Penn Memory Center

An Alzheimer's Disease Research Center

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Weekly InSight: Global Council on Brain Health Report

You’re never too old to improve your mental well-being.

It won’t only make you feel better, it’s also associated with reduced risk of dementia, according to a report from the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH).

Following a GCBH meeting last fall in London, the group published a 32-page report which includes a number of expert recommendations that may give individuals the chance to experience or optimize their personal well-being. Some of those recommendations include:

  • Take the time to develop or strengthen relationships with family and friends
  • Come to peace with your past decisions and acknowledge what you cannot change
  • Get seven to eight hours of sleep a night, and optimize the quality of your sleep
  • Consult a doctor or mental health professional if you think you may suffer from anxiety or depression
  • Avoid excessive alcohol. If you do drink, drink in moderation.

For a full-list of expert recommendations and practical tips, refer to pages 4-5 of this document.

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Researchers exploring effect of blood pressure control on dementia

By Sharnita Midgett

To understand the link between blood pressure and dementia, SPRINT MIND investigators are continuing their research to answer the question: does intensely controlling blood pressure in patients with hypertension decrease dementia risk?

A study co-authored by Assistant Professor of Radiology and SPRINT MIND Investigator Ilya Nasrallah, MD examined the effects of intensive blood pressure control versus standard blood pressure control on dementia. Nasrallah works closely with Penn Memory Center clinicians and assists with reviewing patients.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a risk factor for many conditions, and the study of blood pressure is the main focus of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). SPRINT was designed to test the effect of more intensive blood pressure control on cardiovascular, renal, and cognitive outcomes in those without diabetes or preexisting stroke.

The trial found that intensive treatment for patients with high blood pressure resulted in fewer heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac deaths. The results were so clear that it would have been unethical to continue research that would delay intensive treatment for the group receiving standard treatment. The trial ended early, and the results led to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association changing their definition of what constitutes high blood pressure. However, the question of blood pressure’s impact on dementia risk remains, and is a question that the substudy of SPRINT, SPRINT MIND (Memory and Cognition IN Decreased Hypertension), aims to answer.

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Optimism, positivity associated with lower risk of dementia

By Sharnita Midgett

Greater mental well-being that includes optimism and a positive attitude is associated with reduced risk of dementia, according to a report from the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH).

The GCBH met in London last fall to discuss the impact of mental well-being on older adults. From the evidence, they determined that optimism and greater mental health led to better brain health. Poor mental well-being, such as pessimism or not feeling useful, could interfere with people’s abilities to interact with others, regulate their emotions, think and reason. While mental well-being can be affected by a variety of factors such as genetics, relationships, personality and environmental factors, research shows that there are steps people can take to improve mental well-being as they age.

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Empowering Caregivers: ‘Bathing, Grooming, Dressing, and Other Activities of Daily Living’

The Penn Memory Center continued its new Empowering Caregivers speaker series this year with occupational therapist and Day by Day Home Therapy founder Rachel Wiley, who presented “Bathing, Grooming, Dressing, and Other Activities of Daily Living.” Wiley’s workshop was both practical and personal, emphasizing real-world advice on caring for your loved one. Empowering Caregivers gives caregivers access to area experts who present on a variety of intensive topics, from in-home activities to end-of-life care.

All sessions are full. We appreciate your enthusiasm.

Weekly InSight: Biogen Clinical Trials Update

U.S.-based biotechnology company Biogen and its Japanese partner Eisai announced Thursday their Phase 3 Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials ENGAGE and EMERGE will be discontinued.

At the Penn Memory Center (PMC), there were seventeen people participating in the Biogen Study. The participants and their study partners have been contacted regarding next steps.

The Biogen Study was a global effort testing the experimental drug aducanumab among older individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease, including mild cognitive impairment. Aducanumab is a human antibody that recognizes some forms of beta-amyloid, one of two Alzheimer’s-linked proteins.

Safety concerns are not the reason the studies were halted. Rather, an analysis by an independent data committee revealed the studies would be unlikely to meet their objectives upon completion. The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the drug in slowing cognitive and functional impairment. The analysis revealed the drug is unlikely to benefit patients.

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Biogen trial discontinued

Biotechnology company Biogen today announced the decision to discontinue Phase 3 trials ENGAGE and EMERGE, which were designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aducanumab in patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia.

At the Penn Memory Center, seventeen people were participating in the Biogen study. These participants and their study partners have been contacted regarding next steps.

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Weekly InSight: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Benefits

Editor’s Note: For this Weekly InSight, the Communications team decided to hand the post over to our social work team. We hope you enjoy the switch and gain another perspective of the work we do here at the PMC.

Ron was 66 years old when he began committing all of his energy to his wife as her primary caregiver. Over the next two years, he found himself overwhelmed by her “insurmountable” needs. At day, he fantasizes about the retirement he thought he’d have. At night, his worries keep him awake. He finally decides he needed some help of his own and begins therapy.

Ron and his therapist use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to challenge the negative thoughts that are plaguing him, and come up with ways for him to identify and address the negative feelings that follow the thoughts. They work on coping skills, such as mindfulness, that Ron works into his daily routine. After a few sessions, Ron feels more comfortable accepting the diagnosis and its implications and is better able to adapt to his caregiving role without compromising his own self-care.

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Weekly InSight: Moment to Moment Film Has Close Ties to PMC

A new, short film about love and resilience in the face of disease will premiere next month in Philadelphia. The film, called Moment to Moment, has close ties to the Penn Memory Center (PMC).

Moment to Moment features Carl Duzen and Susan Jewett, who have been actively involved with the PMC for more than five years. Duzen, a former physics teacher, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014 by PMC Co-Director David Wolk, MD. His wife, Jewett, is an artist and former art teacher.

The film follows the couple as they navigate the challenges of Duzen’s diagnosis. And more specifically, it focuses on the couple’s newfound hobby: turning copper wire into art.

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