S2E5: Inside the rapidly expanding field of dementia research

One of the most frustrating and scary things about dementia is that we still know breathtakingly little about it. Research has revealed many clues – but not enough definitive answers – about what causes dementia and exactly how it acts upon the brain. And, of course, there's still no cure for any form of dementia. 

However, the medical community in Michigan, as in the rest of the U.S., is currently working at unprecedented speed to better understand how dementia works and treat it. Massive federal investment in dementia research is helping researchers investigate the pathology behind dementia, the most effective ways to reduce dementia symptoms, and even ways to potentially identify dementia risk before symptoms develop. As we continue our second season of Michigan's State of Health, we'll introduce you to Michigan medical professionals who are on the frontlines of this rapidly evolving field of study.

Want to learn more about the organizations and resources referenced in this episode? Check out the links below.

Alzheimer's Association Greater Michigan chapter

Dr. Irving Vega's Vega Lab at Michigan State University

Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center

Michigan Dementia Coalition

Trinity Health Memory Care

You can read the State of Health feature story series here.