Written by Dr. Jonathan Liss

As the lights dim on the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference stage in Los Angeles, the excitement of applying all that’s been learned illuminates the walkways of attendees as they make their way back to their respective homes. Throughout the week, a record number of researchers from around the world shared evermore innovative ways to detect early disease and new approaches to finding a cure. Our biggest takeaway: the march towards a cure for Alzheimer’s continues at vigorous pace.

One of the key topics discussed at this year’s conference was the benefit of a healthy lifestyle on brain health. Dr. Jonathan Liss, Founder of Columbus Memory Center, explained “the recognition that a healthy lifestyle, along with current FDA approved drug trials, may dramatically slow the progression of mild memory loss into Alzheimer’s disease, makes paying attention to brain health a necessity.” Recent trial failures have led to a greater understanding of the disease, and the discovery of better ways for researchers to step in.

Other notable data presentations at the conference include:

  • Advances in emerging blood biomarkers that may support early detection, improved diagnosis and enhanced clinical trial recruitment for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and othe neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Sex-specific differences in the biology of Alzheimer’s that may explain why the disease impact men and women so differently.
  • New clinical data and study designs from clinical trials evaluating novel Alzheimer’s treatment approaches. – (source: www.alz.org)

Still, the most powerful tools we have against Alzheimer’s are prevention and awareness efforts. Dr. Liss urges seniors to get a cognitive test every year to monitor their brain health. He shared, “annual testing will reassure the worried well, help identify curable causes of impaired thinking and promote independence for people on the pathway to Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Cognitive testing is covered by Medicare, and the Memory Number® is always free at the Columbus Memory Center. Visit https://www.alz.org/aaic/releases_2019/AAIC19-Wed-release-NewResearch.asp for more about topics discussed at #AAIC19.