ADDF YEAR IN REVIEW
Over the past year, the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) has been involved with many exciting science and research advancements, from supporting the development of novel biomarkers and a diverse pipeline of drugs to contributing to research and reports on prevention and brain health. The ADDF’s Founding Executive Director and Chief Science Officer Dr. Howard Fillit commented, “As we close out the decade, I am encouraged that we are moving closer to viable therapies and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s disease.” Read more about the ADDF’s top 5 science and research highlights of 2019.
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Diagnostics Accelerator Announces Second Round of Awards
The ADDF recently announced six new investments totaling $6 million through its Diagnostics Accelerator initiative. The Diagnostics Accelerator was created in July 2018 to develop novel biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The newest round of awards will fund research for blood tests in various stages of development, as well as ocular and genetic tests that will aid in diagnosis and clinical trial design for intervention and disease monitoring for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. This round also included the first Diagnostics Accelerator funding investment focused on FTD, which was awarded to the Bluefield Project to Cure FTD. Learn more.
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ALZHEIMER'S MATTERS
Pamela Newman: An Alzheimer’s Journey, From Frustration to Revelation to Hope
By any definition, Pamela J. Newman, Ph.D. and her late husband Henry (Hank) Kates were a power couple. But when Alzheimer’s struck Hank, suddenly the Newman-Kates family felt powerless. Together, they valiantly fought the disease until Hank’s death in 2016 at age 77. For years, Dr. Newman has been an ardent supporter of the ADDF, serving on the Board of Overseers since 2013. Read her story here.
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COGNITIVE VITALITY
Exercise – It’s Not Just Good for the Heart
New research published in the Harvard Aging Brain Study suggests that exercise can improve brain health in ways beyond those associated with increased cardiovascular fitness. There is some evidence that exercise can increase the generation of new brain cells or reduce inflammation in the brain. Learn more.
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Broomball Fundraiser with T.J. Oshie |
T.J. Oshie is hosting a broomball tournament with all proceeds benefitting the ADDF. Anyone interested can register to play or watch the game. Sign up here. |
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14th Annual Drug Discovery for Neurodegeneration Workshop |
Our annual workshop educates scientists on translating basic research into novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Register here. |
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ADDF IN THE NEWS
- What does new data mean for Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug? From the recent Clinical Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) meeting in San Diego, Dr. Fillit provided expert commentary to Reuters, AP, STAT, and MedPage Today on the need for further data regarding the effectiveness of Biogen’s aducanumab. In an ADDF statement, he commented, “I believe we are at a pivotal time in Alzheimer’s research. This is not a magic bullet, but an incremental step forward in advancing the science and potentially bringing a new, disease-modifying treatment to patients.”
- In an article from Fortune, Dr. Howard Fillit commented on the likelihood that a combination of drugs will be necessary to effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease – and the possibility that one of these will be Biogen’s new drug.
- Dr. Yuko Hara, Director of Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention at the ADDF, spoke with Next Avenue about lifestyle factors that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
- Dr. Howard Fillit, along with ADDF supporters Pamela Newman and Marc Altheim, sat down with host/executive producer Michael Stoler, to discuss developments in Alzheimer’s disease on the Stoler Report. Watch the interview here.
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