Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center |
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A message from Dr. Bruno Giordani |
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Hello everyone,
Dr. Benjamin Hampstead and I represented our Center at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) last week. This has always been the largest single gathering of researchers for any one disease, bringing researchers from around the globe and across many disciplines to meet and discuss new avenues of identification and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Last year, the meeting was supposed to be in Amsterdam, but was changed to a virtual event, of course, due to COVID-19. This year, again, it was supposed to be in Amsterdam, but was moved to Denver to have a true hybrid meeting. Now there were 1,200 in-person participants, but over 10,000 persons logged in from around the world.
Many important findings were presented that I am pleased to share with you. These included that COVID-19 has been shown to be associated with an acceleration of AD pathology and symptoms, particularly important since the global prevalence of dementia is expected to nearly triple to more than 152 million by 2050. Data was also presented showing that improving air quality appears to reduce dementia risk. With FDA-accelerated approval of aducanumab (Aduhelm, Biogen/Eisai) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer's, there is new energy and interest in other treatments in the Alzheimer's/dementia therapeutic pipeline. We heard about new data and analyses of the furthest advanced investigational anti-amyloid drugs — donanemab (Eli Lilly) and lecanemab (Biogen/Eisai) — plus a wide variety of other approaches, including anti-tau strategies, anti-inflammatory targets, and neuroprotection and regenerative medicine.
Regardless of COVID-19, this was a banner year for research. I will be presenting these key takeaways in more depth in September. I hope you'll join me. (More details here).
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— Bruno Giordani, PhD
Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center Associate Director
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The MiNDSet Registry is a database created to match interested older adults – with normal cognition, with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, or those caring for someone living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia – to studies offered at our Center that they are interested in and qualified for. Are you interested in learning about ongoing research opportunities? Visit our website to learn more about the MiNDSet Registry and to get involved. |
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Medication Trial Looking for Participants |
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The A3-45 trial is researching the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication in people who might be at increased risk for developing memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study is looking for people, age 55-80 years old, who have generally normal memory function in daily life, and who are not being treated for memory problems. For individuals age 55-64 years old, an additional risk factor is required, such as a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s disease or previous biomarker testing showing increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Contact Lauren Mackenzie at spearsl@med.umich.edu or 734-232-2415.
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Family Caregivers – We Need Your Feedback, Please! |
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The Wellness Initiative and our Center’s Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core need feedback from all caregivers who have participated in Center wellness programs, support groups, and any other online education events in the past year. Your input will help us evaluate decisions regarding virtual offerings and the format of our programs offered this fall and in 2022. Please help us learn more about your experience so we can better understand opportunities for growth in this area.
Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey at the link below regarding your participation in Center-hosted programs. We greatly appreciate your input!
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Center Affiliates Receive "Editors' Pick" for Publication in Journal of Biological Chemistry |
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The work of affiliates of the Center, Drs. Sami Barmada of the U-M Department of Neurology and Nate Safren, previous fellow with Dr. Barmada, now located at Northwestern University, captured the attention of the Journal of Biological Chemistry late last month for their new findings which could change the trajectory of treatment for key neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and ALS. Please join us in congratulating them on this work. Read more about their research findings in the link below.
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Upcoming Programs and Events |
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"Sleep profiles, roles and needs of care partners of persons living with cognitive decline: how do they fit together?”
August 26, 12:00 - 1:00PM
This event will be presented by Glenna Brewster Glasgow, PhD, RN, FNP-BC of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University.
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Fall Registration Now Open:
Mitten Minds Dementia Education Series
Wednesdays, September 8 - October 6, 3:00 - 5:00PM
This program is open specifically for persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment or a recent diagnosis of a dementia. The program offers six educational sessions, each led by one of our experts in dementia care and research. Registration is now open and required below.
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Lewy Body Dementia Support Groups |
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Brighton & Ann Arbor Support Groups
Tuesday, August 10
2:00 - 3:00PM Caregivers
3:00 - 4:00PM Living with LBD
Michigan Support Group
Tuesday, August 10
6:00 - 7:00PM Caregivers
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Boyne City Support Group (In person*)
Tuesday, August 10
2:00 - 3:00PM Caregivers
3:00 - 4:00PM Living with LBD
West Bloomfield & Lansing Support Groups
Thursday, August 26
2:00 - 3:00PM Caregivers
3:00 - 4:00PM Living with LBD
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Wellness Initiative Programs |
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Catching Your Breath
August 9, 10:00 - 11:30AM
A free monthly wellbeing and mindfulness program for family caregivers of adults living with memory loss. The program varies each month and newcomers are welcome at any time.
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Have a Seat
Thursdays, 12:00 - 12:30PM
Have a Seat is a free weekly, online, guided meditation program. No registration is required, just use the link below to join the program on Thursdays at noon. If you would like to subscribe to receive weekly reminders for Have a Seat, click here.
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Mitten Minds Support Group
August 17, 3:00 - 4:00PM
Mitten Minds Support Group is a monthly group specifically for individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia. The group takes place on the third Tuesday of each month.
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