BRAIN HEALTH

A January 30, 2020 Scientific American article referenced a new study from Rush University Medical Center looking at eating foods rich in flavonols to stay cognitively healthy and ward off dementia. Flavonols appear to quiet inflammation and help prevent cellular damage. Researchers studied the effects of pears, olive oil, wine, tomatoes, tea, kale, oranges and tomatoes. “A healthy diet that contains various fruits and vegetables is critical for continued health—but especially brain health,” said study lead Thomas M. Holland.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A January 29, 2020 Yahoo! Finance article reported that ProMIS Neurosciences will present data supporting their tau antibodies, for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, in a poster presentation at the Tau2020 Global Conference. According to the article, “ProMIS’ platform not only generates high-quality antibody candidates with precision selectivity for only the toxic species, it also delivers powerful, confirmed candidates in months versus years. Used in combination with new biomarkers for AD, it gives researchers a unique opportunity to dramatically improve the success and speed of drug development efforts.”

ALZ TECH

A January 26, 2020 McKnight’s Long-Term Care News article highlighted a newly developed tool to predict life expectancy of people with dementia by analyzing sex, age, cognitive ability and comorbidity factors. It can assist in better communication between patients and care providers, and foster conversations about future care plans as the disease progresses. Nearly 48% of nursing homes residents have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

A January 27, 2020 WOOD TV 8 broadcast segment spotlighted a series of clinical trials in Grand Rapids (MI) working on treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Alliance, which provides access to clinical research studies, information about AD and memory screenings, is currently enrolling participants for the PACT Trial. “The study will almost always benefit the individuals who participate. They will get state-of-the-art medical care, including something we call a PET scan. It lets us see if there is material building up in your brain called amyloid. We think that this is the cause of Alzheimer’s disease,” said David Morgan.