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ASCEND Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of TYSABRI® (natalizumab) as a Treatment for Secondary-Progressive Multiple …

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WESTON, Mass. & DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB - News) and Elan Corporation, plc (NYSE: ELN - News) today announced a global Phase 3b study, ASCEND, that is being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of TYSABRI as a treatment for secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, approximately half of all people initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) - the most common form of multiple sclerosis (MS) - will transition to SPMS within 19 years.

Patients with RRMS typically experience unpredictable relapses; the time between relapses is characterized by full or partial recovery and a lack of disease progression. SPMS is characterized by a steady progression of nerve damage, symptoms and disability, but the exact reasons for the progression are unknown. The potential for greater disease burden in SPMS typically includes decreased mobility, impaired activities of daily living, loss of independence and reduced quality of life.

"There are limited treatment options available to people living with SPMS and there is a high unmet need for effective therapies,” said Aaron Miller, M.D., member of the ASCEND advisory board; Medical Director, Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis; and Co-Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Care Center at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. “The ASCEND trial is investigating whether treatment with TYSABRI may prevent worsening in walking, hand movement and daily functioning in these patients.”

"One hypothesis behind the development of SPMS is that disease progression is a result of chronic inflammation in the brain tissue trapped behind the blood-brain-barrier. This causes destruction of the myelin sheath which protects the coating around nerve fibers, as well as the progressive loss of nerve cells, which can lead to disability in MS patients,” said Professor Richard Reynolds, Professor of Cellular Neuroscience, Imperial College, London; and Scientific Director of the UK Multiple Sclerosis Society Tissue Bank. “Preliminary data suggest that TYSABRI may hinder this inflammation in the brain and reduce SPMS-related disease progression; therefore, further investigation of this hypothesis is warranted."

The ASCEND study is part of the ongoing commitment of both Biogen Idec and Elan to find ways to improve the well-being of patients with multiple sclerosis.

About the ASCEND Study

ASCEND (A Study to Characterize the Efficacy of Natalizumab on Disability in SPMS) is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with SPMS patients being randomized to receive either TYSABRI 300 mg or placebo intravenously every four weeks for 96 weeks. A global study, ASCEND is expected to enroll approximately 850 patients in 15 countries.

Study participants will be between the ages of 18 and 58, inclusive, with a diagnosis of SPMS for at least two years; an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 3.0 and 6.5, inclusive; MS Severity Score of 4 or higher; documented, confirmed evidence of disease progression, independent of clinical relapses during the one-year prior to enrollment; and naïve to TYSABRI treatment.

The primary endpoint is to investigate whether treatment with TYSABRI slows the accumulation of disability not related to relapses in subjects with SPMS.

Secondary endpoints are:

The proportion of subjects with consistent improvement in Timed 25-foot Walk (T25FW); The change in subject-reported ambulatory status as measured by the 12-Item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12); The change in manual ability based on the ABILHAND questionnaire; The impact of TYSABRI on subject-reported quality of life using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 Physical (MSIS-29 Physical); The change in whole brain volume between the end of study and week 24 using MRI; and The proportion of subjects experiencing progression of disability as measured by individual physical EDSS system scores.

ASCEND is ongoing and actively enrolling patients. Patients interested in learning more about the study may speak with their physician or e-mail neurologyclinicaltrials@biogenidec.com.

About TYSABRI

TYSABRI is approved in more than 65 countries. TYSABRI is approved in the United States as a monotherapy for relapsing forms of MS, generally for patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, an alternative MS therapy. In the European Union, it is approved for highly active relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) in adult patients who have failed to respond to beta interferon or have rapidly evolving, severe RRMS.

TYSABRI has advanced the treatment of MS patients with its established efficacy. Data from the Phase 3 AFFIRM trial, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that after two years, TYSABRI treatment led to a 68 percent relative reduction (p<0.001) in the annualized relapse rate when compared with placebo and reduced the relative risk of disability progression by 42-54 percent (p<0.001).

TYSABRI increases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic viral infection of the brain which usually leads to death or severe disability. Infection by the JC virus (JCV) is required for the development of PML and patients who are anti-JCV antibody positive have a higher risk of developing PML. Factors that increase the risk of PML are presence of anti-JCV antibodies, prior immunosuppressant use, and longer TYSABRI treatment duration. Patients who have all three risk factors have the highest risk of developing PML. Other serious adverse events that have occurred in TYSABRI-treated patients include hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) and infections, including opportunistic and other atypical infections. Clinically significant liver injury has also been reported in the post-marketing setting. A list of adverse events can be found in the full TYSABRI product labeling for each country where it is approved.

TYSABRI is marketed and distributed by Biogen Idec Inc. and Elan Corporation, plc. For full prescribing information and more information about TYSABRI, please visit http://www.biogenidec.com or http://www.elan.com.

About Biogen Idec

Through cutting-edge science and medicine, Biogen Idec discovers, develops and delivers to patients worldwide innovative therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, hemophilia and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is the world's oldest independent biotechnology company. Patients worldwide benefit from its leading multiple sclerosis therapies, and the company generates nearly $5 billion in annual revenues. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit http://www.biogenidec.com.

About Elan

Elan Corporation, plc is a neuroscience-focused biotechnology company committed to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families by dedicating itself to bringing innovations in science to fill significant unmet medical needs that continue to exist around the world. Elan shares trade on the New York and Irish Stock Exchanges. For additional information about Elan, please visit http://www.elan.com.

Safe Harbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the development of TYSABRI in SPMS. These forward-looking statements may be accompanied by such words as "anticipate," "belie
ve," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "will" and other words and terms of similar meaning. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including the risk that we may not fully enroll our planned clinical trials, the occurrence of adverse safety events, regulatory authorities may require additional information, further studies, or may fail to grant the desired drug approval, or we may encounter other unexpected hurdles. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in the Risk Factors section of our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, Form 20-F and Form 6-K and in other reports we file with the SEC. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and speak only as of the date of this press release. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

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ASCEND Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of TYSABRI® (natalizumab) as a Treatment for Secondary-Progressive Multiple ...

Sanofi faces uphill struggle in MS drug market

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PARIS (Reuters) - Sanofi SA risks falling behind in the battle for share of the fast-growing multi-billion euro multiple sclerosis (MS) market, as rivals push ahead with revolutionary treatments while doubts remain over the French drugmaker's own drug candidates.

Sanofi, which has relied on blood thinners and cancer therapies to drive sales but faces increased competition from generic drug versions, is preparing to submit two MS treatments for approval this year.

But it faces an uphill battle to catch Novartis AG's Gilenya and Biogen Idec Inc's BG-12, set to dominate a market that JPMorgan analysts see growing to $14 billion (8 billion pound) in 2015 from $9.6 billion last year.

"Sanofi will remain a small player compared with Biogen or Novartis, but it will still remain on the radar screen," said Beatrice Muzard, an analyst at brokerage Natixis.

MS, which has no cure, affects 2.5 million people worldwide. It is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system and can lead to numbness, paralysis and loss of vision.

Standard treatment has involved injected drugs such as Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd's Copaxone, Tysabri - sold by Biogen and Elan Ltd - and interferons. But the approval of Gilenya in 2010 introduced a potent new option in pill form.

Gilenya and other oral MS treatments in late-stage development such as BG-12 are expected to drive growth in the sector.

But analysts estimate Sanofi will grab only a modest share, given question marks over its drug candidates Aubagio and Lemtrada. Natixis' Muzard predicts the French firm's MS drugs could have peak sales of just 1 billion euros - not enough to plug the gap left by loss of earnings from the arrival of generic competition to its top blood thinner, Plavix.

STICKING POINT

Sanofi acquired Lemtrada through its $20.1 billion takeover of U.S. biotech group Genzyme last year, when it was already developing MS pill Aubagio. If approved, both drugs could end up reaching the U.S. and European markets by the end of the year.

"It's pretty unusual for a company to come out with two new products at once, and actually cover the spectrum of the disease," Sanofi Chief Executive Chris Viehbacher told Reuters.

Trouble is, there are doubts about both medicines.

Lemtrada was the main sticking point in the protracted merger talks between Sanofi and Genzyme and, at the time, Viehbacher's team was keen to talk down its prospects. Genzyme had projected peak Lemtrada sales of $3.5 billion a year, while Sanofi pitched the number at around $700 million.

The final deal between the two companies included a "contingent value right" , a tradeable security that gives payouts to Genzyme investors if certain revenue targets are met, to bridge their differences.

"When we were acquiring Genzyme, we were rightly sceptical of Lemtrada, because I am not keen on paying for things that are not proven," Viehbacher said.

"Now that we have seen the clinical trial results - I have seen them but I cannot say more because we are going to publish them in April - we are very excited about this multiple sclerosis franchise."

Unlike older MS drugs that have to be injected daily or weekly, Lemtrada is given just once a year.

"I think Lemtrada is going to be completely different than everything else, which makes it difficult for the market to assess," said Viehbacher.

Certainly analyst views vary widely. Morgan Stanley is forecasting 1 billion euros in peak sales for Lemtrada, while Nomura only sees $360 million.

Medical experts back Viehbacher's view that a wider choice of treatments is needed given the unpredictable nature of MS.

"Doctors and patients are looking for multiple options because the disease is so variable," said Tim Coetzee, chief research officer of the U.S.-based National Multiple Sclerosis Society. "A drug that is effective in some patients may not be effective in other patients."

LATER STAGE

Yet Lemtrada's prospects remain far from certain. During mid-stage tests the drug showed an unprecedented level of efficacy in reducing relapses over a three-year period, but this outcome was not repeated in a later-stage trial.

It can also have serious side effects, which make it likely to be prescribed only to treat more severe forms of the disease.

Compared with older therapies, Aubagio has the advantage of being an oral drug. But it has produced less impressive results in clinical tests than BG-12 and Gilenya - though heart issues have recently cast a shadow over Gilenya.

In one recent study, Aubagio failed to show it was better than Rebif, a commonly used injectable interferon from Germany's Merck KGaA , although it did have milder side effects.

"Aubagio won't take a lot of market share ... but it could find a niche on the basis of its safety profile," said Muzard, who is forecasting sales of around 400 million euros in 2018, compared with 2.6 billion for Gilenya.

That niche could be found among newly diagnosed patients, since around 35 to 40 percent prefer to take no medication rather than face unwanted side effects.

"Here's the challenge: convincing patients to start therapy," said Kevin Richard, co-founder of U.S. consultancy ClearView Healthcare Partners. "In this case Aubagio could be prescribed to patients who are not on interferons yet and who are hesitant to start injections."

Sanofi filed Aubagio with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October and aims to submit it for approval in Europe in the first quarter of 2012, when it also expects to file Lemtrada with both regulators.

(Additional reporting by Ben Hirschler in London; Editing by David Holmes)

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Sanofi faces uphill struggle in MS drug market

MediciNova Receives a Notice of Patent Allowance for a Method of Treating Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

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SAN DIEGO, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediciNova Inc, a biopharmaceutical company traded on the NASDAQ Global Market (Nasdaq:MNOV - News) and the Jasdaq Market of the Osaka Securities Exchange (4875), today announced that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a pending patent application, which covers the use of ibudilast for the treatment of progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. Ibudilast (MN-166), is the company's lead drug development candidate for certain neurological conditions, including progressive multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and drug addiction.

A patent maturing from this allowed patent application is expected to expire no earlier than early 2029 and covers a method of treating primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS) by administering ibudilast either alone or in combination with other drugs. The patent application is based upon clinical investigations conducted by MediciNova researchers which showed an apparent disease-modifying benefit in which brain volume loss, or brain atrophy, commonly associated with disease progression, was reduced by oral administration of ibudilast to a group of multiple sclerosis patients including some subjects with progressive multiple sclerosis, in a dose-related fashion over at least a 10-month treatment period.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is recognized as a chronic disease in which disability progresses over time. Patients suffering from progressive forms of MS tend to have a poor prognosis and have greater levels of disability. Robert J. Fox, M.D., M.S., FAAN, Medical Director of Mellen Center for MS, Cleveland Clinic, noted that, "Despite recent improvements in pharmacotherapy for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, treatment options in progressive multiple sclerosis are extremely limited in the absence of relapses. There is great need for safe, effective, and conveniently-administered therapies for progressive MS."

Obtaining long-term protection of market exclusivity for the use of ibudilast in certain neurological conditions has been a key component of MediciNova's development strategy for the MN-166 program. Yuichi Iwaki, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of MediciNova, noted that, "We are very pleased to receive notice of this patent allowance for ibudilast in progressive MS. Moreover, we anticipate that this allowance will facilitate further development and business options around this program."

About Ibudilast

Ibudilast has been used in asthma and post-stroke disorders in Japan for around 20 years. MediciNova has demonstrated the potential utility of ibudilast in the treatment of neurological disorders at higher doses with encouraging outcomes in company-sponsored clinical trials in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuropathic pain. MediciNova's collaborative trial planning with drug addiction investigators at organizations like Columbia/NYSPI and UCLA has led to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-to support clinical investigations of the use of ibudilast to treat both opioid and methamphetamine addiction. A Phase 2 investigator-sponsored trial of ibudilast in the treatment of chronic medication overuse headache (MOH) pain is also ongoing in Australia. MediciNova's priorities include pursuing Phase 2 proof-of-concept trials of ibudilast for the treatment of progressive MS and/or neuropathic pain through non-dilutive funding.

About MediciNova

MediciNova, Inc. is a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company founded upon acquiring and developing novel, small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of diseases with unmet need with a commercial focus on the U.S. market. Through strategic alliances primarily with Japanese pharmaceutical companies, MediciNova holds rights to a diversified portfolio of clinical and preclinical product candidates, each of which MediciNova believes has a well-characterized and differentiated therapeutic profile, attractive commercial potential, and patent coverage of commercially adequate scope. MediciNova's pipeline includes six clinical-stage compounds for the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, multiple sclerosis and other neurologic conditions, asthma, interstitial cystitis, solid tumor cancers, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, preterm labor and urinary incontinence and two preclinical-stage compounds for the treatment of thrombotic disorders. MediciNova's current strategy is to focus on its two prioritized product candidates, MN-221, for the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, and ibudilast (MN-166/AV411). Each drug candidate is involved in clinical trials under U.S. and Investigator INDs. MediciNova is engaged in strategic partnering discussions to support further development of the MN-221 and ibudilast programs. Additionally, MediciNova will seek to monetize opportunistically its other pipeline candidates. For more information on MediciNova, Inc., please visit http://www.medicinova.com.

The MediciNova, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3135

Statements in this press release that are not historical in nature constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our the potential utility of ibudilast in the treatment of progressive MS and other neurological disorders and the proposed proof of concept trial of ibudilast, including any implication that the company will have the ability to execute on its priorities. These forward-looking statements may be preceded by, followed by or otherwise include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "can," "could," "may," "will," "would," or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the risk and certainties of raising additional capital to fund clinical development of Ibidulast, risks and uncertainties inherent in clinical trials, product development and commercialization, such as the uncertainty in results of clinical trials for product candidates, the uncertainty of whether the results of clinical trials will be predictive of results in later stages of product development, the risk of delays or failure to obtain or maintain regulatory approval, risks regarding intellectual property rights in product candidates and the ability to defend and enforce such intellectual property rights, the risk of failure of the third parties upon whom MediciNova relies to conduct its clinical trials and manufacture its product candidates to perform as expected, the risk of increased cost and delays due to delays in the commencement, enrollment, completion or analysis of clinical trials or significant issues regarding the adequacy of clinical trial designs or the execution of clinical trials and the timing, cost and design of future clinical trials and research activities, the timing of expected filings with the regulatory authorities, MediciNova's collaborations with third parties, the availability of funds to complete prod
uct development plans and MediciNova's ability to raise sufficient capital when needed, and the other risks and uncertainties described in MediciNova's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and its subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. MediciNova disclaims any intent or obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements.

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MediciNova Receives a Notice of Patent Allowance for a Method of Treating Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Later stage dementia: Bruce and Jan's story – Video

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20-09-2011 06:44 http://www.alzheimers.org.uk Some viewers may find this distressing. Bruce Bovill gives a brave and moving account of his experience caring for his wife, Jan, in the later stages of her dementia. For a fact sheet on the later stages of dementia please see alzheimers.org.ukThere are more than 750000 people in the UK affected by dementia with numbers set to rise to 1 million by 2021. Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. Support the fight against dementia. Visit us at http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

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Later stage dementia: Bruce and Jan's story - Video

Later stage dementia: Bruce and Jan’s story – Video

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20-09-2011 06:44 http://www.alzheimers.org.uk Some viewers may find this distressing. Bruce Bovill gives a brave and moving account of his experience caring for his wife, Jan, in the later stages of her dementia. For a fact sheet on the later stages of dementia please see alzheimers.org.ukThere are more than 750000 people in the UK affected by dementia with numbers set to rise to 1 million by 2021. Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. Support the fight against dementia. Visit us at http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

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Later stage dementia: Bruce and Jan's story - Video

What Is Dementia? – Part 1 – Video

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26-09-2011 09:35 This DVD is now available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com This video clip is an excerpt of "The Journey of Dementia", a 3 hour training DVD for Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregivers, with Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA. Preparation and readiness are key to being the best possible caregiver you can be! "The Journey of Dementia" is packed with over 3 hours of essential preparation tips and advice to give you vital information for all situations. You will learn to - make the most of doctor's visits - get proper screenings to determine the stage of the disease and the best level-appropriate care - look for vital legal and financial documents that need to be prepared before the disease progresses - give the best possible support during Emergencies - to determine when and if facility placement is the best choice - find the best End of Life care Join the thousands of caregivers that have made their loved ones feel at ease with Teepa. "The Journey of Dementia" is presented by The Pines Education Institute of SW Florida and facilitated by Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA. The Pines Education Insitute is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing education, outreach programs, support, resources and counseling to family members and geriatric caregivers. For more information please visit http://www.pinesofsarasota.org. http://www.amazon.com

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What Is Dementia? - Part 1 - Video

What is dementia? – Alzheimer's Society dementia brain video – Video

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03-01-2012 11:01 http://www.alzheimers.org.uk This film explains and defines what dementia is, and how it affects the brain. To download a transcript of the film, please click here http Please watch our other videos to see how brain cells function, hear what dementia is, and to hear more about Alzheimer's disease, Posterior Cortical Atrophy, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, fronto-temporal dementia and other rarer causes of dementia. Alzheimer's Society is dedicated to defeating dementia through research. Our unique research programme funds research into the cause, cure, care and prevention of dementia to improve treatment for people today and to search for a cure for tomorrow. We are the only organisation to work with leading scientists and people affected by dementia to ensure our research influences practice and transforms lives. With the right investment, dementia can be defeated. http://www.alzheimers.org.uk If you have found this tool useful please consider donating to our research programme by following this link http://www.alzheimers.org.ukThere are more than 750000 people in the UK affected by dementia with numbers set to rise to 1 million by 2021. More than half of these have Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. Support the fight against dementia http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

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What is dementia? - Alzheimer's Society dementia brain video - Video

What is dementia? – Alzheimer’s Society dementia brain video – Video

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03-01-2012 11:01 http://www.alzheimers.org.uk This film explains and defines what dementia is, and how it affects the brain. To download a transcript of the film, please click here http Please watch our other videos to see how brain cells function, hear what dementia is, and to hear more about Alzheimer's disease, Posterior Cortical Atrophy, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, fronto-temporal dementia and other rarer causes of dementia. Alzheimer's Society is dedicated to defeating dementia through research. Our unique research programme funds research into the cause, cure, care and prevention of dementia to improve treatment for people today and to search for a cure for tomorrow. We are the only organisation to work with leading scientists and people affected by dementia to ensure our research influences practice and transforms lives. With the right investment, dementia can be defeated. http://www.alzheimers.org.uk If you have found this tool useful please consider donating to our research programme by following this link http://www.alzheimers.org.ukThere are more than 750000 people in the UK affected by dementia with numbers set to rise to 1 million by 2021. More than half of these have Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. Support the fight against dementia http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

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What is dementia? - Alzheimer's Society dementia brain video - Video

An introduction to the brain – Alzheimer's Society dementia brain video – Video

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04-01-2012 04:27 http://www.alzheimers.org.uk This film gives a overview of the structure and function of the brain. To download a transcript of the film, please click here http Please watch our other videos to see how brain cells function, hear what dementia is, and to hear more about Alzheimer's disease, Posterior Cortical Atrophy, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, fronto-temporal dementia and other rarer causes of dementia. Alzheimer's Society is dedicated to defeating dementia through research. Our unique research programme funds research into the cause, cure, care and prevention of dementia to improve treatment for people today and to search for a cure for tomorrow. We are the only organisation to work with leading scientists and people affected by dementia to ensure our research influences practice and transforms lives. With the right investment, dementia can be defeated. http://www.alzheimers.org.uk If you have found this tool useful please consider donating to our research programme by following this link http://www.alzheimers.org.ukThere are more than 750000 people in the UK affected by dementia with numbers set to rise to 1 million by 2021. More than half of these have Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. Support the fight against dementia http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

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An introduction to the brain - Alzheimer's Society dementia brain video - Video

An introduction to the brain – Alzheimer’s Society dementia brain video – Video

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04-01-2012 04:27 http://www.alzheimers.org.uk This film gives a overview of the structure and function of the brain. To download a transcript of the film, please click here http Please watch our other videos to see how brain cells function, hear what dementia is, and to hear more about Alzheimer's disease, Posterior Cortical Atrophy, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, fronto-temporal dementia and other rarer causes of dementia. Alzheimer's Society is dedicated to defeating dementia through research. Our unique research programme funds research into the cause, cure, care and prevention of dementia to improve treatment for people today and to search for a cure for tomorrow. We are the only organisation to work with leading scientists and people affected by dementia to ensure our research influences practice and transforms lives. With the right investment, dementia can be defeated. http://www.alzheimers.org.uk If you have found this tool useful please consider donating to our research programme by following this link http://www.alzheimers.org.ukThere are more than 750000 people in the UK affected by dementia with numbers set to rise to 1 million by 2021. More than half of these have Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. Support the fight against dementia http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

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An introduction to the brain - Alzheimer's Society dementia brain video - Video

66 Year Old Man With Dementia Brutally Beaten

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22-01-2012 19:13 A Melbourne police officer reprimanded for deliberately disabling the dashboard camera in his patrol car, before confronting a 66-year-old man suffering from dementia, could face additional scrutiny as the city prepares for a potential lawsuit. Officer Derek Middendorf's actions — captured on video later salvaged by technicians — are at the center of calls for his dismissal as a lawyer for Albert Flowers says he plans to file suit against the city for false arrest, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. "He should be fired. Anyone who's being pulled over by this officer should be terrified," said attorney Paul Bross, who formally notified the city Tuesday of his intent to sue. "It's clear (Officer Middendorf) tried to destroy all the video in this case. He thought he had turned off the camera, and that's why he acted the way he did." Case to be reviewed: Melbourne City Attorney Paul Gougelman said the city's risk management office and insurance providers will review the case to see what liability the city has for Flowers' injuries. The case also has attracted the attention of the South Brevard branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Flowers was hospitalized for a month after the confrontation with Middendorf. "What I urge everybody to do is stand back and let the dust settle. There is always more to the story. It's always important to have a good working relationship in the community," Gougelman said, adding he planned to review ...

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66 Year Old Man With Dementia Brutally Beaten

Officer beating man with dementia – Video

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16-01-2012 23:21 A 66-year-old Melbourne man with dementia spent a month in the hospital after he was violently arrested in October 2011 by officers from the Melbourne Police Department in Melbourne, Florida. The officers who arrested Albert Flowers charged him with battery on a police officer, but a dash-cam video obtained this weekend by WFTV Channel 9 News in Central Florida shows that Flowers did not assault either officer before being kicked in the stomach, punched repeatedly, choked, and tasered. According to WFTV's report, Officer Derek Middendorf of the Melbourne Police Department was responding to a report that Flowers threatened another man with a knife. Middendorf's arrest report claims that "Flowers walked towards him in an aggressive manner" and that he "refused to stop at a safe distance." This record of the arrest held water in part because Middendorf turned off his dash cam before getting out of his cruiser. But the Melbourne Police Department was since able to retrieve the video from the dash cam hard drive. And that video tells a different story.

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Officer beating man with dementia - Video

Don Cornelius Suffered From Dementia – Video

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02-02-2012 16:31 More details are slowly emerging regarding the death of Soul Train's Don Cornelius. Shemar Moore who was the former host of Soul Train has revealed that Cornelius, his mentor, might have been suffering from dementia. "I don't know what his health was like," Moore said. "I had heard rumors that it was early [onset] dementia, Alzheimer's, things like that...I'd heard that he was sick." Don Cornelius was found in his Sherman Oaks home by his son. He died from apparent suicide. He was 75.

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Don Cornelius Suffered From Dementia - Video

Cognitive impairment, dementia common in seniors, proper diagnosis key to treatment

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TORONTO - Perhaps it begins with recurring forgetfulness, a struggle to find words or maybe needing repeated reminders about an upcoming event. Or it may be that some everyday tasks, performed over a lifetime with unthinking ease, suddenly seem overwhelming.

Such memory missteps could, of course, be signs of Alzheimer's disease. But specialists say there are many forms of age-related dementia and cognitive impairment, and nailing down the likely cause can ensure early and appropriate treatment.

"It is important to get a specific diagnosis because some medications work for one dementia and not another," says Dr. Tiffany Chow, a behavioural neurologist in the memory clinic at Baycrest in Toronto.

For some, memory and thinking problems could result from what's called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, a sort of mid-step between the waning mental clarity that's normal as we age and the more exacerbated decline of dementia.

The condition is common in seniors, affecting about one in 10 of those aged 65 to 74, then rising to more than 60 per cent of those over 85.

Hockey legend Gordie Howe appears be one of them.

His son Murray, a doctor who specializes in radiology, says his father's symptoms don't fit either Alzheimer's or Pick's disease, a rare form of dementia that led to the death of his mother Colleen at 76.

Howe, now 83 and still active, is doing his bit to raise awareness. The Gordie and Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's has raised more than $16 million.

While the onset of mild cognitive impairment can be frightening, Chow says the condition isn't necessarily the first step on the road to Alzheimer's or any other form of dementia. Some people will progress to that stage, but others never get worse and a few even improve.

Vascular dementia affects about 20 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with dementia, making it the second most common form. The disorder is caused by the death of brain cells, which have been starved of oxygen-rich blood as a result of high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol or diabetes. A succession of mini-strokes can also lead to vascular dementia.

But with early treatment — typically drugs that control these underlying disorders, plus changes to diet and exercise — the progression of vascular dementia can be significantly delayed or even halted altogether.

Certainly, Alzheimer's is the most common form, accounting for almost two-thirds of the 500,000 cases of dementia among Canadians — a figure that's expected to double to 1.1 million within a generation.

The disease, first described in 1906 by German physician Alois Alzheimer, arises from destruction of neurons linked to deposits, called beta-amyloid plaques, and tangled bundles of fibres that form in the brain. Starting in the hippocampus, a key structure involved in laying down memory, cell death eventually spreads to other parts of the brain and breaks down connections between neurons.

"It's just a neurodegenerative process," explains Dr. Mary Tierney, director of the Geriatric Research Unit at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, whose studies show that brain changes likely begin a decade before symptoms first appear.

"Whatever kick-started it in the first place, that whole cell loss, is just continuing. And that sort of relentless continuation is what we're really trying to stall."

Drugs to slow the progression of the disease and tamp down symptoms include cholinesterase inhibitors, which boost a chemical messenger called acetylcholine that's needed for memory, thought and judgment.

"They've been shown to help a bit with attention, recent memory, but they seem also to have an effect on progression of a decline in autonomy ... the ability to handle daily tasks," says Dr. Serge Gauthier, a neurologist at the McGill Centre for Studies in Aging in Montreal.

"And there are some behavioural effects, so there's less apathy, or lack of interest," he says of the drug class often prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer's.

A second medication, memantine, works on a different neurotransmitter and is most effective in the later stages of the disease, in particular reducing agitation and aggressivity as well as improving word recall and allowing a patient to maintain physical functions longer.

Combining the drugs can keep a person with Alzheimer's out of long-term care for many months, even up to a year, Gauthier says.

But there is no cure for Alzheimer's, and pharmaceutical companies are scrambling to come up with compounds that could reverse or halt the relentless brain damage.

"It's such a horrible disease, but nothing is on the horizon yet," says Tierney.

As the birthdays add up, so does the risk of developing one kind of dementia or another.

"So as you get older more of your peers will have mild cognitive impairment and more of your peers will have dementia," says Chow. Between 60 and 65, up to five per cent will have Alzheimer's; by age 70 to 75, maybe 20 per cent will be affected. "And by the time you're in your late 80s, at least a third of the people around you would have dementia."

Among older seniors, those over 75, cognitive decline often results from a mixed bag of conditions — perhaps Alzheimer's, vascular and Parkinson's-related dementia, says Gauthier.

"It's not always black and white."

Still, there is no getting around the reality that Alzheimer's and some other forms of dementia are ultimately fatal.

For those affected by dementia, reactions to the diagnosis are as varied as the individuals themselves, says Marija Padjen, chief program officer at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto.

"Because of the very nature of the disease, some individuals will have much more awareness than others," she says. "So, for example, Mrs. Smith may be diagnosed with the disease, but she may have zero awareness of the fact that these symptoms are happening, that she's having memory lapses, etcetera, because the part of her brain that would allow for her to have a realization is affected."

That lack of insight, a condition known as anosognosia, can be tough on the patient's family, Gauthier points out.

"They're the ones who don't want to go to see the doctor, they're brought in by the family, (saying). 'There's nothing wrong with me. I don't need any medicine. I can drive.'

"But in a way it's less stressful for them."

Others have some awareness, while there are those few who have full insight, and that knowledge can persist as the disease slowly but inexorably chips away at memory, personality and the person's ability to function. "And they're really miserable, with a lot of anxiety," he says.

Common reactions to a dementia diagnosis are grief over the loss of self and control over one's life, adds Padjen. "There's a lot of fear of the unknown — and fear of the known. They may have had a family member diagnosed and know what's in front of them and it can be terrifying."

For family members, and especially those who become full-time caregivers, the diagnosis can be an emotional blow.

"For a lot of people, the grief begins with the diagnosis," says Padjen. "There's so many losses associated with the illness that they begin to g
rieve that individual and the loss of that relationship and the loss of the life that they had together."

"There's a term they use," adds Gauthier, "the unending funeral."

Tierney suggests family members will find it easier to cope if they try to remain rooted in the present, instead of fearing what the future will bring for their loved one with dementia.

"Focus on the person now and what they have."

———

Online:

Alzheimer Society of Canada: http://www.alzheimer.ca

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Cognitive impairment, dementia common in seniors, proper diagnosis key to treatment

Gordie Howe's dementia fight personal and public

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At 83, Mr. Hockey is still in demand and on the move. Gordie Howe is about to embark on another series of fundraisers to support dementia research.

It’s a personal cause. The disease killed his wife, Colleen, in 2009 and is beginning to affect him.

“He’s a little bit worse than last year, but pretty close to about the same,” son Marty said. “He just loses a little bit more, grasping for words.

“The worst part of this disease is there’s nothing you can do about it.”

While the long-term effects of concussions have been very much in the news lately, the family is hesitant to link the Hall of Famer’s condition to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the degenerative brain disease typically found in autopsies of people who have had multiple head injuries, including more than a dozen former NFL and NHL players.

Concussions weren’t tracked when Howe played, so it is impossible to know how many he sustained. And he didn’t start showing signs of dementia until his late 70s.

“I don’t think anybody can really answer that question,” Marty said of a connection to CTE. “He went for so long without any symptoms whatsoever. You don’t have to be an athlete or in contact sports to get dementia.”

Howe’s dementia is currently mild and his family members haven’t sought a diagnosis of exactly what kind he has. They did that with Colleen, who died at 76 of Pick’s disease. The rare form of dementia is marked by changes in mood, behavior and personality, followed by memory loss similar to that experienced in Alzheimer’s.

Another son, Murray, a radiologist, says his father’s symptoms don’t fit either Alzheimer’s or Pick’s.

“He has what we call mild cognitive impairment,” Murray said. “His brain power is not what it used to be. In terms of the prognosis and diagnosis, it’s still wide open.”

Howe has short-term memory loss, difficulty speaking and some confusion in the evening when the sun goes down. The latter, called “sundowning,” occurs in people with dementia, although the cause is unclear.

“He’s always worse in the evening,” Marty said. “It’s like when the sun goes down, something flips the switch.”

But Howe’s personality hasn’t changed and he continues to recognize his family and friends.

Howe’s stamina and power were legendary during his 33 seasons of pro hockey. Physically, he’s doing well for a man about to turn 84 in March. His sons say Howe likes to do household chores and go fishing, one of his favorite pastimes.

“He’s still Mr. Hockey and that’s what is so great because he’s just such a pleasure to have around,” Murray said. “He’ll wake up first thing in the morning and there’s a bunch of leaves outside and he’ll rake for three hours. He’s so pleasant and upbeat.

“When he first started showing signs of memory loss, we were concerned it was Alzheimer’s and it was just going to go downhill.”

It’s possible Howe’s dementia is vascular in nature. He suffered from heart disease later in his life and required the implantation of a coronary stent about a decade ago.

“He’s had a couple episodes of getting faint or passing out around that time,” Murray recalled. “It’s possible he had a couple of mini-strokes that picked off some of the parts of his brain that you need to be able to retain short-term memory. That’s my theory and what his family physician is thinking.”

Howe had episodes of forgetfulness about six years ago while caring for his wife. The Howe children recognized the signs they’d previously seen in their mother.

The hockey great also was tired and not looking after himself, which made his condition worse. A program of regular physical activity has helped him combat his dementia.

“He can easily walk four miles on very hilly terrain without a problem,” Murray said. “When he first came to us, he couldn’t walk 100 yards up a slight incline without having to stop because of chest pains. It was a complete turnaround for him.”

After Colleen Howe’s death, the Howes were approached by the Toronto health organization Baycrest to put Gordie Howe’s face on a fundraising campaign for Alzheimer’s.

Affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest specializes in mental diseases of the elderly.

Howe, accompanied by Marty, makes public appearances at an annual series of Scotiabank Pro-Am hockey tournaments across Canada. More than $16 million has been raised by the Gordie and Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer’s.

Howe is scheduled to attend a Canucks game in Vancouver on Thursday night to promote a Scotiabank Pro-Am in that city later this year.

Marty says his father plans to help kick off the same tournaments in Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto this spring.

He also will also attend a news conference Thursday afternoon in advance of a tribute in his honor at Friday’s Vancouver Giants game.

Howe has his photo taken with fans and signs autographs under Marty’s watchful eye at the events. A speech isn’t an option anymore. Fatigue tends to exacerbate Howe’s condition and Marty doesn’t want his father feeling strained.

“If you see him now, obviously you can kind of tell he’s not firing on all cylinders,” Marty says. “Most people see Gordie and they’re just happy Gordie is talking to them.”

Marty was alarmed by a decline in his father’s condition before an appearance in Calgary last year, but didn’t want his condition made public until the family had a better handle on his condition.

“For people who are dealing with this, you have to have a sense of humor,” he said. “Nobody wants to see their family members go through this. It gets harder. Towards the end, it’s really no quality of life whatsoever. Pretty depressing, but you have to find the humor in some of it. Otherwise, it will kill you, too.”

Marty and Murray are just grateful the dementia hasn’t changed their father’s personality or attitude so far.

“We’re enjoying the times we have now,” Marty said.

———

Online

http://gordiehowe.com/

http://www.baycrest.org/foundation.php

http://www.scotiabankproam.com/

Go here to read the rest:
Gordie Howe's dementia fight personal and public

Gordie Howe’s dementia fight personal and public

Posted on by

At 83, Mr. Hockey is still in demand and on the move. Gordie Howe is about to embark on another series of fundraisers to support dementia research.

It’s a personal cause. The disease killed his wife, Colleen, in 2009 and is beginning to affect him.

“He’s a little bit worse than last year, but pretty close to about the same,” son Marty said. “He just loses a little bit more, grasping for words.

“The worst part of this disease is there’s nothing you can do about it.”

While the long-term effects of concussions have been very much in the news lately, the family is hesitant to link the Hall of Famer’s condition to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the degenerative brain disease typically found in autopsies of people who have had multiple head injuries, including more than a dozen former NFL and NHL players.

Concussions weren’t tracked when Howe played, so it is impossible to know how many he sustained. And he didn’t start showing signs of dementia until his late 70s.

“I don’t think anybody can really answer that question,” Marty said of a connection to CTE. “He went for so long without any symptoms whatsoever. You don’t have to be an athlete or in contact sports to get dementia.”

Howe’s dementia is currently mild and his family members haven’t sought a diagnosis of exactly what kind he has. They did that with Colleen, who died at 76 of Pick’s disease. The rare form of dementia is marked by changes in mood, behavior and personality, followed by memory loss similar to that experienced in Alzheimer’s.

Another son, Murray, a radiologist, says his father’s symptoms don’t fit either Alzheimer’s or Pick’s.

“He has what we call mild cognitive impairment,” Murray said. “His brain power is not what it used to be. In terms of the prognosis and diagnosis, it’s still wide open.”

Howe has short-term memory loss, difficulty speaking and some confusion in the evening when the sun goes down. The latter, called “sundowning,” occurs in people with dementia, although the cause is unclear.

“He’s always worse in the evening,” Marty said. “It’s like when the sun goes down, something flips the switch.”

But Howe’s personality hasn’t changed and he continues to recognize his family and friends.

Howe’s stamina and power were legendary during his 33 seasons of pro hockey. Physically, he’s doing well for a man about to turn 84 in March. His sons say Howe likes to do household chores and go fishing, one of his favorite pastimes.

“He’s still Mr. Hockey and that’s what is so great because he’s just such a pleasure to have around,” Murray said. “He’ll wake up first thing in the morning and there’s a bunch of leaves outside and he’ll rake for three hours. He’s so pleasant and upbeat.

“When he first started showing signs of memory loss, we were concerned it was Alzheimer’s and it was just going to go downhill.”

It’s possible Howe’s dementia is vascular in nature. He suffered from heart disease later in his life and required the implantation of a coronary stent about a decade ago.

“He’s had a couple episodes of getting faint or passing out around that time,” Murray recalled. “It’s possible he had a couple of mini-strokes that picked off some of the parts of his brain that you need to be able to retain short-term memory. That’s my theory and what his family physician is thinking.”

Howe had episodes of forgetfulness about six years ago while caring for his wife. The Howe children recognized the signs they’d previously seen in their mother.

The hockey great also was tired and not looking after himself, which made his condition worse. A program of regular physical activity has helped him combat his dementia.

“He can easily walk four miles on very hilly terrain without a problem,” Murray said. “When he first came to us, he couldn’t walk 100 yards up a slight incline without having to stop because of chest pains. It was a complete turnaround for him.”

After Colleen Howe’s death, the Howes were approached by the Toronto health organization Baycrest to put Gordie Howe’s face on a fundraising campaign for Alzheimer’s.

Affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest specializes in mental diseases of the elderly.

Howe, accompanied by Marty, makes public appearances at an annual series of Scotiabank Pro-Am hockey tournaments across Canada. More than $16 million has been raised by the Gordie and Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer’s.

Howe is scheduled to attend a Canucks game in Vancouver on Thursday night to promote a Scotiabank Pro-Am in that city later this year.

Marty says his father plans to help kick off the same tournaments in Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto this spring.

He also will also attend a news conference Thursday afternoon in advance of a tribute in his honor at Friday’s Vancouver Giants game.

Howe has his photo taken with fans and signs autographs under Marty’s watchful eye at the events. A speech isn’t an option anymore. Fatigue tends to exacerbate Howe’s condition and Marty doesn’t want his father feeling strained.

“If you see him now, obviously you can kind of tell he’s not firing on all cylinders,” Marty says. “Most people see Gordie and they’re just happy Gordie is talking to them.”

Marty was alarmed by a decline in his father’s condition before an appearance in Calgary last year, but didn’t want his condition made public until the family had a better handle on his condition.

“For people who are dealing with this, you have to have a sense of humor,” he said. “Nobody wants to see their family members go through this. It gets harder. Towards the end, it’s really no quality of life whatsoever. Pretty depressing, but you have to find the humor in some of it. Otherwise, it will kill you, too.”

Marty and Murray are just grateful the dementia hasn’t changed their father’s personality or attitude so far.

“We’re enjoying the times we have now,” Marty said.

———

Online

http://gordiehowe.com/

http://www.baycrest.org/foundation.php

http://www.scotiabankproam.com/

Go here to read the rest:
Gordie Howe's dementia fight personal and public