RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A January 13, 2020 Yahoo! Finance article announced the partnership of Eagle Pharmaceuticals and the University of Pennsylvania to develop dantrolene sodium for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that intranasal administration of the drug, which helps restore intracellular calcium regulation, has positive effects on memory and cognition. “Dantrolene sodium’s potential for use in treating Alzheimer’s patients represents novel thinking backed by years of proprietary Eagle research. Pre-clinical work around this has proven positive thus far and builds on Eagle’s years of insight gained in multiple clinical and pre-clinical studies on dantrolene sodium,” said Eagle lead Scott Tarriff.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A January 13, 2020 Live Mint article spotlighted research from Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) scientists, who found that environmental exposure to lead can cause Alzheimer’s disease. The toxic heavy metal can contaminate the environment from objects such as paint, cosmetics, batteries, glass and toys. According to the article, “The scientists have simulated brain cells in vitro with beta amyloid peptides (amino acids that are crucially involved in Alzheimer's disease) like in Alzheimer’s disease and the effect of Lead exposure was then studied. It showed increased cell death and increased levels of pro-apoptotic marker proteins.”

CAREGIVING CORNER

A January 12, 2020 The Advocate Alzheimer’s Q&A asked about what not to say to a friend who is caring for a parent with dementia. The article advises it’s best to not preface suggestions with, “you need to.” The caregiver often knows what they need, but simply lacks the time. According to the article, “What your friend needs more than anything is someone who is truly present for her and who listens wholeheartedly and without hesitation in her times of need.”

YOUTH FOCUS

 (ICYMI) A December 31, 2019 Face 2 Face Africa article featured the story of 8 year-old Amoy Antunet, who teaches neuroscience online via her “Science for Children” classes. She aspires to be a neurosurgeon. According to the article, “Antunet, who was invited to the University of Alabama’s Neuroscience Lab, has also appeared on CNN, the BBC and other major media outlets as well as conferences where she has spoken on Alzheimer’s.”