Treating Alzheimer's by treating aging

Aging has been traditionally considered an inevitable part of life, not a disease. But modern molecular biology is uncovering how aging affects the body beyond the wrinkles, gray hair and aching joints.

Scientists have made great progress in fighting many of the illnesses more likely to afflict the elderly, including cancer and heart disease. But researchers have made very little progress against one of the most devastating age-related diseases: Alzheimer’s, which slowly robs patients of cognition and memory until they die.

About 5 million Americans are estimated to have Alzheimer’s, according to the National Institutes of Health. Another 1 million have mild cognitive impairment, which puts people at elevated risk for developing full-blown Alzheimer’s.

Researchers know a great deal about Alzheimer’s. They know how certain toxic proteins slowly destroy neurons and the brain. They can even see the telltale signs of Alzheimer’s in brain images that reveal these toxic proteins accumulating in the living brain.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/biotech/sd-me-salk-alzheimers-drug-inhibits-aging-20190106-story.html

Interesting mention of turmeric and strawberry derivatives as possible aids to slowing down cognitive decline.