Debbie Baumgarten

There is no current cure for Alzheimer’s.  At the same time, it is one of the most destructive diseases in America, destructive in the health of the individuals who have it, and destructive in the way it affects the lives of family members.  Almost everyone we know is touched by its effects, either through direct family experience or because of someone we know. Alzheimer’s is now the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number could rise as high as 16 million. In 2017 Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $259 billion and by 2050 could rise to $1.1 trillion. Since 2000, deaths from  heart disease have decreased by 14% while deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased by 89%. The United States was ranked second in the Top 10 countries among deaths from dementia.  These are some of the startling statistics that help define how urgently we need treatments and potential cures.

Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing.  Research continues to explore therapies, preventions and concepts for slowing the disease. One of the newest concepts that is being tested is photobiomodulation  light therapy, which was developed by Dr. Lew Lim, Founder & CEO of Vielight Inc. and co-inventor of several wearable photobiomodulation (PBM) / low level light therapy devices.  His work on Alzheimer’s disease is now in a clinical trial (that is showing promising results) studying the use of near-infrared therapy to treat Alzheimer’s disease and see how the use of light therapy could radically reduce the risk.

Dr. Kim in interviews has explained, “If you look at the epidemiology of dementia and Alzheimer’s globally … countries that are in the northern hemisphere appear to have high risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. You look at the top 10 countries, they’re all countries with winter, with shorter hours,” Lim says. In a way, what we’re doing here, directing light into the brain … has a … similar effect as sunlight, but more targeted. It has specific wavelengths that have an effect on the mitochondria of the neurons. Logically, that will lead to neuronal recovery if the neurons are performing sub-optimally or are damaged. That’s been found in in-vitro studies.”

Before Dr. Lim did the study on humans, there were already at least three published studies of work done on mice and rabbits. When they directed red and  infrared light to the brain, they found that the commonly accepted biomarkers, the amyloid beta plaques, were reduced. The behavior got better. When Dr. Lim did a head-to-head comparison with the drugs (with the information he had from  the pivotal trial with Aricept, which is commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s), the data he received was seven times greater, with no side effect.  His next trial involves 226 people that is randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled as well as a small study using 40 people that will be rigorously controlled. His studies show that the light therapy would have to be maintained and easy to use to continue to see results. He explained, “Alzheimer’s is a strongly degenerative disease with a lot of power on its own.” He is working on an invention that could be used at home for a few minutes every day that potentially will replicate the benefits of medical devices currently used only in clinics

While we cannot conclude spending more time in the sun or taking vitamin D will help alleviate Alzheimer’s, but it is both interesting and encouraging how broad research studies are actively searching for a cure. New discoveries in medical science happen every day; this light therapy study is just one more example of a future filled with hope for individuals and families dealing with the sadness and frustration of Alzheimer’s.

For all of us junk mail is a fact of life. Some weeks our office receives 20 pounds or more of junk mail to 5 pounds of real mail. In all the years of practice I cannot even imagine how much junk mail has been addressed to Connie Casad MD or Park Cities Aesthetics. It almost makes me feel sorry for the Post Office. But as they say, one man’s trash is another’s treasure.  So even though it takes time we peruse all the mail that comes because every now and then we find something worthwhile. This happened in July when we were sent a copy of Diabetes Forecast that came by accident. Nevertheless, we read it and realized there is some valuable information in this periodical that can help promote health and wellness for our patients. In keeping with our focus on health education, this information is something we all need to know.

Diabetes Forecast focuses on both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Since Type 1 is not reversible and requires daily treatment to manage the disease, this blog will focus on Type 2 which many doctors believe is at epidemic levels in America. It is not only a real threat to national health and wellness, but also causes an overwhelming cost to our health care system. The numbers are staggering. More than 29 million Americans have diabetes and 1 out of 4 don’t even know it.  Another 90 million people are considered prediabetic; 1 out of every 3 adults. Their blood sugar levels are above normal and without weight loss and moderate physical activity, as many as 30 percent will develop Type 2 within five years. Dr. Ann Albright, Director of the CDC’s Division of Diabetes stated, “These numbers are alarming and underscore the need for an increased focus on reducing the burden of diabetes in our country. Diabetes is costly in both human and economic terms. It’s urgent that we take swift action to effectively treat and prevent this serious disease.”

So this gives us an idea of who is at risk. Now for the financial revelations: The monetary cost back in 2012 was 176 billion in direct medical costs and 69 billion in lost productivity for a total of 245 billion dollars – in 2012 – who knows what it is today. When studied in 2012, these figures represented a 41 percent increase over the previous five years. Most of the direct costs cover hospital, medication, physician and nursing care. People with diabetes spend more than $14,000.00 per year in these actual expenses. Indirect costs like absenteeism, reduced productivity, inability to work due to the disease, and lost productivity due to early mortality make up the 69 billion in indirect costs mentioned above. Just like the national debt these numbers are incomprehensible.

Big picture – this is a big problem and only getting worse. Our government, through Medicare, Medicaid, and the military absorbs 62.4% of this expense – which means you and me.  It is a disease that cuts across all races, sexes, and socio-economic groups. But people without adequate health insurance, as you can imagine, have 79% fewer physician visits and receive 68% fewer medications. As a direct result of inadequate insurance and care, they have 55% more emergency room visits, which results in the most costly way to treat a disease that can be prevented.

In our next blog, Sugar is Poison, we go from the macro to the micro – how does this disease affect you and your health and what you can do to prevent it.