Spring 2012 E-Newsletter

Is There A Single Test For Diagnosing AD?
By: Liana Apostolova, MD, MSCR

Eli Lilly and Company announced on April 6, 2012, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had approved Amyvid, a radio ligand for use as a diagnostic tool for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyvid is a chemical that binds to protein in the brains of AD patients. Neurologists and other specialists trained in dementia evaluation can use Amyvid to distinguish AD from other causes of dementia with very high diagnostic accuracy. While this is exciting news for physicians and patients, several questions remain unanswered and warrant careful consideration.

First, can this test become the sole test for diagnosing AD? The answer is a definitive “No.” Diagnosis of AD requires a detailed neurological and cognitive evaluation, a structural scan of the brain, and laboratory work-up that might reveal an alternative and treatable cause for the patient’s cognitive symptoms.

Next, who should receive this scan? Amyvid scans will aid physicians in diagnosing or ruling out dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, especially in complex and challenging cases of dementia. Amyvid may also be useful in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), where a positive scan could implicate AD as the cause of cognitive changes. In research studies, positive amyloid PET scans are associated with a three-fold increased risk for developing dementia among those with MCI. Still, Amyvid scans are not for everyone. Most experts agree that cognitively normal persons should not have these scans. Many cognitively normal persons above the age of 65 years would have a positive amyloid scan, despite having perfect memories. It remains unclear (and an area of intense study) what the implications are of a positive scan in cognitively normal persons. Until this is better understood, these scans should not be offered to those who have no cognitive symptoms.

Finally, after a cognitively impaired patient gets results of a positive amyloid scan; what then? Presently, there are no available treatments capable of slowing AD. A positive amyloid scan at present can only lend support to the diagnosis and assist the healthcare team in working with families to understand their situation and plan for the future. Once better therapies for AD become available, Amyvid scans may play an important role in directing treatment strategies. With many promising experimental drugs in clinical trials, hopefully this day will come soon.

Riley Kermanian: Easton Center Student Volunteer

Photo: Riley Kermanian from Milken Community High School.

Alzheimer's Association Walk To End Alzheimer's™
By: Arden Teplow

The first San Fernando Valley Walk to End Alzheimer's™ was held on May 22, 2011 and was a fantastic success. As Co-Chair, I was very proud that the 2011 Walk had more than 860 participants, 38 exhibitors, 88 teams (including one from the Easton Center) and a number of significant sponsors. The day was filled with excitement, sharing, and a hint of rain. People brought their dogs, smiles, and their common belief that something can and must be done to combat this terrible disease. Participants let their voices be heard and shared experiences on the “Wall of Remembrance.” The CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, local elected officials, and many others spoke about the importance of the Walk and about those who had been touched by AD. It was a thrill to be cheered by our volunteers as we completed the walk, and it was gratifying to receive such a warm reception from the community.

As Co-Chair again this year, I hope that the success of the 2011 Walk will continue to grow. The 2012 Valley Walk To End Alzheimer's™ will be held Sunday, June 10 at Woodley Park in Van Nuys. Our goals remain the same: to support families facing Alzheimer’s disease, raise disease awareness and funding for research and family services, and advocate to legislators. We will do all of this in pursuit of ending AD. We hope you will join us.

To join the Easton Center team, please CLICK HERE.

2012 Research Participant Thank You Luncheon

On March 31^st, the Easton Center held its annual West Los Angeles Thank You Luncheon. This event honors the invaluable contributions of research participants and their families to the work of the Easton Center. More than 300 persons are enrolled in research studies at the Center and roughly a third were in attendance at the Luncheon.

This year, the Alzheimer's Association, OPICA, and Leeza's Place contributed to the event by offering information to attendees about available resources. After a series of six research update presentations from faculty, attendees participated in a lively question and answer session.

Scientific advancement in AD and other dementias is possible only through basic and clinical research. The Easton Center is incredibly proud of the work we do in partnership with patients, families, and volunteers. We are thankful for all who participate.

If you are someone you know would like to participate in research, please call Kulwant Dosanjh at (310) 794-8323 to be included in our potential participant registry.

Clinical Research Opportunities

If you would like to advance Alzheimer's disease research, please consider participating at the Easton Center. Below are two current trials. For a complete list of enrolling studies, visit our website at www.eastonad.ucla.edu.