Cassava Sciences' stock plummeted by 80% in premarket trading after its Alzheimer's drug, Simufilam, failed to show significant efficacy in a late-stage trial. The company announced it would discontinue further studies of the drug, which was intended for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's patients. This setback follows a $40 million settlement with the SEC over allegations of clinical trial data manipulation.
A report by the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that an estimated 16,500 seniors in South Dakota are living with Alzheimer's, with the highest rates found in Hand and McPherson counties at 13.5%. The U.S. faces a growing Alzheimer's crisis, with 6.7 million Americans currently affected and projections suggesting a potential doubling of cases by 2060 without medical breakthroughs. The FDA-approved drug lecanemab offers hope by slowing disease progression, but its high cost raises concerns about accessibility. The data aims to assist in developing localized care and budgeting for the increasing financial burden of Alzheimer's, which could reach nearly $1 trillion by 2050.
Six lifestyle habits that may inadvertently increase the risk of dementia include physical inactivity, insufficient social interaction, inadequate sleep, chronic stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and an unbalanced diet. Regular exercise, socializing in person, proper sleep hygiene, stress management, moderate alcohol intake, and a diet rich in nutritious foods can help mitigate these risks. Individuals experiencing cognitive difficulties are advised to consult a doctor for assessment and potential referral to a specialist.
A study published in Neurology suggests that poor sleep quality in middle age may be linked to cognitive decline later in life. Researchers followed 526 individuals over 11 years and found that those with the most disrupted sleep patterns had more than double the odds of experiencing poor cognitive performance a decade later. The study, funded by the National Institute on Aging and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, emphasizes the importance of sleep quality for long-term cognitive health, although it does not establish a direct causal relationship. Further research is needed to explore the connection between sleep disturbances and cognitive function at different life stages, potentially offering new prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Tom Girardi, the 84-year-old former attorney embroiled in a fraud case, has been declared competent to stand trial by a Los Angeles federal judge despite his Alzheimer's diagnosis and a recent courtroom outburst. The ruling follows a three-day hearing and extensive evaluation by medical professionals. Girardi faces charges for allegedly embezzling $15 million from clients and could receive up to 20 years in prison for each of the five counts of wire fraud he is charged with.
