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ODs have key role in Alzheimer’s battle
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Be it a family member, friend, neighbor or even acquaintance, it seems most everyone knows someone afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease. Witnessing the cognitive, behavioral and associated physical decline is enough to strike fear in the hearts of all involved. Perhaps what is most unsettling about Alzheimer’s is our lack of effective treatment.
Yes, it is true we have become fairly adept at differentially diagnosing Alzheimer’s (albeit late in the process). It is also true that we have a better understanding of the role amyloid beta protein plaques play in the pathophysiology of this devastating condition. However, when it is all said and done, we have a long way to go in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. In fact, the Alzheimer’s Association reports there are currently more than 130 clinical trials being conducted at more than 500 sites in the U.S. alone – a telltale sign of the complexity of and urgency in finding a cure.
With 5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease – and a burgeoning number of “at risk” seniors – it is understandable why the sense of urgency. The impact on patients, their families and care givers, not to mention the related societal health care costs, is staggering. So, what does this have to do with optometry?
While we have no cure, there is an emerging consensus among Alzheimer’s experts. That consensus is one of “the earlier the better.” It is a belief that identifying those at risk and those with presymptomatic pathology will result in more effective treatment. In fact, it is quite possible many early therapeutic trials failed in large part because they were too little, too late. The message to all health care providers, optometry included, is clear: prevention and earlier detection are essential if we are to win this battle.
It is irrefutable that aging and genetics are risk factors for dementia in general and Alzheimer’s in particular. Additionally, there is mounting evidence that smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other vascular risk factors play a critical role. Also, there is a strong belief that active engagement, both physically and intellectually, is essential in mitigating dementia and Alzheimer’s.
While optometry’s domain may well be limited to the eye, we undoubtedly play a bigger role for our patients. Indeed, for many adults who perceive themselves as otherwise healthy, we are often the only health care provider they see on a regular basis. Our role in counseling patients on diet and lifestyle, providing clear vision beneficial to those leading active lives and diagnosing early vascular changes in the eye are key in the battle against Alzheimer’s.
In this month’s Primary Care Optometry News, we are pleased to present two great articles relating to the eye in dementia and Alzheimer’s (“Eyes may hold answer for method of early Alzheimer’s detection, treatment,” pages 1, 12 and 13, and “Determining saccade deficits can assist in Alzheimer’s diagnosis,” page 13). While it is evident no one ocular finding is pathognomonic of Alzheimer’s, it is also true that pupillary responses, saccadic eye movements, nerve fiber layer thinning, retinal vasculature attenuation and ocular amyloid
beta protein deposition could very well hold the key to earlier recognition
and treatment.