People affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are invited to register for the Mayo Clinic Conference on Brain Health and Dementia, which also pays tribute to all that the community has been going through during the COVID-19 pandemic. Held virtually on Oct. 29 from 9:15am to 2:15pm CDT, the free event is a collaboration…
About Alzheimer’s Disease
Walking into a room and forgetting why you went into the room is normal. Walking into a room and forgetting what room you are in is not normal. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and affects one in ten people over the age of 65. Unfortunately, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood however leading scientific experts in the field attribute the illness to the irreversible and progressive generalized degeneration of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease goes well beyond the forgetfulness that may accompany aging, and typically first signs include difficulty remembering current information or performing new tasks. Ongoing hallmark symptoms include impaired memory function, difficulty performing everyday tasks, and neurobehavioral abnormalities. Currently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and multi-disciplinary treatment focuses on symptom management and limiting progression.
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Alzheimer’s News
Documentary Chronicles Father’s Battle With Alzheimer’s
A new documentary released in advance of World Alzheimer’s Day today tells the story of a Worcester, Massachusetts, photographer and art professor who captured the gradual cognitive decline of his late father through a large format black-and-white camera. “With Dad,” which is available to stream on the local Boston TV and radio station website GBH…
Amyloid-beta Produced in the Liver May Play Role in Alzheimer’s
Amyloid-beta produced in peripheral organs, specifically the liver, may be implicated in the brain neurodegeneration observed in Alzheimer’s disease, according to a mouse study. The study, “Synthesis of human amyloid restricted to liver results in an Alzheimer disease–like neurodegenerative phenotype,” was published in PLOS Biology. Deposits of amyloid-beta in the brain are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.…
NIH Funds 2 New Centers Joining Alzheimer’s Research Network
Research institutions in North Carolina and Texas have become the newest members of a national network of Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs), which are at the forefront of research into Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The ADRCs, a project funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), have “been at the heart of progress in Alzheimer’s…
Omega-3 Supplements May Slow Memory Decline
Six months of daily supplements of omega-3 increased the levels of two biomarkers of inflammation and nerve damage in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of people with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a post-hoc analysis of data from the OmegAD clinical trial. While these preliminary findings suggest that omega-3 supplements may be associated with higher inflammation and…
AlzeCure Gets Green Light for 3rd Phase 1 Study of ACD856
AlzeCure Pharma has been granted approval by Swedish regulatory authorities to start its third Phase 1 study of ACD856, the company’s leading therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer’s disease. The study is designed to test multiple ascending doses of the medication, which means that the amount of ACD856 will be increased for each new group of participants.…
Congress Asks FDA for More Information on Aduhelm Approval
Federal lawmakers are asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide additional data and documents related to the agency’s controversial decision to grant accelerated approval to Biogen‘s Aduhelm (aducanumab) as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and U.S. Rep. Carolyn…
Supporters Poised for September, 10th World Alzheimer’s Month
Each September, people from around the globe come together to heighten awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and push back against stigmas around dementia. This year marks a decade of advocacy, as supporters observe the 10th World Alzheimer’s Month. Throughout the month, patients, caregivers, and advocates will share messages and stories on social media, attend activities put…
Genome Analysis Reveals 13 New Alzheimer’s-linked Gene Variants
Using a genetic approach that can “read” the entire human genetic signature, researchers have identified 13 gene variants — or mutations — associated with Alzheimer’s disease risk whose functions are related to neuronal or nerve cell development and connections. Moreover, the scientists said their study establishes new genetic links to neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability…
All Patients in GAIN Trial Show Signs of Gum Disease Bacteria
Every participant in the Phase 2/3 GAIN clinical trial, which is testing Cortexyme’s experimental medication COR388 (atuzaginstat) in people with Alzheimer’s disease, showed evidence of infection by Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), according to a new analysis. In particular, all patients analyzed at the beginning of the study who had available data on their cerebrospinal fluid —…
Phase 2 Trial of XPro1595 in Patients With Inflammation Being Planned
A partnership agreement will allow INmune Bio to continue using biomarker imaging technology by Imeka in future clinical trials evaluating XPro1595, the company’s investigational therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. INmune Bio is planning to initiate a Phase 2 study of XPro1595 in Alzheimer’s patients this year, it stated in a press release. The agreement follows early evidence from its…
FDA OKs Phase 1 Trial of Nasal Spray Immunotherapy Protollin
I-Mab will launch a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating Protollin, its nasal spray immunotherapy candidate for Alzheimer’s disease. The biotech company’s announcement follows the recent approval of an investigational new drug (IND) application for Protollin by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Advancing Protollin into clinic is a critical milestone in the search to…