24 Jul An Update from the Alzheimer’s Association
07.24.2023
Welcome to Eagle & Fein, P.C.
An Update From the Alzheimer’s Association:
“Last week, dementia researchers from around the world came together in Amsterdam and online for the annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). I’m proud to share that Hoosier researchers once again proved why Indiana is a leader in this field.
In all, more than 130 presentations came from dementia researchers in our state. A researcher with the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine was one of seven to receive an award for their achievements in the field. And perhaps the biggest news from this year’s conference came from Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly, who shared Phase 3 data on donanemab
The results are incredibly encouraging. Study participants at the earliest stage of disease had the greatest benefit, with 60% slowing of decline compared to placebo. And nearly half (47%) of these participants had no clinical progression at one year. Significant benefits were also seen in more advanced patients. Eli Lilly shared publicly that it has completed its submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for traditional approval, with regulatory action expected by the end of the year. These results come on the heels of the FDA’s traditional approval of Leqembi just last month. While these new treatments are not a cure, the benefits are so meaningful to the people living in the early stages of this disease and their loved ones.
Here are some of the other highlights from this year’s conference:
-A simple, finger prick blood test — not so different from what people with diabetes do every day — shows promise in the ability to detect Alzheimer’s disease. This opens up future potential for quick and cost-effective testing that could perhaps even be done at home.
-Two new CRISPR-based therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer’s were reported. One aims to reduce the impact of the strongest known Alzheimer’s risk gene, APOE-e4. The other strives to reduce production of a toxic protein in the brain, beta amyloid, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and the target of recently-approved treatments.
-Results from one study found that hearing aids slowed cognitive decline in older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss by 48%.
-Research showed that new opioid use in older adults with dementia is associated with a significantly increased risk of death, including an elevenfold increase in the first two weeks.
-New research found that chronic constipation — one bowel movement every three days or more — could signal worsening cognition. These findings add to mounting research aligning a healthy gut with a healthy brain.
-Volunteering in late life may protect the brain. A new study found older adults who volunteered had better cognitive function — specifically, better planning, decision making and memory.
