Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025
07:57
An Alternative Approach to Study Primary Events in Neurodegeneration Using Ex Vivo Rat Brain Slices
Published on: April 11, 2018
7.0K
Developments in understanding early onset Alzheimer's disease
Percy Griffin1, Liana Apostolova2, Bradford C Dickerson3
1Alzheimer's Association, Medical & Scientific Relations, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Summary
Early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) affects individuals under 65, presenting unique challenges. The Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) addresses this gap by enrolling and tracking patients to advance research and support.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis is devastating at any age.
- Early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD), with symptoms before 65, presents unique challenges for those in their prime.
- EOAD patients are often excluded from research due to atypical age of onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the gap in research for early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
- To inform patients, families, and caregivers about EOAD research, treatments, and support.
- To facilitate discussion and information sharing at the first EOAD-focused meeting.
Main Methods:
- The Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) was established in 2018.
- LEADS aims to enroll and follow 500 individuals with EOAD across over 15 US sites.
- A meeting was held in September 2021 for EOAD patients, families, and caregivers.
Main Results:
- The September 2021 meeting informed over 217 registrants.
- The meeting covered EOAD biology, emerging treatments, legal/financial planning, and support networks.
- LEADS is actively enrolling and following participants to gather crucial data.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for dedicated research and support for early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
- The LEADS study and related meetings are vital for advancing understanding and care for EOAD.
- Continued focus on EOAD is essential to address the unique needs of this patient population.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
527
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
527
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
220
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
220
01:30Dementia
141
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
141
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
606
Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is...
606
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
103
Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
103