Two of the most anticipated studies this year—large-scale, randomized, controlled, and double-blinded trials of the popular obesity and diabetes drug semaglutide for Alzheimer’s disease—have unfortunately ended in a dud. Novo Nordisk, the makers of semaglutide, announced the disappointing trial results early Monday morning. The drug did not meaningfully slow down the disease’s progression compared to […]
The 6 Worst Health Scandals of the Past 25 Years
In medicine, there’s almost no such thing as a free lunch. Just about every drug or intervention will have its side effects. Ideally, rigorous studies and the regulatory process will ensure that an approved drug’s benefits clearly outweigh any potential harms. But sometimes, researchers (and patients) will uncover side effects that went unnoticed during the […]
Our Brains Contain Lithium—and Its Loss Might Help Drive Alzheimer’s, Study Finds
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the cruelest conditions a person can develop. And even with recent advances, there’s only so much that can be done once its symptoms emerge. Research out this week might highlight a critical and previously missed factor driving the disease, one that could even lead to new treatments. Scientists at Harvard […]
Got Cold Sores? You Might Be at Higher Risk for Alzheimer’s
Some common germs might plant the seed for dementia later in life. Research out today has found a link between several infectious diseases, particularly herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1), and a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists at Gilead Sciences conducted the study, published Tuesday in BMJ Open. They analyzed the medical records of Americans with health […]
Scientists Announce Possible Breakthrough in Delaying Alzheimer’s
We might be on the precipice of a pivotal moment in Alzheimer’s disease research. In clinical trial data released this week, scientists have presented early evidence that it’s possible to delay symptoms in people genetically fated to develop Alzheimer’s at a young age. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine led the study, which […]
Can a Drug Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease Decades Before It Happens?
A clinical trial has just begun that might take decades to fully complete but could have life-changing results. Researchers are testing out a plaque-clearing drug for Alzheimer’s disease in young people who are genetically destined to develop the devastating brain disorder. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine are leading the study, which is […]
This Anesthesia Gas Could Be the Next Big Alzheimer’s Treatment
The next Alzheimer’s treatment could come from an unexpected place. In new research released this week, scientists have found evidence in mice that xenon gas might be able to help treat the neurodegenerative condition. Scientists at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Washington University led the research, published Wednesday in Science Translational Medicine. In mice with […]