Researchers are setting a deadline to cure Alzheimer’s. They’re giving themselves a decade to get it done.
Glenda Clare of Tampa was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two years ago. These days, she carries a notebook with her wherever she goes. It’s just one of many notebooks she has filled with her lists of things to do and things she has experienced throughout the day.
Clare is one of about 5 million people in the United States living with the brain-robbing disease. Now, she’s concerned about her family having to watch her lose her memory.
"I wasn’t really aware that there wasn’t a cure,” said Clare. “I just knew that most people that got it just died with it."
Clare has taken her voice as far as the Capitol, working with lawmakers to get more money earmarked for research. It’s something Alzheimer’s advocates say is desperately needed.
"With Alzheimer’s disease, we don’t have a survivor,“ said Gloria Smith with the Alzheimer’s Association Gulf Coast Chapter. “We don’t have a survivor that can tell you their story."
The last major breakthrough was in 2003. Now, nearly 600 researchers from around the world are coming together this week and sharing their research.
Doctor David Morgan, with USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute in Tampa, says in 25 years working to try to find a cure, this is the most promising time. He says he is convinced they will be able to prevent the disease by 2020.
Others are cautiously optimistic.
“I’m optimistic and realistic," said Smith. “I don’t want to get families hopes raised to this level.”