USA2 SPOTLIGHT

A March 22, 2019 Alzforum article was part two of a series covering the GAP-Net Site Optimization Conference in Nashville, sponsored by the Global Alzheimer’s Platform (GAP) Foundation. The conference is part of an effort to speed up clinical drug trials. Several trial-delaying issues were addressed including bottlenecks caused by institutional review board site approvals, as well as contract and budget negotiation challenges, slow communication between sites, sponsors and contract research organizations, and lack of trained trial workers. UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Chairman George Vradenburg is a GAP co-founder.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A March 27, 2019 New Atlas article spotlighted UC Santa Barbara researchers who are looking to repurpose a drug, originally developed for cancer, to treat Alzheimer’s disease. The drug inhibits the Rhes protein, which is abnormally activated in people with genetic mutations that result in tau-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD. According to the article, “When tau tangles disrupt the normal brain activity, the mice are unable to build nests. But the mice receiving the drug proceeded with nest-building and other normal behaviors. Mice that were untreated all developed dementia.” Also covered by Gizmodo.

ALZ TECH

A March 25, 2019 BioSpace article reported that an FDA advisory panel all voted against approving Neuronix’s NeuroAD device to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of the device is to “achieve sustained cognitive improvement” via focused transcranial magnetic brain stimulation. The device met FDA safety standards, but failed to prove efficacy. According to Neuronix lead Eyal Baror, “We are pleased that the committee recognized the safety of the device, but we are disappointed that the panel’s feedback on our clinical studies and data analysis may result in neuroAD not being available in the U.S. in the foreseeable future. We plan to engage with the FDA to discuss a path forward to ensure that U.S. patients have the same access to this treatment as is enjoyed by Alzheimer’s sufferers in over 30 other countries.”

(ICYMI) A March 20, 2019 Aleteia article and video (from BBC News)featured a simulator, built at a nursing care home in Bradford, England, which replicates the experience of dining in a first class train car journeying through the countryside. The simulator allows seniors, some of whom are disabled, to feel as if they’re out in the world.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Join the Remember for Alzheimer’s live Facebook chat with Hilarity for Charity, from Home Instead, about the importance of respite care for caregivers. March 29, 2019 at 11am (EST). Learn about the grant program which provides respite for families in the US and Canada.