Tag: alzheimer’s disease

Cognivue to join other heavy hitters in Alzheimer’s study

Rochester’s Cognivue Inc. has been selected by the Global Alzheimer’s Platform (GAP) to participate in its pioneering Bio-Hermes clinical trial study. Also participating in the study are Eli Lilly & Co., AbbVie, Merck, the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation and other respected biopharma, technology and nonprofit entities.

Bio Hermes is the first platform study to investigate and compare blood-based biomarkers, digital markers and legacy assessments in 1,000 people over the age of 60 screened for preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), prodromal AD, or mild dementia AD. The use of biomarkers could lead to earlier and more frequent detection of amyloid build-up, prompting those affected to seek early intervention, including participation in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s prevention or treatment.

“We are excited about the collaboration with the Global Alzheimer’s Project and the opportunity to be part of the groundbreaking Bio-Hermes clinical study. This is the first wide-scale application of Cognivue technology along with state-of-the-art frontline diagnostic tools such as blood-based biomarkers and brain image scanning. This could be a milestone development to create a gold standard for the future of Alzheimer’s Disease assessment and diagnostics,” said Cognivue President and CEO Tom O’Neill. “Our ability to objectively, quantitatively, and reliably identify cognitive status further assist with the accurate diagnosis for potential cognitive impairment, which can then be treated or managed.”

Cognviue’s technologies are designed to give health care providers a useful tool for cognitive evaluation and diagnosis. The digital system is engineered to eliminate bias and variability throughout the test that establishes cognitive baselines and provides a concurrent monitoring vehicle for the evaluation and treatment of cognitive issues over time.

“The Bio-Hermes clinical trial will evaluate the most promising digital and blood biomarker tests, and we’re pleased to have Cognivue as one of our digital assessments for cognitive function,” said John Dwyer, president of the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation. “This self-administered test could allow medical practices in any community to detect cognitive decline and prompt steps to diagnose Alzheimer’s. In turn, that means patients will be able to make timely decisions about treatment or participation in research.”

Cognivue is a neuroscience company focused on cognitive health with the world’s first FDA-cleared computerized test of cognitive function. The Cognivue device and technology are based on years of research that uses adaptive psychophysics to focus on cortical information processing by testing key cognitive domains.

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Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Alzheimer’s Association to hold Symposium March 11

On Thursday, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Rochester & Finger Lakes Chapter will host its 10th annual Dr. Lemuel & Gloria Rogers Health Symposium. The free event will be held virtually from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The health symposium will raise awareness of dementia concerns among the Black community and educate participants about resources available in the Finger Lakes region for both individuals living with the disease and their families and caregivers.

“Alzheimer’s disease impacts so many in our community,” said Chapter Executive Director Teresa Galbier. “That is why we are relentless in our commitment to offering programs like our annual health symposium to raise awareness and offer education about the disease and get one day closer to a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”

The symposium will address racial disparities in care, support and treatment, as well as examine barriers to participation in dementia research. Experts will discuss tactics to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease through healthy living and will confront the challenges of caregiving during the pandemic.

Findings from two national surveys appearing in the Alzheimer’s Association 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report reveal that discrimination is a barrier to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. More than one-third of Black Americans and nearly one-fifth of Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans believe discrimination would be a barrier to receiving Alzheimer’s care. In addition, half or more of non-White caregivers say they have experienced discrimination when navigating health care settings for their care recipient.

Half of Black Americans report they’ve experienced discrimination when seeking health care; more than 4 in 10 Native Americans and one-third of Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans likewise report having experienced health care discrimination.

“Despite ongoing efforts to address health and health care disparities in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, survey results show there is still a lot of work to be done,” said Carl Hill, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the national Alzheimer’s Association. “Clearly, discrimination, lack of diversity among health care professionals and mistrust in medical research create significant barriers to care and demand the country’s full attention.”

Hill will give the keynote presentation at Thursday’s event. Prior to joining the association’s Chicago-based national office, he served as director of the Office of Special Populations at the National Institutes on Aging. During his 15 years with the NIA, Hill facilitated studies focused on health disparities and supported initiatives to enhance research targeting underrepresented groups.

Community educator volunteer Stanita Jackson will deliver “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body.” Jackson earned her doctorate in public health with primary research focused on Alzheimer’s in African Americans, minority health disparities and nutritional health and wellness.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual symposium honors Lemuel and Gloria Rogers, a well-respected couple and community leaders who ultimately lost their battles with the disease.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer