New research reveals promising drug for clients with early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). For decades’ scientist study protein buildup and plaque formation in the brain. Protein buildup and plaques lead to tangles, blocking the signaling of neurons and flow of nutrients into brain cells. Consequently, brain cells begin to deteriorate resulting in cognitive and behavioral changes. The PRIME study published in Nature springs hope in the treatment of AD.

 Current research reveals how being bilingual can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Department of Experimental Psychology and Department of Neurology at Ghent University conducted a study that supports such findings. Bilingual and monolingual participants were compared for time of clinical manifestation and diagnosis of AD. Woumans et al. (2013) from Ghent University states, “Results indicated a significant delay for bilinguals of 4.6 years in manifestation and 4.8 years in diagnosis. Our study therefore strengthens the claim that bilingualism contributes to cognitive reserve and postpones the symptoms of dementia.”

Although to date there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, drug therapies aim to improve memory and quality of life. There are two main drug classes: Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. Each drug class influences different brain chemicals, and may be prescribed in tandem for optimal results. Medications do not cure Alzheimer’s disease, yet they help with disease management and general wellbeing.