June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
Updated as of July 10th, 2024.
Almost 7 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, we want to help set you up for success when it comes to the latest research, updates, and resources to take action for protecting your brain health!
New Alzheimer’s Drug Gets FDA Approval
Donanemab is the newest drug to get FDA approval this month for the treatment of early stage dementia. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that the drug’s benefits outweighed the risks for those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer’s dementia. This, along with another drug, lecanemab, approved by the FDA in July 2023, seem to be a breakthrough in the attitude towards efficacy of drugs for treatment of this debilitating disease, as evidenced by this positive statement from the Alzheimer’s Association.
What you need to know:
Approximately 2 million of the 7 million suffering from this disease (~30%) may be able to benefit from these types of drug treatments
Medicare is the main payer for AD diagnostics and prescription drugs, leaving many afflicted Americans without access
Research has deemed previously approved treatment only moderately effective with possibilities of adverse side effects.
Only 5% of those studied on Donanemab were from underrepresented groups, so more research is needed to confirm safety and efficacy in more diverse cultures.
Even the most effective drugs do not replace the impact of healthy lifestyle behaviors. Research shows healthy lifestyle can prevent or delay up to 40% of dementias for those who are healthy, and there are some studies showing positive impact of lifestyle behaviors on those living with MCI:
The EXERT Trial found that supported exercise increased to 120-150 min/week for over 1 year may stall or slow cognitive decline in older adults w/MCI.
Results of a new clinical trial showed benefits on cognition and function for older adults with MCI who engaged in an intensive lifestyle intervention that included a plant-based diet, daily exercise, meditation, and social support. Because this study was small and required a big time commitment, more research is needed to replicate the efficacy and practicality of these results.
A Chinese study found that people who had good habits of exercise, sleep, social engagement, hobbies, and healthy dietary habits such as drinking tea and avoiding high fat foods were associated with having slower MCI progression.
How Do I Know If I'm Experiencing Memory Issues?
Memory loss is affecting daily life. There are a few steps to storing and recalling memories. First, the information gets encoded into the brain, then it gets stored. Then, it needs to be recalled later to be “remembered” and repeated. If you find that you are regularly unable to remember important dates or events, or that you are asking the same questions or relying on others for common information, you may be having memory issues.
Inability to find items or retrace steps. Misplacing things without the ability to remember when you last saw the item or accusing others of stealing.
Difficulty with problem solving or completing familiar tasks. Something you do or used to do routinely that has become difficult, such as making a grocery list, paying bills, following a recipe, or driving to a familiar location.
Confusion with times or locations. Losing track of time track of time can be normal, but if you’ve ever felt disoriented or not known how you got to a specific location or lost broader sense of greater time, such as the time of year, there may be more serious memory issues present.
Distortion in vision, speech, balance, or ability to write. Impairment in vision, ability to speak, walk, or other sense of awareness and capabilities are impacted independent of other clinical issues.
Mood or personality changes. Becoming easily upset, angered, poor judgment and decision-making, perhaps even with personal hygiene, and eventually withdrawing from social situations.
How Can I Find Help for Myself or Someone Else?
For expansion on the tips above and resources, including a free online course about the warning signs of AD, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website or call their 24/7 helpline at 1(800)272-3900.
Learn from Our Colleagues on the U.S. POINTER Study and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center
New resource videos have been created through the Alzheimer’s Association BOLD Public Health Center of Excellence. The mission is dedicated to improving early detection of dementia. Many of these are delivered by our brilliant colleagues leading the groundbreaking clinical trials and observational research studies paving the way for preventive strategies in cognitive decline and dementia.
Access the learning videos HERE
Participate in Research
The NOURISH Study tests the effects of diet on stroke survivors
Find Clinical Trials through TrialMatch
RUSH Clinical Trials FAQs
Need More Support?
Join our 6-Week MIND Diet Program
Live Zoom sessions begin Wednesday June 26th 10aPT / 12pCT / 1pET
Nutrition and lifestyle coaching
Cooking demos and meal planning
Individualized MIND Score Tracker
Lifestyle tips to promote healthy weight loss
