USA2 SPOTLIGHT

Register for our next Alzheimer's Talks, "Insomnia & Alzheimer's" on Friday, January 10, 2019 at 4pm (EST), when host Meryl Comer will speak with two leading experts about the link between insomnia and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. David Holtzman of Washington University in St. Louis has led studies linking sleep disorders to greater amyloid-beta and tau accumulation in the brain, both major hallmarks of AD. Dr. Kristine Yaffe of the University of California, San Francisco is an expert on sleep and Alzheimer’s disease.

MUST READ

A January 5, 2020 Alzforum article looked at both the ups and downs of the past year, and the future of Alzheimer’s disease research. A boost in federal funding brought the new budget to $2.8 billion, renewing hopes for a continued trend of broadening research including AI, biomarkers, the immune system and early diagnosis. Among other issue, the article addresses clinical trials and drug failures, transcriptomics, protein structure and function.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A January 6, 2020 PM Live article reported on the progress of China’s Alzheimer’s drug Oligomannurarate. The manufacturer, Green Valley, announced its plans to test the drug in 200 global locations, which will be completed in 2024 and submitted to the FDA for approval in 2025. According to the article, “The drug is derived from marine algae, and is said to work by inhibiting beta amyloid fibril formation, and reducing hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. It is also said to decrease inflammation in the peripheral and central nervous system and restore the natural balance of microorganisms in the gut.”

DISPARITIES SPOTLIGHT

A January 6, 2020 Chicago Defender article took a new look at the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the African American community. Fresh data from a recent Emory University study confirms that African Americans have more than double the risk for developing Alzheimer’s as their caucasian counterparts. AD is the fourth leading cause of death for older African Americans, leading to added stress on the entire community, especially family caregivers.