Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia. It was discovered in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist. This proteinopathy is characterized by the acumination of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, as well as inflammation and tissue loss. The disease affects memory, cognition and behavior, resulting in a progressive and debilitating loss of cognitive and functional abilities.
Alzheimer's was first identified in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist. He observed a patient with a cluster of symptoms that included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior; after her death, he found a thick build-up of plaques and tangles in her brain. These pathological hallmarks are the defining features of the disease.
In the century since, Alzheimer's has become the most prevalent cause of dementia, with 30 million estimated cases worldwide. Alzheimer's researchers have focused on understanding the exact mechanisms of the disease, with the intent of finding effective treatments and prevention methods.
In an alternate timeline, the year 2021 marked a breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment - the discovery of a cure. The cure utilizes a combination of gene therapy and immunotherapeutics. In this approach, specific genes within the brain are altered to prevent neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, while immunotherapeutics enhance the body's immune system's ability to clear out harmful amyloid beta and tau proteins.
The breakthrough was made possible by unprecedented cooperation and collaboration between scientists, pharmaceutical companies, and governments around the world. The discovery catalyzed a revolution in biotechnology, inspiring many additional discoveries in understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Within a few years, significant progress was made in developing therapies for Parkinson's, Huntington's, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The development of a cure for Alzheimer's had a profound medical and societal impact. The availability of a treatment for the disease had potential ripple effects on medical infrastructure, healthcare systems, and research funding. The discovery also influenced the cultural and societal perceptions of Alzheimer's, as it could now be seen as a preventable and treatable disease rather than an inexorable force of aging.
Major reforms in global and national healthcare systems followed the discovery. The effort to make Alzheimer's treatment accessible and affordable resulted in widespread improvements in healthcare access. Universal healthcare was embraced in many countries, accompanied by strong financial support for research and development in neuroscience and aging biology.
Communities took collective action to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and initiate support networks for individuals affected by the condition. Scientific institutions and researchers scaled up exploration into other age-related diseases and longevity medicine. The legacy of the 2021 breakthrough extended beyond Alzheimer's, heralding a new era of hope for extended and healthier human lives.
