New Tool Kit Helps Physicians Recognize and Manage Lewy Body Dementias
A U.K. research program developed guidelines for clinical practice. In preliminary studies, it boosted diagnosis and improved patient care.
NEWS
Do Microglia Finish Off Stressed Neurons Before their Time?
Using an array of receptors to sense neurons in peril, microglia make matters worse by taking bites out of the struggling cells.
Gene Disruption Haunts Tau Mouse—Knock-Ins Look Promising
Much of the neuron loss in rTg4510 mice comes from accidental disruptions in mouse genes rather than expression of mutant tau. Pathology spreads quickly in human tau knock-ins.
Herpesvirus: Trigger for Many Brain Pathologies?
At Quebec conference, researchers considered multiple aspects of herpesvirus biology that may come in to play in AD.
In PD Model, α-Synuclein Spreads from Intestine to Brain
Injecting α-synuclein fibrils into mouse gut sparked the proteopathic spread of misfolded α-synuclein into the brain, where the aggregates killed dopaminergic neurons and caused motor problems.
Cognitive Decline Trips Up API Trials of BACE Inhibitor
Co-sponsors Banner, Novartis, and Amgen announced that they will stop testing CNP520 in two Phase 2/3 studies in people at risk of AD. The drug worsened cognition.
Going Viral: Alzheimer’s Research at Herpes Conference
At Quebec conference, human herpesvirus experts devoted a day to consider whether their favorite villain might play a hand in Alzheimer’s pathogenesis.
Deleting CD33 Benefits Mice—If Their Microglia Express TREM2
TREM2 required for reduction of plaque load in CD33 knockouts.
Virtual Exhibit Hall
Alzforum encourages users to visit the Virtual Exhibit Hall, where companies showcase their newest initiatives, products, and services. We welcome Dash Genomics, Inc. and Abcam, which join our other exhibitors — Biogen, BioLegend, BrainXell, NanoString Technologies, and the Jackson Laboratory.
SPOTLIGHT
Bringing Lewy Body Dementia Research into the Modern Era
Dementia with Lewy bodies is a devastating disorder, combining some of the worst features of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, but it is relatively rare and often goes unrecognized. DLB research has lagged far behind that for AD and PD, but is rapidly gaining ground. At a recent conference in Las Vegas, researchers discussed worldwide progress in building the infrastructure to support large longitudinal studies and clinical trials for DLB. Researchers presented guidelines for improving diagnosis and management of the disease, and scientists discussed how best to identify prodromal cases for research studies. Read Alzforum’s three-part series.
Parkinson’s from the Gut
Might Parkinson’s disease start in the depths of the intestine? A new mouse model provides support for the idea. a-synuclein fibrils injected into the mouse gut seeded the misfolding of normal mouse synuclein there, and the pathology ultimately propagated through the vagus nerve and into the brain. There, it killed dopaminergic neurons and caused a PD-like disease.
Herpesvirus Experts Give Alzheimer’s a Hearing
In light of recent work implicating human herpesviruses in AD, virologists invited Alzheimer’s researchers to join them at the 11th International Conference on HHV-6 and HHV-7, held last month in Quebec City, Canada. The herpesvirus experts had more questions than AD researchers had answers, but together they started to plot a path toward addressing them. Read our two-part coverage of the meeting.
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