A new drug, Aricept, can ease the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in some cases. Several studies suggest that the hormone estrogen can help delay the onset of Alzheimer's and lessen theseverity of its symptoms. Other research points to both vitamin E and ibuprofen as possible preventives. Mental activity helps keep the brain in shape. Basic research is key to new discoveries Not every scientific discovery results in dramatic cures or fail-safe diagnostic tests.
Many breakthroughs stem from previous work that spanned years, even decades.
Advances in basic research, though they might not result in an immediate cure, strengthen the foundation of knowledge about disorders and the brain in general. This brings treatment, diagnosis, and prevention one step closer. There is good reason to think that we will live healthier lives as well as longer ones. Because the cost of care for the disabled may be as much as six times greater than for healthy people, this reduction in disability in 1995 alone translates into savings of many billions of dollars. As our population continues to grow older, it is clear that the best investment in our future is to continue to solve the mysteries of the brain.