Big Data Power: From Clinics To Big Data To Test Tubes And Back To The Clinics
The Richman Center will establish and follow large cohorts of well-characterized MATC and primary care patients in partnership with JHCP), which operates over 30 primary care clinics in the Baltimore-Washington region.
Working with JHCP clinicians, standardized assessment of clinical outcomes in the areas of cognition, daily functional ability and behavior will be introduced, and the center will maintain regular contact in person or by phone with every patient.
For patients with brain imaging studies conducted at MATC, digital results will be linked to medical records and analyzed using big data methods. The center will obtain blood from patients for exosome and stem cell studies in a unique translational project aimed at characterizing biologic subtypes of the clinical phenotype of Alzheimers disease .
Because these biomarkers will be developed from clinically well characterized patients, it will be possible to link clinical information with blood test findings in a highly novel fashion to develop and test hypotheses about how best to subtype AD in ways that will be therapeutically relevant.
Knowledge derived from these studies will inform future studies of the human cohorts , thus closing the loop from clinic to test tube and back to the clinic.
What Is A Professional Judgment Budget
Each year NIH submits a professional judgment budget that estimates the additional funding needed to advance NIH-supported research into the treatment and prevention of Alzheimers disease and related dementias. The report also summarizes progress and promising research opportunities. Only two other areas of biomedical research cancer and HIV/AIDS follow a similar process designed to accelerate research discovery. This approach is often referred to as a bypass budget because of its direct transmission to the President and then to Congress without modification through the traditional federal budget process.
Effects Of Cocoa Extract And A Multivitamin On Cognitive Function: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Department of Internal Medicine-Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
Correspondence
Laura D. Baker, One Medical Center Blvd, Sticht Center on Aging & Alzheimer’s Prevention, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
Joann E. Manson
Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Stephen R. Rapp
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
Howard D. Sesso
Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Sarah A. Gaussoin
Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
Sally A. Shumaker
Correspondence
Joann E. Manson
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Expertise And Collaboration Across The Research Spectrum
At IU School of Medicine, collaboration is key to solving Alzheimers disease and related dementias. Interdisciplinary research teams share resources and facilities that enable interaction and innovation. Several departments, the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center and Stark Neurosciences Research Institute foster and facilitate the basic, translational and population science programs at IU School of Medicine.
Risk Factors And Prevention
Although age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia, it is not an inevitable consequence of biological ageing. Further, dementia does not exclusively affect older people young onset dementia accounts for up to 9% of cases. Studies show that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline and dementia by being physically active, not smoking, avoiding harmful use of alcohol,controlling their weight, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Additional risk factors include depression, social isolation, low educational attainment, cognitive inactivity and air pollution.
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A Specific Type Of Beta
The 2006 study in question was examining mouse brains and reported that a specific type of the beta-amyloid protein, namely A star 56 , underpinned the cognitive deficits seen in the mouse model of Alzheimers disease. This put the A*56 form of the protein in the sights of scientists searching for new Alzheimers drugs.
They believed that preventing the accumulation of A*56 could potentially slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimers disease. However, the new report published in Science indicates that there may have been image tampering in the original paper, and the images presented were not what they were reported to be.
The detective work uncovered what appears to be altered or duplicated images to better fit the hypothesis rather than being a true reflection of the experiments outlined in the research paper. Subsequent research on beta-amyloid peptide in human samples has failed to detect A*56 form.
These revelations may discredit the work of an individual but do not bring the Alzheimers field to its knees.
It is true to say that research funds have been misdirected, but the story of beta-amyloid would have developed with or without the data in question. Still, to this day, scientists are trying to detect relevant levels of beta-amyloid subtypes in blood.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers
The National Institute on Aging funds 33 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers at major medical institutions across the United States. Researchers at these Centers are working to translate research advances into improved diagnosis and care for people with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as working to find a treatment or way to prevent Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. In addition, NIA funds four Exploratory ADRCs that are designed to expand and diversify research and education opportunities to new areas of the country, new populations, and new areas of science and approaches to research.
For people and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, the ADRCs offer:
- Help with obtaining diagnosis and medical management
- Information about Alzheimer’s and related dementias, services, and resources
- Opportunities for volunteers to participate in clinical trials and studies and research registries
- Support groups and other special programs for volunteers and their families
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Testimonials About Brain Longevity Therapy Training
This training was a great opportunity to integrate my diverse professional background into a cohesive, prevention-focused, research-based approach for Brain Wellness and Dementia Support. I appreciated the varied topics and presenters, self-paced design, and ease of assimilation upon completion of the training. I feel prepared to take this important information out into the world to improve the quality of peoples lives with or without a diagnosis.
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This is my second time taking this training and it is even more enjoyable than the first time. I find that my attention span and focus at age 64 has actually increased. I am happy to say that after a year of daily practice of Kirtan Kriya, there is no doubt a direct correlation to these factors. One of my brain exercises is to enjoy walking and memorizing challenging mantras while walking in nature.
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You have been generous and incredibly supportive. Our whole community has benefited from your shared research and wisdom. Im grateful to be part of this vibrant, positive, important community! Denise B. BLTT Graduate
Introduction To The Dementia Statistics Hub
This hub is the place to go for statistical information about dementia, dementia research and our charity. All of the data is referenced, linked to the source and shareable. To find a specific statistic just type what youre looking for into the search bar, alternatively simply browse all of the statistics using the categories below.
For help using the graphics or finding a statistic, visit the About page. If you have a question about a statistic or about the Hub in general, then please Contact us.
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What Might This Mean For Dementia Research
MNT reached out to both Dr. Matthew Schrag, assistant professor of neurology and director of the Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Clinic at Vanderbilt University, who has made the allegations against the 2006 Nature study, and to the lead author of the study, Dr. Sylvain Lesné, associate professor in the department of neuroscience at the University of Minnesota. Neither of them responded to our questions.
A University of Minnesota public relations representative stated that the university is aware that questions have arisen regarding certain images used in peer-reviewed research publications authored by members of the University faculty, and that they were following due processes to review the questions any claims have raised.
Because of the influence that the 2006 Nature study has had on Alzheimers disease research, Dr. Bik said that if more research proves image manipulation, it would come as a blow to certain lines of enquiry.
The 2006 Nature paper by Lesné et al. has been influential, and has led lots of researchers to pursue the same hypothesis and to replicate the study, she pointed out.
The AB*56 work has also not yet directly led to any clinical trials. But it has encouraged several other lines of research that pursue slightly different angles, which have been tested in clinical trials. Yet, no experimental drug has been proven to be effective against Alzheimers, added Dr. Bik.
Image Manipulation Is Not Rare
While it is disheartening as a scientist to hear about this alleged image tampering, such behaviour is not new. In 2016, a report suggested that one in 25 research papers has some level of image manipulation. Scientists need to do more to identify where this has occurred and call it out.
New tools are available to help sleuths uncover deception and journals are working hard to counter image deception, but there are always people who will circumvent these to present data that fits a specific hypothesis.
They do this solely to progress their career with no consideration of the harm they are doing, not only to the science community but to people desperately seeking answers about Alzheimers disease.
While scientists still look to unravel beta-amyloids contribution to Alzheimers disease, several more avenues are being explored. As of , only 29% of phase 3 clinical trials are aimed at reducing levels of beta-amyloid, so more avenues are being explored that mitigate against some of the negative coverage relating to the study under investigation.
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Impacts Of Medications Other Health Conditions
High LDL cholesterol linked to early-onset Alzheimer’sLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol may play a causal role in the development of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, according to a 2019 study. The results could help clinicians better understand how Alzheimer’s develops, said researchers with the Atlanta VA Medical Center and Emory University.
About 10% of all Alzheimer’s cases are early-onset, appearing in patients younger than age 65. The research team looked at the genomes of 2,125 people, 654 of whom had early-onset Alzheimer’s. They found that participants with elevated LDL levels were more likely to have early-onset Alzheimer’s. The team did not find a link between Alzheimer’s and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and only a very slight association with triglyceride levels.
The researchers suggest more research is needed to fully explain the connection between Alzheimer’s disease and cholesterol. They noted that the relative rarity of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease presents a challenge in finding enough samples to perform large genetic studies.
Anticholinergic drugs are associated with cognitive declineA class of drugs called anticholinergics may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, especially in older adults at greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs are typically used for a broad array of conditions, from allergies and colds to hypertension and urinary incontinence.
Clinical Research Into Alzheimers And Related Dementias
No major advance in Alzheimers and related dementias treatment, prevention, or care will be possible without robust clinical research. Clinical research includes studies that involve people so scientists can learn more about disease progression, how behavior and lifestyle factors may affect health, and the safety and effectiveness of an intervention. Advances made through clinical research rely on the volunteers who participate in these types of studies. NIA is working on multiple initiatives to enhance recruitment and retention of diverse populations in clinical research. View some of those resources below.
NIA-funded clinical research includes both observational studies through which researchers gather important information, and clinical trials in which researchers test interventions to treat or prevent disease, improve care and caregiver support, and enhance quality of life for people living with dementia.NIA is currently funding more than 200active clinical trials.
NIA also funds more than 30 Alzheimers Disease Research Centers across the country. Scientists at these centers conduct clinical research to improve diagnosis and care for people with dementia and their families, and to find a treatment or prevention.
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Impact On Families And Carers
In 2019, informal carers spent on average 5 hours per day providing care for people living with dementia. This can be overwhelming . Physical, emotional and financial pressures can cause great stress tofamilies and carers, and support is required from the health, social, financial and legal systems. Fifty percent of the global cost of dementia is attributed to informal care.
Assessing Alzheimer’s And Dementia Risk
Biomarkers helpful in identifying Alzheimer’s diseaseBiological measures of brain health can be useful in identifying clinical Alzheimer’s-type dementia , according to 2020 review study by the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and the University of Minnesota. Currently, the only way to confirm Alzheimer’s disease is to conduct an autopsy of the brain following death. The research team examined the efficacy of two different types testsbrief cognitive assessments and clinical biomarkersfor distinguishing Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia in living people.
The researchers found cognitive assessments were highly accurate in identifying CATD, but were less accurate in distinguishing mild cognitive impairment from CATD.
The biomarker tests included amyloid PET scans, which map the build-up of amyloid protein fluorodeoxyglucose -PET scans, which map how the brain absorbs glucose and MRI testing, which detects changes in the temporal lobe of the brain, including the hippocampus. The team also assessed single-photon emission computed tomography and cerebral spinal fluid testing. The first three tests provided dementia diagnoses that were more than 90% accurate.
According to the research team, more accurate diagnoses of dementia in living patients can help direct clinical decision making on the best treatments for individuals. More accurately identifying different types of dementia can also help direct patients to clinical trials.
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What Can Journals Do To Prevent Future Misconduct
Dr. Charles Glabe, professor of molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of California Davis, stated that science depends on trust and the understanding that fabricators will ultimately be caught.
Image duplication and copying were caught by software tools that compare bands on a gel pixel by pixel, he noted. This is good and well, but now that fabricators know that copying bands is easily caught, they will just run a different gel and use that one instead of publishing the same band twice.
And Dr. John Hardy, professor in the Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases & Reta Lila Weston Laboratories at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, told MNT that it is very difficult to prevent fraud.
One thing which has changed and was important in this case was image recognition software, which can catch stuff that previously people had got away with, he said. This has meant quite a lot of old fraud has now been caught like DNA testing of crime scenes.
Moving forward, Dr. Bik said that to help scientific journals check for potential image manipulation there should be increased scrutiny by scientific publishers.
Scientific publishers should spend some money and effort on quality control of submitted articles, she advised. They make a lot of profit but seem to not do enough screening manuscripts for signs of concern or fraud.
Learn More About Alzheimer’s Society’s Research Work
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Aims & Scope Of The Journal
Alzheimer’s and Dementia offers a place for the publication of new research findings in the quickly developing fields of General Psychology, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine and Molecular Neuroscience. The primary research topics disseminated in this journal include Disease, Internal medicine, Neuroscience, Gerontology and Cognition. Alzheimer’s and Dementia features novel scientific articles which undergo peer review by experts in the given subject area. The journal welcomes submissions from the research community where the priority will be on the originality and the practical significance of the reported findings.Alzheimer’s and Dementia is listed in a wide range of abstracting and indexing databases including Scopus, Web of Science and Research.com. Many leading researchers have published their research contributions at this Journal for instance Kaj Blennow, Henrik Zetterberg, Kaj Blennow, Henrik Zetterberg and Philip Scheltens.For extra information on the guidelines and submission prerequisites for authors, please see the official website for the journal for Alzheimer’s and Dementia at .
Challenges For The Alzheimers Research Community
Even with the progress that weve made, there’s still a lot of work to do before we can find treatment and prevention strategies for the millions of people affected by Alzheimers and related dementias. These devastating diseases are highly complex conditions caused by an interplay of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. They usually develop gradually changes in the brain take place over years and even decades, long before the first symptoms appear. This complexity presents challenges to the discovery and development of new drugs and other prevention and treatment approaches. Alzheimers disease does not affect all communities at the same rate, and research has found that a persons likelihood of getting Alzheimers can be affected by their sex, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, and other factors. These differences are called health disparities.
Researchers believe Alzheimers disease and related dementiaswill likely require multipletreatments customized to individuals.We also know that as the older adult population continues to grow aging remains the most important risk factor fordementia we will see increased numbers of people living with these diseases. Thats why thousands of researchers around the country are working on this issue.
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