MUST READS

A December 22, 2017 Cosmos Magazine article gathered a collection of the best neuroscience images from 2017. Produced by scientists at the Queensland Brain Institute at The University of Queensland, the images help understand how the healthy brain works and what occurs in brain disease. They are created using microscopy techniques such as MRI-based neuroimaging.

A December 21, 2017 SF Gate article reported that toymaker Hasbro and scientists at Brown University received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to add artificial intelligence to the "Joy for All" robotic cat. The cat is a companion which provides comfort for seniors, but adding AI would allow it to help with simple tasks such as finding lost objects, or giving reminders about doctor's appointments. The AI-enhanced ARIES cat (Affordable Robotic Intelligence for Elderly Support) could make things easier for caregivers of people with middle-stage dementia, or in nursing homes where pets are not allowed. The developers hope to involve people from the Alzheimer's community.

A December 21, 2017 The Washington Post article focused on a phenomena called “anticipatory loss,” the anguish, sadness, anxiety, dread and grief which can accompany aging. It can evolve over an extended period of time, even years, especially in the case of serious illness such as dementia. According to Dr. John Rolland of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, “The deterioration of function, disability and suffering have their own grieving processes, but helping families deal with that isn’t built into the health care system.”

A December 20, 2017 AFRO commentary by Congressman Elijah Cummings (MD) spotlighted the importance of the new Alzheimer’s semipostal fundraising stamp. 11 cents from every 60 cent stamp goes to AD research. Cummings points-out that Americans of color are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease. He writes, “During the holidays and throughout the year, every card and letter that we send through the U.S. Mail can take us a step closer to overcoming the Silent Epidemic that is threatening our families. I am confident that our personal engagement in this effort can make a major difference in our lives.”

INDUSTRY UPDATE

A December 21, 2017 Investing post reported that Biogen's BAN2401 anti-amyloid antibody Phase 2 clinical trial has “failed to meet the criteria for success at month 12.” The drug was aimed at patients with early or mild Alzheimer's disease.

RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

According to a December 20, 2017 Medical Xpress article, a report in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia reveals that very old rhesus monkeys exhibit similar brain pathology, in the form of neurofibrillary tangles, as humans with Alzheimer's disease. "We hope that we will now have the opportunity to learn what is initiating Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in the aging brain," said Lead Study Author Constantinos Paspalas of Yale’s Neuroscience Department.