November 20, 2019

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A November 20, 2019 Yahoo! Finance news release announced that DiamiR received $492,000 from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) Diagnostics Accelerator fund to support their “Circulating brain-enriched microRNAs as peripheral biomarkers of neurodegeneration” project, for detection and prediction of Alzheimer's disease progression. “In this study we will specifically focus on evaluating associations between changes in the plasma levels of microRNAs enriched in the specific brain regions affected by the disease and other known AD markers. We expect that, ultimately, a combination of biomarkers, including genetic, epigenetic and proteomic markers, will be used by clinicians to tackle heterogeneity of neurodegenerative diseases and to provide the most accurate diagnosis,” said Principal Investigator Samuil Umansky, MD, PhD.

MUST WATCH

A November 19, 2019 KXNET broadcast segment spotlighted the potential to utilize hyperbaric chambers for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Hyperbaric chambers force more oxygen into the body which helps to restore brain function in drowning victims, carbon monoxide and concussions patients. Bob Kostka, who has dementia, tested the treatment at home and concluded it is working. According to Bob’s wife, Ruthie, “He was in three times in a row. The following morning we did our coffee deal, visiting, and I’m thinking, ‘My gosh, I think we’re having a conversation.’ Bob said that machine is working and I knew it was.”

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A November 18, 2019 News Medical Life Sciences article highlighted new technology from researchers in Israel designed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and deliver Alzheimer’s disease treatments. Nanoscale silicon chips deliver a neural growth factor protein which inhibits the exacerbation AD and damage to the cholinergic mechanisms essential for proper brain functioning. According to the article, “Through precise control of chip properties –- pore dimensions, surface chemical properties and more – the researchers were able to reach an optimal configuration that retains the protein in its active form and then releases it gradually, over a period of about a month. Afterwards, the chips safely degrade in the brain and dissolve.

ALZHEIMER'S IN THE MEDIA

A November 18, 2019 Mashable article focused on a new ad campaign, “The Alzheimer's Listenline” podcast series, three to five-minute episodes featuring the stories of public figures with personal connections to AD. The goal is to inform about the benefits of early diagnosis.

OPINION

A November 20, 2019 The Hour opinion piece by Mary-Kay Harrity of Norwalk implored the Senate to schedule a vote to reauthorize the Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2019. The legislation would allow people with younger-onset AD access to nutritional and supportive services, the National Family Caregiver Support program, and additional services that enhance quality of life. According to Harrity, “Although they face the same burdens as those with an older loved one with Alzheimer’s, families with someone with Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s do not have the same access to resources for support.”