Neurology News

May 2024

 

Happy Spring ! We have been busy with new research studies which has delayed our monthly newsletter. But we are back on track to help keep you informed about recent developments in Neurology!

 

Alzheimer's Disease: Blood Biomarkers Not Yet Ready For Wide Use

Recently, several blood tests have been found to be specific for Alzheimer's Disease. Some examples are p-Tau and plasma AB42/AB40. p-Tau levels are increased 250-600% in patients with Alzheimer's Disease. In patient with MCI, p-Tau accurately and consistently predicts future cognitive decline and conversion to Alzheimer's Dementia. However an expert panel convened by the Alzheimer's Association does not yet recommend the widespread use of these blood tests is primary care clinics or as stand-alone diagnostic marker. The expert panel still recommends that analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or PET scan for amyloid should still be utilized to confirm the diagnosis of Alzheimer;s.

 

Parkinson's Disease: GLP-1 RA Reduces Progression

Ozempic, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has been in the news a lot. This class of drug has many different effects beyond the appetite suppression. GLP-1's also have a significant anti-inflammatory effect. And in mice models, it has been shown to be neuroprotective.

 

A randomized trial involving 156 people with Parkinson's Disease assessed if there was improvement in movement disorder in people treated with lixisenatide (Adlyxin). After 12 months, there was slight improvement in movement disorder based on the MDS-UPDRS scale compared to people who were treated with placebo. Of note, 46% of people treated with lixisenatide developed nausea which is a well known side effect of this class of drug. It is theorized the lixisenatide may achieve this benefit through an anti-inflammatory pathway.

 

The results of this small study will need to be further evaluated in a larger trial with longer follow-up.

 

 

Multiple Sclerosis (MS):

An Autoantibody Signature Predicts Disease

The diagnosis of MS can be challenging. A validated predictive or diagnostic biomarker test does not exist. A study from UCSF using samples from the Department of Defense Serum Repository has identified an autoantibody signature that appears in about 10% of patients with MS, sometimes 5 years ahead of any overt clinical symptoms. The autoantibodies were associated with higher levels of serum neurofilament light (NfL). The autoantibody signature was validated in a separate cohort of blood and CSF samples.


Migraine Headaches: Getting More Severe For Some

About 39 millions US adults suffer from migraine headaches. Although the prevalence has remained stable for the past 30 years, the impact (missing events, work, or school) has worsened for those who do have migraines. The average number of headaches a month has risen and continues to afflict women more severely than men. Fortunately there have been a number of therapeutic advancements (such as CGRP antagonists) over the past few years that have given patients many more options for relief.

 

 

 

ACTIVE CLINICAL TRIALS AT SANA RESEARCh


ADVANCE-2 Trial: People with Agitation Due to Alzheimer's Dementia

 

As Alzheimer's dementia progresses, up to 75% of people will develop symptoms of agitation or aggression which can hinder their care. Currently there is only one FDA approved drug to treat agitation due to dementia called Rexulti. Rexulti is an atypical anti-psychotic, a class of drug that does slightly increase the risk of sudden death.

 

Axsome Therapeutics is sponsoring the ADVANCE-2 Study to evaluate the effects of dextrometorphan/buproprion to reduce agitation. This combination does not increase the risk of death.

 

Sana Research continues to screen and enroll people into the ADVANCE-2 Study. Please note: subjects must have a family member caregiver who lives with the subject and is willing to participate with the study protocol. Please contact us or call 703-717-7764 if you would like more information.

 

REWIND-LB: A Trial for Patient with Mild Dementia

with Lewy Bodies (DLB)

 

The 2nd most common form of degenerative dementia is Lewy Body Dementia. This form of dementia is notable not only for memory loss, but people can experience visual hallucinations, tremors, movement disorders, difficulty sleeping, and instability of blood pressure.


Currently, there is no FDA approved target therapy. The REWIND-LB study is evaluating the effects of neflamapimod in reducing symptoms of DLB.


Enrollment has closed, but we hope there will be continued research and development into new therapies.

 

Summer Internship

Sana Research will host an undergraduate student each summer to provide early career exposure and mentoring to a student interested in medical research. There are a deficit of clinical investigators and we need to develop more researchers.


We had 300+ undergraduate students apply to our program through
Career Gateway. After a very competitive selection process, we are happy to announce that our 1st intern with be Christina Wray of Davidson University. Christina is finishing her junior year and is a psychology major (minor in Hispanic Studies). We are excited to have her start working for us in May for 10 weeks.

 

We will start the next cycle of applications for Summer 2025 in Jan 2025. More information will be found on our website.

Insight Memory Care Center


Dr. Henry Tran will join the Board of Directors for Insight Memory Care Center. Insight had a humble start in 1984 inside a church basement. Over the next 40 years, Insight has expanded it services to include adult day programs for people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, caregiver support groups, educational programs, and training events.

 

Get in Touch

If you have any questions or suggestions, please send us an email.

 
Contact Us
1635 North George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA, USA
703-717-7764

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