Beyond Prevention: New Perspectives on Alzheimer’s from Our Event with Axios

Our recent event with Axios shed light on the evolving understanding of Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the critical need for new treatment approaches that extend beyond amyloid-targeting drugs. Moderated by Axios reporters Caitlin Owens and Tina Reed, the discussions featured insights from George Vradenburg (UsAgainstAlzheimer’s), Robert Egge (Alzheimer’s Association), Dr. Tisamarie B. Sherry (HHS), and Dr. Jack Juni (The Heart of the Solution). The speakers explored how vascular health and innovative treatments are reshaping the fight against Alzheimer’s. Watch the full event on YouTube.

Key Highlights on Vascular Health and New Treatment Approaches

• Understanding Mixed Pathologies
  George Vradenburg highlighted that Alzheimer’s is often accompanied by vascular and other non-amyloid pathologies, particularly in diverse populations. “In African-Americans and Latinos, there’s a different mix of pathologies—more vascular dementia mixed with Alzheimer’s,” Vradenburg said, emphasizing the need for diagnostic tools that consider the full spectrum of brain diseases.

• The Role of Blood Flow and Vascular Health
  Dr. Jack Juni, a scientific advisor for Heart of the Solution, stressed the interconnected nature of Alzheimer’s pathology, stating, “80-90% of people with Alzheimer’s have blood vessel abnormalities.” He detailed how poor blood flow reduces amyloid clearance and worsens inflammation and overall brain health. This reinforces the importance of heart health, as maintaining blood flow helps reduce the risk and progression of Alzheimer’s.
  
  Mary Richards, our Heart of the Solution Co-Chair, spoke of the energized community helping to advance Alzheimer’s treatments, especially the need to consider the role of vascular health. “I think there's so much promise in terms of innovation right now, and I'm excited that we are thinking about heart and brain in the same breath finally because it’s true: what's good for your heart is good for your brain.”

Dr. Jack Juni and Mary Richards discuss how vascular disease affects cognition and why that is important to finding new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

• Limitations of Prevention Alone
  While lifestyle changes such as exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and managing blood pressure can reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s by up to 40%, Dr. Juni highlighted a critical gap: “We can’t prevent our way out... We need ways beyond that, like new drug and mechanical methods to improve blood vessel function.”

• Policy and Public Health Insights
  Dr. Tisamarie B. Sherry from HHS pointed out that hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions are significant risk factors for dementia. She emphasized the need for public health measures, such as sodium reduction initiatives, to make preventive actions more accessible.

• New Horizons in Treatment
  The panel collectively underscored that while recent FDA-approved drugs represent progress, they target only a fraction of the disease's complexity. Vradenburg noted, “This is just the beginning,” calling for a broader focus on vascular contributions to Alzheimer’s, which may lead to more comprehensive and effective treatments.

The event made clear that tackling Alzheimer’s requires a multipronged approach, including advanced diagnostics, public health initiatives, and innovative treatments that address both vascular health and brain function. These insights push the conversation forward, emphasizing the need for an inclusive and nuanced strategy in the battle against Alzheimer’s.

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