New Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Options Hit the Market

Two more prescription drugs are now available for people whose Alzheimer's disease has progressed, following their approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in recent weeks.

Forest Laboratories, Inc. on June 13 introduced Namenda-XR, a once-daily extended release version of its drug Namenda that is also prescribed for moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. The new capsule is a higher dose alternative to the company's immediate release Namenda, which is taken twice daily in liquid or tablet form.

Additionally, last week, the FDA announced approval for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. to market a higher dose version of its Exelon Patch for people with severe Alzheimer's disease. In 2012, the transdermal therapy was approved for mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.

"These developments offer much-needed hope to families, and pave the way for meaningful discussions with clinicians about treatment approaches. As we all await a cure, the more options to attack this devastating disease, the better," said Carol Steinberg, president of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA).

Alzheimer's Foundation 'Concepts in Care' Conference Draws Record Crowd

AFA Chairman Bert Brodsky

AFA drew a record attendance at its second annual "5 Boroughs Concepts in Care Conference" in New York City on June 26. More than 300 family caregivers, healthcare professionals and individuals with dementia from the tri-state area and points even farther, such as Virginia and Canada, flocked to the free day-long educational conference.

Distinguished experts presented on topics that ranged from living a brain health lifestyle at any age to coping with aggressive behavior. The sessions also included a moving first-hand perspective of caring for loved ones with young-onset Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with dementia participated in horticultural, music and art therapy sessions.

• Join Us July 11 for Care Connection - AFA will host its monthly Care Connection teleconference for family and professional caregivers on July 11, at 1 p.m. EDT. This month's topic is "How You Say It Matters:  The Impact of a Caregiver's Approach." Carole Larkin, MAG, CMC, CDP, EICS, a geriatric care manager at ThirdAge Services, Dallas, will be the guest host. To join, call toll-free: 877-594-8353 and enter guest identification number: 46692951#  

• Government Agency Unveils e-Books - The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center has created e-book versions of its tip sheets for caregivers of people with the disease. They cover myriad categories, including everyday care, behavior, relationships, communication, and safety.  

• Teleconference Will Discuss Nursing Home Care Project - The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) will hold a teleconference on July 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (ET) to discuss progress, success stories from the field and next steps related to a national partnership to improve the quality of care for nursing home residents with dementia through individualized, person-centered approaches. For more information or to register, visit the CMS Upcoming National Provider Calls Web site.

• The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation Introduces Research Database - The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) this week introduced ADDF ACCESS, a database of contract research organizations (CROs) and their industry standard preclinical drug discovery and development services. Geared toward academic and small biotech communities, the system also offers educational resources and funding opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/addf-access/.