DAVENPORT, IOWA (December 14, 2020) — While the world has been laser-focused on COVID-19 this year — and rightfully so — there were noteworthy developments in Alzheimer’s disease research happening too. From the development and testing of potential new drugs to treat the disease to different ways to reduce risk to the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain, there was no shortage of important new research happening this year. Several of these research findings were presented at this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in July, which was held virtually for the first time and hosted 33,000 attendees from across the globe.
Nationwide, more than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and that includes more than 66,000 Iowans and 230,000 Illinoisans. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the US, and, in 2020 alone, Alzheimer’s and all other dementias cost the nation approximately $305 billion. The devastating nature of this disease combined with the huge financial burden, make it imperative to continue research to find new testing, treatments, and, ultimately, a cure. Here are five Alzheimer’s and dementia research developments you may have missed this year:
- The drug pipeline for Alzheimer’s is heating up. You may have heard of aducanumab, the Biogen drug currently being reviewed by the FDA, but there were other Alzheimer’s drugs that made strides this year.
- Suvorexant, a drug that treats insomnia, was approved by the FDA in February for use in people with Alzheimer’s.
- Pimavanserin (Nuplazid), a drug that treats hallucinations and delusions in Alzheimer’s disease, was submitted to the FDA for review in June, with an anticipated decision by spring 2021.
- BAN2401, an anti-amyloid drug by Eisai and Biogen, is being assessed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s in a Phase 3 clinical trial that started in July of this year.
- A blood test for Alzheimer’s is closer than ever. Breakthrough research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2020 in July found that specific markers in the blood may be able to detect changes in the brain 20 years before Alzheimer’s symptoms occur.
- Research explored the potential role of vaccines in reducing risk of Alzheimer’s. Data presented at AAIC 2020 found an unexpected benefit of getting flu and pneumonia vaccines: a reduced incidence and risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- A global study examining the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain was launched. Scientific leaders, including the Alzheimer's Association and representatives from more than 25 countries, are working together with technical guidance from the World Health Organization to track the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the brain.
- Genetic risk for Alzheimer’s may not mean the same for all races and ethnicities. The APOE-e4 gene variant is the most well-known and strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, but that research has largely been done in people of European descent. New research published in November in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association found that APOE-e4 has a very different effect in Latinx populations, only adding significant risk in those of Cuban backgrounds.
Alzheimer's Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
