Faster, please!

Hank Berrien reports in The Daily Wire,

A new Alzheimer's vaccine developed by scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern could conceivably cut the number of dementia cases in half.

Unlike a previous attempt that caused swelling in the brain when DNA was injected into the test mice's muscles, the new vaccine was administered by injecting it superficially into the skin.

Alzheimer’s, which is expected to strike triple the number of people by 2050, cripples the brain as human beings age, as beta-amyloid proteins in the brain get stuck together and tau proteins start to tangle, both of which inhibit neural connections. The new vaccine, injected into the skin, triggers the skin cells to produce a three-molecule chain of beta-amyloid. The immune system is then catalyzed to produce antibodies to fight beta-amyloid; the antibodies also fight tau proteins. This means the body anticipates the Alzheimer's plaques and tangles before they happen.

As the Daily Mail reports, the research team tested four groups of mice; the vaccinated mice experienced as much as 40% of their beta-amyloid plaques reduced and as much as 50% of their tau tangles diminished. No adverse immune response was observed.

The study explained:

We report, for the first time in an AD mouse model, that active DNA Aβ42immunization into the skin targets two pathologies: amyloid-containing plaques and tau. DNA vaccination, in which not the antigen (peptide or protein) but the DNA encoding this peptide is administered, is an alternative route of vaccination. Genes encoded by the DNA are expressed within the skin, and the peptides are taken up by dendritic cells traveling to the regional lymph nodes and presenting the antigen to B and T cells. Immune responses to DNA or peptide immunization differ qualitatively.

We have shown previously that full-length DNA Aβ42 trimer immunization is noninflammatory and induces a regulatory immune response. DNA Aβ42 trimer immunization has been shown to be effective in removing amyloid from the brain in immunized double-transgenic mice. In the present study, we used a triple-transgenic AD mouse model that exhibits Aβ and tau pathologies characteristic of human AD. We found that immunotherapy with DNA Aβ42 trimer leads to reduction of Aβ40/Aβ42 peptides and amyloid plaques, and we show for the first time that DNA Aβ42 trimer immunization leads also to significant reduction of tau from the mouse brain.

The study concluded, “It is expected that DNA Aβ42 trimer immunotherapy in a clinical trial will reduce both plaques and tangles in patients with AD.”

Dr. Roger Rosenberg, founding director of the Alzheimer's Disease Center at University of Texas Southwestern, said the new vaccine “is the culmination of a decade of research that has repeatedly demonstrated that this vaccine can effectively and safely target in animal models what we think may cause Alzheimer's disease.” He added, “I believe we're getting close to testing this therapy in people.”

Study senior author Dr. Doris Lambracht-Washington said: “If the onset of the disease could be delayed by even five years, that would be enormous for the patients and their families. The number of dementia cases could drop by half.”

The study was published in the journal Alzheimer's Research and Therapy.

What's Your Reaction?

"Give to them what you would want for yourself if one day you are walking the same path.

Marc Agronin (@MarcAgronin) is a geriatric psychiatrist at Miami Jewish Health and the author of “The End of Old Age: Living a Longer, More Purposeful Life" and "The Dementia Caregiver: A Guide to Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Neurocognitive Disorders.” Nevertheless, he writes at The Wall Street Journal,

It’s natural to feel uncertain, afraid, and even turned off when first trying to interact with someone with dementia--especially when you have an emotional tie. Fortunately, there are several approaches to overcome these reactions.

To start, be an empathic friend by imagining yourself in the shoes of the affected person. They often feel deep frustration, sadness and embarrassment as their cognitive impairment makes it increasingly difficult to manage previous expectations and roles. As a result, they may begin withdrawing from activities and relationships. You can turn your empathy into action by initiating contact without waiting for them to ask. When together, put aside your past expectations and assumptions and simply listen to them and observe what has changed. Your presence in the moment is key.

As you get a better sense for their limitations, avoid posing open-ended questions (e.g., “What would you like to do?”) or suggesting tasks or activities that might be too challenging. Instead, offer several choices that tap into their ongoing interests and abilities (e.g., “I bet you would love to do this with me.”). If they are unsure of something or unaware of who you are, gently and simply reorient them without feeling obligated to explain the unexplainable.

Another strategy is to focus on a person’s strengths that persist even when there is significant cognitive impairment. These include the senses, past memories, physical skills and routines. You can translate these strengths into meaningful activities involving music, arts, nature, pets, storytelling, exercises and religious or other related rit"uals.

There are innumerable examples: Take a walk around the neighborhood or at a local park or mall; look through photo albums or watch movies that may trigger fond memories; sing songs; attend religious services together; or if the person's native language is not English, and you both speak it, try having a conversation.

When considering several activities, ask yourself the following questions ahead of time: Can they easily participate in it? Does it bring stimulation, joy or meaning in the moment? Does it need to be adapted in some way to make it more accessible and comfortable for them?

Going to a show or concert is a great idea, for instance, but may be but too taxing for some. Instead, host a small gathering in their home to watch a recording of the same or a similar show on a large screen. Eating at a restaurant may work well for some people with mild dementia, but a festive meal at home with familiar foods and friends may be easier when they have more advanced symptoms. Plan ahead so that the environment both meets their needs and elevates their abilities.

Remember that these individuals are living with dementia, surviving the challenges and still retaining value as a person and the ability to find joy and meaning in life. Give to them what you would want for yourself if one day you are walking the same path.

Read more here.

Don't let anyone reduce your testosterone levels!

Nicholas Bakalar reports,

Reducing testosterone levels with androgen deprivation therapy, or A.D.T., is a common treatment for prostate cancer. But a new study has found that it more than doubles the risk of dementia.

Previous studies have linked the hormone treatment to an increased risk of depression and Alzheimer’s disease. This new study considered all types of dementia.

Read more here.

h/t Instapundit