MUST READS

An April 20, 2016 The Guardian article reported that a “Greater understanding of genetics and characteristics of diseases are driving the development of new [Alzheimer’s and cancer] medicines.” According to the article, “The treatment of Alzheimer’s may also be on the verge of a breakthrough, as a result of developments in immunotherapeutic drugs. Alzheimer’s is characterised by the formation of amyloid plaques on the brain. John Hardy, professor of neuroscience at University College London, says that anti-amyloid drugs, which use antibodies to attack amyloids, are currently in phase 3 trials. Early stage trials are also underway of non-biologic drugs that prevent amyloid formation. “If any of those work, the field will feel that we have really turned the corner,” he says.”

An April 19, 2016 Science Today article (via University of California News) highlighted the UC system’s efforts to address Alzheimer’s through basic research and clinical trials. According to UC President Janet Napolitano, “We want to focus our research efforts in part because we can see the future that there is progress to be made here, and we have the laboratories, the scientists, the postdocs, the students, the resources available to put mass on target for this disease, which is terrible for anyone who has a loved one or has experience being in contact with someone suffering from Alzheimer’s, but also because of the aging of the U.S. population, we know it’s only going to grow in prevalence.”

An April 19, 2016 WebMd.com article reported that “The first case of Alzheimer's disease diagnosed in a person with HIV highlights the fact that long-time HIV survivors are starting to reach ages where their risk for Alzheimer's increases, researchers report.” According to the article, “The case also suggests that some older people with HIV and dementia may be misdiagnosed with HIV-associated brain disorders, but actually have Alzheimer's disease. It's also possible that some older people with HIV have both HIV-associated brain disorders and Alzheimer's, according to Turner.”

An April 19, 2016 NewsMax Health article reported that “A drug that reversed Alzheimer's in mice in only one week will be tested in people this year.” According to the article, “The IL-33 protein reversed Alzheimer's-like disease in mice, stopping cognitive decline in its tracks, according to joint research by the University of Glasgow and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).”

UPCOMING EVENTS 

WILL THE AGING OF AMERICA BE A TRIUMPH OR A TRAGEDY? Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist, gerontologist, documentary filmmaker, author of 16 books on aging, health and work, and chief executive of Age Wave. You’re invited to join a no-holds-barred press briefing hosted by Dychtwald (via conference call) to raise awareness of the five aging-related transpartisan issues every presidential candidate must address. Thursday, April 21 at 1:00 - 1:45 pm ET/10:00 - 10:45 am PT RSVP here.

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The New York Times:  Where the N.F.L. Concussions Settlement Stands Now