December 04, 2014

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health's Dr. Charles Bernick talks to Nevada Public Radio about the need for Alzheimer's clinical research volunteers, the power of memory boxes, and the race to develop Alzheimer's drugs heats up (read more). 

Must reads and listen

  • A December 3, 2014 Nevada Public Radio news segmented featured Dr. Charles Bernick, associate director of The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, and highlighted the importance of clinical trial participation. According to the article, "“It’s got a long way to go, even if it is successful,” Bernick said. “The biggest barrier to getting these studies done is getting volunteers.” The drug may be five years away from being used in the mainstream, Bernick said, but if the drug could reduce the effect of Alzheimer’s, up to half of the number of people who suffer the disease could benefit and increase their lifespan."
  • A December 3, 2014 Las Vegas Review-Journal article reported on the use of "memory boxes" to help "stir an Alzheimer’s patient’s memory." According to the article, "The concept is simple. A memory box is filled with items that will stir an Alzheimer’s patient’s memory. It can be nearly any box, but it should be chosen in part for its durability, as it is likely to be opened and handled often. The process of creating a memory box can be a special moment for the Alzheimer’s patient and loved ones. It is not a project to be rushed but the sort of thing done leisurely, looking among the senior’s possessions and mulling over which ones should be included."
Research, science, and technology 
  • A December 3, 2014 Indianapolis Business Journal article reported on the race between Lilly and Biogen to develop an Alzheimer's treatment. According to the article, "While Biogen and Lilly’s drugs both target beta amyloid, they attack different forms of the peptide, which could lead to different trial results, wrote Robyn Karnauskas, an analyst at Deutsche Bank, in a presentation for clients. Biogen didn’t give details on when the final-stage trial would start. Lilly’s trial is expected to have results in 2016, and Biogen’s may finish in 2017 or 2018, said Mark Schoenebaum, an analyst at Evercore ISI, in a conference call with clients today."