Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that causes the brain to shink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. This slowly destroys thinking skills and memory, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that can broadly be broken down into 5 stages; preclinical Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease and severe dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.

Early signals of the disease include forgetting recent conversations and events. As the disease progresses sufferers cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others for their care.

More specific problems that may occur are:

• Depression
• Apathy
• Social withdrawal
• Mood swings
• Distrust in others
• Irritability and aggressiveness
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Wandering
• Loss of inhibitions
• Delusions, such as believing something has been stolen

Alzheimer’s is still not fully understood by scientists and therefore treatment is limited. There is only 1 FDA approved drug for treatment of Alzheimer’s and even it is not fully understood (i.e trials of its efficacy are ongoing).

Beyond drugs there are a variety of lifestyle and home remedies that can assist in maintaining cognitive health.

Clinical trials are a crucial part of building a better understanding of Alzheimer's. Trials can help both prevent development of the disease and find a cure for those living with it.

At GoodLab we have trials for those currently suffering and those who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Click here to find a trial suitable for you