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Drs. Virginia Man-Yee Lee and John Trojanowski

By Meg McCarthy 

Discovered years ago by a team of Penn researchers, TDP-43 (transactive response DNA binding protein of 43 kDa) is the focus of several presentations at this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).  

The identification of TDP-43 was years in the making. Now, Virginia Man-Yee Lee, PhD, Director of the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research (CNDR), has dedicated her career to training the next generation of researchers devoted to this work.  

From its discovery and impact to current research applications, here’s what to know about TDP-43.  

AAIC Exhibition Hall

By Cait Kearney

This year, more than 45 University of Pennsylvania scientists were among 10,000 attendees of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and online. Researchers presented and discussed their cutting-edge research related to Alzheimer’s diagnostics, interventions, and basic science. Check out the conference and UPenn highlights below.

Conference highlights

Donanemab Phase 3 study results announced

The full results of the Phase 3 TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 study showed that the drug donanemab significantly slowed cognitive and functional decline in people with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s.  

On NPR’s 1A, Penn Memory Center (PMC) Co-Director Jason Karlawish, MD, said the results are “significant” and, when combined with the recent approval of the Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi, mark a “potentially revolutionary” era in Alzheimer’s research and clinical care.   

PMC Co-Directors Dave Wolk, MD, and Dr. Karlawish will give an update on anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, including donanemab, at the upcoming PMC Community Discussion on August 14 at 4 p.m. Click here to register.  

Simple finger prick test may detect Alzheimer’s 

Research presented at AAIC found that blood testing from a simple finger prick may be enough to detect Alzheimer’s disease. This would make Alzheimer’s testing faster and more accessible.  

“These findings are timely and important with the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals of Alzheimer’s treatments targeting amyloid-beta where confirmation of amyloid buildup and biomarker monitoring are required to receive treatment,” said Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer. “Blood tests — once verified and approved — would offer a quick, noninvasive and cost-effective option.” 

Hearing aids slow cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss 

A study of more than 900 individuals showed that a hearing intervention, which included hearing aids and counseling, slowed cognitive decline in adults who were at increased risk for dementia. More research is needed to understand why the intervention was beneficial. 

By Cait Kearney

One of the Alzheimer’s Association’s largest initiatives is its free, 24/7 Helpline, which receives more than 800 calls per day and connects callers with master’s degree-level care consultants.  

Nancy Hodgson, PhD, RN, FAAN, chair of the department of biobehavioral sciences at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, and her team her were asked to evaluate the Helpline and answer a very important question: Is the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline helpful? 

By Meghan McCarthy 

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 59.3% of the United States population are white individuals. Yet, a recent analysis of preclinical trials related to Alzheimer’s’ disease and related dementias (ADRDs) found that 85.9% of the 59,455 research participants involved where white.

ADRDs disproportionally impact ethnic minorities, and researchers around the country are working to understand why.  

Historically, African Americans, Hispanic, and Asian Americans are substantially underrepresented in AD research populations. The Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP), which uses multi-ancestry study groups, aims to bridge this gap.  

“We know the problem and have to do the work,” said Li-San Wang, PhD, a leader of the Penn Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and co-director of the Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center.

On June 14, the Penn Memory Center (PMC) held “A Celebration of Hope” to raise dollars for expanded dementia research and care and to honor PMC patients, families, and clinicians.

The celebratory event, held at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Pop Up Garden, featured a cabaret performance by Eddie Bruce and the Tom Adams Trio with special guest Michael Pedicin and a live auction that included an exclusive golf outing, private dinners, a limousine experience, and more.

By Alison Lynn, Penn Memory Center Director of Social Work

Diane’s daughter holding a picture of her and her mother. Credit: McNair Evans for The New York Times

A Story of Dementia: The Mother Who Changed

Katie Engelhart (whose book, “The Inevitable: Dispatches on the Right to Die,” I also highly recommend) explores the complexities of selfhood, decision-making capacity, and caregiving in her heartbreaking story on the Norelius family.

Engelhart traces the story of Diane Norelius, whose diagnosis of dementia led to a years-long financial and legal conflict between her daughters and her new romantic partner. Diane’s personality changed, which led her to start a relationship with a man who her daughters allege was financially manipulating her and neglecting her care. Her partner, of course, accused her daughters of the same thing.