Latest news with #LukeO'Neill
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Top doc recommends getting rid of everyday tool to reduce risk of Alzheimer's
There is "such positivity" in Alzheimer's research at the moment, says top immunologist Luke O'Neill. A drug that slows down the disease was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and it is hoped that it will be available in Ireland soon. However, the expert stresses that lifestyle changes can help lower a person's chance of developing the disease. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, which is the umbrella term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities that are serious enough to interfere with daily life. It is primarily caused by the build-up of protein deposits in the brain that eventually kills brain cells. While the exact cause of Alzheimer's is unknown, scientists believe that for most people it is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. In July 2024, the Lancet Commission reported that 45 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented by fully addressing 14 lifestyle factors. Here are Luke O'Neill's and the Lancet's lifestyle recommendations on reducing the risk of Alzheimer's- and it includes ditching a tool most of us use daily. Google Maps is a tool that many of us use daily, however, studies suggest that keeping our brains as active as we can can reduces the risk of Alzheimer's. This can be done by learning a new language, doing puzzles, taking part in quizzes and also by navigating new areas and figuring out directions ourselves. A study published in The BMJ in December 2024 found that taxi drivers and ambulance drivers have the lowest rates of death due to Alzheimer's. Other drivers such as airline pilots or bus drivers - those that have predefined routes - did not have a lower risk of developing the disease. This suggests that occupations requiring frequent navigational and spatial processing could offer some protection against Alzheimer's. Social interaction is a great way to keep the mind active, and scientists have identified social isolation as a risk factor for not only Alzheimer's but hypertension and coronary heart disease. Loneliness can be associated with decreased cognitive activity, which can accelerate cognitive decline and poor mood. Professor O'Neill told the Irish Mirror: "A big one is loneliness, that is a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's and Dementia. We have to mind older people, many older people get isolated and with some encouragement we can hopefully diminish the loneliness epidemic that's there." Studies strongly suggest a link between hearing loss and a higher risk of developing dementia. One found that with every 10-dB decrease in hearing ability, there is a 4 per cent to 24 per cent higher risk of developing dementia. Professor O'Neill encourages everyone to be conscious of their hearing and get it checked if they believe it might be declining. He added: "With a hearing aid you can stave that off, so the big message that's been given in the last while is if you are having trouble hearing go and get a hearing aid because it's a risk of getting Alzheimer's. "These are things we can all do at decreasing our own risk of getting it, and they are very optimistic on that front." The newest Lancet Commission study on dementia reported that high LDL cholesterol is associated with a higher risk of dementia. LDL is commonly known as "bad cholesterol", it's a condition where there's excessive amount of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. This is usually checked during a routine bloods appointment, often in a GP office. Luckily, much can be done to reduce LDL cholesterol including a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats. This is usually found in foods like red meat, full-fat dairy, fried foods and processed snacks. Lifelong learning is associated with improved brain health, with higher levels of cognitive activity. This doesn't mean you have to enroll in a degree programme, but learning a new language or taking up a new skill, even casually, can improve brain health. The Lancet Commission found that those who did not complete secondary school education were more at-risk of developing Alzheimer's. Being active is important for a healthier life, and it has been cited as one of the 14 factors that could reduce the risk of dementia. Physical activity can benefit brain health by reducing chronic inflammation, improving blood flow and increasing the release of protein that is good for brain cells. The World Health Organisation recommends that adults get between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week. This would include walking briskly, biking, swimming or dancing. It also recommends that on top of this adults should partake in muscle strengthening activities two times a week. Obesity is also a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease. However, it's important to note that BMI is not definitive in diagnosing obesity- as some people can have a high percentage of muscle mass. Calculating body fat percentage, or measuring waist-to-hip ratio can be used to determine a healthy body. An analysis published in the National Library of Medicine with over five million people found that those with higher central obesity - measured by waist-to-hip ratio- was associated with a greater risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
Irish Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Positivity' for Alzheimer's treatment as new drug approved that slows it down
There has never been 'such positivity' about treatments for Alzheimer's, and big changes will come in just a few months. This is according to Immunologist Luke O'Neill, as a drug that will slow down the disease was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Recent studies also suggest that the shingles vaccine may be associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Some research has indicated a 20% lower risk of developing the disease over a seven-year period. Speaking to the Irish Sunday Mirror, Professor O'Neill said: 'There was a big conference in Vienna two weeks ago, which I wasn't at but I saw the reports and you've never heard such a positivity. 'It's extremely encouraging was the phrase they were using and as to what's happening with things like Alzheimer's.' The drug approved by the EMA and earlier by the FDA is called Lecanemab. It works by targeting and removing amyloid-beta proteins from the brain, which are believed to play a key role in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease. The immunologist said massive work is underway to identify what people this drug is working for. He believes in the 'coming months' this will be made more clear. Professor O'Neill continued: 'It's causing great excitement because it's the first drug ever to slow down the disease, as it gets worse and worse as you get older. 'So here we have the first example of something slowing it down. The main thing is to find out who is going to respond, and that's going to happen in the coming months.' There is currently massive work on this underway, including in Dublin. The PREVENT dementia programme is the world's largest study investigating the origins and early diagnosis of dementia in a mid-life 'at risk' cohort. It has recruited and deeply phenotyped 700 participants aged 40-59 across the UK and Ireland. AI is also expected to vastly speed up drug trials, as Professor Luke says 'there's no doubt' it will positively impact the pharmaceutical industry. There are currently 127 drugs being tested for Alzheimer's, as incidence is increasing. In Ireland, the number of people living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are expected to double by 2045. However, Professor O'Neill stressed that these drugs are looking very positive, and that lifestyle changes also have a massive impact. He continued: 'Good news is amazing studies have come out showing that if you to change your lifestyle, you'll decrease your risk of Alzheimer and dementia in general. And you wouldn't believe the data on this is getting stronger and stronger. 'They reckon that 45% of dementia can be prevented by changing your lifestyle. We're talking about the usual things like good diet, exercise, keeping your brain active.' The immunologist said high cholesterol, loss of hearing and loneliness are also risk factors for the disease. He added: 'These are things we can all do to decrease our risk of getting it, and they are very optimistic.'
Irish Examiner
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
'It's not worth the risk': Academics cancelling conferences in US over fear of harassment by immigration officials
Academics are cancelling planned conferences and seminars in the US because of the risk of harassment and interrogation by immigration officials. That is the warning from Scott Lucas, professor of international politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin. It comes as immunologist Professor Luke O'Neill revealed he had "never been quizzed as much' on his way to give a talk at Harvard. The prestigious Ivy League university remains locked in a legal standoff with the Trump administration, which is trying to cut more than bn from the university's funding. 'I have colleagues now who just simply are not going to go to the United States,' Mr Lucas said. 'They are cancelling out on conferences and on going to seminars. It's just not worth the risk.' He has heard this from colleagues in Ireland and Britain, where he is professor emeritus of international politics at the University of Birmingham, as well as from colleagues across Europe due to take up research posts in the US. Mr Lucas told the Irish Examiner he was 'shook' after hearing personally of a case where several scholars from a humanities department of a major British university were stopped and interrogated by the US authorities. Their phones were also taken during the exchange. 'That university is now advising their staff to either delete all social media apps before entering the US or to take a burner phone," he said. There was nothing specific that came back from these colleagues in terms of what they were looking for, it's almost a sense of if you fit a certain profile visiting the US now, and unfortunately academics fit a certain profile, you could be stopped if you are a foreign national. 'We can certainly speculate that given what has happened to academics inside the United States that material regarding Israel — Gaza, especially — anything that's critical of Israeli operations in Gaza, or certain types of support for Palestine would be suspect." Meanwhile, Professor Luke O'Neill told Newstalk: 'I thought I wasn't going to get through at one point actually. It was a good 15 minutes of asking me where I was going... they asked 'what's your occupation?' and I said 'I'm an immunologist' and the guy said, 'oh are you into vaccines', I was a bit paranoid. 'Then when he found out I was going to Harvard, he [asked] 'what are you doing in Harvard?'." When he eventually reached Harvard and told them what happened, his US colleagues said 'Oh yeah, they're quizzing academics going through'. 'Something has changed there, it's a bit unnerving,' Prof O'Neill added. The atmosphere in Harvard was 'very bad', he added. 'I've never seen the like. "Everybody's anxious because their jobs are being cut, grants are being frozen." He met one researcher who had just been given a $50m grant for a consortium that has just been taken away from her, as well as a HIV researcher whose grant had been cut. 'What's happening is they seem to be cutting funding for infectious diseases. That's what they were telling me at Harvard anyway, those particular grants were withdrawn. When I came back this week, I've had three emails from Harvard professors [asking are there] any jobs going. "They're exploring leaving the US, because they can't get funding for their research and there's a real worry about the future of their labs.' Tánaiste Simon Harris said he would be concerned at any curtailment of academic freedoms and the impact it may have on those working in Irish institutions. "Obviously, it is up to any country to decide the measures it has in terms of who can access their country and the likes, they are sovereign matters for sovereign governments, but I think it will be very short-sighted of any government to do anything that would deprive their universities of that close collaboration that exists."
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Concept Life Sciences expands expertise with key appointments to Scientific Advisory Board and investments to strengthen integrated drug discovery capabilities
- Appointments come as the business invests a six-figure sum into advanced technology and systems - CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH, United Kingdom, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Concept Life Sciences (CLS), a leading integrated drug discovery, development, and manufacturing organisation backed by Limerston Capital, today announced key strategic appointments and advancements to further strengthen its services for the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. CLS is pleased to welcome Professor Luke O'Neill, and Dr. Shane Liddelow to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), while Dr. Ian Waddell, who joined the Board of Directors last year, continues to provide invaluable leadership. The appointments to the SAB reinforce CLS's position as a leading partner for innovative drug discovery solutions. Professor O'Neill and Dr. Liddelow bring a wealth of expertise across immunology and neuroscience, respectively, enhancing CLS's ability to meet the evolving needs of the global life sciences industry. CLS has made major advancements in automated solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) capabilities. Combined with in-house peptide experts, this enables it to accelerate client projects requiring challenging custom peptide synthesis. In addition, CLS has made a significant investment, amounting to a five-figure sum in GBP, to enhance its capabilities in Automated ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) systems and the purchase of a Supercritical Fluid Chromatography purification instrument. This strategic investment drives industry-leading assay turnaround times with no minimum volume requirement and strengthens CLS's ability to provide high-quality, tailored services, particularly for complex drug discovery projects. These investments further solidify CLS's standing as a key partner to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, providing comprehensive drug discovery services from early-stage research through to clinical trials. The news follows CLS's acquisition of Charnwood Discovery which completed at the end of 2024 and further enhances the company's integrated drug discovery offer. This underlines the business's growth strategy, demonstrating its ambitions and further strengthening its ability to accelerate drug candidates to clinic with high success rates and across different modalities. About the Scientific Advisory Board Members: Professor Luke O'Neill, FRS, is an immunologist and Chair of Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin. With over 460 peer-reviewed publications, his research focuses on inflammation, innate immunity, and immunometabolism, providing deep expertise in areas critical to drug discovery. Professor O'Neill has received over 110,000 citations and has an h-index of 160, underscoring his significant contributions to the field. Dr. Shane Liddelow is an Associate Professor at NYU Langone Medical Center, specialising in neurodegenerative diseases. His research into the role of astrocytes in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's offers valuable insight for neurodegenerative drug discovery. Dr. Liddelow has garnered over 30,000 citations and holds an h-index of 52, which reflects his important research in neurodegeneration. Dr. Ian Waddell, appointed to the CLS Board of Directors last year, has more than 27 years of experience across all stages of drug discovery. His expertise spans cardiovascular and oncology disease areas, and his leadership in the field has been instrumental in advancing drug development programs. Ben Cliff, CEO of Concept Life Sciences, commented: 'The addition of Luke, Shane, and Ian to our advisory and leadership teams is an exciting step in enhancing our scientific expertise and global service offering. 'As we strive to stay at the forefront of research and innovation, our continued investments in technology and talent, including our protein production capabilities and cutting-edge purification systems, reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality, integrated services to the global biopharmaceutical community.' Dr. Ian Waddell, added: 'My role with the Scientific Advisory Board allows me to contribute from a strategic leadership perspective, ensuring that our scientific initiatives align with the company's broader goals. The expertise of Professor O'Neill and Dr. Liddelow, combined with continued investments in cutting-edge technologies, reinforces CLS's commitment to advancing drug discovery and I look forward to collaborating with such a distinguished panel to drive impactful outcomes for clients and the wider industry.' About Concept Life Sciences Founded in 1999, Concept Life Sciences is a leading contract research organisation (CRO), primarily serving the pharmaceutical and life science research and development market. Offering world-class and technologically advanced, fully integrated drug discovery and development services for all drug modalities including small molecules, biologics, cell & gene therapies and beyond with clients in the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology space ranging from blue chip to virtual biotech. CLS has an impressive quantitative track record, with an average of just 32 months to advance a drug from concept to clinic, well ahead of the industry average of 60 months. The company has successfully helped accelerate five drugs to market, 28 candidates to the clinic, and 44 candidates to the pre-clinical stage. This remarkable success underscores CLS's ability to deliver high-quality, fast-tracked results and reinforce the value it provides to its customers. With a stringent focus on quality, CLS offers a broad and deep expertise, from drug discovery through early-stage development to multi-kilogram API manufacturing for phase 1 clinical trials. The company has around 230 employees and operates out of four state-of-the-art UK facilities. About Limerston Capital Founded in 2015 by James Paget, João Rosa and Martim Avillez, London based Limerston Capital pursues control investments in UK mid-market companies and seeks to create value through the firm's buy-and-build and operationally focused model. The firm targets businesses with EBITDA of between £5 million and £15 million that have a solid value proposition, but have potential for operational improvements, have mispriced underlying returns on capital and provide opportunities for strategic repositioning via consolidation. ContactsConcept Life SciencesBen CliffEmail: cls-info@ Communications Katja Stout+44 778 943 5990katja@ Daniel Gooch+44 7747 875479daniel@
