Alzheimer's drug proves promising in Hunter trial

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A drug being trialed around the globe and at the Hunter Medical Research Institute is being hailed as a major breakthrough when it comes to slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Lecanemab is showing promise in helping the body's immune system get rid of amyloid plaques which impact the neurons in the brain.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, but lecanemab is the first and only drug which has been proven to be effective in treatment.

University of Newcastle neuroscientist Professor Michael Breakspear says the next step will be another clinical trial with members of the community, in the hopes of nipping the disease in the bud.

"Either showing the very earliest signs of cognitive impairment, so they don't yet have dementia, but they might have memory problems, they might have a little bit of confusion, but they don't have dementia," he said.

"And other people who, because of their genetic risk, are known to be at very high risk of developing dementia, but don't have any cognitive impairment."

"The goal of this study, another international study, is to see if we can actually prevent people from developing dementia or halt it in its tracks at its very earliest onset, before there's been any underlying destruction of brain tissue."

Prof Breakspear describes the drug as adding an extra six months of cognitive function.

It's hoped lecanemab could soon win approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia.

Margaret Williamson and her twin sister Meryl often take part in clinical trials as self-described "human guinea pigs", who researchers can compare.

The 68-year-old retired nurse says it was a shock to find out their own risk, but they're glad they're involved in the trial.

"Well, now I hope it will," she said. "We had no idea that we had high amyloid until we went to the study."

"No signs of dementia, nothing. Just very high amyloids."

"How far down the track would we have lost our minds? I don't know. It was a scary thing when they said it, and we went, 'oh well,' we'll go in the study and try and prevent it getting any worse." 

Image credit: Australian Dementia Network.

Hunter Researchers Hoping to Break Ground in Dementia Battle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter researchers are set to launch two new studies hoping to identify dementia risk in older people and even delay progression of the disease.

The studies will focus on finding out if the buildup of plaques thought to cause Alzheimer's will work as a predictive test. 

There's also potential new approaches to antibody therapy could help remove the beta amyloid protein which makes up the plaques, slowing or reversing dementia symptoms.

The efforts are part of a collaboration between the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the Australian Dementia Network, in conjunction with international drug companies.

Professor Michael Breakspear, the neuroscientist leading the team, says the trials are a great opportunity for the Hunter.

"This is what's really new about these clinical trials, and the one that we've got here in Newcastle," Prof Breakspear said.

"We can find people in the community who look like they're really on that dangerous path to dementia and they've got amyloid in their brain, and for the first time we can offer them a treatment that will stop that accumulation of amyloid."

Researchers are currently looking for local participants to sign up to the trials.

Prof Breakspear says the first trial will involve cognitive assessments, genetic studies, and brain scans, while the second will focus on finding out if the antibody treatments are effective.

"It would be great to be able to identify people in their late 50s, 60s, and early 70s, and say, we think you're highly likely to be developing dementia," Prof Breakspear said.

"Here are some treatments we can offer you at the moment that will delay or even reverse or prevent what otherwise might happen in 10 or 15 years."

People interested in taking part in the trial can find out more at https://www.australiandementianetwork.org.au/i-am-a-member-of-the-public-or-consumer/volunteer-for-trials/.

Free Courses Offered to Newcastle Residents Living with or Caring for Dementia Sufferers

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Residents in the Newcastle area, living with or caring for someone with dementia are being offered the chance to take part in a series of free training courses in November, hosted by Dementia Australia. 

There are estimated to be more than 3,400 people living with dementia in the Hunter. 

Without a medical breakthrough, the number is expected to increase to an estimated 6,200 people by 2058.

Dementia Australia’s program is designed for people living with dementia, their family carers and family members and will provide an overview of dementia and how to proceed after a diagnosis.

The course will be held over four weeks on the 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th of November 2020 from 10:30am to 3:30pm. 

Topics include;

• Coping with change
• Relationships and communication
• Relationships and communication
• Planning for the future and staying healthy

The courses are run face to face, as well via Zoom, with people able to engage in whatever way best suits them. 

"Generally there are ten to six pairs in the program, we find that's about the right number so they can get to know each other and talk freely," Director of Operations at Dementia Australia, Leanne Emerson, says. 

"We will try to run more programs if demand exceeds what we are able to offer." 

Courses also provide attendees with an opportunity to meet with others who are sharing a similar experience, allowing time to socialise and share important links to local support services.  

To find out more or to register for the course, please visit https://lwd-nsw-4nov.eventbrite.com.au/?aff=MR or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. 

Image, Home care UK