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JULY-AUGUST 2024 BRAINWIRE
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WELCOME: GLOBAL BHP BRAINTRUST
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A Message from Dr. Andrea Pfeifer, Chair of the Global BHP BrainTrust
It was supposed to be a historic breakthrough: the first disease-modifying drug targeting Alzheimer’s disease entering the European market bringing hope to countless patients and their families. However, in July, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the refusal of the marketing authorisation.
Leqembi is believed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in its early stages. This belief is shared by regulators in the U.S., China, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and just today also Great Britain, where the drug has been approved.
The EMA, however, remains skeptical. They stated that while the drug did help patients, the improvement was minor and came with serious side effects, such as brain swelling and bleeding ( official statement). In addition, at this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), a study presented a significant sex difference (higher benefit in males compared to females) in the effect of Leqembi, reinforcing that research should consider gender disparities. Overall, both have caused significant disappointment and discussions within the Alzheimer’s community.
Nonetheless, the search for effective Alzheimer’s treatments continues. In a promising development, researchers have introduced a new Alzheimer’s blood test, which guarantees 90% accuracy in early Alzheimer’s detection.
This new pathway might help calm the current turmoil and renew hope for patients and their families. In particular, as the combination of early diagnosis and intervention before symptoms occur might lead to prevention of the disease in the future.
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Global BHP BrainTrust travels to Stockholm, Sweden to attend The Melvin R. Goodes Prize
Each year, renowned researchers and Alzheimer’s experts convene together to honor an innovative scientist with substantial and enduring impact on the Alzheimer’s research field. This year during September 8th until 10th, Henrik Zetterberg, MD, PhD, as the pioneer for having developed several new diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s will be honored. Dr. Andrea Pfeifer will represent the Global BHP BrainTrust and honour his work in Stockholm, Sweden.
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The Global BHP BrainTrust hosts an evening reception
October 2nd I 6:00-10:00pm I Olympic Museum Lausanne, Switzerland
At the occasion of the Lausanne XI conference, the Global BHP BrainTrust and its distinguished members are proud to host special guests and attendees at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. The evening highlights a new exhibit of memorabilia from 2024 Paris Olympics.
Among the special speakers are:
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Carolee Lee
Founder & CEO of WHAM
(Women Health Access Matters)
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George Vradenburg
Founding Chairman and Co-Founder, UsAgainstAlzheimer's and Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative;
Convener, The Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease
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Dame Fiona Kendrick
Chair of PWC Public Interest Body, Former Chairman and CEO of Nestlé UK and Ireland
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Dr. Andrea Pfeifer
Chair, Co-Founder and CEO of AC Immune
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SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Stephanie Blum, PhD
Dr. Stephanie Blum, former Senior Executive, Head Translational Research at Nestlé Health Science (NHSc), is a member of the Board of Directors at Probi (Sweden) and serves as Chairwoman on the International Advisory Board of the Haute Ecole de Commerce (HEC) at the University of Lausanne. In July 2024 she became member of the Global BHP Brain Trust.
While at Nestlé, Dr. Blum deepened her value driven leadership skills and managed high performing groups for more than 25 years. In addition, she coordinated many multi-national programs. Since 2017 she served on several SABs for biotech/VC funds (e.g. Flagship Pioneering, Boston).
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PODCAST
Dr. Dean Ornish - Lifestyle Changes and the Reversal of Alzheimer's Symptoms (Part 1 & 2)
Lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia. A recent study by Dr. Dean Ornish, Founder and President of The Preventative Medicine Research Institute, suggests actual reversal of Alzheimer’s symptoms without medication. In part 2, host Meryl Comer and Dr. Ornish further discuss the findings of his study published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy. Listen as they talk about the success of his nine-week Medicare-covered program for heart disease, which could be adapted for Alzheimer's patients. You won’t want to miss this episode that gives hope for those with cognitive decline.
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BBP CAMPAIGN
Brain Health Tip: Scent-Sational Summer & Boost your Brain with Smell Training
Summer is perfect for refreshing your mind. The sun, sea salt, and fresh breezes boost well-being. Research shows that a diminished sense of smell is linked to declining memory, dementia, and overall health. Many people in their 50s face this issue, but there's hope: smell training. Sniffing different scents can keep your sense of smell sharp. Here are some tips:
Nature walks: Enjoy sensory experiences in parks, gardens, or at the beach.
Fresh herbs: Use basil, rosemary, or mint in your cooking for invigorating scents.
Sommelier training kits: Try one out for a fun way to enhance your sense of smell.
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A Blood Test Accurately Diagnosed Alzheimer’s 90% of the Time, Study Finds
It was much more accurate than primary care doctors using cognitive tests and CT scans. The findings could speed the quest for an affordable and accessible way to diagnose patients with memory problems.
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EU regulator rejects Alzheimer's drug lecanemab
It was much more accurate than primary care doctors using cognitive tests and CT scans. The findings could speed the quest for an affordable and accessible way to diagnose patients with memory problems.
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I have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease. I wanted to understand my own risk
Renowned CNN Chief Medial Correspondent and bestselling author of “ Keep Sharp” Dr. Sanjay Gupta meets with Dr. Richard Isaacson at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Florida. Read through his personal experience of getting to know his own risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
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Brain stimulation technique may give more relief from Parkinson's symptoms
Scientists say automated adjustment of levels could halve duration of most troublesome symptoms
Adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS) offers real-time, personalized relief—promising better control and improved quality of life for patients.
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