Because the COVID-19 pandemic has many people staying at home, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has suggestions about activities to help patients and their families stay active and engaged. “Stimulating the brain is beneficial both for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers,” Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., AFA president and CEO, said in…
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
Trial of Oral Anavex 2-73 in Early Alzheimer’s to Continue with Adjustments
Anavex Life Sciences announced plans to continue to screen and enroll patients into its active trials for Alzheimer’s disease and Rett syndrome, in accordance to institutional rules and government guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A Phase 2 study of people with dementia linked to Parkinson’s disease is fully enrolled, and the company expects to announce topline results…
Carrying On, with Empathy
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” — Anonymous If you’re like a lot of people, the COVID-19 pandemic is the first thing that comes to mind when you awaken, and possibly the last penetrating thought before bedtime. Though we tire of its bad news, we can’t turn away. Like a train wreck, or a terrible…
Blood Pressure Treatment May Aid Cognition in Very Early Alzheimer’s
A new analysis of data from a Phase 3 clinical trial testing the blood pressure medication nilvadipine supports evidence that its use helps to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients with very mild, very early stage disease. This finding was reported earlier — the trial ended in 2016 — but results then looked at the entire trial population, ranging from…
Moderate Drinking Linked to Lower Amyloid-Beta Levels, Study Says
Moderate lifetime alcohol intake in middle-aged and older people who don’t show signs of dementia is associated with lower deposits of amyloid-beta, the protein that forms toxic aggregates in the brain and is thought to be involved in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, a study from Korea found. The study, “Association of moderate alcohol intake…
Caregivers Are Battling on All Fronts to Shield Loved Ones from Pandemic
Caregivers are the first line of defense between their loved ones and, well, everything. Like everyone on the planet, our brains are steeped with thoughts of the coronavirus. It’s our job to stand between our loved ones and the communicable disease, but it’s also our responsibility to keep them from becoming overwrought by all the…
Taking Dantrium via Nose More Effective than by Mouth, Lowers Dose, Study Suggests
Giving Dantrium (dantrolene) through the nose rather than by mouth may maximize its neuroprotective properties in treating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, a new study suggests. The study, “Intranasal administration of dantrolene increased brain concentration and duration,” was published in the journal Plos One. Dantrium, produced by Par Sterile Products, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug…
Caregivers in Search of Christmas Spirit
This post was originally published on this site “I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” —Harlan Miller For many people, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. The hustle and bustle of shopping for the perfect present, the ringing…
Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Reaches $100 Million Milestone
This post was originally published on this site In awarding more than $100 million to support scientific efforts to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease, the nonprofit Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has reached a significant milestone. Since its founding, the 15-year-old organization has backed some 425 novel projects conducted by 170 investigators worldwide. Those projects have resulted…
Troriluzole Shows Potential to Treat Moderate Alzheimer’s in Phase 2/3 Trial, Monitoring Board Rules
This post was originally published on this site Troriluzole, an investigational oral therapy by Biohaven, shows a potential to improve cognition and lessen brain volume loss, a sign of Alzheimer’s disease progression, a board reviewing the ongoing Phase 2/3 trial decided. The trial successfully completed its interim futility analysis — meaning it can efficiently reach preset…
AFA Seeks Essays from Teens for its Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Contest
This post was originally published on this site With its annual essay competition, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is again offering high schoolers affected by Alzheimer’s disease a chance to motivate others and earn money for college. In the AFA Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest, college-bound high school seniors nationwide are invited…
Nuplazid ‘Encouraging’ in Lowering Dementia-related Psychosis Risk, HARMONY Trial Finds
This post was originally published on this site [Editor’s note: This story, published on Dec. 10, was updated on Dec. 16 with additional details provided by Acadia Pharmaceuticals.] People with Alzheimer’s and other dementias treated with Nuplazid (pimavanserin) in a Phase 3 trial were almost three times less likely to have a psychosis relapse —…