158 potential therapies being tested in dementia research — The National
In the UAE, an Alzheimer’s Disease International report released ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day recorded 158 potential therapies undergoing clinical trials. The National reports that clinical studies have shown for the first time that new treatments may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Challenge of recruiting participants
Chris Lynch, acting executive director of Alzheimer’s Disease International, said active studies need about 55,000 participants. However, because not all volunteers meet the criteria, an estimated pool of 350,000 people is needed to meet regulatory and scientific requirements.
Barriers to recruitment include insufficient awareness of the value of dementia research, limited referrals from general practitioners, travel costs and strict selection criteria. According to Lynch, the development of blood-test-based biomarkers could significantly reduce screening costs and make it possible to recruit participants on a larger scale.
Many trials are conducted in high-income countries, particularly the United States, and their participants are predominantly white people. This limits the diversity of samples needed for the scientific reliability of results. Genetics, vascular health, education level and socioeconomic status can affect dementia risk, the likelihood of receiving a diagnosis and response to treatment.
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Early detection and prevention
Local research is ongoing in the UAE. As part of the Emirati Genome Programme, one million Emirati citizens have provided genetic data to accelerate the development of new dementia drugs. Neurologist Derk Krieger stressed that research must take into account the genetic, metabolic, cultural and lifestyle-related characteristics of the Middle Eastern population.
Krieger is set to lead the UAE’s first brain health clinic, which is planned to open in Dubai later this year. The facility will work with people who have a family history of dementia, experience symptoms, or want to assess their lifestyle and undergo a blood test or medical examination.
In Cuba, a programme involving the Global Brain Health Institute trained family doctors to identify dementia earlier and more confidently. Over 12 months, diagnosis rates at clinics covered by the programme increased significantly. Sleep disorders, lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and an unbalanced diet may increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.
