The Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter, and its Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative committee, hosted a spring reception and research update on March 24 at the Santa Barbara Club.
Attendees received updates, including the following, on the latest Alzheimer’s treatments and research from Rebecca Edelmayer, Alzheimer’s Association senior director of scientific engagement.
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing rapidly, the Alzheimer’s Association reports. The latest Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, which came out in March, finds more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s. The number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050.
While no cure exists for the disease, there have been advancements in research and new treatments that may change disease progression, such as Aducanumab, as well as drug and non-drug options that may help treat symptoms.
The Alzheimer’s Association is currently investing some $300 million in 920 projects across 40 countries. One such project includes the New IDEAS Study, which examines how PET amyloid scanning, a kind of brain scan, can help physicians diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
The project also examines biomarkers, which are changes a disease might cause in the body that doctors can measure with tests like blood tests. Identifying biomarkers can help to diagnose or treat the disease, and researchers worldwide are making progress toward identifying blood biomarkers for dementia.
Edelmayer emphasized the importance of thinking of Alzheimer’s research in a holistic sense, being able to understand what is driving risk in each individual, therefore ensuring that research and trials are inclusive of all different types of the population over ethnicity, gender and age.
Local resources and upcoming involvement opportunities in the Santa Barbara community were also highlighted at the event, including the Santa Maria Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Oct. 1; Santa Barbara Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Nov. 5; and Your Brain Matters Luncheon, April 26, 2023.
“It is exciting to hear that we’re in a new era of treatment, care and research, and it is so important to bring this knowledge to our community about a disease that unfortunately impacts and devastates so many of our families,” said Lindsey Leonard, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter.
“I am hopeful that with the incredible passion and fight that everyone can bring to end this disease, one day, we will see a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” she said.
To learn more, become a volunteer, or make a donation, visit alz.org/cacentralcoast. A 24/7 Helpline is available for care and support at 800-272-3900.