By Julie Carrico, MBA, CCRC
There are a LOT of exciting things happening in the world of Alzheimer’s disease research and this blog will discuss a few of the most important findings that were recently discussed at the July Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).
- A major clinical study targeting tau protein tangles in the brain, which are thought to damage brain cells, was completed. The drug failed to show any benefit to most patients with mild to moderate disease – disappointing results, to say the least. However, medical researchers still believe understanding tau proteins are critical to conquering the disease. The failed study facilitated gaining knowledge about tau proteins and in that regard the data are of great value.
- Research has demonstrated that certain types of brain exercises, especially a specific type of speed training, are able to reduce the risk of developing dementia. Additional research is needed to figure out the ideal amount of training and to develop a better understanding of how the training affects the brain. “If you can reduce the chance of getting dementia by nearly 50 percent with this, that’s huge,” says Michael Roizen, chairman of the Wellness Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, who wasn’t involved in the study. We agree!
- Data have shown that people engaged in complex thinking and who have strong social ties have a lower risk of developing dementia. In fact, the studies even go so far as to identify jobs that provide the highest – and the lowest – benefit. One study also suggested that mentally stimulating lifestyles could counteract the mental decline associated with an unhealthy diet and cerebrovascular disease.
- New research shows that there might be some indicators of eventual dementia development other than memory loss. Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI) may be a precursor to development of Alzheimer’s disease. MBI is characterized by symptoms such as apathy, anxiety, loss of impulse control, flaunting social norms, and loss of interest in food. New research is aimed at early detection and some data suggests that a person’s sense of smell or sight may be a relatively non-invasive means for early detection. One immediate benefit of early detection is economic – accurately diagnosed and treated patients cost less to care for; more importantly to family members, these patients have lower mortality rates.
Our team is committed to participating in the Alzheimer’s community and to taking on appropriate Alzheimer’s disease clinical studies as we work to end Alzheimer’s.
The Clinical Research Center is currently seeking volunteer patients in studies for Alzheimer’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, and those with very high triglyceride levels.
If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials, contact the Clinical Research Center at 541-766-2163, or send an email to research@corvallisclinic.com or fill out our Research Study Information Request form. And, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/corvallisclinicresearch.
– Julie Carrico is Associate Coordinator of The Corvallis Clinic Clinical Research Center
