Yearly Archives: 2013

A recent study suggests that the combined risk factors for heart disease and stroke (including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and obesity) may also increase the risk of cognitive decline.

For their analysis, the researchers used data from an ongoing longitudinal study following a representative sample of English adults aged 50 and over (the English Longitudinal Study of Aging – ELSA).

In particular, the study suggests that smoking raises the risk of cognitive decline.

The study was carried out by researchers from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London and was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

Reference
Dregan, A. Stewart, R. Guildford, MC. (2012). Cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive decline in adults aged 50 and over: a population-based cohort study. Age and Ageing, November 25th 2012, [Epub. Ahead of print].

Clickhere to view the PubMed abstract.

Clickhere to view the full published study

Data extracted from existing publicly- and privately-conducted clinical trials to address amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

The largest collection of data from clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), representing more than 8,500 individuals, is now live.

The Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials (PRO-ACT) database merges data from existing publicly- and privately-conducted ALS clinical trials to generate an invaluable resource for accelerating discovery in the field of ALS.  Understanding the progression of ALS better can help researchers streamline clinical trials, reducing subject numbers and costs.  

The database contains data from the organizers of 18 Phase 2 or 3 trials for ALS. Contributors include Sanofi of Paris, France; Regeneron, headquartered in Tarrytown, New York; Teva Pharmaceuticals in Petah Tikva, Israel; and Novartis, based in Basel, Switzerland.

Most of the longitudinal data, from both placebo and treatment participants, spans about one year, with no identifying information to protect the anonymity of the participants and proprietary interests. The database includes several elements such as medical history and lab results. Over time, the organizers plan to add other features, for example, adverse events and the approximate date of the trial.

More information available on the PRO-ACT website link below:

The Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) has launched its latest call for proposals, including a topic on neurodegenerative disorders entitled “Developing an aetiology-based taxonomy of human disease.”

The topic aims to develop a new classification for neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

More information is available on IMI’s website at the links below.

International B.R.A.I.N. Prize awarded to disruptive innovations in brain technology

The Breakthrough Research And Innovation in Neurotechnology (B.R.A.I.N.) Prize is an international award granted in Israel to an individual, group or organization for a recent, practical breakthrough in the field of brain technology.

The one million dollar ($1,000,000) prize will recognize a disruptive innovation that is on a path to commercialization with potential significant impact to humanity. The award will be used to support further development towards commercialization of the winning technology.

Further information is available at the link below:

Following a conference in Washington DC, an action plan for accession of the USA to JPND is being developed, beginning with scientific-level discussions to agree on the main areas of mutual interest

On November 9, 2012, at the headquarters of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Washington, DC, a conference was held to explore the potential of enhanced transatlantic research collaboration in the area of neurodegenerative diseases.

The aim of the conference was to showcase JPND and to attract the attention of potential American partners in order to achieve their possible future affiliation. The conference also helped to identify several potential areas of mutual interest, such as platforms for open access data and standardization of laboratory procedures.

An action plan for accession of the US to JPND will be further developed by the JPND Management Board, together with the respective American partners, beginning with scientific-level discussions to agree on the main areas of mutual interest.

More information on the conference, including the presentations delivered, can be foundhere or at the link below: