International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD)

As we come to the end of 2009, I think it’s fair to say that there’s hope and progress in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. Each year, the Alzheimer’s Association sponsors the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD). The 2009 conference was held in Vienna, Austria and drew close to 3,800 international attendees. The purpose of the conference was to share the latest ideas, thoughts, and theories in dementia science. Next year’s meeting will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Alzheimer’s Association reported the following highlights from ICAD 2009:

DHA Drug Trial

An 18-month study in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s did not support the routine use of DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid. Meanwhile, a six-month study was conducted in healthy older people to see DHA’s effect on “age related cognitive decline.” This trial showed a positive result on one test of memory and learning.

These two studies — and other recent Alzheimer therapy trials — raise the possibility that treatments must be given early in the Alzheimer’s process for them to be truly effective.

Phase III Alzheimer’s Drug Raises Level of a Toxic Protein

Recent evidence suggests that the drug Dimebon may improve cognitive function in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. However, researchers found that treatment with Dimebon cause an increase in beta amyloid in mouse models of Alzheimer’s. Beta amyloid is a protein that is the main constituent of plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

This result is highly unexpected as most Alzheimer drugs are tested for how much they can lower beta amyloid levels.

Heart Healthy May Reduce Risk of Cognitive Decline

Scientists at ICAD 2009 reported that following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet — or DASH diet — was associated with higher scores for cognitive functioning. The researchers found that four food categories from the diet plan — whole grains, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, and nuts and beans — may offer benefits for cognition in late life. We cannot yet confidently say how much of these foods to include in one’s diet to experience some benefit.

To all of my readers, thank you for stopping by and may you all have a safe and very healthy and Happy New Year! Together we will continue the journey to learn about and conquer Alzheimer’s disease!

Tagged with: Beta Amyloid • Cognitive Decline • Cognitive Function • Cognitive Functioning • Dair • Dairy Foods • Dash Diet • Dementia • Dha • Diet Plan • Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension • Dimebon • Food Categories • Honolulu Hawaii • Icad • International Attendees • International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease • Mouse Models • Omega 3 Fatty Acid • Phase Iii • Toxic Protein • Vienna Austria • Whole Grains

Filed under: Alzheimer's Disease • Alzheimer's Disease Research • Dementia

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