Editors' Blog

Introducing the JAD Editors' Blog

Posted by George Perry, PhD on 15 July 2015

Two hundred issues and nearly twenty years have positioned JAD at the center of printed and electronic peer-reviewed publications in Alzheimer's disease, as a venue that reflects the breadth of research in the field worldwide.

Last comment on 28 March 2017 by Lawrence Broxmeyer, MD

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Depression in Alzheimer's Disease

Posted by Gwenn Smith, PhD on 30 July 2015

Depression in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has a substantial impact on disability, disease progression, and caregiver burden. Furthermore, depressive symptoms in normal aging, as well as in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), are associated with cognitive and functional decline.

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Protecting Progress

Posted by Allyson Rosen, PhD, ABPP-CN on 13 August 2015

Over the past few years there has been tremendous progress in diagnosis and therapeutic trials on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias. Overall, the cost/benefit relationship is shifting with success.

Last comment on 21 October 2016 by Allyson Rosen, PhD, ABPP-CN

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Diagnosing Subjective Cognitive Impairment: A Non-Dementia Related Context

Posted by Andrea Tales, PhD on 29 September 2015

For most people, older adulthood is associated with some decline in memory and in some aspects of cognitive function. These are age-related changes [1] that are widely expected, understood, and accepted by the general public.

Last comment on 16 October 2015 by Amy Davies, MSc MSc PhD

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Is There Alzheimer’s Disease?

Posted by Peter Whitehouse, MD, PhD on 15 October 2015

Of course there is, but, as the expression goes, “It’s complicated”. Our contention is that Alzheimer’s is more of a disease of minds than a disease of brains.

Last comment on 5 February 2016 by J. Wesson Ashford, MD, PhD

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Time to Dismount

Posted by Jack de la Torre, MD, PhD on 30 October 2015

The field of Alzheimer research has reached an impasse after more than 100,000 clinical and scientific papers published in the last 40 years, because there is yet no hope, no effective treatment, and no knowledge of what causes this dementia.

Last comment on 24 November 2015 by Gustavo Román, MD, DrHC

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Extracellular Tau Spreading

Posted by Jesus Ávila, MD on 8 January 2016

The microtubule-associated protein tau is mainly expressed within neurons where it performs its physiological function of microtubule stability. However, extracellular tau is found in models of tau overexpression in which neuronal degeneration and cell death is prominent.

Last comment on 8 January 2016 by Alejandra Alonso, PhD

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Early and Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: Two Different Entities?

Posted by Massimo Tabaton, MD on 19 February 2016

The first case of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a 51-year-old woman, was described in 1906. For several years, AD was assumed to be a rare form of presenile dementia.

Last comment on 19 February 2016 by Gianluigi Zanusso, Medical

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Can Alzheimer’s-in-a-dish models accelerate AD drug discovery?

Posted by Rudolph Tanzi, Ph.D. on 8 April 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) transgenic mice have been used as a standard model for AD drug discovery and basic mechanistic studies. These mouse models overexpress amyloid β precursor protein (APP) or APP/presenilin (PS) with single or multiple familial AD (FAD) mutations, which lead to excess accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ), a well-known driver for AD pathogenesis.

Last comment on 8 April 2016 by Christopher Navara

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Early diagnosis, timely diagnosis, or personalized diagnosis in AD?

Posted by Pierre Krolak-Salmon, MD PhD on 29 April 2016

As disease-modifying drugs are crucially missing from the pipeline of treatments available for people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or related disorders, physicians, scientists, and public health experts are promoting the concept of early diagnosis.

Last comment on 29 April 2016 by Philip Scheltens, Prof.dr

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Happy Fathers’ Day, 2016 , World Peace, and the Need to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted by J. Wesson Ashford, MD, PhD on 20 June 2016

On this Fathers’ Day, June 19, 2016, I would like to share a revelation that I had in college, at the University of California, Berkeley, in the anti-war days of the late 1960s.

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Is sporadic Alzheimer’s disease a form of diabetes?

Posted by Paula Moreira, PhD on 15 July 2016

Due to the aging of the population and to unhealthy lifestyle habits, age-related metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases are a growing and alarming problem around the globe.

Last comment on 23 May 2017 by Lawrence Broxmeyer, MD

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Molecular Neuroresilience Biomarkers and the Prediction of Brain Health Across Lifespan

Posted by Giulio Pasinetti, MD, PhD on 5 August 2016

The ability to maintain normal psychological and physical functioning and avoid serious mental illness when exposed to stress and trauma, a phenomenon known as resilience, is a topic that has been investigated over the past several years with increasing attention [1,2].

Last comment on 5 August 2016 by Heather Snyder, Ph.D.

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The case for a viral role in Alzheimer's disease

Posted by Ruth Itzhaki, MSc PhD MA on 19 August 2016

Most of us harbour in our body several types of herpes virus—perhaps as many as five—and we provide them with a safe and secluded haven for life, as there are no methods for eliminating or expelling them.

Last comment on 19 August 2016 by Brian Balin, PhD

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I eat, therefore I am a nutrition expert

Posted by Martha Clare Morris, Sc.D. on 9 September 2016

There is no doubt that nutrition is involved in brain health and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. This is an important area of research in the dementia field that has suffered from the absence of trained experts in nutrition and nutritional epidemiology.

Last comment on 30 September 2016 by Thomas B. Shea, PhD

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When do we diagnose severe Alzheimer's disease?

Posted by Sergio Salmerón, MD PhD on 2 December 2016

Among patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the percentage in the severe stage ranges from 28% [1] to 33% [2] to a maximum of 50% [3]. In institutionalized patients, prevalence is higher, with an estimated 75% of patients with severe AD [4].

Last comment on 2 December 2016 by Maheen Adamson, PhD

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Applying Quantitative Neuroimaging in Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s

Posted by Cyrus Raji, MD PhD on 13 January 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and remains incurable. Its prevalence is rising, current afflicting 5 million Americans with projections to affect millions more as the population ages [1].

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What is wrong with Alzheimer’s disease clinical research?

Posted by Jack de la Torre, MD, PhD on 10 February 2017

There is increasing concern not only in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research, but all of modern investigations, that false findings may be the majority or even the vast majority of published research claims [1].

Last comment on 15 April 2017 by Markku Kurkinen, PhD

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Alzheimer’s Disease and Spirochetosis: A Causal Relationship

Posted by Judith Miklossy, MD, PhD, DSc on 27 February 2017

The World Health Organization [1] has declared dementia as public health priority. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia. The challenges to governments to respond to the growing number of people with dementia are substantial. Tremendous efforts have been made in research during the last four decades highlighting important aspects of the pathogenesis of AD, but if the cause of AD is not defined, and treatments to prevent the disease are not provided, the world will face an unprecedented health-care problem by the middle of the century.

Last comment on 23 May 2017 by Lawrence Broxmeyer, MD

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Crowd Sourcing Literature Reviews

Posted by Francis Hane, PhD on 14 April 2017

Recently, the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (JAD) solicited their readership to vote on the most influential research articles in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the last 5 years.

Last comment on 14 April 2017 by Francis Hane, PhD

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Music Experiences for Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted by Amy Clements-Cortes, PhD on 25 August 2017

Music is a wonderful, non-pharmacological intervention to be considered for persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In order to provide appropriate and beneficial music interventions for persons with AD, it is important to understand the range of music experiences that may offer effective complementary management of symptoms associated with AD.

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Dr. Oskar Fischer’s Mysterious Little Alzheimer’s Germ

Posted by Lawrence Broxmeyer, MD on 3 November 2017

Alois Alzheimer might have mentioned plaques and tangles in a single short paper on pre-senile dementia in 1907, but it was the co-discover of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Oskar Fischer, who in that same year far more extensively reported neuritic plaque in 12 cases of senile dementia, a condition which he and many others refused to differentiate from Alzheimer’s “pre-senile” dementia.

Last comment on 26 September 2024 by Lawrence Broxmeyer, MD

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Alzheimer’s Disease Research: A Modern Version of the Parable of the Blind Men and an Elephant

Posted by Shi-Jiang Li, PhD on 18 November 2017

An ancient Indian subcontinent parable tells a story in which a group of blind men each touch a different part of an elephant. They cannot agree on the nature of the elephant because none of them observed the elephant as a whole.

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What is Aβ?

Posted by Sally Hunter, on 2 March 2018

The search to find therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been dominated for over 25 years by research into the roles in the initiation and progression of dementia of the amyloid beta protein (Aβ) [1, 2], derived from the β-pathway of amyloid beta protein (AβPP) cleavage.

Last comment on 1 May 2018 by Sally Hunter,

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Alzheimer’s Disease, the Sweet Trail to Neuroprotection

Posted by Stefano Sensi, MD PhD on 2 November 2018

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we are gaining great ground in the field of early diagnosis, but disease-modifying drugs are still missing. While many studies have been focused on the pathogenic role of amyloid-β (Aβ) dysmetabolism, recent preclinical and clinical findings revealed a more complex picture. In AD, we need to embrace a complex view of the disease state as a condition resulting from the converging failure of health-controlling systems and networks; A condition shaped by the combination of our “omic” blueprint and the influence of the environment.

Last comment on 11 November 2018 by Paula Moreira, PhD

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What Does Music Therapy Look Like for Persons with AD?

Posted by Amy Clements-Cortes, PhD on 16 November 2018

This blog is a follow-up to the one I published in August 2017, titled “Music Experiences for Persons with AD”. In this piece, I am focusing on one of the experiences: Music Therapy. As an inexpensive, evidence-based, and non-pharmacological treatment, music therapy should highly be considered in the total care package for persons living with AD.

Last comment on 16 November 2018 by Michael Gordon, MD MSc

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Prion Protein and Alzheimer's Disease

Posted by Saima Zafar, PhD on 30 November 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia with large impact on population over the age of 65 years [1]. The most distinctive symptomatic phase during the disease is the decline of the cognition with the loss of synapses [2-5].

Last comment on 26 December 2018 by Claudio Russo, PhD

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Recent Advances in the Field of 3D Modelling for Neurodegeneration

Posted by Silvia Bolognin, on 4 January 2019

In the last few years, we have witnessed a tremendous advancement in cell culturing methods. The scene has been dominated by the optimization of 3D in vitro models either in the form of dissociated neuronal cultures or of the so-called organoids.

Last comment on 5 January 2019 by Doo Yeon Kim, Ph.D.

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“Checkmate the Onset of Dementia”: Prescribing Chess to Elderly People as a Primary Prevention of Dementia

Posted by Ivan Fernández Vega, MD PhD on 25 January 2019

It is estimated that around 45 million people in the world suffer from dementia, most of them over 60 years old. With increases in life expectancy, this incidence is projected to double every 20 years [1].

Last comment on 31 January 2019 by Soraya Valles, PhD

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The Next Generation of Evidence for Dementia Risk Reduction

Posted by Ruth Peters, BSc (Hons) MSc Ph... on 23 August 2019

The past 10-20 years have seen an exponential growth in the scientific literature on dementia, the identification of dementia risk factors, and the potential for risk reduction.

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NetNoggin’s Exploratory Analysis: Alzheimer’s Drug Failures

Posted by JAD Admin, on 26 October 2019

An exploratory study, conducted by NetNoggin®, revealed that among those impacted by Alzheimer's, hope of finding a cure is deflating due to recent clinical trial failures. This exploration was a combination of secondary analysis and primary netnographic research.

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Robots and Avatars that Show Emotions and the Role of Telepresence during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted by Elena Portacolone, PhD on 15 June 2020

In the COVID-19 pandemic, in the absence of a cure or vaccine, the social distancing of older adults with cognitive impairment is vital for their survival.

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Virtuoso compares her Alzheimer’s diagnosis to cancer

Posted by JAD Admin, on 9 July 2020

Eugenia Zukerman, flute virtuoso, author and television music reporter, has clinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD). She has openly discussed her condition with the media, and wrote about it in her latest book, “Like Falling Through a Cloud: A Lyrical Memoir,” published late last year.

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Case Study: Understanding the Alzheimer’s Disease (including MCI) Patient Journey with Limited Patient Voice

Posted by JAD Admin, on 15 July 2020

Background: NetNoggin® conducts netnographic research (also called “ethnography online”) through social media listening.

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Off BACE: Fascinating Failures, One with Cognitive Recovery?

Posted by Ron Louie, MD on 5 February 2021

Shocking cognitive worsening and brain shrinkage (not to mention other toxicities) were seen in subjects receiving BACE inhibitors during recent trials, meant to help early dementia.

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"Something in the Air": Air Pollution and Dementia Risk

Posted by Michael Hornberger, PhD on 30 March 2021

Risk factors for dementia are by now well established, with particular lifestyle factors/choices shown to have a significant impact on the development of dementia. However, much less is known in how much our environment potentially influences the risk for dementia.

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What is the Purpose of Medicine When Dealing with Incurable Alzheimer’s Disease?

Posted by Jack de la Torre, MD, PhD on 21 April 2021

It is fair to ask this consequential question in the title above since it is seldom, if ever, discussed at dementia or neurology conferences.

Last comment on 25 April 2021 by Patrizia Mecocci, MD, PhD

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The FDA Approves Aducanumab for Alzheimer’s Disease, Raising Important Scientific Questions

Posted by Jack de la Torre, MD, PhD on 1 July 2021

One of the most jaw-dropping reversals of guidance procedures in the history of the FDA took place last June 7, when the agency announced that the drug aducanumab, a monoclonal antibody manufactured by Biogen and Eisai, biotech companies for the treatment of AD, had received marketing approval.

Last comment on 19 July 2021 by Markku Kurkinen, PhD

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On the Nomenclature of the Alzheimer’s Disease Amyloid and Its Precursor

Posted by Nikolaos Robakis, on 28 July 2021

Amyloids are insoluble extracellular depositions of protein fibrils with a typical X-ray diffraction pattern. Amyloid fibrils are composed of polypeptide chains arranged in a twisted β-pleated sheet conformation.

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Why We Must Lance the Alzheimer’s Boil

Posted by Peter Whitehouse, MD, PhD on 12 August 2021

Sometimes social pressures come to a head, and a moment of crisis offers opportunity. With the disastrous FDA approval of aducanumab (or Aduhelm, as the drug is known in its commercial existence) in June, the figurative “boil” of the Alzheimer’s disease movement has done just that.

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Fifty Years of Dementia: A Transdisciplinary and Intergenerative Lifelong Learning Adventure in the Field

Posted by Peter Whitehouse, MD, PhD on 20 August 2021

Fifty years ago, I started my journey into the Alzheimer’s field, both personally and professionally.

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A Science-Based Falsifiability Test for the Amyloid Hypothesis (AHyp)

Posted by Claudiu Bandea, PhD on 21 January 2022

The identification of Aβ peptides as the major components of amyloid plaque and the discovery in familial cases of Alzheimer’s diseases (AD) of multiple mutations in the genes implicated in their production led to the formalization of the Amyloid Hypothesis (AHyp) [1].

Last comment on 18 June 2023 by Markku Kurkinen, PhD

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Familiar Music May Help Caregivers and Loved Ones Living with Dementia to Connect with One Another

Posted by Aaron Colverson, on 16 May 2022

Music has a profound impact upon the lives of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Last comment on 25 May 2022 by JAD Admin,

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The Prion Hypothesis at Forty: Enlightening or Deceptive?

Posted by Claudiu Bandea, PhD on 8 October 2022

Spoiler: The prion hypothesis was developed in the context of misleading premises, skewed interpretations of experimental data and observations, and omission of previous findings and knowledge.

Last comment on 26 September 2024 by Lawrence Broxmeyer, MD

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Protecting Progress: Communicating and Using Dementia Risk Evidence

Posted by Allyson Rosen, PhD, ABPP-CN on 29 November 2022

A transformation in our understanding of dementia is happening through advances in biomarkers, genetics, and other data used as dementia risk evidence (DRE) promising a future for precision dementia care.

Last comment on 30 November 2022 by Allyson Rosen, PhD, ABPP-CN

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APOE4 genotype and risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease

Posted by Irundika Dias, BSc (Hons) MSc ... on 2 January 2023

Apolipoprotein E gene allele 4 (APOE4) is a major genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Individuals carrying one copy of the APOE4 allele are known to be at 3-4-fold increased risk of developing AD compared with those carrying the more common APOE3 allele.

Last comment on 26 September 2024 by Lawrence Broxmeyer, MD

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What’s Leqembi got to do with Alzheimer’s dementia?

Posted by Markku Kurkinen, PhD on 15 June 2023

On January 6, 2023, the FDA granted an accelerated approval for lecanemab (branded Leqembi by Eisai and Biogen) in the treatment of early Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) patients.

Last comment on 19 June 2023 by Markku Kurkinen, PhD

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Does Alzheimer’s even come close to being an Autoimmune Disease?

Posted by Lawrence Broxmeyer, MD on 14 September 2023

Weaver DF (2023) Alzheimer's disease as an innate autoimmune disease (AD2): A new molecular paradigm. Alzheimers Dement 19, 1086-1098.

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Development of Prevention and Intervention Recommendations for Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted by J. Wesson Ashford, MD, PhD on 7 March 2024

Dementia is a generic term which refers to a condition characterized by progressive deterioration of cognitive function, especially the encoding of new information into memory, with frequent impairment of executive function, which interferes with activities of daily living.

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