It can seem like there’s a new Alzheimer’s “breakthrough” almost every day. We sift through the headlines and pull together the relevant, reputable research updates. Here are four major things you should know:
1. Alzheimer’s drug slows cognitive decline
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly announced that an Alzheimer’s drug they had been testing, Donanemab, slowed rate of cognitive decline in small Phase 2 trial. The success of a Phase 2 trial is notable – typically, experimental Alzheimer’s drugs move right on to Phase 3 without being tested in a Phase 2 trial, or a Phase 2 trial fails. Donanemab works by attaching itself to a small part of the amyloid protein in the brain. Those participants who received the drug had a 32% deceleration in the rate of their cognitive decline compared to those given a placebo. Also notable is the fact that plaques disappeared – and stayed gone – within 6 to 12 months. Read more >>
2. FDA delays decision for new Alzheimer’s drug
The FDA has extended the review period for a new Alzheimer’s drug called aducanumab, requesting more evidence that it slows cognitive decline. The decision on whether to approve the drug was supposed to come by March 7th, but it has been delayed until June 7th. The Biogen drug is no stranger to controversy, after initial trials were deemed unsuccessful. Read more >>
3. Study: Exposure to Agent Orange doubles risk of dementia among Vietnam veterans
Exposure to Agent Orange significantly increases the risk of developing dementia among Vietnam War veterans, according to a recent study. Researchers analyzed Veterans Health Administration data on 316,351 veterans, including 38,121 (12.1%) believed to have been exposed to the herbicide. They found that 5% of those veterans had dementia – versus 2.5% of those who had not been exposed. The U.S. military used at least 11 million gallons of Agent Orange in Vietnam from 1961 to 1972. This study, published in JAMA Neurology, is among the most significant data linking cognitive decline with chemicals used during the Vietnam War. Read more >>
4. Major strides in Alzheimer’s blood tests
There have been two major breakthroughs in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease through a blood test. First, a blood test developed by C2N Diagnostics is now on the market in most of the United States and Europe. It is specifically designed for people age 60 or older experiencing cognitive decline, and looks at amyloid proteins. The test costs $1,250. It has not yet been approved by the FDA and is not covered by insurance. Researchers in Sweden have also found success by focusing on a molecule called p-tau217. Blood tests using p-tau217 was more accurate in determining the presence of Alzheimer’s from other neurodegenerative diseases from previous approaches, according to two new studies. A p-tau217 blood test could be “a real game changer,” said Howard Fillit, MD, of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, who was not involved in either study. Read more >>
To learn about Alzheimer’s research in San Diego County, click here or contact Alzheimer’s San Diego at 858.492.4400.
