The first G8 Summit on dementia is being held in London on December 11th, 2013
The G8 Dementia Summit will bring together, for the first time, health ministers from around the world with the aim of stimulating investment in dementia research, improving the prevention and treatment of dementia, and improving quality of life for people with dementia.
The G8 Summit in London presents a unique opportunity for international leaders to tackle dementia on a global scale and represents a large step forward in raising awareness and promoting the need for increased research in this area, according to Professor Philippe Amouyel, Chair of the JPND Management Board.
The number of people living with dementia worldwide in 2013 is now estimated at 44 million – a figure set to triple within a generation. With no single country having the resources to combat dementia alone, the G8 summit is therefore a very positive step towards international commitments to increase research investments and improve coordination of dementia research.
As the largest global research initiative aimed at tackling the challenge of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimers, JPND is looking forward to working with the new plans and initiatives emerging from the summit, said Professor Amouyel. JPND has developed a widely recognized research strategy and accumulated a large experience in large collaborative programs in dementia that can help to accelerate the development of future G8 proposals, as suggested by arecent editorial in The Lancet Neurology.
JPND brings together researchers, national funding bodies and the existing research evidence in 27 countries to investigate the key research questions and barriers to progress in the area of neurodegenerative diseases.
G8 Countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, United States of America (with representation from the European Union)
The summit declaration and comminique were released on Dec. 11th 2013. You can download both at the file links below:
The JPND Action Group on longitudinal cohort studies has published its report, bringing together for the first time the wealth of cohort opportunities for neurodegeneration research across JPND countries.
JPND is currently investigating potential actions for both disease-based and population-based longitudinal cohort studies, whereby current member state-led or European Commission-supported activities can be expanded or better exploited, or new activities identified.
A JPND Action Group on Longitudinal Cohort studies in Neurodegeneration Research met during 2013 and has reported back to JPND. The group was tasked with:
Taking stock of current longitudinal cohort studies for both ND-based and general population studies of relevance
Determining how JPND adds value to existing cohort investments
Identifying gaps and cases for new activity in areas of unmet need
Scoping the emerging scientific opportunities
The report spans general population-based, targeted (preclinical) and disease-focused cohorts. Valuable information that is immediately accessible include:
analyses of longitudinal and disease cohort studies
an analysis of imaging studies
a cohort reference list with web links
The information provided on imaging and in the reference list represents a snapshot of what was available to the Action Group during 2013. Whereas the listings aim to be as comprehensive as possible, JPND is requesting that any studies omitted from the list should contact JPND ([email protected]) with their information, which will be added when the lists are updated.
Implementation of JPND actions in this area will be based on the advice in the report. The options for implementation are based on an analysis of the opportunities presented by current European longitudinal cohort capability as well as comparison with selected international studies. Recommendations span coordination, funding and policy areas. Priorities for action will be set by JPND Management Board for announcement in 2014.
The report can be downloaded at the link below:
The JPND Action Group on longitudinal cohort studies has published its report, bringing together for the first time the wealth of cohort opportunities for neurodegeneration research across JPND countries.
JPND is currently investigating potential actions for both disease-based and population-based longitudinal cohort studies, whereby current member state-led or European Commission-supported activities can be expanded or better exploited, or new activities identified.
A JPND Action Group on Longitudinal Cohort studies in Neurodegeneration Research met during 2013 and has reported back to JPND. The group was tasked with:
Taking stock of current longitudinal cohort studies for both ND-based and general population studies of relevance
Determining how JPND adds value to existing cohort investments
Identifying gaps and cases for new activity in areas of unmet need
Scoping the emerging scientific opportunities
The report spans general population-based, targeted (preclinical) and disease-focused cohorts. Valuable information that is immediately accessible include:
analyses of longitudinal and disease cohort studies
an analysis of imaging studies
a cohort reference list with web links
The information provided on imaging and in the reference list represents a snapshot of what was available to the Action Group during 2013. Whereas the listings aim to be as comprehensive as possible, JPND is requesting that any studies omitted from the list should contact JPND ([email protected]) with their information, which will be added when the lists are updated.
Implementation of JPND actions in this area will be based on the advice in the report. The options for implementation are based on an analysis of the opportunities presented by current European longitudinal cohort capability as well as comparison with selected international studies. Recommendations span coordination, funding and policy areas. Priorities for action will be set by JPND Management Board for announcement in 2014.
The report can be downloaded at the link below:
An Alzheimer Disease International (ADI) policy brief entitled The Global Impact of Dementia 2013-2050 has revealed a staggering 17% increase in the number of people living with dementia, compared to the original ADI estimates in the 2009 World Alzheimer Report.
The first G8 Dementia Summit took place in London, UK, on 11 December. The summit will aim to identify and agree a new international approach to dementia research and policy.
This Alzheimer Disease International brief for the summit reveals that the number of people living with dementia worldwide in 2013 is now estimated at 44 million, reaching 76 million in 2030 and 135 million by 2050.
The report also predicts a shift in the distribution of the global burden of dementia. Where previously high income countries have witnessed the strongest visible trends, it will now be low and middle income countries who will feel the heaviest burden. By 2050, 71% of people with dementia will live in low and middle income countries.
JPND has launched two calls for proposals aimed at encouraging research teams across Europe to investigate the cross-disease pathways in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons, and to identify new, innovative preventive strategies for these debilitating conditions.
Neurodegenerative Diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons are a global health, economic and social emergency with numbers affected expected to double by 2030 and more than triple by 2050 according to Professor Philippe Amouyel, Chair of the JPND Management Board.
With this in mind, JPND-participating countries have identified two further areas of greatest need for targeted investment in order to improve understanding of the underlying links between different diseases, and to encourage new ideas on preventive strategies.
Professor Amouyel added This investment is part of a series of JPND funding initiatives, aimed at addressing priority areas identified in our European Research Strategy. This years calls will see over 23 million euro made available to applicants from 18 different countries.
According to Professor Thomas Gasser, University of Tübingen and Chair of the JPND Scientific Advisory Board, Neurodegenerative diseases currently cannot be cured, prevented, or even substantially slowed. In order to tackle these diseases together, we need greater thinking across traditional clinical boundaries and new, innovative ideas aimed at preventing disease development and progression in healthy, at-risk and early-stage populations. These calls aim to harness the necessary expertise across Europe and globally to address these needs in the fight against these diseases.
The following neurodegenerative diseases are included for both calls:
Alzheimers disease and other dementias
Parkinsons disease and PD-related disorders
Prion disease
Motor neurone diseases
Huntingtons disease
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA)
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Call 1: Cross-Disease Analysis of Pathways There is clinical, genetic and biochemical evidence that similar molecular pathways are relevant in different neurodegenerative and other chronic diseases. Therefore, clinical phenotypes alone seem insufficient to provide an understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved, and to be the sole basis for prognosis and diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. This call is for multidisciplinary proposals (e.g. combining fundamental, pre-clinical and/or clinical research with computational approaches) to perform network analyses in different neurodegenerative and other chronic diseases to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. The combined analysis of diseases across traditional clinical boundaries may lead to a re-definition of clinical phenotypes and new approaches in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
JPND Countries Participating in this call: Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Turkey
Call 2: Pilot Studies on Preventive Strategies Recent results from epidemiological studies in aging suggest that preventive strategies may modify both the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases and of symptom progression. However, it is not yet known whether these findings can be translated into efficacious preventive strategies that specifically target healthy persons, at risk populations or early stage patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, more research is needed to develop proof-of-concept for the design of prevention trials aimed to investigate the effect of complex interventions. JPND is launching this call for proposals in order to encourage interdisciplinary pilot studies for the design of preventive strategies related to neurodegenerative diseases.
JPND Countries Participating in this call: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey
Note: Both calls are two-step, with a first stage (pre-proposal submission) deadline of February 18th (Cross-Disease Analysis) and February 20th (Preventive Strategies), 2014, respectively.
For these calls, JPND is piloting an online partnering tool to assist potential applicants to the currently open calls, in their search for partners and formation of consortia. It is believed that this tool will especially benefit early-career researchers and research groups not normally included in established consortia.
More information on the calls is available at:https://www.neurodegenerationresearch.eu/initiatives/annual-calls-for-proposals/open-calls/
Media enquiries should be directed to: Derick Mitchell[email protected]+353 1 2345103
JPND has launched two calls for proposals aimed at encouraging research teams across Europe to investigate the cross-disease pathways in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons, and to identify new, innovative preventive strategies for these debilitating conditions.
Neurodegenerative Diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons are a global health, economic and social emergency with numbers affected expected to double by 2030 and more than triple by 2050 according to Professor Philippe Amouyel, Chair of the JPND Management Board.
With this in mind, JPND-participating countries have identified two further areas of greatest need for targeted investment in order to improve understanding of the underlying links between different diseases, and to encourage new ideas on preventive strategies.
Professor Amouyel added This investment is part of a series of JPND funding initiatives, aimed at addressing priority areas identified in our European Research Strategy. This years calls will see over 23 million euro made available to applicants from 18 different countries.
According to Professor Thomas Gasser, University of Tübingen and Chair of the JPND Scientific Advisory Board, Neurodegenerative diseases currently cannot be cured, prevented, or even substantially slowed. In order to tackle these diseases together, we need greater thinking across traditional clinical boundaries and new, innovative ideas aimed at preventing disease development and progression in healthy, at-risk and early-stage populations. These calls aim to harness the necessary expertise across Europe and globally to address these needs in the fight against these diseases.
The following neurodegenerative diseases are included for both calls:
Alzheimers disease and other dementias
Parkinsons disease and PD-related disorders
Prion disease
Motor neurone diseases
Huntingtons disease
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA)
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Call 1: Cross-Disease Analysis of Pathways There is clinical, genetic and biochemical evidence that similar molecular pathways are relevant in different neurodegenerative and other chronic diseases. Therefore, clinical phenotypes alone seem insufficient to provide an understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved, and to be the sole basis for prognosis and diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. This call is for multidisciplinary proposals (e.g. combining fundamental, pre-clinical and/or clinical research with computational approaches) to perform network analyses in different neurodegenerative and other chronic diseases to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. The combined analysis of diseases across traditional clinical boundaries may lead to a re-definition of clinical phenotypes and new approaches in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
JPND Countries Participating in this call: Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Turkey
Call 2: Pilot Studies on Preventive Strategies Recent results from epidemiological studies in aging suggest that preventive strategies may modify both the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases and of symptom progression. However, it is not yet known whether these findings can be translated into efficacious preventive strategies that specifically target healthy persons, at risk populations or early stage patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, more research is needed to develop proof-of-concept for the design of prevention trials aimed to investigate the effect of complex interventions. JPND is launching this call for proposals in order to encourage interdisciplinary pilot studies for the design of preventive strategies related to neurodegenerative diseases.
JPND Countries Participating in this call: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey
Note: Both calls are two-step, with a first stage (pre-proposal submission) deadline of February 18th (Cross-Disease Analysis) and February 20th (Preventive Strategies), 2014, respectively.
For these calls, JPND is piloting an online partnering tool to assist potential applicants to the currently open calls, in their search for partners and formation of consortia. It is believed that this tool will especially benefit early-career researchers and research groups not normally included in established consortia.
More information on the calls is available at:https://www.neurodegenerationresearch.eu/initiatives/annual-calls-for-proposals/open-calls/
Media enquiries should be directed to: Derick Mitchell[email protected]+353 1 2345103
A drug that acts like a growth-promoting protein in the brain reduces degeneration and motor deficits associated with Huntington’s disease in two mouse models of the disorder.
Previous studies of people with Huntington’s disease point to a link between low levels of a neurotrophin called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and symptoms of the disorder.
In the current study, which appeared in the Journal of Neuroscience, Frank Longo, MD, PhD, and others at Stanford University, tested LM22A-4, a drug that specifically binds to and activates the BDNF receptor TrkB on nerve cells, in mice that model the disorder. They found LM22A-4 reduces abnormal protein accumulation, delays nerve cell degeneration, and improves motor skills in the animals.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence that protecting or boosting neurotrophins – the molecules that support the survival and function of nerve cells – may slow the progression of Huntington’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on October 25 approved a second amyloid imaging agent. Flutemetamol is an F18-labeled ligand developed by GE Healthcare. It joins florbetapir, developed by Avid Pharmaceuticals/Eli Lilly and Company.
Flutemetamol differs slightly from its cousin because it is approved to report the intensity of binding to amyloid plaques in false color. This could make scans easier to read, some experts agreed. The compound will be commercially available in early 2014.
In regulatory terms, both are approved to indicate whether amyloid is present, and thereby support or refute an AD diagnosis. Neither is intended to diagnose AD on its own or replace other routine clinical tests for cognitive decline. Neither compound is approved to quantify amyloid plaques in the brain. That is something both companies are exploring.
Both agents will be made available to both neurologists and researchers. GE Healthcare has submitted an application for approval to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and will apply in various other countries in the coming months and years. Florbetapir has already gotten EMA approval, and Lilly/Avid is seeking approval in other areas of the world.
Source: AlzForum website – 21 Nov 2013
The JPND Newsletter brings together a number of relevant JPND news stories for JPND international stakeholder communities.
Contents include highlights of JPND activities, information on JPND-supported projects as well as interviews with JPND Scientific Advisory Board members.
The second edition (November 2013) is availablehere or at the link below.
Researchers studying the natural history of Alzheimers disease are grappling with a puzzling group of volunteersamyloid-free and cognitively normal older adults who show other biomarker evidence of neurodegeneration.
Researchers studying the natural history of Alzheimers disease are grappling with a puzzling group of volunteersamyloid-free and cognitively normal older adults who show other biomarker evidence of neurodegeneration.
Source: AlzForum website – 08 Nov 2013 </time><//time>
