- Immunotherapy Targets Alzheimer’s Tau Tangles - - More Doctors Diagnosing and Treating Mild Cognitive Impairment -
Vienna, July 15, 2009 – Surprising new insights into how a Phase III Alzheimer’s drug might work were among the advances in potential therapies targeting two abnormal brain proteins – beta amyloid and phosphorylated tau – that were reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.
Scientists also reported on how clinicians view and treat mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a research category used to define the state between normal aging and Alzheimer’s, that is now being used widely in clinical practice.
“There are now more than 26 million people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia around the world. The cost of caring for these people, and those who will get it in the next few years, will bankrupt the world’s healthcare systems,” said Ralph Nixon, PhD, MD, vice chair of the Alzheimer’s Association Medical & Scientific Advisory Council.
“But, as these studies and many hundreds more reported at ICAD 2009 show, there is hope. There are currently dozens of drugs in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s. This, combined with advancements in diagnostic tools, has the potential to change the landscape of Alzheimer’s in our lifetime. How fast we get there depends completely on the investment in research. We need more government and private dollars for Alzheimer’s research now to capitalize on the progress we’ve made in the last decade,” Nixon added.
The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were: -- Sam Gandy, et al -- Dimebon®, A Clinically Promising Drug For Alzheimer Disease, Regulates Amyloid-Beta Metabolism In Cultured Cells, In Isolated Nerve Terminals, And In The Interstitial Fluid Of The Living Rodent Brain. -- Moran Boimel, et al -- Immunotherapy Targeting Pathologically Phosphorylated Tau In A Tauopathy Mouse Model. -- Scott Roberts, et al -- Clinical Practices Regarding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Among Neurology Service Providers.
Vienna, July 14, 2009 – Changes in the brain measured with MRI and PET scans, combined with memory tests and detection of risk proteins in body fluids, may lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.
The National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), data from which forms the basis of these three studies, is a $60 million, 5-year, public-private partnership to test whether imaging technologies (such as MRI and PET), other biomarkers, and clinical and neuropsychological assessment can be combined to measure progression toward Alzheimer’s.
A biomarker is a substance or characteristic that can be objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal body processes, disease processes, or the body’s response(s) to therapy. For example, blood pressure is a biomarker that indicates risk of cardiovascular disease.
“With the continued aging of the population and the growing epidemic of Alzheimer’s, early detection of the disease is crucial for risk assessment, testing new therapies, and eventual early intervention with better drugs, once they are developed,” said Ronald Petersen, PhD, MD, chair or the Alzheimer’s Association Medical & Scientific Advisory Council.
The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were: -- Michael Ewers, et al - Biomarker Based Diagnosis Of Very Mild Alzheimer’s Disease: A Multicenter Study. -- Susan Landau, et al - Comparing predictors of conversion: Data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. -- Dawn C. Matthews, et al - Hippocampal glucose metabolism predicts cognitive decline and correlates to disease progression in the ADNI population.
Vienna, July 14, 2009 – Eating a “heart healthy” diet meant to lower blood pressure, and maintaining or increasing participation in moderate physical activity, may help preserve our memory and thinking abilities as we age, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.
“We can’t do anything about aging or family history, but research continues to show us that there are lifestyle decisions we all can make to keep our brains healthier, and that also may lower our risk of memory decline as we age,” said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association.
The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were: -- Heidi Wengreen, et al -- DASH diet adherence scores and cognitive decline and dementia among aging men and women: Cache County study of Memory Health and Aging. -- Deborah Barnes, et al – The impact of changes in physical activity levels on rate of cognitive decline in a biracial cohort of non-demented elders. -- Mary Tierney, et al – Intensity of long-term physical activity and later life cognition in postmenopausal women. -- Thomas Obisesan, et al – Aerobic-related physical activity interacting with apolipoprotein E genotypes, is associated with better cognitive function in a nationally representative sample: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).
The 2009 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2009) brings together more than 3,000 researchers from 70 countries to share groundbreaking research and information on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. ICAD 2009 will be held in Vienna, Austria at Messe Wien Exhibition and Congress Center from July 11–16.
PTSD ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA RISK; MODERATE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION MAY LOWER IT
PTSD ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA RISK; MODERATE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION MAY LOWER IT
Also, Survey Shows Adults Don’t Know Heart Risk & Alzheimer’s Risk Are Related
Vienna, July 13, 2009 – Though discoveries about Alzheimer’s disease risk factors are often in the news, adults do not know about the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease risk and heart health, nor that physical activity can be protective against dementia, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.
Two additional studies reported at ICAD 2009 show higher Alzheimer’s risk in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and lower Alzheimer’s risk among adults who consume moderate amounts of alcohol.
“Your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, and playing – even sleeping,” said Maria Carrillo, PhD, Director of Medical & Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer’s Association. “The good news is that we now know there’s a lot you can do to help keep your brain healthier as you age. These steps might also reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.”
“There’s a strong and credible association between heart health and brain health. If people learn about and do some simple lifestyle modifications, such as being more physically active and eating a brain healthy diet, it could have an enormous impact on our nation's public health and the cost of healthcare,” Carrillo added.
The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were: -- Colleen Jackson, et al – Dementia literacy: Public understanding of known risk factors. -- Kristine Yaffe, et al -- Post-traumatic stress disorder and risk of dementia among U.S. veterans. -- Kaycee M Sink, et al - Moderate alcohol intake is associated with lower dementia incidence: results from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study (GEMS).
Vienna, July 13, 2009 – The number of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia – both new cases and total numbers with the disease – continues to rise among the very oldest segments of the population in contradiction of the conventional wisdom, according to research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.
Previous epidemiological studies have suggested that the number of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia begins to level off and perhaps even go down a bit in people age 90 and above, known as the “oldest old.” This is the fastest growing segment of the population in western countries.
“The number of people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia is growing at an epidemic pace, and the skyrocketing financial and personal costs will devastate the world’s economies and healthcare systems, and far too many families,” said William Thies, Ph.D., Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. “We must make the fight against Alzheimer’s a priority before it’s too late.”
“However there is hope. There are many drugs in late stage clinical trials for Alzheimer’s that show promise to slow or stop the progression of the disease. This, combined with advancements in early detection, has the potential to change the landscape of Alzheimer’s in our lifetimes. But we need more funding for research to see these possibilities through to completion,” Thies said.
The research reported at ICAD 2009 includes a study of more than 2,100 individuals age 80 years or older in eight municipalities of Varese province, Italy, and a systematic review and collaborative analysis of studies reporting the prevalence of dementia in Europe. -- Ugo Lucca, et al – Risk of dementia continues to rise in the oldest old: The Monzino 80-plus Study. -- Emma Reynish, et al – Systematic Review and Collaborative Analysis of the Prevalence of Dementia in Europe.
Dr. William Thies discusses studies presented during the first day of the 2009 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease.
Vienna, July 12, 2009 – A doctor’s positive attitude to Alzheimer’s diagnosis and their trusting, personal relationships with local dementia support service providers are powerful enablers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.
Current data suggest that less than 35 percent of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias have a diagnosis in their medical record. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, early detection is critical to ensuring that people have the power to plan their own healthcare and future, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
“Being diagnosed early is vital to receiving the best help and care possible, living one’s life to the fullest, and capitalizing on opportunities such as participating in clinical studies,” said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association.
Dr. Nerida Paterson, Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of General Practice at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and colleagues are interviewing more than 100 general practitioners (GPs) from four Australian research sites. At ICAD 2009, Paterson reported an interim analysis including interviews with 25 GPs.
The most cited enabler to early Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a doctor’s positive attitude to the diagnosis and treatment of dementia. Most of the GPs reported that referral to local services for planning, education, and support is an important part of disease management. Additional factors that encourage early Alzheimer’s diagnosis include: support from relatives and caregivers, belief in the patient’s right to know, and the desire of GPs to be honest and open with their patients.
The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were: -- Nerida E. Paterson, et al - Early diagnosis of dementia in primary care in Australia: A qualitative study into the barriers and enablers. -- Nerida E. Paterson, et al - The barriers to the early diagnosis of dementia and diagnostic disclosure in primary care.
The 2009 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2009) brings together more than 3,000 researchers from 70 countries to share groundbreaking research and information on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. ICAD 2009 will be held in Vienna, Austria at Messe Wien Exhibition and Congress Center from July 11–16.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit alz.org.
Vienna, July 12, 2009 – Results from two large studies using DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, were reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.
One of the trials was conducted by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) supported by the U.S. National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the second by Martek Biosciences Corporation. The NIA trial lasted 18 months and was conducted in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Martek’s trial was six months, and was conducted in healthy people to see its effect on “age related cognitive decline” Both studies used Martek’s algal DHA.
The results of the ADCS trial show no evidence for benefit in the studied population. The Martek trial showed a positive result on one test of memory and learning, but that study was in healthy older adults with mild memory complaint, not people with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The results need confirmation.
“These two studies – and other recent Alzheimer’s therapy trials – raise the possibility that treatments for Alzheimer’s must be given very early in the disease for them to be truly effective,” said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. “For that to happen, we need to get much better at early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.”
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is the most abundant omega 3 fatty acid in the brain. Previous animal studies and epidemiology in humans suggested that DHA may be beneficial in people with Alzheimer's.
The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were: -- Joseph Quinn, et al – A clinical trial of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. -- Karin Yurko-Mauro, et al – Results of the MIDAS Trial: Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Physiological and Safety Parameters in Age-Related Cognitive Decline.
- Overcoming the Biggest Obstacle to Improving Alzheimer’s Treatments -
Vienna, July 12, 2009 – Partnering with local physicians, working with local clinics, and conducting educational seminars and health fairs were found to be the most effective tools in recruiting people for Alzheimer’s clinical studies, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.
Surprisingly, patient registries and Internet recruiting were found to be much less successful recruitment strategies, according to staff at the U.S. Alzheimer’s Disease Centers (ADCs). The National Institute on Aging (NIA) funds 30 ADCs at major medical institutions across the nation.
“Second only to inadequate funding, recruiting participants for clinical studies is the single greatest barrier to developing better treatments for Alzheimer's disease,” according to William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. “These studies give us clear information – from people who are conducting large scale clinical trials now – on how we may recruit participants better and faster in the future.”
In another study looking specifically at recruiting African Americans for Alzheimer’s genetics studies, researchers found that having a relative with the disease, use of minority study personnel, and monetary compensation were the most powerful incentives for participation in research.
The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were: -- Tamara S. Markgraf, et al - Recruiting for Alzheimer’s disease Research: A systematic review of recruitment techniques and challenges among NIH funded ADRCs. -- Goldie S. Byrd, et al - Ascertaining Older African Americans for Genetic Studies in Alzheimer’s Disease. -- Ulrika Akenine, et al - Why AD patients and caregivers participate in randomized clinical trials.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.
Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633
Alzheimer's Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization
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