial
We are in the 1st year of this with my mother. Healthy as a horse and never been sick a day in her life. PLEASE PLEASE let us join in with her on this study
My grandmother is currently in a dementia facility and I hate seeing her mind slipping further and further away everyday. I despise this disease I have lost my great grandmother to Alzheimer’s and I also have an aunt that has it now.. I’m absolutely terrified I’m going to follow in their footsteps and I hope it doesn’t happen… I look forward to a cure!
My father died of Alzheimer’s, so I worry about developing it myself . The disease is so awful. I would gladly take the vaccine.
My mother died November 9th 2018 from this wicked disease. It was hell! I worry ever day that it could happen to me.
I wish you continued success with this study. I have been robbed of two very important people (1 from each side of my family tree) due to Alzheimer’s. UB-311 is hope… That I wasn’t sure If see in my lifetime.
God bless you.
My mother has dementia, her sister had Alzheimer’s when she died, her brother also had Alzheimer’s when he died, and her other brother had dementia when he died. My dad had dementia when he died, his sister had Alzheimer’s when she died, and his brother had dementia when he died. I had a first cousin that had Alzheimer’s when she died. To say that I am worried would be an understatement. I would volunteer for this trial in a heartbeat.
My husband was diagnosed 2 years ago. It has been such a difficult and trying time not just for me but him as well. I can see him struggling at times. I would be very much interested in this vaccine when it becomes available. I hope really soon. I also have an aunt who has Alzheimer’s and remembers no one. It’s so sad , but when you see my aunt, she is so happy and always smiling and dancing. She is very well taken care of.
Both of my parents have/had Alzheimer’s, so I am very, very concerned.
My hubby was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 48. We are four years into his diagnosis and he is has lost so much already. Full time caregiving for someone that wants so badly to return to “normal” is so heartbreaking! I am excited to know that there may be a vaccine someday, but sure wish someone could find a way to reverse the damage already done by this horrible disease. Without my faith that God has a plan, I would be unable to handle the day to day heartbreak and challenges that come.
My Mom was diagnosed with something called Lewy Body Dementia. Everyone called it Alzheimers, but I guess there are several brain issues they say are all in the Alzheimers family? I wonder if this is correct and if the possible research is for them all.
My Kom was diagnosed at about 78 or 79. Passed away at 89. I will be 60 in a few months.
I was an ADD youth and adult and so many of the “early signs” I can say yes to but its been my whole life . I am very phisically active but I do feel like my brain is slowing. Im terrible with names, but it seems a bit worse. Cant remember the right words sometimes but again…that always.been the case. I dont know if it is really an issue or if I am just overky concerned. I will speaknto my Fakily Physician next year.
My Husband is 69 years old, He has 7 years He diagnosed Alzheimer’s I would like he participated for the vaccine
My husband has Dementia
3 years now
It brakes my heart every day
We have been together 45 years .
Although he still knows my name , he doesn’t know who I am.
He’s angry and lost most of the time
No more holiday , no more social life
Many people stay away , he can’t handle being out .
Finding support is hard .
Plans all out of the window .
Some times I just want to run away .
I feel like my life is over , when it was supposed to be our time.
Feels like I am caring for a 4 year old with ADHD .
All the doctor says is it’s just progression .
Don’t know how much longer I can do this ,or if I want to
My partners gone and I have nobody who cares for Me
I’m 67 and have short term memory issues. Doctors haven’t said I have alzheimers. My older brother by 3 years pased away from Alzheimers in May and was diagnosed at about 57 or so. I still live alone and take care of my business . I have volunteered for test at UT Health science here in San Antonio but nothing but more test and studies. I woul love to be a part of your research and tests
I
I so understand. I about had a nervous breakdown trying to take care of mom. I finally had to place her in a memory care unit. She wouldn’t eat. She lost weight and her dentures were way too big. She was so stubborn. She wouldn’t use the bathroom with a pull up on she would drop her pants anywhere and pee on everything. She was difficult. I told her once mom if you don’t eat your gonna die. She told me I don’t know what eat is. She had this horrible disease from 68 to 82 before she passed. I don’t want to see this again I won’t this vaccine soon. I’ve been reading about it for a few years. It can’t come fast enough.
I know how you feel. My husband has Lewy body dementia I feel like I am taking care of a 5 yr old. There are days I want to run away. I think to myself I want my old husband. My real husband back. But that can never be. If you need help if he was a veteran the va can help if not then office of the aging can help or health department will steer you on the right direction. Do not be embarrassed to accept help. Best of luck!
My 84 yr old Mom has dementia now going on 6 yrs. Can she be in the trial studies? So sad to watch her every day slowly die. She lives with me & my husband. We are her full time care givers . I would love to get her into a trial!