INDUSTRY UPDATE

A February 4, 2019 Seeking Alpha article took a closer look at what went wrong in the wake of Roche’s announcement that it abandoned its anti-amyloid crenezumab trials. The drug targeted the toxic amyloid oligomers in people with early Alzheimer’s disease. According to the article, “Antibodies against amyloid oligomers should be more effective than antibodies against amyloid plaques. But the problem is that amyloid oligomers are one of several triggers that produce oxidative stress in the brain. The oligomers are an add on insult.”

SEX MATTERS

According to a February 4, 2019 Medpage today article, an analysis of cross-sectional data found that women developed  more tau pathology than men with similar amyloid burden. “This study points to a key biological difference that may explain why women are at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease overall, and why they show faster rates of cognitive decline… These findings may be important in targeting appropriate prevention therapies for women, ideally preventing the accumulation of both amyloid and tau pathology as early as possible,” said Reisa Sperling, MD of Brigham and Women's Hospital.

MUST WATCH

(ICYMI) A January 9, 2019 National Institutes of Health video featured Director Dr. Richard Hodes discussing upcoming opportunities for researchers in aging, Alzheimer’s and related dementias research. He touches on budget, pay lines, growing the field, upcoming events and funding opportunities. 

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A February 1, 2019 Uppsala Universitet article spotlighted the work of Senior Geriatrics Professor Lars Lannfelt, who developed BAN2401 for the treatment of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. He received the Swedish Alzheimer’s Foundation’s (Alzheimerfonden) major research prize (approximately $250,000). “We believe this efficacy will go all the way, and we’re not worried. The latest study was such a large one as to leave little room for the chance factor. If all goes as it should, this may become one of the first drugs for treating Alzheimer’s on the market, with the key advantage that it’s shown a very good profile in terms of side-effects,” said Lannfelt.

HUMAN INTEREST

A February 3, 2019 East Bay Times letter to the editor from caregiver David Morley revealed that he is in the same situation as Dan Gasby, husband and caregiver for former supermodel B. Smith, who has Alzheimer’s disease. Morley writes, “Caregiving has been one of the most difficult challenges in my life. My wife is in a care facility, but that does not lessen my stress or involvement. I am on call for her 24 hours a day. But, I met a wonderful woman in an Alzheimer’s Association support group who lost her husband five years ago… People may question my decisions, but until you walk in my shoes, you have no idea.”

BRAIN HEALTH

A February 4, 2019 Mind Body Green post by neuroscientist Nicole Avena, PhD identified foods that can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Good nutrition tends to lead to good oral health, which may keep down gum inflammation, and inflammation in general may be a major factor in developing AD. Poor nutrition leads to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, which also may play roles in Alzheimer’s. According to Avena, “Although there may not be one specific diet you should follow, there are definitely some foods you may want to consider adding to your current routine.”