Paola Barbarino, CEO of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and Dr. Alireza Atri of the Banner Sun Health Institute and Chair of ADI’s Medical and Scientific Panel, answer audience’s questions regarding treatments, therapies, and research advancements for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Questi0ns have been grouped into six topic areas, beginning with—
What are monoclonal antibodies (MAB)?
Alireza Atri, MD: Proteins that our bodies make that help our immune system quickly target and get rid of antigens or what our body regards as foreign invaders. Used for immune disorders and cancers. Been studying MAB for the last two decades in Alzheimer’s research to target the amyloid proteins and now trying to target the tau tangles.
What kinds of vaccines are promising for dementia? How do they work?
Alireza Atri, MD (paraphrased): It has taken 20 years to get to the point where we now have biomarkers. Using spinal fluid, we can measure plaques and tangles in a living person. Years earlier, we waited for the autopsy for a sample of the brain tissue. PET scans are another way to measure, though expensive. Currently, we’re working on validating biomarkers via blood samples similar to measuring one’s cholesterol. The challenge is to develop a vaccine that will create antibodies that activate the right part of the immune system. Years ago, vaccines activated T-cells causing brain inflammation, or encephalitis.
What are the roles of vitamins and supplements? Is there any evidence of any of these things ‘working’?
Alireza Atri, MD (paraphrased): Simply put, there is not the level of evidence that these supplements work at a noticeable level once a person has been diagnosed with dementia. Sure, a Mediterranean diet and eating blueberries have benefits for reducing antioxidant damage in one’s earlier years. But after diagnosis—after years of damage to the brain—there is not enough of an improvement with popular supplements such as coconut oil or omega-3 fatty acids. Years ago, high-dose vitamin E slowed functional (not cognitive) decline by 20%. However, it also thins the blood and has caused bleeding in the brain.
Any errors in the above paraphrases are the responsibility of The Caregiver’s Voice. The notes above are provided as a convenience to viewers of this Fireside Chat. Please click to view the 32-minute video below or watch on YouTube.
Find more information on Alzheimer’s Disease International, established in 1984 and serving as the umbrella organization of 105 Alzheimer’s and dementia organizations worldwide, visit https://www.alzint.org/
