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Mielke MM, Anderson M, Ashford JW, Jeromin A, Lin PJ, Rosen A, Tyrone J, VandeVrede L, Willis D, Hansson O, Khachaturian AS, Schindler SE, Weiss J, Batrla R, Bozeat S, Dwyer JR, Holzapfel D, Jones DR, Murray JF, Partrick KA, Scholler E, Vradenburg G, Young D, Braunstein JB, Burnham SC, de Oliveira FF, Hu YH, Mattke S, Merali Z, Monane M, Sabbagh MN, Shobin E, Weiner MW, Udeh-Momoh CT. Considerations for widespread implementation of blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 39369283 DOI: 10.1002/alz.14150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses significant challenges to health care, often resulting in delayed or inadequate patient care. The clinical integration of blood-based biomarkers (BBMs) for AD holds promise in enabling early detection of pathology and timely intervention. However, several critical considerations, such as the lack of consistent guidelines for assessing cognition, limited understanding of BBM test characteristics, insufficient evidence on BBM performance across diverse populations, and the ethical management of test results, must be addressed for widespread clinical implementation of BBMs in the United States. The Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease BBM Workgroup convened to address these challenges and provide recommendations that underscore the importance of evidence-based guidelines, improved training for health-care professionals, patient empowerment through informed decision making, and the necessity of community-based studies to understand BBM performance in real-world populations. Multi-stakeholder engagement is essential to implement these recommendations and ensure credible guidance and education are accessible to all stakeholders.
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Mielke MM, Anderson M, Ashford JW, Jeromin A, Lin PJ, Rosen A, Tyrone J, Vandevrede L, Willis DR, Hansson O, Khachaturian AS, Schindler SE, Weiss J, Batrla R, Bozeat S, Dwyer JR, Holzapfel D, Jones DR, Murray JF, Partrick KA, Scholler E, Vradenburg G, Young D, Braunstein JB, Burnham SC, de Oliveira FF, Hu YH, Mattke S, Merali Z, Monane M, Sabbagh MN, Shobin E, Weiner M, Udeh-Momoh CT. Recommendations for clinical implementation of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 39351838 DOI: 10.1002/alz.14184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
Blood-based biomarkers (BBM) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are being increasingly used in clinical practice to support an AD diagnosis. In contrast to traditional diagnostic modalities, such as amyloid positron emission tomography and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, BBMs offer a more accessible and lower cost alternative for AD biomarker testing. Their unique scalability addresses the anticipated surge in demand for biomarker testing with the emergence of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) that require confirmation of amyloid pathology. To facilitate the uptake of BBMs in clinical practice, The Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease convened a BBM Workgroup to provide recommendations for two clinical implementational pathways for BBMs: one for current use for triaging and another for future use to confirm amyloid pathology. These pathways provide a standardized diagnostic approach with guidance on interpreting BBM test results. Integrating BBMs into clinical practice will simplify the diagnostic process and facilitate timely access to DMTs for eligible patients.
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Schindler SE, Galasko D, Pereira AC, Rabinovici GD, Salloway S, Suárez-Calvet M, Khachaturian AS, Mielke MM, Udeh-Momoh C, Weiss J, Batrla R, Bozeat S, Dwyer JR, Holzapfel D, Jones DR, Murray JF, Partrick KA, Scholler E, Vradenburg G, Young D, Algeciras-Schimnich A, Aubrecht J, Braunstein JB, Hendrix J, Hu YH, Mattke S, Monane M, Reilly D, Somers E, Teunissen CE, Shobin E, Vanderstichele H, Weiner MW, Wilson D, Hansson O. Acceptable performance of blood biomarker tests of amyloid pathology - recommendations from the Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:426-439. [PMID: 38866966 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00977-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Anti-amyloid treatments for early symptomatic Alzheimer disease have recently become clinically available in some countries, which has greatly increased the need for biomarker confirmation of amyloid pathology. Blood biomarker (BBM) tests for amyloid pathology are more acceptable, accessible and scalable than amyloid PET or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests, but have highly variable levels of performance. The Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease convened a BBM Workgroup to consider the minimum acceptable performance of BBM tests for clinical use. Amyloid PET status was identified as the reference standard. For use as a triaging test before subsequent confirmatory tests such as amyloid PET or CSF tests, the BBM Workgroup recommends that a BBM test has a sensitivity of ≥90% with a specificity of ≥85% in primary care and ≥75-85% in secondary care depending on the availability of follow-up testing. For use as a confirmatory test without follow-up tests, a BBM test should have performance equivalent to that of CSF tests - a sensitivity and specificity of ~90%. Importantly, the predictive values of all biomarker tests vary according to the pre-test probability of amyloid pathology and must be interpreted in the complete clinical context. Use of BBM tests that meet these performance standards could enable more people to receive an accurate and timely Alzheimer disease diagnosis and potentially benefit from new treatments.
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Robillard JM, Masellis M, Martin SE, Khachaturian AS, Dixon RA. The Return of Biomarker Results in Research: Balancing Complexity, Precision, and Ethical Responsibility. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:1083-1090. [PMID: 38306053 PMCID: PMC10836546 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Recent research aimed at the discovery, integration, and communication of health outcome measures (or "biomarkers") in Alzheimer's disease has raised challenging questions related to whether, how and when results from these investigations should be disclosed to research participants. Reflecting the apparent heterogeneity of many neurodegenerative diseases, biomarker or other risk factor results are often probabilistic, interactive, multi-modal, and selective. Such characteristics make it very complex to summarize and communicate to clinicians, researchers, and research participants. Whereas the format and content of academic literature is well-managed by the peer-review process, reporting individualized results to participants involves complex, sensitive, and ethical considerations. This paper describes three key factors to consider in decisions about the return of results to research participants: complexity, precision, and responsibility. The paper also presents six practical recommendations for implementing meaningful and ethical communication with research participants.
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Khachaturian AS. Editorial. JOURNAL OF AGING RESEARCH AND LIFESTYLE 2023; 12:1-3. [PMID: 37057192 PMCID: PMC10086310 DOI: 10.14283/jarlife.2023.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
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Khachaturian AS, Dengel A, Dočkal V, Hroboň P, Tolar M. Editorial: Accelerating Innovations for Enhanced Brain Health. Can Artificial Intelligence Advance New Pathways for Drug Discovery for Alzheimer's and other Neurodegenerative Disorders? J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2023; 10:1-4. [PMID: 36641602 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2023.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Boccardi M, Handels R, Gold M, Grazia A, Lutz MW, Martin M, Nosheny R, Robillard JM, Weidner W, Alexandersson J, Thyrian JR, Winblad B, Barbarino P, Khachaturian AS, Teipel S. Clinical research in dementia: A perspective on implementing innovation. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:2352-2367. [PMID: 35325508 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The increasing global prevalence of dementia demands concrete actions that are aimed strategically at optimizing processes that drive clinical innovation. The first step in this direction requires outlining hurdles in the transition from research to practice. The different parties needed to support translational processes have communication mismatches; methodological gaps hamper evidence-based decision-making; and data are insufficient to provide reliable estimates of long-term health benefits and costs in decisional models. Pilot projects are tackling some of these gaps, but appropriate methods often still need to be devised or adapted to the dementia field. A consistent implementation perspective along the whole translational continuum, explicitly defined and shared among the relevant stakeholders, should overcome the "research-versus-adoption" dichotomy, and tackle the implementation cliff early on. Concrete next steps may consist of providing tools that support the effective participation of heterogeneous stakeholders and agreeing on a definition of clinical significance that facilitates the selection of proper outcome measures.
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Lutz MW, Khachaturian AS, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Willette AA, Mielke MM, Hayden KM, Dodge HH, Tang Y, Greenberg BD, Kukull WA, Khachaturian ZS. Biomarkers of Alzheimer syndrome and related dementias: A&D author's guide. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:1595-1601. [PMID: 36005812 PMCID: PMC9514317 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Breitner J, Dodge HH, Khachaturian ZS, Khachaturian AS. "Exceptions that prove the rule"-Why have clinical trials failed to show efficacy of risk factor interventions suggested by observational studies of the dementia-Alzheimer's disease syndrome? Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:389-392. [PMID: 35245406 PMCID: PMC8940699 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Reiman EM, Mattke S, Kordower JH, Khachaturian ZS, Khachaturian AS. Developing a pathway to support the appropriate, affordable, and widespread use of effective Alzheimer's prevention drugs. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:7-9. [PMID: 35103395 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Temp AGM, Lutz MW, Trepel D, Tang Y, Wagenmakers EJ, Khachaturian AS, Teipel S. How Bayesian statistics may help answer some of the controversial questions in clinical research on Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 17:917-919. [PMID: 34115436 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Hampel H, Mesulam MM, Cuello AC, Khachaturian AS, Vergallo A, Farlow MR, Snyder PJ, Giacobini E, Khachaturian ZS. Revisiting the Cholinergic Hypothesis in Alzheimer's Disease: Emerging Evidence from Translational and Clinical Research. JPAD-JOURNAL OF PREVENTION OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE 2020; 6:2-15. [PMID: 30569080 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2018.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Scientific evidence collected over the past 4 decades suggests that a loss of cholinergic innervation in the cerebral cortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease is an early pathogenic event correlated with cognitive impairment. This evidence led to the formulation of the "Cholinergic Hypothesis of AD" and the development of cholinesterase inhibitor therapies. Although approved only as symptomatic therapies, recent studies suggest that long-term use of these drugs may also have disease-modifying benefits. A Cholinergic System Workgroup reassessed the role of the cholinergic system on AD pathogenesis in light of recent data, including neuroimaging data charting the progression of neurodegeneration in the cholinergic system and suggesting that cholinergic therapy may slow brain atrophy. Other pathways that contribute to cholinergic synaptic loss and their effect on cognitive impairment in AD were also reviewed. These studies indicate that the cholinergic system as one of several interacting systems failures that contribute to AD pathogenesis.
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Khachaturian AS, Hayden KM, Devlin JW, Fleisher LA, Lock SL, Cunningham C, Oh ES, Fong TG, Fick DM, Marcantonio ER, Iyengar V, Rockwood K, Kuchel GA, Eckenhoff RG, MacLullich AMJ, Jones RN, Davis D, D'Antonio PM, Fargo KN, Albert MS, Williamson JD, Ling SM, Weiss J, Karlawish J, Petersen RC, Blazer DG, Khachaturian ZS, Inouye SK. International drive to illuminate delirium: A developing public health blueprint for action. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 16:711-725. [PMID: 32212231 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Oh ES, Akeju O, Avidan MS, Cunningham C, Hayden KM, Jones RN, Khachaturian AS, Khan BA, Marcantonio ER, Needham DM, Neufeld KJ, Rose L, Spence J, Tieges Z, Vlisides P, Inouye SK. A roadmap to advance delirium research: Recommendations from the NIDUS Scientific Think Tank. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 16:726-733. [PMID: 32291901 PMCID: PMC7317361 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Delirium is an acute disorder of attention and cognition. It occurs across the life span, yet it is particularly common among older adults, and is closely linked with underlying neurocognitive disorders. Evidence is mounting that intervening on delirium may represent an important opportunity for delaying the onset or progression of dementia. To accelerate the current understanding of delirium, the Network for Investigation of Delirium: Unifying Scientists (NIDUS) held a conference “Advancing Delirium Research: A Scientific Think Tank” in June 2019. This White Paper encompasses the major knowledge and research gaps identified at the conference: advancing delirium definition and measurement, understanding delirium pathophysiology, and prevention and treatment of delirium. A roadmap of research priorities is proposed to advance the field in a systematic, interdisciplinary, and coordinated fashion. A call is made for an international consortium and biobank targeted to delirium, as well as a public health campaign to advance the field.
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Hampel H, Mesulam MM, Cuello AC, Farlow MR, Giacobini E, Grossberg GT, Khachaturian AS, Vergallo A, Cavedo E, Snyder PJ, Khachaturian ZS. The cholinergic system in the pathophysiology and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Brain 2019; 141:1917-1933. [PMID: 29850777 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awy132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 909] [Impact Index Per Article: 181.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic synapses are ubiquitous in the human central nervous system. Their high density in the thalamus, striatum, limbic system, and neocortex suggest that cholinergic transmission is likely to be critically important for memory, learning, attention and other higher brain functions. Several lines of research suggest additional roles for cholinergic systems in overall brain homeostasis and plasticity. As such, the brain's cholinergic system occupies a central role in ongoing research related to normal cognition and age-related cognitive decline, including dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. The cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease centres on the progressive loss of limbic and neocortical cholinergic innervation. Neurofibrillary degeneration in the basal forebrain is believed to be the primary cause for the dysfunction and death of forebrain cholinergic neurons, giving rise to a widespread presynaptic cholinergic denervation. Cholinesterase inhibitors increase the availability of acetylcholine at synapses in the brain and are one of the few drug therapies that have been proven clinically useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease dementia, thus validating the cholinergic system as an important therapeutic target in the disease. This review includes an overview of the role of the cholinergic system in cognition and an updated understanding of how cholinergic deficits in Alzheimer's disease interact with other aspects of disease pathophysiology, including plaques composed of amyloid-β proteins. This review also documents the benefits of cholinergic therapies at various stages of Alzheimer's disease and during long-term follow-up as visualized in novel imaging studies. The weight of the evidence supports the continued value of cholinergic drugs as a standard, cornerstone pharmacological approach in Alzheimer's disease, particularly as we look ahead to future combination therapies that address symptoms as well as disease progression.
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Mielke MM, Ferretti MT, Iulita MF, Hayden K, Khachaturian AS. Sex and gender in Alzheimer's disease – Does it matter? Alzheimers Dement 2018; 14:1101-1103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Hayden KM, Inouye SK, Cunningham C, Jones RN, Avidan MS, Davis D, Kuchel GA, Tang Y, Khachaturian AS. Reduce the burden of dementia now. Alzheimers Dement 2018; 14:845-847. [PMID: 29959910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.06.3039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Khachaturian AS, Hayden KM, Mielke MM, Tang Y, Lutz MW, Gustafson DR, Kukull WA, Mohs R, Khachaturian ZS. Future prospects and challenges for Alzheimer's disease drug development in the era of the NIA‐AA Research Framework. Alzheimers Dement 2018; 14:532-534. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Khachaturian AS. Letter. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 9:84-87. [PMID: 29255790 PMCID: PMC5725207 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadm.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Hampel H, Mesulam MM, Cuello AC, Khachaturian AS, Farlow MR, Snyder PJ, Giacobini E, Khachaturian ZS. WITHDRAWN: Revisiting the cholinergic hypothesis in Alzheimer's disease: Emerging evidence from translational and clinical research. Alzheimers Dement 2017:S1552-5260(17)33719-6. [PMID: 29028480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.
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Khachaturian AS, Hoffman DP, Frank L, Petersen R, Carson BR, Khachaturian ZS. Zeroing out preventable disability: Daring to dream the impossible dream for dementia care: Recommendations for a national plan to advance dementia care and maximize functioning. Alzheimers Dement 2017; 13:1077-1080. [PMID: 28935202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Knopman D, Alford E, Tate K, Long M, Khachaturian AS. Patients come from populations and populations contain patients. A two‐stage scientific and ethics review: The next adaptation for single institutional review boards. Alzheimers Dement 2017; 13:940-946. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Jönsson L, Lin PJ, Khachaturian AS. Special topic section on health economics and public policy of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2017; 13:201-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Khachaturian ZS, Khachaturian AS. The Paradox of Research on Dementia-Alzheimer's Disease. JPAD-JOURNAL OF PREVENTION OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE 2016; 3:189-191. [PMID: 29199320 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2016.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Khachaturian ZS, Khachaturian AS. Politics of science: Progress toward prevention of the dementia-Alzheimer's syndrome. Mol Aspects Med 2015; 43-44:3-15. [PMID: 26054567 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There exist many challenges hampering the discovery and development of effective interventions to prevent dementia. Three major trends have now intersected to influence the emerging interest in disease modifying therapies that may delay or halt dementia. The three crucial factors shaping this current focus are: (1) the emergence of the longevity revolution and the impact of a aging society, (2) the effects of the US Federal investment in research in advancing knowledge about the neurobiology of aging and dementia, and (3) the problem of US legislators and health policy makers to balance the allocation of evermore scarce research funding resources. The purpose of this essay is to provide a survey of the politics of science and to describe efforts to correctly manage the high level of expectations of both the patient and research communities. The perspective offered reviews the history and evolution of the ideas to treat or prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease as a national strategic goal. The aim is to evaluate the interplay between science and formulation of public policy for setting research priority. We use the history of developing US National Institute of Aging's extramural research programs on brain aging and Alzheimer's disease (Khachaturian, 2006; 2007) as an initial case study.
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