Alzheimer’s Research: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
On June 18, 2020, we had our first Virtual Alzheimer’s Presentation! Our Chief Medical Director, Dr. Michael J. McCartney, took some time to talk about the history of Alzheimer’s and the research we are working on today.
A brief history of Alzheimer’s
- Alois Alzheimer – German neurologist discovered the disease in 1906.
- At the time, the disease was only able to be diagnosed through an autopsy of the brain after death.
- First diagnosed patient was Auguste Deter.
From 1906 to 2020, there has been progress along the way, but research is recent. The first Alzheimer’s drug trial was in 1987, and yet there are only 5 FDA- approved drugs available in the U.S today. These drugs only temporarily help memory and thinking problems but do not treat the underlying causes of the disease or slow its progression. There is still no cure for this disease.
No NEW drugs have been approved since 2003, although there is some promise in a new drug that Biogen is planning to file a Biologics License Application with the FDA for this year. If approved, the anti-amyloid antibody, aducanumab, would be the first approval in 16 years.
Current Alzheimer’s Research
Around the world, there are approximately 600 clinical trials looking at new treatments for Alzheimer’s.
There are two types of Alzheimer’s treatment trials:
- Treatments aimed at reducing symptoms.
- Treatments aimed at slowing or stopping the disease.
Prevention trials:
Researchers hope that early intervention in individuals at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s will prevent cognitive decline.
Studies on other types of treatments such as:
- Medications
- Dietary supplements
- Non-drug therapies
- Behavioral interventions
- Exercise / Nutrition
- Physical treatments including acupuncture, electromagnetic devices, light therapy devices and even surgery.
Local Studies being done at ActivMed
Over the last 12 years, ActivMed has conducted 18 clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease. We focus on Alzheimer’s in our Methuen and Lawrence, MA sites, where we also work with New England Neurological Associates.
Types of studies we have done include device studies, non-invasive (non-drug), and drug therapies.
Alzheimer’s studies focus on early memory loss, mild-to-moderate stages, or healthy subjects.
A lack of volunteers for Alzheimer’s clinical trials is one of the greatest obstacles slowing the progress of potential new treatments.
Community Awareness
ActivMed is also partnered with the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation, a non-profit organization, to help move research forward by raising awareness for clinical research to increase participation. As a GAP-Net site, we work together to educate and engage with our community for Alzheimer’s research.
We are partnered with GAP to share information about a current Alzheimer’s clinical trial called the Clarity Study.
The Clarity AD Study is underway to evaluate an investigational drug in adults who suffer from memory loss. If this sounds like you or a loved one, consider enrolling today.
You may qualify if you:
- Are between the ages of 50 and 90
- Have a study partner willing to attend clinic appointments with you
- Have a recent history of memory decline with gradual progression over the last year
If you qualify and participate you will receive study- related testing and medical care as well as travel stipend.
Contact us today to see if you or a loved one may qualify. Call 978-655-7155 or click here.
Memory loss or normal aging?
Many people might experience some memory issues and may be stressed or worried but are afraid to seek help. Most primary care doctors check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, but don’t check your memory.
Recommended for adults over age 50, a memory screening can offer a baseline to be able to determine if there are changes each year. At ActivMed, we offer these screenings to the community at no cost to you. We do not bill your insurance, and only share the results with your doctor if you request it.
These assessments can be done in our office or as a telehealth appointment. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes where we ask questions that will test different cognitive areas. Your privacy and health information are protected under HIPAA guidelines. We will not share or sell your information.
Call 978-655-7155 for more information
You can watch the entire presentation below and hear the questions and answers at the end.