Over 14,000 people attended AAIC 2024 in Philadelphia or online. It is the biggest gathering of dementia researchers from all stages of their careers in academia and industry and it's a great place to exchange ideas and build connections. There were significant news stories emerging too.
Red meat consumption a risk factor for dementia
Eating processed red meat could increase risk of dementia - a study of over 130,000 people over 40 years. the report indicates that swapping some red meat consumption for nuts and beans may be a signifcant modifying behaviour to reduce the risk of dementia.
Highly accurate blood sample tests for diagnosis
A blood test accurately diagnosed Alzheimer's Disease 90% of the time - A Swedish study reveals blood tests are 91% accurate in real-world settings, outperforming traditional diagnostic methods. Experts are recommending that only blood tests with over 90% accuracy be used, with p-tau217 tests currently showing the most promise.
Drugs used for diabetes and weight loss and heart disease — may also protect the brain
A weight loss drug appears to slow cognitive decline in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. New research presented at the AAIC conference in Philadelphia finds.
As yet unpublished in a peer-reviewed journal, the news adds to the growing evidence that GLP-1 agonists — a class of medications that includes the popular diabetes and weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, from Novo Nordisk, and Mounjaro and Zepbound, from Eli Lilly — may also protect the brain.
Reflections from our DPUK team
Dr. Atticus Hainsworth was delighted to see a lot more vascular research represented and lots of enthusiasm around the vascular theme.
“To share a few examples… There is new data on imaging biomarkers from Mark-VCID.
“There’s new data too, from SPRINT-MIND. Remarkably, there’s a ‘legacy effect’ of intensive blood pressure control. The data shows a cognitive benefit from 3.3 years of intensive BP lowering which is maintained for 6.9 subsequent years.
“Of course meeting people is high on the list of positives for me. Here I am with Dr Tanya Xi, Senior Medical Director of AriBio. (I am on the scientific advisory board) She told me the latest on their current phase-3 trial with a PDE5 inhibitor.”
Professor Vanessa Raymont is pleased to have heard so much more about the explosion in biomarker research.
“There’s exciting evidence around the utility of biomarkers and the extended use of new treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease” she told me. The field continues to look very positive for real patient change.”
Professor Sarah Bauermeister participated in a session and presented a number of posters.
“In addition to groundbreaking dementia-related science, AAIC is the one event each year where we all have chance to meet collaborators and colleagues across the world”
Simon Young, Senior Project Manager at Dementias Platform UK worked hard at our stand, introducing people to the infrastructure and expertise within DPUK.
“It’s been Great to share a stand with Alzheimer’s Disease Data Initiative and Dementias Platform Australia to promote global connectivity between platforms as well as having loads of collaborative meetings with many of our industry and philanthropic partners and potential partners."
For several of our researchers and postgraduate students, this was a first time visit to AAIC.
Luciana Maffei says AAIC was a great experience, not only to be involved with a poster presentation, but to hear about a wide range of topics.
“I discovered so much across a range of areas including molecular animal models, AI studies and pharmacological trials. As an ECR it has also been great connecting with industry partners, other students, and researchers to discuss the importance and direction of future work.”
Maria Bunyan, a researcher in our team at Oxford says her main takeaway is how dementia science is producing evidence for potentially life-changing prevention, treatment and care.
“My personal highlight was learning from and talking with international colleagues, especially about what ‘meaningful outcomes’ look like for people, and how we must invest in greater collaboration across pharmacological to non-pharmacological research to deliver this."