USA2 SPOTLIGHT

A December 10, 2019 The Frederick News-Post article spotlighted the tireless work of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s advocate Kathy Siggins, the driving force behind the Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp, along with fellow UsA2 advocate Lynda Everman. The stamp us no longer for sale, however Siggins is now pushing for additional legislation to get it back on the market. According to legislation co-sponsor Sen. Chris Van Hollen, “The Alzheimer’s semi-postal stamp has already raised significant funds towards these efforts, which is why I introduced bipartisan legislation to maintain the availability of the stamp for six more years. I also introduced an amendment… to protect the stamp… Every dollar we put towards research can help make a difference, and I will keep fighting to maintain it.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A December 9, 2019 Yahoo! Finance article reported that Vaccinex presented scientific rationale and design of their Phase 1 pepinemab study for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease at CTAD last week. Pepinemab prevents brain glial cell inflammation and reduces the decline of brain metabolic activity as detected by FDG-PET. The study builds on their Huntington’s Disease SIGNAL study. “This expansion of Vaccinex’s clinical development programs in neurodegenerative diseases underscores the importance of neurology as a driver of future growth for the company…. We are pleased, therefore, to have this opportunity to focus attention on our equally innovative and important programs in HD and AD,” said Dr. Maurice Zauderer.

BRAIN HEALTH

A December 10, 2019 Newsweek article looked at the potential of ketones to protect brain cells. Ketones are a type of fatty acid which boosts SIRT3, thought to protect neurons. Blood ketone levels can be increased through eating foods containing the specific ketone supplement, intermittent fasting and exercise. “This study was performed in a mouse model, and although it is very promising, we need to exercise caution when extending the results to human subjects,” said study co-author Aiwu Cheng of NIA.

CAREGIVING CORNER

A December 6, 2019 The Epoch News article highlighted a photo of a man and his wife, curled up in a lounge chair, which went viral. Phyllis Feener passed away from logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia, a form of dementia, just one month after the couple’s daughter Kelli snapped the picture. According to the article, “…Stan remembers and cherishes the final years with his wife fondly no matter how hard they were. He shared, “I love her smile, her laugh, her hugs, her love for family and people… these things I will never forget.""