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Drug Shows Early Promise Against Alzheimer's
The feed delivers news from Ars Technica about a new and promising treatment for Alzheimer's. The drug Etanercept works by disabling the functioning of a cytokine called TNFa, and reportedly caused immediate improvement — in minutes — in mental functioning in one Alaheimer's patient. Double-blind studies have not yet begun.
I nominate the the Slashdot editors to be the first to receive treatment.
Why does it matter if the drug works on two blind people?
Moderator hint: a comment is neither "Flamebait" nor "Troll" if it is true.
Why are "substantial mental improvements" worthless? Anything that improves the condition of the patients is probably worthwhile.
Because if this drug has even the smallest viability as a memory enhancer for people who otherwise don't have any notable memory issues... then, uh... wow. The possibilities are mind-boggling. I could also see a huge black market segment for this among college and university students. Steroids for brain... what a concept.
File under 'M' for 'Manic ranting'
I actually find that response curious. No offense to you, and I freely admit that I have no family members with Alzheimer's, but it seems to me that I would rather have a functional family member who doesn't remember me over, as you say, a bed-ridden one who does.
It seems like it would be a question between their happiness and yours. If they're a "normal" person who just happens to not know you, then they can still theoretically still lead fulfilling lives during their final years.