Recent research suggests a connection between antidepressant use and increased cognitive decline in people with dementia. How should these findings be interpreted for people with Huntington’s disease?
New research suggests that cognitive engagement - keeping your brain busy with activities like reading, puzzles, or learning new skills - could help protect the brain, possibly slowing progression of symptoms of Huntington’s disease.
Changes in thinking, learning, and memory are some of the most distressing and impactful in Huntington’s disease. Sage Therapeutics was advancing their drug dalzanemdor to treat these symptoms, but unfortunately this program will be halted.
In 2019, there were ~57 million people living with dementia. By 2050, that number is expected to climb to 153 million. Changes in the 14 factors highlighted here can improve brain health and be applied to Huntington’s disease.
Sage Therapeutics announced results from SURVEYOR, a trial that looked at cognitive changes in people with HD, and tested short-term safety of dalzanemdor. The study was small but met key goals, and additional trials are in progress.
We know that HD-related changes can occur many years before symptom onset, but how early do those changes begin? A team of researchers set out to determine that with a new comprehensive study in pre-manifest HD young adults.
HD reaches more brain structures than we thought: new research broadens our understanding of the earliest signs of HD
Sleep deficits precede motor problems in HD
Fingolimod, a drug used in multiple sclerosis, prevents memory problems in HD mice. Would it work in patients?