MUST READS

An April 12, 2017 Morning Consult opinion piece by Fred Upton and Diana Degette highlighted both long and short term issues with the proposed NIH budget cuts. They use Alzheimer’s as the quintessential example of a disease desperately in need of a cure not only for patients and families, but also to save American taxpayers big dollars. 

An April 12, 2017 STAT article reported that North Dakota is experiencing a new boom in Alzheimer’s, with the second highest death rate in the US from the disease. According to Kendra Binger (Program Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, Minnesota and North Dakota), “Everybody knows somebody” affected by the disease. “It’s hard to ignore anymore.” The state has dedicated its resources to prevention and supporting its residents.

INDUSTRY UPDATES

An April 10, 2017 MedCity News article focused on Axovant, producer of the drug intepirdine, which is nearing a phase III readout expected in late September. The company has four drugs in clinical trials, all focusing on Alzheimer’s and dementia. Axovant Founder, Vivek Ramaswamy, hired David Hung as its new CEO, and shares of the company surged.

RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

According to an April 11, 2017 Medical Xpress article, Emily Mason, PhD (Postdoctoral Associate, Neurological Surgery Department, University of Louisville), has shown that cognitive tests utilizing graphic characters called Greebles may be useful in detecting signs of Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms begin to show. “Right now, by the time we can detect the disease, it would be very difficult to restore function because so much damage has been done to the brain. We want to be able to look at really early, really subtle changes that are going on in the brain. One way we can do that is with cognitive testing that is directed at a very specific area of the brain,” says Mason.

An April 7, 2017 Insider article highlighted the continuing conversation about 23andMe’s home genetic tests, which include testing for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. A number of patient advocate groups stress the importance of consulting your doctor, or a genetic counselor who can explain the implications of increased risk. "The only way genetic test results can empower patients to make impactful healthcare decisions is if they are interpreted correctly. Genetic counselors are the key to ensuring this happens,” according to Mary Freivogel, President, National Society of Genetic Counselors.