RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A March 13, 2020 Being Patient article spotlighted the start of Biogen’s new EMBARK re-dosing trial of the Alzheimer’s disease treatment aducanumab. Jeff Borghoff, who has mild AD and participated in the original phase 3 trial, is the first participant in this new trial to receive an infusion. According to the article, “Asked how it felt to receive the drug again, Borghoff said he was really excited. “I can’t believe that it’s been a year,” he said. “It has been quite a rollercoaster for sure.” Borghoff said that despite the negative news last March, he had never really given up hope about aducanumab.”

HUMAN INTEREST

A March 10, 2020 Global News video focused on the recent Alzheimer Society of B.C. fundraising breakfast, where Canadian soccer Hall of Famer Bob Lenarduzzi talked about his personal experience with the disease. Craig Burns, an advocate who has dementia, spoke about stigma, despair and hope. “If you are having trouble with memory… an early diagnosis really makes a difference. It is a significant difference in quality of life for a person living with dementia.”

CAREGIVING CORNER

A March 1, 2020 The Advocate Alzheimer’s Q&A asked if multisensory therapies may be beneficial behavioral interventions for people who have Alzheimer’s disease. Sensory stimulation affects one of the five senses, and includes location and balance. A review concluded that most kinds of sensory stimulation reduced agitation, anxiety, aggression and depression, helped cope with negative emotions and behaviors, and improved quality of life for people with AD. According to the article, “Various research studies say there are advantages of nonpharmacological interventions for behavioral issues in those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”