A step closer to the cure for Alzheimer's?

Did you know that lab tests have been conducted such that "scientists not only can give rodents Alzheimer's — they have also figured out how to take it away"? (New York Times). Granted, "curing mice is a lot simpler than curing people" but this offers some hope to finding a cure for the disease in humans.

And the company conducting these extensive tests?

Wyeth.

The pharmaceutical company has "dedicated more than 350 scientists exclusively to Alzheimer's research, and they are working on 23 separate projects for medicines to possibly treat the disease." This dedication to finding a cure is outstanding – however, one of their motivations (and one could argue, their main motivation) is a huge financial payout if their research is successful. Already it seems financial analysts are looking favorably at their stock.

Finding a cure for Alzheimer's is today's version of the Holy Grail. It is estimated that by 2050, 13.2M Americans will have the disease and the drugs that are currently available do nothing to stop the progression of the disease. As a result, there are other companies dedicating their resources to finding a cure – and results of studies conducted will be discussed during the international Alzheimer's meeting in Washington.

We have hope that the cure will be discovered soon – especially with all these companies dedicating their resources and money. We only have to be aware that when the cure is found, it will be extremely costly (the current treatment for Alzheimer's is expensive – possibly up to $20K/yr). Therefore, our country needs to help so that every American has health insurance. In addition, when the time is right, perhaps the government can also step in and negotiate the cost of the treatments so that those who suffer from Alzheimer's can afford the treatment.