Posted Valentine’s Day, 2020
Sometimes my vision isn’t 20/20. Even when it appears that way, I often find out that the item was right under my nose. Such is the news yesterday:
I have been applying far and near to clinical studies and, all be darned if there isn’t one about 20 blocks from my house. I will fill you in what I find out when I call them later today.
Incidentally, if you too are interested in joining the clinical trial ranks, here is your link on the Alz.org website:
https://alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/clinical-trials
This week the news wasn’t all that good in the race for a cure/to save mom and the remaining Sweet 17. The international study, called DIAN-TU, had a mall group, only 194 participants testing two similar drugs. Of the number, 52 were taking a drug called gantenerumab, made by Roche, and an equal number trying solanezumab, made by Eli Lilly. This wasn’t the first failure, nor will it be the last. The NY Times article referenced the key question yet again too: “Is it time to move past an emphasis on developing anti-amyloid drugs for Alzheimer’s disease?” Drugs have been shown to change this substance, but NOT improve symptoms nor cure the disease. Again please let me provide this disclaimer: I am not a scientist nor the son of a scientist. I play one sometimes in my blog, but not on TV… BUT, could it be that we are chasing our beta amyloid tails? Note this light-hearted look at the topic: Link. I am all about the ole scientific method! I love it. It works, if you will. But what if we have our hypothesis all bungled up? Does doing the same thing over and over again usually end differently? Yes when it comes to trying to pick out Valentine’s meals with my lady, but not in science. There are lots of options because there are likely lots of causes. I am not the only one who is sad at the potential over-emphasis on BA studies. Regardless, there is no sinister motive and everyone is on the same team. I just home my patients aren’t gone as fast as my patience has been…
#EndALZ
Update: All is well on the Western Front with mom. I hope to catch her tomorrow for a decent little visit. 🙂 Have a great and safe holiday and weekend 🙂
Reminder: Our support group meets Tuesday next week! 🙂 I look forward to seeing several of you there this month since the weather is finally starting to get better 🙂
<3