USA2 SPOTLIGHT

(ICYMI) Listen to the Home Instead chat, “A Caregiver’s Personal Journey,” with Alzheimer’s advocate, author and UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Founding Board Member Meryl Comer. Host Lakelyn Hogan and Comer discuss the personal experience of caring for a loved one with AD.  

INDUSTRY UPDATE

An October 18, 2018 Eisal Global press release reported that it will present latest data on its Alzheimer’s disease/dementia pipeline at the 2018 CTAD (Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease) conference later this month. A one-hour BAN2401 symposium will be webcast live. According to the release, “Eisai is aiming to realize prevention and cure of dementia through a holistic approach to dementia drug discovery research based on a foundation of over 30 years of experience of drug discovery activities in the area of Alzheimer’s disease / dementia. Eisai is striving to create innovative medicines as soon as possible in order to further contribute to addressing the unmet medical needs of, as well as increasing the benefits provided to, patients and their families.” Also covered by PR Newswire.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

According to an October 18, 2018 Boston Globe article, Rodin Therapeutics, a Cambridge biotech startup, is testing a new radioactive chemical to gauge the health of brain synapses utilizing PET imaging technology (positron emission tomography). Previously, the only reliable way to measure synapse deterioration was through an autopsy. According to the article, ““Decades of literature show synaptic loss tied to various diseases states,” including Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder, said Adam Rosenberg, chief executive of Rodin. “What’s exciting about this tracer,” he said of the imaging chemical, “is that we don’t have to wait until death to see that.””

PROFILES IN COURAGE

An October 17, 2018 Financial Advisor article spotlighted Charles “Doug” MacLean, a financial advisor whose mom has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Researching the condition, MacLean was frustrated by the lack of relevant cost-related data. So he developed his own financial planning strategies and is now growing his Alzheimer’s practice. According to the article, “When Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, patients and their families must immediately evaluate where they are financially and what financial burdens they may face in the years ahead as the disease progresses, said MacLean… “This could be a 10-, 15- or 20-year relationship you have with Alzheimer’s,” he tells families and advisors, and the longevity and severity of this disease can easily unravel even the most solid retirement planning.””

ALZ TECH

An October 17, 2018 WTAJ article highlighted a new study from Albert Einstein College of Medicine utilizing cellphones to measure cognitive decline among seniors, and help prevent it. Participants take very brief tests of mental function multiple times a day on their phone to create a more accurate measure of very subtle signs of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. According to neurologist Richard Lipton, MD, “If we identify people at high risk for developing dementia in the future, that creates a window of opportunity to intervene.”

DEMENTIA FRIENDLY

(ICYMI) A September 26, 2018 Channel 3000 broadcast segment focused on creating dementia friendly social spaces, including religious places. Dr. Nate Chin of UW Health spoke about the meaning of 'dementia friendly.' “It’s really a philosophy or a way of living within a community where people with dementia are understood, they’re respected, they’re supported. It’s this idea of bringing people out from their homes and back into the community where they can be active and engage with other people. It does require some education and training, but overall it’s a very enjoyable process.”