Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder that gradually destroys memory, thinking skills, and eventually the ability to perform daily tasks.
University of Galway researchers identified that targeting GABA signaling, specifically α5-GABA A receptors, can restore neural balance and improve memory in Alzheimer's disease models, offering a potential new therapeutic approach distinct from current excitatory-focused treatments.
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' stock jumped after the European Medicines Agency recommended approval of its Rett syndrome drug Daybue. The company also reported strong quarterly results and progress on its Alzheimer's disease psychosis treatment.
Two recent studies advance Alzheimer's research: one finds combining anti-amyloid antibodies with natural compounds improves efficacy and safety, while another maps a molecular cascade that could reveal new therapeutic targets. The combination therapy study used aducanumab, lecanemab, resveratrol, and curcumin. The molecular study identified gene expression networks and proposed a two-stage disease model.
MRI-guided brain stimulation achieved 80% response rates for treatment-resistant depression versus 60% with conventional targeting, per a JAMA Psychiatry study. Separately, Barcelona researchers developed an MRI tool to accurately identify rare neurodegenerative tauopathies PSP and CBD, while experts in Paris discussed AI's growing role in predictive psychiatry.
Brazilian researchers developed a CT-based biomarker called VMD that combines visceral fat and muscle radiodensity to predict gastric cancer prognosis, with patient survival ranging from 13.8 to 58.5 months. The global PET imaging market is projected to grow to $1.4 billion by 2032 as cancer cases rise globally. Neuroendocrine tumor research is advancing with new funding and studies on Hedgehog signaling pathways.
A $9 million grant from ASAP and The Michael J. Fox Foundation funds an Indiana University-led study on immune cell exhaustion in Parkinson's disease, aiming to develop personalized immunotherapies. The multi-institutional team will map immune system changes to uncover biomarkers and explain disease heterogeneity. Advances in proteomics are also enabling molecular subtyping and precision medicine across neurological disorders.
Three biotech companies announce significant funding: Korsana Biosciences secures $175 million for neurodegenerative therapies, Kos Biotechnology Partners closes a $123 million life sciences fund, and ParcelBio launches with $13 million to advance mRNA medicines.
A new cerebrospinal fluid biomarker for DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) shows strong diagnostic potential for Lewy body disorders including Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Validated across multiple cohorts, CSF DDC levels were significantly elevated in these conditions with high diagnostic accuracy. The biomarker correlated with alpha-synuclein pathology but plasma levels showed no diagnostic value.
Researchers developed BIDSleep, an AI framework that uses Apple Watch data to accurately classify sleep stages, achieving 71% accuracy in a clinical study. Separately, startup SOND launched AI-powered earbuds that track physiological signals to enhance sleep. Both advances demonstrate the expanding role of AI and wearables in sleep science.
The FDA granted Breakthrough Device Designation to TOBY Inc.'s urine-based Alzheimer's diagnostic test and Instanosis Inc.'s Xylazine Rapid Test (Urine), accelerating development of both non-invasive diagnostic technologies.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07599670 |
A Study to Assess the Adverse Events, Change in Disease Activity, and How Intravenous ABBV-1758 Moves Through the Body of Adult Participants With Alzheimer's Disease |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE1/PHASE2 |
| NCT07579689 |
Effects of Ginkgo Biloba on Blood Biomarkers in Mild Cognitive Impairment |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE4 |
| NCT07573046 |
Validation Study of the ExéSem Battery Designed to Differentiate the Contribution of Executive Functions in Semantic Disorders |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | |
| NCT07553338 |
Safety Assessment of Leronlimab and Its Effect on Brain Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease |
RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07485153 |
A Study to Compare Two Different Sleep Tests in Participants With No Symptoms or Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | |
| NCT07479914 |
Art of Memory for Cognitive Enhancement in the Monza Brain Health Service |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07457138 |
Lombard Cohort of Brain Health Services |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT07391436 |
Use of Wearables for Identifying Factors Associated With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | |
| NCT07346794 |
The Underlying Neural Mechanism of TMS in Improving the Imbalance of "Microbiota-brain-gut Axis" in Alzheimer 's Disease Population |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07328386 |
Effect of Cervical Lymphaticovenous and Lymph Node-to-Vein Anastomosis in Patients With Intracranial Lymphatic Circulation Disorder |
RECRUITING | NA |
