MUST READS

A February 9, 2018 National Institutes of Health media advisory reported that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is developing a rapid, practical test to improve early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Utilizing Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion, the test diagnosed with 93 percent accuracy and results were available within two days. Both diseases typically progress for years before symptoms appear, and it can be difficult to distinguish one from another.
 

According to a February 9, 2018 New York Post article, legendary Mets shortstop Buddy Harrelson has Alzheimer’s disease. He has a lot of support from his family, including two adult children who live with him, and a third son and his ex-wife close-by. “I’m not afraid. I see a lot of good people who have this, just like me. It’s OK; we’re not alone,” said Harrelson. 

MUST LISTEN

A February 8, 2018 Voice of America radio segment spotlighted a blood test created by researchers in Japan and Australia that could help identify who might get Alzheimer’s disease. In a test with more than 370 people, it worked with 90 percent accuracy. According to study co-leader Colin Masters, “You have to learn to diagnose the disease directly before you can hope to see the effect of therapeutic intervention. And that’s where the real value in this test will come.” 

INDUSTRY UPDATE

A February 9, 2018 Endpoints News article focused on the high failure rate of Alzheimer’s drug trials. Today it was announced that the protein-blocking BI 409306 drug, produced by Boehringer Ingelheim, failed to beat a placebo in improving cognition. According to Jan Poth, “We recognise the immense anticipation around any progress in brain research that brings us closer to finding solutions for the many millions of people living with dementia. However, this is what research is about: disappointments are a daily experience in science, but even these clinical trial results will add to the understanding of brain function and contribute to future progress in this area.”

VETERANS SPOTLIGHT

A January 26, 2018 ABC WPTA 21 article and video segment looked at whether cholesterol-lowering purified fish oil supplements favorably alter early brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease by improving blood flow to the brain in veterans with a family history of AD. Researchers are studying if it can delay the onset of  tell-tale AD symptoms such as changes to memory, thinking skills and personality. Veterans who experience active military duty face a higher risk for AD than the general population. To learn about participating in the study, contact Elena Beckman: (608) 256-1901 ext. 11199, or [email protected].

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

A February 8, 2018 Sampan article reported on legislation passed in Massachusetts which establishes an Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Council, and requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to conduct an assessment on existing state efforts and implement a state plan to address AD. It creates minimum training standards for elder protective services social workers, and establishes a continuing education requirement for medical professionals. According to House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, “Massachusetts is a national leader in health care. This legislation ensures our ongoing commitment to confronting the largest unaddressed public health threat facing our nation.”

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Join the National Alliance for Caregiving’s 12th Annual National Conference of Caregiving Advocates. The one-day meeting will be hosted with the American Society on Aging on Monday, March 26, 2018. Register here.