RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A March 28, 2019 Scientific American article looked at repurposing an experimental hepatitis D drug, lonafarnib, which rids the brain of tau protein, to treat Alzheimer’s disease. A new study found it has beneficial effects on tau-related pathology in mice when given for an extended period. According to study lead Kenneth Kosik of the University of California, Santa Barbara, “This opens up a previously completely unsuspected pathway for tau degradation. We don’t have all the molecular details, but as a place to look, this is full of new opportunities. Given the setback we've had recently, and many before that, with amyloid, the field is a little bit desperate to find new approaches. I think interest in tau is going to go up.”

FAITH SPOTLIGHT

In a March 29, 2019 Tracy Lind Interrupted By God blog post, Lind, who is a preacher, writes about her experiences with dementia. “God has profoundly interrupted my life twice… The second interruption occurred… when Emily and I… heard the words: “Tracey, you have early stage dementia, probably caused by Frontotemporal Degeneration…” My diagnosis ripped apart the fabric of our lives, disrupted the core of my vocation, and confronted the essence of my identity… It was calling me to find the meaning, grace, gifts, and wisdom from a life impacted by dementia, to speak about it from the inside out, to become, in the words of my fellow pilgrim Greg O’Brien, “a torchbearer to curse the darkness of dementia and shine a light on its path.””   

BRAIN HEALTH

A March 26, 2019 KATU2 article spotlighted retired neurologist Dan Gibbs, who has Alzheimer’s disease. He stresses the importance of early detection, physical exercise and mental stimulation. According to the article, “The new research shows changes in lifestyle -- similar to what Dan is doing -- can reduce a person's risk, making it “less likely to develop” dementia. “When somebody who's a neurologist himself is having this experience, and being able to bring those two things together, is very powerful,” says Dr. Kaye [Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center at OHSU] of his former colleague.”

MUST WATCH

In a March 28, 2019 the Motley Fool Money podcast segment, the host and a senior analyst talk about Biogen’s disappointing news about its aducanumab drug trials and the future for drug developers.

FINANCES

A March 27, 2019 Endpoints News article reported that Cassava Sciences is focusing on new drug approaches to treating Alzheimer’s disease. PTI-125 is designed to stabilize a critical scaffolding protein, filamin A (FLNA), by reversing proteopathy which improves neuronal function, reduces neuroinflammation, improves cognition and slows disease progression. The company is also developing an AD blood test. “There’s never been a more exciting time to be in Alzheimer’s research,” said company lead Remi Barbier.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Join-in the public meeting of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services. April 29, 2019 from 9am-4:30pm in Washington, D.C. The Council provides advice on how to prevent or reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias for patients and their caregivers. The meeting will focus on planning for older adults, including care plans for people with cognitive symptoms, and discussion about antipsychotics for people with dementia. If you wish to attend, send an email to [email protected]by April 19, 2019.