Well-versed in insurance, entrepreneur Eugene E. Houchins III serves as president and CEO of American Life Fund Corp. With his company, Eugene E. Houchins III helps patients who are suffering from serious illnesses to access funds from their life insurance policies, helping them cover living and medical expenses. Aside from his professional duties, he is a supporter of philanthropic organizations contributing to research on diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes individuals to lose thinking skills, memory, and eventually the ability to perform simple tasks. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and it is irreversible once it begins to progress.
Because of the complexity of Alzheimer’s disease, doctors tend to treat Alzheimer’s by focusing on slowing down the progression and symptoms, managing any behavioral symptoms, and helping to maintain mental function as much as possible. There are several prescription drugs available that can help manage symptoms in the early to middle stages of the disease. As the disease progresses, some people find drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors effective in reducing symptoms and controlling behavioral issues that can arise.
Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused in part by a buildup of a particular protein known as beta-amyloid in the brain. In 2019, researchers at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles began exploring a new compound called 3K3A-APC, a modified activated C protein. Activated C protein protects the blood vessels and brain cells from damage caused by inflammation. This new compound, 3K3A-APC, has shown promise in trials for other brain diseases, so researchers decided to try this with Alzheimer’s disease as well. More research is likely on the horizon to see how effective this treatment may be.
Eugene Houchins III 