GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

According to an April 21, 2020 Medical Xpress article, University of Tokyo researchers used the CRISPR/Cas9 "molecular scissors,” which can change DNA inside cells, to identify a new protein (calcium and integrin-binding protein 1 (CIB1)) that leads to Alzheimer's disease. They utilized the technique to look for changes in amyloid beta production, a major hallmark of AD. "Our results show that regulating the location of CIB1 and gamma secretase could be a new target for Alzheimer's disease therapy," said Hori.

POLITICS

An April 21, 2020 Dubois County Herald letter to the editor by Evan Haynes-Knepper implored Congressman Bucshon (IN) to support the next legislative stimulus package to assist people with Alzheimer’s disease. The Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act would help improve the quality of interactions between Department of Justice professionals and victims of abuse who have Alzheimer’s or other dementia. The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act would increase the use of Medicare’s care planning benefit to help more families.

CAREGIVING CORNER

An April 19, 2020 KWTX 10 article looked at the added stress essential workers are experiencing if they are also caring for a loved one(s) with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Alzheimer’s Texas is offering online hotlines for families with resources and support, including local hotline numbers, tips on speaking about COVID-19 and maintaining daily routines. According to the article, “The most common questions have been about how to explain the pandemic to a loved one and how to handle grief through the tough times. While it can be difficult, [Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Texas Catherine] Campbell says it’s a necessary conversation. “Just say that there’s an illness happening in our community but we’re gonna be okay,” she said. “Reassure them that things are being taken day by day.””

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

(ICYMI) An April 12, 2020 Interesting Engineering article spotlighted work on developing an Alzheimer’s disease vaccine. Kyoto University researchers developed a nasal vaccine which reduced atrophied brain matter in mice, as well as changes and abnormal brain behaviors associated with AD. The vaccine caused the immune system to build antibodies that removed tau proteins. According to the article, “These antibodies were more than double in mice who had the vaccine administered compared to those that did not. In addition, the vaccinated mice's brain areas were only two-thirds as atrophied as those who were not vaccinated. Finally, no detrimental side effects were recorded during the eight months the scientists observed the mice.”