November 03, 2014

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

Alzheimer's researchers seek younger, healthier patients, researchers hope to repurpose cancer drug for Alzheimer's, and the need to increase investment in medical research (read more). 
 

Must reads

  • A November 3, 2014 Sun Sentinel (FL) article reported that "more and more, researchers are seeking younger, healthier patients" for Alzheimer's research. According to the article, "That's because Alzheimer's researchers now believe studies have started too late in the process, when brain changes are so advanced that there is little any treatment could do, said Dr. Harvey D. Schwartz, a neurologist at Infinity Clinical Research in Hollywood. Schwartz is the principal investigator for the NOBLE study, which is exploring if an unnamed compound (T-817 MA) can protect brain cells and prevent further memory decline. The research is part of the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, a joint effort of the National Institute on Aging and universities nationwide to promote clinical studies and data sharing. Infinity is one of five NOBLE trial sites in Florida; the others are in Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami and Tampa. Each site is looking for 10 to 12 patients ages 55 to 85 who are in the disease's early to mid stages and still living at home vs. a nursing home."
  • A November 2, 2014 Tech Times article reported that "Scientists researching the causes of Alzheimer's disease say it may not be plaque, long considered the prime suspect, but rather protein than steals a person's memory and interferes with behavior and thinking by killing brain cells." According to the article, "Both plaque consisting of amyloid-beta protein fragments and tangles of a protein known as tau are seen in the disease, but Georgetown University Medical Center researchers say they've found evidence it's the tau rather than the plaque that accelerates neuron death…As part of their investigation, the researchers looked at the anti-cancer drug nilotinib, approved for used in adult leukemia patients, as a possible treatment to clear out such intercellular debris and control levels on nonfunctioning "bad" tau. Nilotinib works by entering a cell to help clear it of debris, but can also reduce plaques building up outside the cell, says Moussa, who hopes to start clinical trials within weeks."
  • A November 1, 2014 Detroit Free Press opinion piece by Dr. James O. Woolliscroft underscored the need to invest in medical research. According to Dr. Woolliscroft, "This means thousands of promising research proposals that aim to cure diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and diabetes are rejected each year. Coincidentally, less than 1% of the federal budget goes toward medical research, even though it may be the single most important investment in the future health of our nation and its people. Fewer research dollars also mean less investment in local economies across our state, as every dollar of NIH funding creates $1.80 to $3.20 of new economic activity. Simply put, our nation and our lawmakers are at a crossroads when it comes to investing in our health, our children's health and the well-being of future generations. Therefore, it is imperative that our lawmakers provide stable and predictable budget growth for NIH's future." Dr. James O. Woolliscroft is dean of the University of Michigan Medical School.
  • An October 31, 2014 Center for American Progress article highlighted reforms to improve long-term care options, including the establishment of a national caregiver corps. According to the article, "U.S. policymakers should find ways to expand support for these and other community-based organizations that offer long-term supports and services. One option is to create a new program sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, or CNCS, that recruits and trains long-term caregivers. Legislation introduced by Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) would create a National Care Corps for this purpose. Corps members would provide important assistance to seniors and disabled individuals. Similar to the proposed National Care Corps, a new Caregiver Corps would function as a more specialized AmeriCorps program, with trained volunteers assigned to work with existing nonprofits, public agencies, and community-based organizations such as villages and NORCs. Caregiver Corps volunteers would complement the work of existing caregivers and volunteers. For example, these newly trained caregivers could work primarily with people who need a more modest level of long-term care supports and services, allowing professional caregivers to focus on members with greater care needs. Participants in the new program could also provide respite services for family caregivers."