RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A March 18, 2020 Alzforum article focused on BIN1, which is considered one of the strongest genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, affecting amyloid, tau and microglial function. USF Morsani College of Medicine researchers looked at synaptic transmission and the effects of conditionally knocking out BIN1 in neurons. According to the article, “Behavioral testing supported the idea of neurotransmission deficits. Knockout mice were unable to learn the location of a hidden platform in the Morris water maze, a test of hippocampal spatial memory. Other frequently tested forms of mouse learning, however, including fear conditioning, novel object recognition, and the Y maze, appeared normal."

A March 18, 2020 UPI article highlighted the role of brain inflammation in dementia, which has been previously linked to depression, psychosis, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. A new University of Cambridge study looked at post-mortem brains of people with FTD (frontotemporal dementia). "This, together with the fact that it is known to play a role in Alzheimer's, suggests that inflammation is part of many other neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. This offers hope that immune-based treatments might help slow or prevent these conditions," said Professor James Rowe.

HUMAN INTEREST

(ICYMI) A March 8, 2020 The Advocate Alzheimer’s Q&A asked about the potential benefits of spiritual practice for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Numerous research studies show that cognitive decline is slower for people who nurture spiritual beliefs and religious practices. According to the article, “With the rising statistics of Alzheimer’s, there is a greater need, awareness and education for spiritual care for those affected by the disease. Spiritual care in routine assessments for affected individuals could be offered, along with more educational opportunities about spirituality for health care professionals and more training about the disease for religious practitioners.”