HEADlines | Advances in Alzheimer's prevention and care research

Issue 26: 4 Aug 2020

Every week, HEADlines brings you the latest news, stories and commentaries

in education and healthcare. This week, get insights on the latest developments

in healthcare.

Advances in Alzheimer's prevention and care research

At the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® 2020 (AAIC®) held virtually last week, international investigators, clinicians and care researchers gathered online to discuss the latest studies, theories and discoveries that will help bring the world closer to breakthroughs in dementia science.

Over the years, while the risk factors of Alzheimer's have been well studied, it has been challenging for researchers to find effective ways to treat or delay the development of the disease. This year at the AAIC, several significant studies pointed the way forward for the medical community:

Flu and pneumonia vaccinations are linked to a reduced risk (17%) of Alzheimer's in later life, especially if one has multiple vaccinations over time. This points to vaccination as a potential intervention to prevent dementia.
A blood test for Alzheimer's could be available in a few years, making diagnosis simpler, more affordable and widely available. Consequently, patients can be identified early enough for important care to take place.
Education and lifestyle behaviours in our teens and 20s impact the risk of cognitive decline in later years, highlighting the need to intervene and address health inequalities early in a person's life.
A new worldwide research study was launched to globally track and understand the long-term impact of exposure to COVID-19 on the brain.

With over 50 million dementia patients worldwide and the numbers expected to triple by 2050, the work to find a cure for Alzheimer's has never been more urgent. These studies, along with ongoing clinical trials, will bring us one step closer to overcoming this disease.

Healthcare in the Spotlight

McKinsey & Company: On pins and needles: Will COVID-19 vaccines ‘save the world’?

An analysis of the latest information on research timelines and the potential impact of the vaccine on the pandemic - and society.

Photo credit: Myriam Zilles on Pixabay

The New York Times: Indian billionaires bet big on head start in coronavirus vaccine race

The world’s largest vaccine producer, the Serum Institute, announced a plan to make hundreds of millions of doses of an unproven inoculation. It’s a gamble with a huge upside. And huge risks.

The Conversation: Mental health impact of coronavirus pandemic hits marginalized groups hardest

Mental health researchers call for an equity-oriented response to bring about sustainable recovery from the pandemic.

Environmental Protection: New NRDC report argues that climate change is negatively affecting workers’ health

Because climate change has major effects on weather patterns, heat indices, the prevalence of toxic substances and a heightened risk of infectious diseases, a worsening of climate disruption means a worsening of worker health.

Photo credit: Markus Spiske on Unsplash

The ASEAN Post: Climate change to blame for Lao dengue outbreak?

Deforestation could have exacerbated climate change in Lao, which further led to an increase in the length of the transmission season of the virus.

The Straits Times: COVID-19 or dengue? NTU team finds way to confirm in 36min

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and what is set to be Singapore's worst dengue outbreak, researchers have developed a faster testing method to differentiate between the two.

That's all for the week!

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