MUST READS

A September 10, 2019 USC News article focused on the Alzheimer’s Disease Exposome, a framework created to address major gaps in understanding how the interaction of environmental and genetic factors affects the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Caleb Finch of USC and Alexander Kulminski of Duke University “propose a new approach to comprehensively assess the multiple brain-body interactions that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.” According to Finch, “Environmental factors, including exposure to air pollution and low socioeconomic status, shifted the onset curve by ten years. It’s in the research literature but until now, no one has paid sufficient attention to it.” Also covered by Medical Xpress.

A September 8, 2019 The Advocate Alzheimer’s Q&A asked about the link between hearing loss and dementia. A recent study found that a new diagnosis of hearing loss between ages 45 to 65 more than doubles the chance of developing dementia in the next 12 years. Hearing protection, screening and hearing aids may help to reduce cognitive decline. According to the article, “Hearing loss affects the way people communicate and connect with one another and can greatly affect overall health in older adults, including their emotional well-being, social isolation and cognition.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

According to a September 9, 2019 Medical Xpress article, preclinical research on BPN14770, developed by University at Buffalo and Tetra Therapeutics, was found to deter the effects of amyloid. The drug helps activate mechanisms that support nerve health, protect against memory loss and prevent dementia. “Our new research suggests that BPN14770 may be capable of activating multiple biological mechanisms that protect the brain from memory deficits, neuronal damage and biochemical impairments,” said co-lead investigator Ying Xu, MD, PhD.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A September 9, 2019 Physician’s Weekly article spotlighted AADvac1, an Alzheimer’s vaccine developed by Axon Neuroscience, which showed early signs of efficacy in a mid-stage trial. The drug targets tau, a major hallmark of AD, to prevent it from spreading and sticking together. It was shown to be safe in the 2-year trial. “These results, which strongly reveal a disease-modifying effect on the disease, underpin our confidence to take the next steps in bringing a life-changing treatment to patients as soon as possible,” said Axon lead Michal Fresser. Also covered by Medical Daily.