neurodegeneration Archives - Amazing Health Advances

New Alzheimer’s Prevention Trial in Young People

AHA Publisher — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 08:00:56 +0000

Washington University in St. Louis via Newswise – Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is launching an international clinical trial aimed at preventing Alzheimer’s disease in people genetically destined to develop the illness at a young age. Unlike most other Alzheimer’s prevention trials, this one will enroll people before the disease has taken hold – up to 25 years before the expected onset of dementia. Called the Primary Prevention Trial, the new study will investigate whether gantenerumab — an investigational antibody under development for Alzheimer’s disease by Roche and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group — can clear a key Alzheimer’s protein called amyloid beta, and slow or stop the disease. Amyloid is the chief component of plaques that dot the brains of people with the disease. Many scientists suspect the disease originates from the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain that start to develop up to two decades before symptoms of dementia begin. “Overwhelming evidence suggests that the most effective way to slow or stop amyloid beta is to prevent it from building up in the first place, but most of the drugs targeted to this protein have been tested in people who already have at least some early signs of the disease, such as memory loss – when the disease is far enough along that reducing amyloid alone isn’t likely to stop it,” said Eric McDade, DO, an associate professor of neurology and the trial’s principal investigator. “We’ll be recruiting participants as young as 18. In many ways, this trial will be a necessary test of the amyloid hypothesis, which has had a major influence on Alzheimer’s research and drug development over the past 30 years.” The new trial involves families with rare genetic mutations that cause Alzheimer’s at a young age – typically in a person’s 50s, 40s or even 30s. A parent with such a mutation has a 50% chance of passing the genetic mutation to a child, and any child who inherits the mutation is all but guaranteed to develop symptoms of dementia near the same age as his or her parent. This certainty gives researchers an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of drugs designed to prevent Alzheimer’s. Forestalling the earliest signs of disease could be game changing in the world of Alzheimer’s prevention, and the study has garnered support from all quarters: a U.S. governmental agency, nonprofit organizations, individual benefactors, and the health-care company Roche and Genentech. More than $130 million has been earmarked for the trial, including grants totaling an estimated $97.4 million from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), $14 million from the Alzheimer’s Association and the GHR Foundation, and up to $11.5 million from longtime Washington University benefactor Joanne Knight of St. Louis and family, who have long supported Alzheimer’s research at Washington University. In addition, the university has pledged to raise an additional $6.5 million. The trial is being conducted in close partnership with Roche and Genentech, which also is providing significant funding. “We are thrilled to be part of this important clinical trial in one of the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s studied to date,” said Rachelle Doody, MD, PhD, global head of neurodegeneration at Roche and Genentech. “Our vision has always been to detect Alzheimer’s early, before damage in the brain is irreversible, offering tools and treatment all along the journey for people at risk of the disease. Close collaboration between industry, academia and patients is so critical to achieve this and tackle the complex challenge of this disease.” The trial will recruit people with rare, early-onset forms of the disease, but the results also will further our understanding of Alzheimer’s overall, which could benefit the millions of people living with the more common form, which affects people later in life. The processes that lead to memory loss and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s are thought to be similar, whether the disease is caused by an inherited mutation or by the complex combination of genetics and environment that causes most Alzheimer’s cases. McDade and colleagues are studying about 230 participants from families that carry genetic mutations that lead to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The participants come from sites on five continents and have no or very few amyloid deposits. The trial will test gantenerumab over four years, with a goal of determining whether early treatment will prevent the buildup of the toxic protein. “This trial is the first of its kind in that it aims to intervene before the onset of significant neuropathology in those young adults who are at a very high risk of developing the debilitating symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia,” said Laurie Ryan, PhD, chief of the Clinical Interventions and Diagnostics Branch in NIA’s Division of Neuroscience. “We now know that changes in the brain can begin a decade or more before symptoms appear, so this trial is designed to provide another piece in the Alzheimer’s prevention puzzle.” The new trial is the second international Alzheimer’s prevention trial led by Washington University School of Medicine. The first trial, known as the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network-Trials Unit-001 (DIAN-TU-001), began in 2012 and is ongoing. That trial was testing the effectiveness of drug treatments, including gantenerumab, in people who were likely to develop the disease during the trial because nearly all had some amyloid plaques at the time they entered it. Earlier this year, trial leaders reported from the DIAN-TU-001 study that, while the effects on clinical outcomes such as cognitive function were not clear, gantenerumab improved biomarkers of the disease. As a consequence, trial leaders have offered the drug to participants as part of an exploratory open-label extension and continue to monitor changes in measures of Alzheimer’s disease in those participants who are receiving the investigational drug. “Multiple drugs are being tested in the ongoing Knight Family DIAN-TU prevention trial, which involves people who are expected to develop symptoms within 10 years,” said Randall J. Bateman, MD, the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Distinguished Professor of Neurology and the principal investigator and program director of the Knight Family DIAN-TU. “Initiating a new prevention trial alongside the DIAN-TU-001 trial gives family members an opportunity to attempt to stop the disease even earlier – 10 years or more before symptoms are likely to arise, which is before or just as the first brain changes begin. It’s the ultimate approach for prevention.” This new trial will draw from this same group of families and is aimed at determining whether targeting amyloid can prevent familial Alzheimer’s disease. Success would give researchers additional reasons to continue pursuing amyloid-based therapies at the earliest stages of the disease. “It’s exciting to think of the valuable insights this groundbreaking trial will provide in the prevention of Alzheimer’s dementia,” said Fred Miller, GHR Foundation’s chief operating officer and Alzheimer’s program lead. “We’re pleased to partner boldly on the multiple DIAN-TU trials, all made possible by the strong collaboration between academic researchers, government, industry, philanthropy and the DIAN families themselves.” Both trials are being conducted in association with the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN) – an NIH-funded international research network led by Washington University and involving nearly 40 research institutes in North America, Australia, Europe, Asia and South America. The National Institute on Aging has been a major supporter of DIAN and its clinical trials unit since the network was established in 2008. “The Alzheimer’s Association has been a long-term partner with DIAN, and we’re particularly proud of providing the initial funding for the establishment and launch of the Trials Unit in March 2012,” said Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer. “DIAN-TU is a landmark project and has dramatically accelerated the pace of discovery of treatment and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s disease, and this innovative new prevention study is no exception.” This international effort to find ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease would not be possible without the support of many partners, as well as the active involvement of DIAN families. “The stakes are high, and studies like this one are expensive to carry out,” McDade said. “We’re thankful for the support from many sources to make this trial possible. We’re also grateful to the families, for their encouragement and willingness to take part in trials like this one.” To read the original article click here.

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Amazing Science-Backed Benefits of Oleocanthal

AHA Publisher — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 07:00:55 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – We all know that extra virgin olive oil is good for us. But what if most benefits of the Mediterranean Diet and olive oil are from a specific component of the oil? What if most of the olive oils sold in the United States don’t contain it? Does your olive oil measure up? Introducing the benefits of oleocanthal. Here’s what it is, what it does in the human body, and how to get yours today. What Is Oleocanthal? Oleocanthal (OC) is one of many phenols found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and it is also known as deacetoxy-ligstroside aglycon. It was first identified as a minor phenolic compound in olives in 1993 (1). The amount of oleocanthal in EVOO varies due to the varieties of olives and different regions in which they are grown. Unfortunately, many commercial EVOO contains negligible or no-detectable OC(2). While all EVOO’s phenols are beneficial, it’s OC that produces amazing results. In fact, the benefits of oleocanthal range from supporting brain health to reducing inflammation to inhibiting the overgrowth of harmful cells. Science-Backed Benefits of Oleocanthal Most of the health benefits of OC are due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Oleocathal’s anti-inflammatory properties were first described in 2005 (3). At that time, scientists believed OC’s anti-inflammatory strength was similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen (4). In fact, OC provides anti-inflammatory benefits by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes called cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 in lab studies. These enzymes are part of the reaction that converts arachidonic acid into inflammatory prostaglandins and thromboxane (5,6). OC’s anti-inflammatory effects are dose-dependent. Amazingly, oleocanthal is as strong, or even stronger, than ibuprofen (5,7,8). A 2005 lab study reported that oleocanthal inhibited 41–57% of COX activity while the same amount of ibuprofen inhibited only 13–18% COX activity (5). And, oleocanthal does even more. Oleocanthal and Brain Health Recent animal studies indicate that OC supports brain health while we age and slows degeneration. How? OC disrupts β-amyloid oligomerization (synthesis) and protects against neurodegeneration (9). What’s more, OC inhibits proteins’ fibrillization, which can occur in degeneration (10, 11). In addition, OC promotes amyloid clearance by inducing gene expression of transport proteins. This is hugely beneficial in supporting brain health (12, 13). Oleocanthal and Healthy Cells The Mediterranean diet and olive oil consumption are specifically linked to better overall health and reduction in cell overgrowth (14, 15). Analyses have found that supplementing high-oleocanthal olive oil results in lower cell-overgrowth prevalence (16) and less-invasive cells (17). In fact, researchers have not found that OC specifically fights harmful cells’ lysosomes, causing cellular toxicity and death both in lab and animal studies as needed (18). Oleocanthal and Heart Health It’s widely accepted that olive oil is great for your heart. Studies results show the benefits of OC include healthy hearts. One study found that consuming oleocanthal for one week increased antiplatelet effects and aggregation in healthy men. This supports heart health and healthy blood flow (19). Another study tested 3 different varying concentrations of OC consumption on healthy men. Each consumed oleocanthal at random for one week. Researchers assessed the effect on platelet function 2 hours after ingestion. Concentrated OC significantly inhibited platelet aggregation, while those consuming olive oil with no oleocanthal did not show the same benefit. Interestingly, the latter oil still had the same total amount of phenols, mainly in the form of free tyrosol (20). Oleocanthal and Joint Health As described above, oleocanthal is a potent COX enzyme inhibitor. This is great news for those with stiff or inflamed joints. Not only does OC disrupt the production of inflammatory prostaglandins, but it also suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. These actions inhibit nitric oxide synthase gene expression (21). Nitric oxide is a key facet of joint inflammation. OC is a potent natural compound that can support healthy joints (13). How to Get Enough Oleocanthal It can be difficult to consume oleocanthal and receive the benefits of oleocanthal from modern olive oil. In fact, most commercial varieties don’t contain any detectable amounts. Luckily, you can now get a cost-effective, convenient form of concentrated oleocanthal. Introducing Dr. Colbert’s Oleocanthal Our supplement line has expanded to include this amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Introducing Dr. Colbert’s Oleocanthal (Powerful Antioxidant Concentrated from High-Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil)! This powerful supplement contains 2250 milligrams of oleocanthal per serving in an easy-to-take form. It’s been formulated specifically to support brain, heart, and whole-body health. Get yours today! Bottom Line Looking to support your brain health? Heart health? Joint-health? Whole-body health? Oleocanthal is an amazing compound ready to do it all. If you don’t have a trusted source of proven high-oleocanthal extra-virgin olive oil, get Dr. Colbert’s Oleocanthal (Powerful Antioxidant Concentrated from High-Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil) today! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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Studies Show Pomegranate Supplement Slows Neurodegenerative Diseases

AHA Publisher — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:00:56 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Everybody knows that the pomegranate is a superfood. One of the seven native fruits of Israel, pomegranates are packed with health-promoting and healing antioxidants and vitamins. Now, an Israeli supplement derived from pomegranate seed oil has proven helpful in improving cognitive function in multiple sclerosis patients experiencing cognitive difficulties associated with the disease. Prof. Dimitrios Karussis, the internationally renowned director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem, found significant improvement in learning ability and text comprehension, word recall and categorization in 30 patients involved in a groundbreaking study of the patented GranaGard supplement. This is just the latest study showing benefits of this over-the-counter supplement. It is not a cure — nerve cell damage is irreversible – but GranaGard seems to prevent or slow neurodegeneration and even reduce symptoms caused by neurodegenerative diseases or aging. The story behind GranaGard begins with Hadassah senior researcher Ruth Gabizon, an experimental neurologist. Several years ago, Gabizon had great results using an Israeli face cream from Lavido containing pomegranate seed oil. She learned that the active ingredient in the oil is punicic acid, a powerful antioxidant. She wondered how this unique polyunsaturated fatty acid (also known as Omega 5) might help her engineered lab mice, which are predisposed to developing the fatal neurodegenerative disorder Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Hoping to prevent the oxidation that causes permanent neuron damage triggering such diseases, Gabizon had been seeking a safe, inexpensive lipid-based antioxidant to protect brain cells. Punicic acid seemed a good candidate. “I came into my lab one morning and said to my students, ‘We’re going to give this to our transgenic mice,’” Gabizon told ISRAEL21c in an interview in 2018. Normally, oils don’t get past the liver. To make the pomegranate seed oil bioavailable to the brain, Gabizon turned to nanotechnology expert Shlomo Magdassi of Hebrew University’s Casali Center for Applied Chemistry. Magdassi met that challenge by breaking the oil down into nanodrops that travel easily through the bloodstream. The formula’s preventive effects in Gabizon’s mice so impressed Magdassi and Gabizon that they’ve both taken it for the past four years as a general wellbeing tonic. In late 2016, the two scientists cofounded Granalix Biotechnologies to market the formulation as a food supplement. Made with punicic acid-rich pomegranate seed oil from Israeli sources, GranaGard is manufactured by Israel’s SupHerb as a soft gelcap. The product is sold worldwide through the Granalix website, through distributors in South America and Europe, and in select Israeli pharmacies. Cracking the Mysteries of Pomegranate Seed Oil Gabizon’s lab has researched and published studies on the mechanism of GranaGard. A paper in Nature explains that the liver converts punicic acid from pomegranate seed oil into conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a strong antioxidant known to inhibit an enzyme associated with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. “In the brains of people with neurodegenerative diseases, the mitochondria – the energy center of the cell – is stressed,” Gabizon explains. “The antioxidant restores mitochondrial activity to a normal level.” Furthermore, GranaGard significantly lowered amyloid-beta protein in the brains of mice engineered to develop Alzheimer’s disease, preventing the formation of harmful plaques associated with the disease. Human trials in Alzheimer patients are planned. “We are starting a 12-month study on minimal cognitive impairment at the Memory Clinic at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa,” says Gabizon. A test of GranaGard on a model of mice predisposed to multiple sclerosis is what led to the Karussis study this year. “He suggested to test it on cognition in MS patients,” Gabizon tells ISRAEL21c. “In the last few years, there is a great improvement in managing the physical symptoms of MS with new drugs, but the decline in cognition that affects about half of MS patients is not touched by any of these new drugs and that’s surprising.” Memory Improvement The Karussis study gave 15 patients a placebo and 15 patients GranaGard for three months. The groups were switched for the following three months. Memory and cognition were tested at zero, three and six months. “It turns out those who got GranaGard from the beginning showed improvement in memory, not just in stopping the decline,” says Gabizon. That improvement lasted through the second three months, when they were receiving a placebo. Those who received GranaGard in the second three months only showed improvement in that second stage of the trial. “In addition to cognitive improvement, they all had more energy because of the effect on the mitochondria,” she adds. “This trial represents a scientific breakthrough in treating cognitive impairment resulting from brain cell destruction using natural antioxidants.” A further study will be done on MS patients with early memory impairment, says Gabizon. Dr. Panayiota Petrou, a neurologist who works with Karussis, says they also want to see whether GranaGard can give additional benefits to MS and ALS patients receiving an experimental stem cell treatment. Keeping Our Brains Alive Based on her successful original experiment with a mouse model of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Gabizon has been studying GranaGard’s effects in people. “A large group of family members of genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease patients have been taking GranaGard as a preventive treatment for four years. Until now, none of them – including a lot at the ages at risk — have presented signs of disease. This is encouraging but we need more time to establish statistical significance,” Gabizon says. Another study will look at GranaGard’s potential as a natural alternative to the diabetes drug metformin, which many people are using to lessen impacts of aging and neurological aging. “Metformin has side effects because it’s not a natural product,” says Gabizon.“We will do a study comparing metformin to GranaGard.” She adds that the coronavirus pandemic makes this possible use of GranaGard especially relevant because of the devastating effects of lockdown on elders. “So many people are at home, and the confinement and social deprivation can cause cognitive decline. We need to keep our brains alive,” she says. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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