A monthly recap of the latest news about Alzheimer’s and dementia
Hispanic Americans are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, research shows
Nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, an irreversible and devastating form of dementia that gradually breaks down memory and thinking skills. Hispanic people are 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Read more here.
Innovations in Alzheimer’s treatment risk leaving Hispanic community behind, experts say
Older Hispanics are more likely to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease than older white people. Read more here.
Scientists found both potentially new and previously discovered Alzheimer’s disease genetic risk factors by analyzing the genomes of a relatively small group of people who were identified as being of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. Read more here.
US removes coverage curb on PET scans for Alzheimer’s patients
U.S. health officials on Friday lifted curbs on reimbursement of a non-invasive imaging test called amyloid PET used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, ending a once-per-lifetime limitation that clears the way for its use to determine eligibility for new treatments. Read more here.
Taking a deep dive into the Alzheimer’s brain in search of understanding and new targets
NIH-supported researchers recently published a trove of data in the journal Cell detailing the molecular drivers of Alzheimer’s disease and which cell types in the brain are most likely to be affected. Read more here.
Protein found in spinal fluid may help predict mild cognitive impairment before symptoms appear
A protein that supports brain cell communication may help predict the onset of mild cognitive impairment, according to an NIA-funded study. Read more here.
Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi could be given as shots rather than IV infusion, study suggests
The Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi, the first medicine proven to slow the course of the disease, may be able to be given as a set of two weekly shots at home, a study from drugmaker Eisai suggests, potentially providing a more convenient way for patients to get treatment. Read more here.
