New drug could help Iowa’s Alzheimer’s patients

The announcement of a new vaccine to treat Alzheimer’s Disease could impact thousands of Iowans. Becky Groff is the Executive Director of the Mid Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Groff says the vaccine could help knock out the disease that attacks victim’s brains and steals their memory.The vaccine has been found to diminish plaques and tangles in the brains of mice. The plaques and tangles are believed to be what kills off brain cells in Alzheimer’s victims.Groff says an estimated 68-thousand Iowans suffer from Alzheimer’s and that’s expected to soon increase to 100-thousand. Iowa mirrors what’s happening worldwide with the disease — estimates say some 22-million people worldwide could be affected by 2025.The Mid Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is one of four chapters in the state. It covers 45 counties. Groff says if you would like more information on the Alzheimer’s Association, you can call 800-738-8071.