A weekly recap of the latest news about Alzheimer’s and dementia
By Staff Blogger/ June, 2019
Alzheimer’s Orange County compiles a weekly roundup of the latest news stories and developments about Alzheimer’s and dementia to keep you updated on what’s happening locally and all around the world. Check out this week’s headlines below:
New Markers for Alzheimer’s Disease Could Aid Diagnosis And Speed Up Drug Development
Alzheimer’s disease involves many changes, such as toxic proteins, dendritic spines, and inflammation, that lead to the slow deterioration of the brain. Researchers are developing a series of tests that relies on biomarkers meant to gauge the progression of Alzheimer’s and hopefully lead to stop or delay memory changes. Read more here.
Alzheimer’s Research is Getting a Reboot at Small Companies Focused on the Immune System
Researchers in Colorado are testing the drug Leukine for its ability to regulate the immune system, hoping that it can potentially be used to treat Alzheimer’s. Leukine was originally a leukemia medicine, one that was ultimately unable to generate favorable revenue and was thus disregarded by doctors and pharmacies. This article discusses the importance of Leukine, as well as the role of small companies as bigger corporations recoil from the high costs of Alzheimer’s research. Read more here.
Keto-Like Diet May Improve Cognition in MCI, Early Alzheimer’s
Studies show a ketogenic diet might increase cognition in older adults with early signs of dementia. Older adults who switched to a keto-like diet showed improvement in memory and cognition. Researchers hope that, if confirmed, these dietary changes can be used to help fight cognitive decline in early-stage dementia. Read more here.
Virtual Choir Releases Song to Power Groundbreaking Dementia Research
A global virtual choir called The APEX Team released an emotional song to help raise funds for dementia research. The proceeds will go towards the technology company BigHand, whose staff voted for Alzheimer’s Research UK as their chosen charity for the year. The decision was inspired by the experience of choir member Laurenna Eyre, who recently lost her mother-in-law to Alzheimer’s. The article goes over the fascinating way in which the virtual choir makes their music, as well as Eyre’s account on the impact of Alzheimer’s on families. Read more here.
