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VJDementia PodcastExploring plasma p-tau217: a game-changer in Alzheimer’s trials
In this episode, we dive into the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers, focusing on the diagnostic and predictive potential of plasma p-tau217.
As an alternative to traditional PET assessment, blood-based biomarker detection has the potential to provide a time-efficient, cost-effective strategy for pre-screening and treatment monitoring in AD clinical trials. Although the widespread use of blood-based biomarkers in clinical practice remains to be seen, they also hold promise in expediting diagnostic/prognostic procedures for AD.
We are joined by renowned researchers who discuss their work to test and validate p-tau217, both as a...2024-07-3119 minVJDementia PodcastEyes on Alzheimer’s: the promise of the retina in research and healthcare
The retina is often considered an extension of the brain, as they share many functional and structural similarities. Retinal changes have been reported to correspond to brain and cognitive changes seen in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). These changes include pathologies associated with AD such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition and neurofibrillary tangle build up. The retina has been cited as a way to assess AD, particularly in patients with early AD, in a simple and non-invasive manner. Work is currently being undertaken to detect retinal biomarkers of AD, to allow for earlier diagnosis and the introduction of interventions whi...2023-12-2018 minVJDementia PodcastExciting developments in microglia research in Alzheimer’s disease
Genetic studies have shown that the vast majority of risk genes for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are highly, or even preferentially, expressed in microglia. Accumulating evidence is demonstrating the importance of microglia in AD development and progression, with experimental models demonstrating both protective and destructive capabilities. It has been suggested that the role of microglia in AD changes depending on the stage of the disease, with protective functions predominating in early-stage AD but more detrimental functions taking over in the later stages.
Intensive research is being conducted to understand more about microglia and their phenotypic transitions over ti...2023-04-1421 minVJDementia PodcastExpert perspectives on lecanemab
On January 6, 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lecanemab for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), making history as the first ever treatment to significantly slow cognitive decline. The approval follows that of aducanumab last year, and together these drugs represent a new category of medications targeting the Aβ pathology associated with AD.
Lecanemab is unique for its preferential binding of soluble amyloid-β protofibrils compared to aggregated amyloid plaques. In the recently completed Phase III trial, Clarity AD (NCT03887455), lecanemab slowed cognitive decline by 27% compared to placebo, as measured by CDR-SB. Similar slowing of declin...2023-03-1522 minVJDementia PodcastNutrition and cognitive decline
Cognitive decline caused by dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and dependency for older adults globally, and due to ageing populations around the world, the estimated 50 million people who currently suffer from dementia is projected to reach 100 million by 2050. Thus, dementia is considered a major public health issue. Considering this, healthcare professionals and researchers are beginning to focus on behaviors which could delay or even prevent the onset of cognitive decline. Research suggests that diet is an important lifestyle factor which could be an integral component in preventing cognitive decline and dementia in older age. Observational...2022-12-0522 minVJDementia PodcastNovel markers for Alzheimer’s disease monitoring and prognostication
Our current podcast series is focused on Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers. Hundreds of studies have emerged in recent years that have aimed to characterize and validate several blood-based biomarkers and ready them for daily use in the real-world. While a number of well-studied diagnostic markers are beginning to be implemented in clinical practice, many more are still emerging. Biomarkers that can predict prognosis or be used for monitoring and outcome assessment in clinical trials are needed to improve disease management and support the development of novel therapeutics.
In this third and final episode, our guests will discuss th...2022-10-3115 minVJDementia PodcastEarly biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease
Blood biomarkers are taking off in the Alzheimer’s disease field, showing promise for diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment monitoring. As more evidence is collected, it is becoming clear that different markers reflect different stages of progression and thus, perform better at certain stages of disease. For example, phosphorylated-tau-231 has been put forward as the most promising candidate for detecting incipient amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology. Several studies have also shown that neurofilament light, GFAP, and phosphorylated-tau-181 levels in the blood may help to predict the risk of progression to dementia from subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
R...2022-10-0720 minVJDementia PodcastAlzheimer’s disease blood tests? Bringing plasma biomarkers into clinical practice
Blood biomarkers are taking off in the Alzheimer’s disease field, showing promise for diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment monitoring. Current diagnostic methods, such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis and amyloid PET scans, are expensive, invasive, and not widely available. Therefore, the development of a blood test which detects amyloid beta (Aβ), phosphorylated tau (p-tau), or other putative objective markers could be the way forward.
Following development, rigorous validation, and retrospective and prospective analyses, several assays are now ready for real-world study and clinical implementation. Many investigations are ongoing to try to determine the optimal combinations of biomarkers, cut-offs for...2022-09-0621 minVJDementia PodcastImmunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease: targeting β-amyloid and tau
The complexity of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis has led to difficulties understanding the disease and, therefore, impacted the development of AD drugs. Immunotherapy is a powerful treatment approach that holds considerable promise for the future. Recently, an anti-β-amyloid monoclonal antibody, aducanumab, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the current pipeline of anti- β-amyloid monoclonal antibodies in clinical trials and under the evaluation of regulatory agencies continues to grow. Meanwhile, immunotherapy strategies targeting tau are also under development. As the future unfolds, immunotherapies based on β-amyloid and tau may be promising strategies to reduc...2022-07-2913 minVJDementia PodcastSynaptic function in Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder predominately afflicting the older population – and with recent exponential developments in medicine and thus life expectancy, the risk and incidence of AD have consequently increased. As there is no definitive cure for AD, current treatment approaches have had a greater focus on delaying disease progression and maintaining cognitive function.
Our understanding of the pathogenesis concerning AD is key to developing targeted therapeutics; β-amyloid plaque accumulation and volume reduction of the hippocampus can serve as viable prognostic biomarkers. However, synaptic dysfunction is also a major contributor to AD pathology. From the m...2022-06-1511 min