Blood-Brain Barrier - Another Win?

 Blood-Brain Barrier - Another Win?
18X24 Acrylic painting on Acrylic Panel

 

As I mentioned in the earlier "Journey with Alzheimer's" post, I will begin my first Leqembi infusion on Thursday, February 1st, and will continue them on a bi-weekly basis for 18 months.

Researchers are exploring the use of ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to enhance the delivery of drugs like Leqembi to the brain, specifically targeting the removal of amyloid protein plaques associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

The blood-brain barrier is a protective mechanism that limits the entry of certain substances, including drugs, into the brain. This barrier is essential for maintaining the brain's microenvironment and protecting it from potential toxins. However, in the context of treating neurodegenerative diseases, finding ways to safely and temporarily open the BBB could improve drug delivery and efficacy.

This painting captures the idea of breaking through this protective barrier to enable the drug to better target and dissolve amyloid protein plaques, and the merging of scientific innovation with the quest for effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. 

Leqembi - Game On!

 The hourglass in this image represents a depiction of lethal plaque build-up within a human brain that could ultimately lead to Alzheimer's Disease.  I am one of the many patients who suffer from Alzheimer's and rejoice in the knowledge that the disease may be controlled at this time.  I challange myself to fight and wiin this battle; and I encourage everyone to take up the mantel and.fignt the good fight!  

The red shapes in the upper portion of the hourglass represent the plaque that destroys the healthy brain.  But the drug Leqembi® can reduce existing brain plaque and slow the progression of the disease.  The lower portion of the hourglass demonstrates the reduction in the plaque resulting from Leqembi®.  
 
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, researchers and healthcare professionals are actively working to better understand the disease and develop treatments to manage its symptoms and potentially slow its progression.

Various medications are available to help manage symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. Additionally, lifestyle interventions, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and social engagement, may contribute to overall well-being and potentially help manage the impact of Alzheimer's disease.

Research into potential cures and disease-modifying treatments is ongoing, but progress in this area can take time. It's essential to stay updated on the latest developments in Alzheimer's research and consult healthcare professionals for the most current information.

For the latest information on Alzheimer's disease management and research, please check reputable sources such as medical journals, health organizations, and government health agencies.

Before receiving Leqembi®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
 
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Since it is not known if Leqembi® will harm your unborn baby, you should tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during your treatment with Leqembi®.

are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Since it is not known if Leqembi® passes into your breast milk, you should talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while receiving Leqembi®.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faded Memories

 Faded Memories

Meet Brigid, the pre-Christian Irish goddess and member of the ancient Tuatha De' Danann.  Brigid was associated with protection, healing, wisdom, and poetry.

Through the years I've enjoyed painting various images of Brigid, including placing her on my homebrew labels.  When I learned earlier this year that I had Alzheimer's disease, I decided to express some of the intense emotions through my artwork, and I’m beginning with Brigid.

My goal is to complete several paintings that express living with gaps in cherished memories, as well as the new treatments for the disease that may initially slow or stop the progression and potentially lead to a cure. I’m scheduled to begin one of these new treatments in February.

The canvas is dominated by a spectrum of radiant splashes of yellow, green, and violet that symbolize the vitality of recollections. These bold strokes represent the vivid memories that once painted the canvas of the mind with clarity and emotion. As the eye moves towards the center of the painting, vibrant and intense hues become increasingly subdued, gray, and eventually a black hole. This mirrors the gradual fading of memories.

This painting captures the emotional journey of memory loss through the use of colors, inviting you to contemplate the transient and delicate nature of the human experience.