Latest news with #Alzheimer'sAssociationInternationalConference
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
‘Game-changing' Alzheimer's drug could STOP disease in its tracks – as the ‘most powerful weapon' against condition yet
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW "game-changing" drug could stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease, early trials suggest. Scientists say the treatment - called trontinemab - could be the most powerful weapon yet against dementia, as they look into giving the drug to people with no symptoms in the hopes of preventing disease. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Trontinemab is formulated to bypass the blood-brain barrier to target plaques clogging up brain cells Credit: Getty Phase two trial results for trontinemab were presented at he Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Toronto. Researchers said the drug seemed to clear plaques - the abnormal build-up of proteins around brain cells that cause damage and disrupt function - quicker than other drugs licensed to treat Alzheimer's. Trontinemab cleared out plaques and eliminated visible signs of the the disease within 28 weeks for nine out of 10 patients. Drug-maker Roche is now conducting another trial to see if plaque clearance also improves patients' memory. The 18-month study includes 1,600 people, the Telegraph reported. Separate research will examine whether the drug could be given to people without any signs of dementia, just as statins are used to ward off heart disease. Experts hope the drug could stop patients from developing dementia symptoms at all, if it is given early enough. They described the findings so far as 'very promising', suggesting that the drug was much more powerful than existing ones while leading to fewer side effects - as it was able to clear plaques better within seven months that other drugs can in 18 months. Roche's chief medical officer Levi Garraway said: 'Alzheimer's disease represents one of the greatest challenges in healthcare today and tackling it requires early detection and effective therapeutics. 'Trontinemab is designed to target a key driver of Alzheimer's disease biology more effectively in the brain. Common painkiller used for back pain ups risk of dementia by 29%, scientists warn "Combining new treatment avenues with advanced diagnostics may enable earlier and potentially more effective intervention. "With plans for phase three trials in both early symptomatic and pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease, we are advancing science with the goal of delaying - and ultimately preventing - progression of this devastating condition.' Prof Sir John Hardy, the chairman of molecular biology of neurological disease at University College London's Institute of Neurology told the Telegraph trontinemab could be 'game-changing'. The scientist, who was the first to identify the role of amyloid plaques in Alzeheimer's, said: 'This is absolutely great news. "It sucks the plaque out of the brain really quickly, much faster than we have seen with lecanemab or donanemab.' Both are Alzheimer's drugs approved for used in the UK, which target amyloid proteins in the brain to slow disease progression. However, neither treatment is offered on the NHS, as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) deemed them too expensive - in large part because patients need frequent scans to monitor for brain swelling and bleeds. Prof Hardy added: 'There is no doubt [trontinemab] could be game-changing. "We hope that if we can use these drugs to people early, we can halt the progression of disease, even before people have symptoms. "Now we need to see the size of the clinical effect. 'These results show it is much faster and safer than previous drugs, which means less monitoring. "That brings down the cost significantly, it means fewer MRI scans, so that would surely mean it would get Nice approval.' Early signs of dementia It's not unusual for your memory to lapse a bit as you get older. But dementia is different from 'just getting old' as it will cause noticeable - rather than gradual - changes to mental abilities and make managing everyday tasks and activities increasingly difficult. The symptoms of dementia may be small to start with, but get worse over time. Below are some examples of possible signs. Memory loss Memory loss is a key sign of dementia. This can include: Forgetting something you were only recently told. You may ask for the same information repeatedly – for example, 'Are the doors locked?' Putting objects in unusual places – for example, putting your house keys in the refrigerator. Being unable to learn new tasks, like how to use a new washing machine. Planning and decision making issues People with dementia can have difficulty with planning and decision making. This can include: Getting very confused when planning or thinking things through. Struggling to stay focused on a single task. Not making informed, careful decisions when dealing with money or looking at risks. Finding it hard to manage regular payments, budgets or monthly bills. Problems with language and understanding In people with dementia, this can manifest as: Having frequent problems finding the right word or regularly referring to objects as 'that thing'. Finding it hard to take part in conversations. Regularly being unable to follow what someone is saying even without distractions. Losing sense of time and place Dementia can cause problems with orientation, including: Losing track of the date, season or the passage of time. Getting lost in a place that is familiar or that should be easy to find your way around – for example, a supermarket. Regularly being unable to follow what someone is saying even without distractions. Problems with vision and perception This can mean having problems making sense of what you see. For example, having difficulty judging distances on stairs, or mistaking reflections or patterns for other objects. Mood and behavioural changes Finally, dementia can also make people act differently or shift their mood. This can mean: Becoming withdrawn and losing interest in work, friends or hobbies. Feeling unusually sad, anxious, frightened or low in confidence. Getting easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places that usually feel comfortable or familiar. Source: Alzheimer's Society Trials for lecanemab and donanemab showed the drugs helped clear toxic clumps out of the brain and slow nerve damage caused by Alzheimer's by 27 per cent and 35 per cent respectively, over the course of 18 months. But the treatments did present a risk of brain swelling and brain bleeds, meaning patients needed intense monitoring. Trontinemab appears to be safer and cause fewer side effects, with less than five per cent of patients showing abnormal results on their brain scans. All of these cases were quickly resolved, researchers said. The drug - administered by infusion into the bloodstream - also doesn't need to be given a frequently. Upcoming trials will examine the impact of giving the drug to patients once a month for six months, then every three months. Trontinemab has been designed to efficiently bypass the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer of cells that stops harmful substances in the blood stream from attacking the brain and spinal cord. This barrier can make it hard for many drugs to reach the brain. Prof Jonathan Schott, the chief medical officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, told the Telegraph: 'We urgently need a range of treatments for Alzheimer's that are effective and safe for the people affected by this devastating disease. 'Evidence presented at the Alzheimer's Association conference in Toronto on trontinemab is very promising, showing that the drug can effectively and rapidly clear amyloid from the brain, seemingly with very few side effects. 'We now need to see whether these early stage results carry through to later stage clinical trials, which are planned to start later this year, including in the UK. "These trials will show whether the drug is not only safe, but impacts on memory, thinking and quality of life.' He said it was 'exciting' that the drug would now be tested in some people without symptoms under the phase three trials.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Walking daily may protect your brain from Alzheimer's, reveals 10-year study
If you've been looking for a reason to lace up your shoes and hit the pavement, a recent long-term study may be the motivation you need. Walking daily has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline, especially for those with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease. The effects of walking extend beyond mere physical exercise; they also have a positive impact on brain health(Unsplash) The findings are based on a comprehensive study published in the journal JAMA and presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, which tracked nearly 3,000 participants aged 70 to 79 over the years. Researchers noted their daily walking habits and found that maintaining or increasing these habits led to improved processing speed and executive function, key aspects of cognitive health. Dr Cindy Barha, the study's lead author and an assistant professor at the University of Calgary, emphasised the importance of combating sedentary behaviour. She suggests incorporating short walking sessions throughout the day to break up long periods of sitting. What is Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's disease is a complex disorder that represents a severe form of dementia. It is characterised by the accumulation of harmful plaques in the brain, which disrupt communication between nerve cells and eventually lead to their death. As nerve cells deteriorate, individuals may encounter: Memory loss: Difficulty recalling recent events or personal experiences. Difficulty recalling recent events or personal experiences. Confusion: Disorientation, especially in familiar environments. Disorientation, especially in familiar environments. Personality changes: Noticeable shifts in behaviour or mood. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, making prevention strategies increasingly important. What is the role of genetics in Alzheimer's disease? Genetic factors play a significant role in one's likelihood of developing Alzheimer's. "Notably, a gene variant known as APOE4 can make it more challenging for the brain to remove the plaques associated with the disease. Approximately 15% to 25% of the population carries this variant, which can only be identified through genetic testing," neurologist Dr Neha Kapoor tells Health Shots. How does Alzheimer's affect the mind and body? While the study didn't prescribe a specific walking routine, Dr Barha proposed that breaking up periods of inactivity with multiple short walks throughout the day can greatly benefit cognitive health. Walking recommendations Frequency: Aim for multiple short walking sessions throughout the day. Aim for multiple short walking sessions throughout the day. Consistency: Maintain a steady walking habit from year to year. Maintain a steady walking habit from year to year. Goal: A previous study published in JAMA Neurology suggested that walking approximately 3,800 steps per day can reduce the risk of dementia by 25%. Also read: Walking 7,000 steps is good enough, says new study What happens to the brain during Alzheimer's? The effects of walking extend beyond mere physical exercise. They also have a positive impact on brain health. Here are a couple of theories explaining how regular physical activity may promote cognitive function: Increased BDNF production: Exercise boosts the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for neuronal growth and connectivity. Dr Barha explains that muscular activity seems to release proteins that travel to the brain, enhancing BDNF levels. Exercise boosts the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for neuronal growth and connectivity. Dr Barha explains that muscular activity seems to release proteins that travel to the brain, enhancing BDNF levels. Reduction in neuroinflammation: 'Physical activity may also mitigate neuroinflammation, a common issue in Alzheimer's patients. The brain dispatches immune cells called microglia to clear away plaque, but chronic inflammation can lead them to attack healthy cells as well. Regular exercise can improve the functioning of these microglia,' shares Dr Kapoor. Every step truly counts. Dr Christiane Wrann, another expert associated with the study, highlighted that it's never too late to begin an exercise routine. Whether you're a seasoned walker or a newcomer, the key takeaway is to find an activity you enjoy and stick to it. Tips for getting started:
Mint
14 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
It's Not Too Late to Avert Dementia After Age 60, US Study Shows
There's good news for older Americans at high-risk of developing dementia: simple steps to stay mentally and physically active improved thinking and helped keep Alzheimer's disease at bay. And it didn't take long. Lifestyle changes including exercise, a better diet, and more mental and social activity yielded significant protection within two years, according to a large clinical trial published Monday. To qualify for the study, participants had to have various risk factors for brain decline, like consuming a poor diet and not exercising regularly. Others had a gene mutation tied to Alzheimer's disease. While brain function starts to worsen in a person's sixties, the results indicate that switching up one's routine even later in life can stall the onset of dementia. Making such changes appeared to slow the cognitive aging clock by one to two years, said Laura Baker, a professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest University of Medicine and one of the study leaders. The key takeaways are to 'move more, sit less, add color to your plate, learn something new, and stay connected,' Baker said at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Toronto, where the results were presented. 'Challenge yourself to do this on a regular basis.' The findings were simultaneously published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk, known as Pointer, is the largest lifestyle intervention trial for Alzheimer's disease completed in the U.S. It included more than 2,000 adults between the ages of 60 and 79 in structured and self-guided intervention groups. Cognitive function improved in both, but those getting structured support had a significantly greater benefit than those in the self-guided group. The program recommended cardiovascular exercise for 30 minutes, four days a week, and a low-salt diet with a focus on brain-healthy foods like dark leafy greens, berries, whole grains and coldwater fish. Participants in the structured group completed 'brain training' computer games three times a week. The structured group had 38 meetings with their peers over the two-year study to set goals and keep others accountable. The self-guided group met much less often — six times over the two years — but received the same information. The POINTER trial replicated the 2015 landmark FINGER study, or Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment, to assess whether those findings applied to the larger and often less healthy US population. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Korea Herald
14 hours ago
- Health
- Korea Herald
FROM THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2025: U.S. POINTER STUDY SHOWS STRUCTURED LIFESTYLE PROGRAM TARGETING MULTIPLE RISK FACTORS IMPROVES COGNITION IN OLDER ADULTS AT RISK OF COGNITIVE DECLINE
Key Takeaways TORONTO, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Association U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER) — a two-year, multi-site clinical trial testing two different lifestyle interventions in a representative population of older adults at risk for cognitive decline and dementia — found that both interventions improved cognition in older adults at risk of cognitive decline. Trial participants in the structured (STR) intervention showed greater improvement on global cognition compared to the self-guided (SG) intervention, protecting cognition from normal age-related decline for up to two years. The STR intervention differed from the SG intervention in intensity, structure, accountability and support provided. The results were reported for the first time today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2025 in Toronto and online. "Effects Of Structured vs Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Global Cognitive Function: The U.S. POINTER Randomized Clinical Trial," was published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) simultaneously with the report at AAIC 2025. U.S. POINTER is the first large-scale, randomized controlled clinical trial to demonstrate that an accessible and sustainable healthy lifestyle intervention can protect cognitive function in diverse populations in communities across the United States. "As the burden of dementia grows world-wide, U.S. POINTER affirms a vital public health message: healthy behavior has a powerful impact on brain health," said Joanne Pike, DrPH, Alzheimer's Association president and CEO. "This is a critical public health opportunity. The intervention was effective across a broad, representative group — regardless of sex, ethnicity, APOE genetic risk, or heart health status — demonstrating its applicability and scalability for communities across the country," said Pike. "The positive results of U.S. POINTER encourage us to look at the potential for a combination of a lifestyle program and drug treatment as the next frontier in our fight against cognitive decline and possibly dementia." U.S. POINTER leadership acknowledges participants, their family members and study site staff for their unique and essential contributions: "You helped change what we know about brain health. Thanks to your dedication, time and support, U.S. POINTER delivered groundbreaking results. Your children, grandchildren and generations to come will benefit from the commitment you made." Both interventions focused on physical exercise, nutrition, cognitive challenge and social engagement, and heart health monitoring, but differed in intensity, structure, accountability and support provided. "The potential to improve cognition with fewer resources and lower participant burden is compelling. It highlights that while not everyone has the same access or ability to adhere to more intensive behavior interventions, even modest changes may protect the brain," said Laura D. Baker, Ph.D., Professor of Gerontology and Geriatrics, and Internal Medicine, at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Advocate Health, and U.S. POINTER principal investigator. "These are the initial results. Over the coming weeks and months, study leadership will be exploring all of the data collected in the trial to paint an even more comprehensive picture of the U.S. POINTER intervention effects on brain health," Baker said. People with cognitive decline and dementia often have a variety of damaging changes in their brain. This means effective treatment will likely require a multi-pronged or combination strategy to address multiple disease mechanisms. "Complex diseases like heart disease and cancer use combination treatment strategies tailored to individual characteristics. The next generation of treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's will likely integrate drug and non-drug strategies. U.S. POINTER provides a strong foundation for such combination approaches," said Heather M. Snyder, Ph.D., Alzheimer's Association study primary investigator and senior vice president of medical and scientific relations. "While these results are fascinating and extremely hopeful, how they are rolled out to the public — especially those at risk for Alzheimer's and other diseases that cause dementia — needs to be handled with care and individual attention to tailor to the local environment," said Snyder. The Alzheimer's Association has invested nearly $50 million to lead this study to date, with additional support from the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health for add-on studies exploring imaging, vascular measures, sleep and gut microbiome-related health data. In addition to its investments to date, the Alzheimer's Association will invest more than $40 million over the next four years to continue to follow U.S. POINTER participants, and to bring U.S. POINTER interventions to communities across America. U.S. POINTER is a phase 3, five-site, two-year, single-blind randomized clinical trial of two lifestyle interventions in older adults at risk for dementia. U.S. POINTER was developed to assess whether the results of the FINGER study [ Lancet, 6-6-15] generalize to a larger, more diverse U.S. population at risk for cognitive decline and dementia, using culturally adapted protocols. The primary aim was to compare the effects of two multimodal lifestyle interventions on global cognitive function in 2,000+ at-risk older adults. Secondary aims assessed intervention effects on specific cognitive domains, and potential differences based on baseline cognition, sex, age, APOE-e4 genotype, and cardiovascular risk. The study was conducted at five geographically dispersed U.S. academic centers and health care systems in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association. Participant eligibility criteria were designed to enrich the risk of cognitive decline and included older age (60-79 years), sedentary lifestyle, suboptimal diet and cardiometabolic health, and family history of memory impairment. 2,111 participants were enrolled and randomized to STR (n=1,056) or SG (n=1,055). Mean age was 68.2 years, 68.9% were female, 30.8% were from ethnoracial minority groups. Seventy-eight percent (78%) reported a first-degree family history of memory loss, and 30% were APOE-e4 carriers. Retention was high, with 89% completing the final 2 year assessment. At two years, there was a statistically significant intervention group difference on the primary outcome. Global cognitive composite scores (primary outcome) increased over time in both groups but the improvement over time was statistically significant for a greater benefit for the STR versus SG: 0.029 SD per year (95% CI, 0.008-0.050, P =0.008). For secondary outcomes, the increase in executive function z-score was greater in STR than SG by 0.037 SD per year (95% CI, 0.010-0.064). Processing speed showed a similar trend but was not statistically significant. There were no group differences in memory. Looking ahead, the Association will build on the momentum of U.S. POINTER by launching several programs and initiatives, including: About AAIC AAIC is the world's largest gathering of researchers from around the world focused on Alzheimer's and other diseases that cause dementia. As a part of the Alzheimer's Association's research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community. AAIC 2025: AAIC 2025 newsroom: AAIC 2025 hashtag: #AAIC25 About the Alzheimer's Association The Alzheimer's Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit or call +1 800.272.3900.
News18
15 hours ago
- Health
- News18
Worried About Alzheimer's? Start Walking, According To A New 10-Year Study Health
If you needed another reason to get your daily steps in, science just handed you one.A new study shows that walking daily can reduce the risk of cognitive decline — especially among those with a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's 3,000 participants between the ages of 70 and 79 reported their daily walking habits over the course of 10 years, according to research that will be presented Tuesday at the annual Alzheimer's Association International Conference. Those who reported maintaining or increasing their walking habits over the years showed greater improvements in processing speed and executive function.: CNNNews18 Mobile App -
