• A New Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients

    May 4, 2023 /
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    Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This progressive illness causes memory loss, cognitive decline, and eventually, the inability to perform daily activities. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Researchers have identified two proteins, amyloid and tau, that play a crucial role in the disease’s development. Amyloid proteins clump together to form plaques, while tau proteins form tangles, both of which disrupt communication between brain cells and trigger inflammation, ultimately leading to cell death.

    Despite ongoing research efforts, finding an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s has been an uphill battle. However, recent findings from a late-stage trial conducted by Eli Lilly and Co (LLY.N) have brought new hope for Alzheimer’s patients and their families.

    Eli Lilly and Co’s experimental drug, Donanemab, has shown promising results in a closely watched late-stage trial involving 1,734 participants. The drug met all goals of the trial, slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s by 35% to 36% compared to a placebo in 1,182 people diagnosed with early-stage disease based on brain scans showing deposits of amyloid protein and intermediate levels of tau protein. The remaining 552 patients in the trial had high levels of tau protein, suggesting a lower likelihood of responding to the treatment. When combining both groups, donanemab demonstrated a 22% slowing of Alzheimer’s progression using a Lilly-developed scale to measure cognition and activities of daily living. The drug also showed a 29% slowing of progression based on a more commonly used scale of dementia progression. According to Maria Carrillo, Chief Science Officer for the Alzheimer’s Association, these findings represent “the strongest phase 3 data for an Alzheimer’s treatment to date.”

    The positive results from the Donanemab trial offer hope for the development of a second effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. With its robust phase 3 trial data, Donanemab could potentially provide an alternative option for patients and medical professionals seeking more effective treatment options. However, it is important to note that Donanemab is not a cure for Alzheimer’s, but rather a treatment that slows the progression of the disease. Further research and trials are necessary to better understand the drug’s long-term effects, potential side effects, and optimal dosing strategies. If approved, Donanemab could significantly improve the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients and their families, providing a valuable tool in the ongoing fight against this devastating disease.

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  • Types of Alzheimer’s Disease

    January 17, 2023 /
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    Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive form of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, and is ranked among the top 10 leading causes of death in Canada. It is is a complex disease, and there are several different types that can be diagnosed.

    The first type of Alzheimer’s is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s, which is diagnosed in people under the age of 65. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is relatively rare, but it is typically more aggressive, and can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life.

    The second type of Alzheimer’s is late-onset Alzheimer’s. This is the most common type of Alzheimer’s that is diagnosed, and is found in those over the age of 65. Late-onset Alzheimer’s is typically slower and less aggressive compared to early-onset Alzheimer’s, but it can still have a major impact.

    The third type of Alzheimer’s is known as familial Alzheimer’s. This form of Alzheimer’s is inherited, and is typically caused by a mutation on one of three genes. Familial Alzheimer’s is relatively rare, and tends to have an earlier onset than other forms of Alzheimer’s.

    The fourth type of Alzheimer’s is known as posterior cortical atrophy. This form of Alzheimer’s is typically characterized by a slower onset and a more gradual decline in mental abilities. It is often associated with visual problems, such as difficulty recognizing faces or objects.

    Finally, the fifth type of Alzheimer’s is known as mixed dementia. This type of Alzheimer’s is a combination of different types of dementia, such as vascular dementia and others. Mixed dementia is often harder to diagnose, so it is important to seek medical advice if you are exhibiting any signs or symptoms.

    The most common signs and symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s are as follows:

    1. Memory loss
    2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
    3. Problems with speech
    4. Disorientation
    5. Poor or decreased judgment
    6. Problems with abstract thinking
    7. Misplacing things
    8. Changes in mood or behavior
    9. Changes in personality
    10. Loss of initiative

    No matter what type of Alzheimer’s you have, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and can help a person maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible. For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, as well as resources that can be of benefit to you and your family, visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada website at www.alzheimer.ca.

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