Written by Holly Alyssa MacCormick Yael Wyte knows all too well how difficult it can be to have or care for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease—she has been working with and advocating for people with Alzheimer's Disease for more than 20 years. Earlier this year, Wyte joined the board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine … Continue reading A conversation with CIRM board member Yael Wyte
Alzheimer’s disease
20 years of CIRM: After spurring new research, CIRM’s iPSC repository closes
In celebration of CIRM’s 20th anniversary, we have been reflecting on some of the early projects we supported and their outcomes. This blog is a little different, because it also marks the end of a project. Stem cell lines In 2013 CIRM announced a $32 million project to create a repository of stem cell lines … Continue reading 20 years of CIRM: After spurring new research, CIRM’s iPSC repository closes
California advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease using stem cells
Over 14,000 people in Fresno County are living with Alzheimer's, and it’s estimated that more than 720,000 people are living with the brain disorder in California. That’s why the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)—a state of California agency dedicated to funding regenerative medicine research—joined the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Fresno/Madera to … Continue reading California advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease using stem cells
Two common viruses could trigger Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers from Tufts University and the University of Oxford have found that two common viruses —the varicella zoster and herpes simplex viruses— could trigger Alzheimer's disease. Varicella zoster (VZV) is an extremely common virus causes which causes chickenpox. Once cured of the first infection, the virus tends to linger in peripheral nerves where they remain dormant. When these dormant viruses are … Continue reading Two common viruses could trigger Alzheimer’s disease
Study reveals new evidence of key mechanism in Alzheimer’s
In California, 690,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s, a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. In the United States, 5.8 million people aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's affects memory, thinking and behavior and symptoms eventually grow in severity to interfere with daily tasks. … Continue reading Study reveals new evidence of key mechanism in Alzheimer’s
Replacement brain cells offer hope for Parkinson’s treatment
A colony of iPSCs from a Parkinson's patient (left) and dopaminergic neurons made from these iPSCs (right) to model PD. (Image credit: Jeanne Loring) A new study that used adult blood stem cells to create replacement brain nerve cells appears to help rats with Parkinson’s. In Parkinson’s, the disease attacks brain nerve cells that produce … Continue reading Replacement brain cells offer hope for Parkinson’s treatment
How some brilliant research may have uncovered a potential Alzheimer’s therapy
Dr. Nicole Koutsodendris, photo courtesy Gladstone Institutes In the world of scientific research, the people doing clinical trials tend to suck up all the oxygen in the room. They’re the stars, the ones who are bringing potential therapies to patients. However, there’s another group of researchers who toil away in the background, but who are … Continue reading How some brilliant research may have uncovered a potential Alzheimer’s therapy
Raising awareness about mental health
THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOCAST ON SPOTIFY World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year. It's a time to try and raise awareness about mental health issues and the impact they have not just on the individual but their family, their community and all of us. The theme for … Continue reading Raising awareness about mental health
Lack of diversity impacts research into Alzheimer’s and dementia
THIS BLOT IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOCAST ON SPOTIFY A National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases clinical trial admissions coordinator collects information from a volunteer to create a medical record. Credit: NIAID Alzheimer’s research has been in the news a lot lately, and not for the right reasons. The controversial decision by the … Continue reading Lack of diversity impacts research into Alzheimer’s and dementia
Paving the way for a treatment for dementia
What happens in a stroke When someone has a stroke, the blood flow to the brain is blocked. This kills some nerve cells and injures others. The damaged nerve cells are unable to communicate with other cells, which often results in people having impaired speech or movement. While ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes affect large blood … Continue reading Paving the way for a treatment for dementia