Looking Ahead

When we last talked, you said, “We don’t know enough yet to totally recognize those at risk and then prevent the first appearance of this disorder.” Have inroads been made since in pre-diagnosis of the disorder?

We are making huge progress in understanding the workings of the brain, how genes influence brain functions, and the role of stress, alcohol, drugs and routine life events. The day is coming when we will be integrating genetic, biochemical, sleep and other kinds of lab tests to diagnose those at risk. Then the target can be what it should be—stopping the disorder from ever appearing. I have long believed that “knowledge heals.”  We have not yet found those elusive breakthrough lab tests, but it will happen.