September is the 7th Annual World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other memory illnesses. In honor of this event, and to recognize World Alzheimer’s Day, which will take place on September 21st, we’d like to share some of the latest advances going on in Alzheimer’s research and treatment.
Recent Developments
2017 was a banner year for Alzheimer’s research. The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation created 29 new grants that totaled $16.6 million. With that money, they were able to support five advances towards conquering dementias like Alzheimer’s:
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Increasing drug diversity. Because Alzheimer’s is so complex, different drugs are needed in order to effectively treat all the symptoms. Recent research has allowed scientists to focus on different brain functions and thus develop different drugs in order to treat them. New clinical trials have been undertaken to broaden research for other precursors, symptoms and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, including brain inflammation (which is present in all Alzheimer’s patients and may play a major role in the development and progression of the disease), misfolded proteins (two types are present in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s; the Tau protein and amyloid plaques) and neuroprotection (protecting or recovering aspects of the nervous system). Many drugs developed for treatment of these issues are now in Phase 2 or Phase 3 of clinical trials.
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Better biomarkers. Biomarkers – molecules that indicate normal or abnormal processes taking place in the body and may be a sign of an underlying condition or disease – are often studied to help diagnose, monitor and develop effective drugs for diseases. Since there are very few identified biomarkers for individuals with Alzheimer’s, this makes it difficult to create new drugs. In 2017, progress has been made towards developing biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease, including imaging and CSF-based assays for beta-amyloid and Tau. Current expansion efforts include research into blood and other peripheral markers such as those found in urine, saliva and ocular fluid. The goal is to expand the core set of biomarkers that correlate with symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, including vascular injury, oxidative stress, synaptic dysfunction and others.
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More prevention trials. Findings suggest that the most effective Alzheimer’s treatment may come before an individual is diagnosed with the disease. Various genetic tests and scans can enable researchers to find at-risk individuals and begin developing new clinical trial series of drugs. Trials currently underway that show promise are:
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The A4 Study, which tests whether the beta-amyloid antibody solanezumab can prevent Alzheimer’s disease in at-risk seniors. The trial already has 1,140 participants enrolled and is scheduled to be complete in 2022.
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The EARLY Trial, which tests the BACE 1 (an enzyme involved in beta-amyloid generation) inhibitor JNJ-54861911 to discover if it can slow cognitive decline in at-risk seniors. The study should be complete in 2024.
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The Generation 1 and Generation 2 trials are currently testing whether one of two therapies (the the BACE inhibitor CNP520 and the beta-amyloid vaccine CAD106) will prevent Alzheimer’s disease in at-risk elderly people.
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Generation 1 will study individuals with two ApoE4 genes, while
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Generation 2 will study individuals with at least one ApoE4 gene. The study should be complete in 2024.
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The A3 Study, which will test whether a BACE1 inhibitor (not yet revealed) can potentially slow cognitive decline in at-risk seniors. This study will start enrolling patients in 2018.
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Hope for neuronal regeneration. Treatments using the drug allopregnanolone, which is focused on reversing the effects of Alzheimer’s, is showing progress and is currently in clinical trials. Results following Phase 1 of a clinical trial suggest this drug spurs the creation of new neurons from stem cells, which could potentially lead to a cure of Alzheimer’s. The development of Phase 2 is currently underway for this treatment. In 2017, another regenerative drug (NDX-1017) entered Phase 1 trials. This treatment focuses on activating hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and regrowing the damaged synaptic connections between disparate neurons.
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Success using deep-brain stimulation (DBS). A small study published in early 2018 shows that implanting a “brain pacemaker” in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can potentially help slow the decline of problem-solving skills and decision making. The pacemaker sends electrical impulses into the frontal lobe of the brain, which is known to manage executive functions such as judgement, planning and problem-solving.
How Alzheimer’s Research Affects Memory Care Communities
Here are three ways Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover has used the latest approaches and philosophies to create a community designed to address specifically the unique needs of individuals with memory impairments.
1. Individualized care centered on the person, not the disease
We have seen firsthand that the best care is person-centered, individualized and tailored to each resident’s’ specific needs, wants and desires and taking into account what they want from their lives, caregivers are able to provide better care and form stronger bonds. This approach also helps individuals with Alzheimer’s along their journey, as they’re able to maintain a comfortable routine as much as possible.
2. Communication is key for smart security and medication management
As treatments have improved, so have communication techniques. Personalized monitoring devices and other technologies allow staff to “keep an eye” on residents without being overwhelmingly intrusive. New medications are constantly being developed which help with a wide variety of symptoms, from reducing anxiety to curbing wandering. A holistic approach to health and wellness is necessary to prevent over-medicating residents and instead find the right mix for each individual.
3. A home-like setting makes all the difference.
Our entire community is designed to meet the needs of those with Alzheimer’s disease, from interactive stations to easy-to-navigate pathways to visual cues. At Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, we take this one step further with our four self-contained households. Residing in a smaller setting with a lower number of people can help residents feel more secure and develop stronger relationships with their caregivers and other residents.
If you would like more information about recent developments in Alzheimer’s research or treatment, contact us at 978.775.1070.
Engaging Lifestyle.
Now open! Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and respects individual preferences. Our memory care teams receive specialized training that helps them safely support residents’ independence and elevate their self-esteem.
Dedicated Memory Care
Through early-, mid- and late-stage memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care, Personalized Services and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with respect.
Supportive, Purpose-Built Design
Featuring a stunning residential design and the amenities of a new community, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched, and their families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features soft colors and lighting, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.
Call us today at 978.775.1070 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover or to schedule a personal tour.