Alzheimer's and dementia news covering clinical trials, biomarkers, caregiving, policy, and neuroscience of cognitive decline.
Scientists discovered that the membrane-associated periodic skeleton (MPS) inside brain cells controls endocytosis. Its breakdown may contribute to Alzheimer's by causing a harmful feedback loop where faster absorption weakens the MPS further.
Scientists identified KCL-286, which repairs DNA damage and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug has completed Phase I human safety trials and is ready for testing in Alzheimer's patients, pending funding. It activates retinoic acid receptor-beta to enhance DNA repair and boosts BRCA1 protein levels.
Biogen announced Phase 2 trial results for an experimental Alzheimer's drug targeting tau protein, showing it slowed early cognitive decline and lowered tau levels. The twice-yearly spinal injection showed benefits comparable to approved amyloid drugs in a small group of roughly 400 participants. Findings were presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Tuesday.
The World Health Organization released its first updated dementia prevention guidelines since 2019, adding evidence-based strategies including reducing air pollution exposure, cognitive training, and social engagement. The updated recommendations advise against routine use of vitamin and omega-3 supplements for dementia prevention in people without a diagnosed deficiency.
The author argues that the most painful aspect of a loved one's dementia is not the physical loss but the gradual erosion of their identity and memories. Through personal anecdotes, they contend that watching a parent lose their sense of self is a uniquely heartbreaking experience that reshapes the caregiver's understanding of love and loss.
This commentary discusses the potential link between the shingles vaccine and Alzheimer's prevention, highlighting GSK's large study to investigate this. It argues that if proven, this could be a significant breakthrough in Alzheimer's research, but notes the need for rigorous evidence.
This commentary discusses the expansion of prediction markets into biotech, allowing bets on clinical trial outcomes and FDA reviews, and examines the ethical implications with bioethicist Jonathan Kimmelman. It also covers the controversy over Biogen's experimental Alzheimer's drug, which showed tau reduction but raised questions about its efficacy.
Canada's Drug Agency reversed its initial recommendation and now advises public drug plans to cover lecanemab for Alzheimer's, with conditions including age 50+ and not homozygous for APOE4. The reversal was based on new evidence and unmet need. If finalized, price negotiations will follow.