USA2 SPOTLIGHT

A March 19, 2020 UsAgainstAlzheimer’s blog post addressed the new realities faced by families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in light of the spread of COVID-19. People may feel more isolated than ever, or be unable to visit loved ones in group settings and nursing homes. According to the post, “Now is the time to make sure that all of those who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia know that they’re not alone. And those with a loved one living with the disease should remember the importance of social interaction in maintaining brain health. Numerous studies have emphasized the positive impact of social activity on brain health, especially for older adults. In fact, those with dementia who are most socially active have shown slower disease progression.”

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According to a March 20, 2020 Nasdaq article, the effects of coronavirus are being felt in the clinical drug trial arena. Axsome Therapeutics concluded patient participation early in their late-stage AXS-05 study for people with Alzheimer's disease-related agitation, so that participants over 65 can self-isolate at home, as recommended. The study’s topline results will now be ready a quarter early. According to the article, “At the time of its announcement, Axsome had already completed randomizing hundreds of patients into groups, and more than 90% of patients enrolled had completed five weeks of treatment and observation. Axsome didn't have to tell investors that it was nearly finished with the study, and it could have delayed publishing its data for months. The decision to unblind the data earlier is a strong sign the company feels good about AXS-05.”

FEEL GOOD STORY OF THE DAY

A March 22, 2020 Fox News article spotlighted a video that went viral of John Kline serenading his wife, Ann, through a window with “Amazing Grace” at a Montgomery (AL) nursing home. He cannot visit her because of current coronavirus restrictions. According to the article, “The restrictions wouldn’t stop John Kline's daily visits with his wife, also 80, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 17 years ago. Before the new measures, he would finish his day as a distinguished professor of leadership at Troy University and head over to spend a few hours with Ann, sharing dinner and a goodnight kiss.”