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LEADING THE FEDERAL EFFORT ON AGING RESEARCH

Conclusion


The theme of the 2007 Alzheimer’s Disease Progress Report is “Discovery and Hope.” It’s a fitting description for, during 2007, AD researchers continued to push the boundaries of knowledge through discoveries on a number of fronts—basic and genetics research on the fundamental nature of the disease and its relationship to normal aging; epidemiologic studies on associations between AD risk, lifestyle factors, and chronic disease; studies on early physiologic changes that signal AD development; translational research studies; clinical trials; and studies to help caregivers.

These discoveries are fostering hope that our richer understanding of the disease (and our growing appreciation of its complexities) are leading to the development of improved techniques for diagnosing AD early and accurately and to the identification of a range of potential therapeutic targets. There is also new hope for the development of effective strategies for helping caregivers cope and even for the identification of possible factors that may reduce AD risk.

At the same time, we cannot forget that AD remains an urgent health problem for our Nation and that we still have much to learn about the disease. Our task is to build on these recent discoveries through continued support for multidisciplinary, collaborative AD research so that its potential will become a reality for millions of older adults.

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