Health Canada has recently approved lecanemab (Leqembi), marking the first new Alzheimer’s treatment approved in over a decade and the first to target the underlying biology of the disease. This drug is intended for adults diagnosed with mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s and works by clearing amyloid plaques in the brain. However, access is limited to those without the APOE4 gene, which increases the risk of side effects. While the drug shows promise in slowing the disease’s progression, challenges include the need for intravenous administration, regular MRIs, and high costs, as well as the fact that the drug is not yet covered by public drug plans.
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Phil Robertson, patriarch of the “Duck Dynasty” family and founder of Duck Commander, passed away at age 79. His death follows a December diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. A private funeral will be held, with a public celebration of life planned at a later date. Robertson, a prominent figure in the hunting industry and conservative politics, was known for his starring role in several television shows and his controversial statements regarding race and sexuality. The family has requested privacy during their grieving.
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Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries has been deemed incompetent to stand trial on sex trafficking charges due to Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and a traumatic brain injury. A federal judge ordered Jeffries’ hospitalization for up to four months to determine if his condition improves, enabling the case to proceed. The ruling follows a defense motion citing Jeffries’ severe cognitive decline, with medical professionals deeming his condition incurable. Jeffries, along with his partner and another man, faces charges related to alleged sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
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Autopsy reports reveal that Gene Hackman, 95, died from severe cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease approximately one week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Arakawa’s death was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-borne illness. Subsequent investigations confirmed a significant rodent infestation at their home, possibly contributing to Arakawa’s infection. Hackman’s advanced dementia likely prevented him from recognizing his wife’s death.
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Gene Hackman’s death, attributed by officials to cardiovascular disease, is inextricably linked to the tragic circumstances surrounding his wife’s passing. Her death, caused by hantavirus, a rare and severe illness, unfolded a week before his own demise, leaving him alone in their home with her body. The details paint a picture of profound sadness and isolation.
The initial reports suggested a potential for less traumatic circumstances, but the reality is far more heartbreaking. His advanced Alzheimer’s disease likely prevented him from fully comprehending his wife’s death, leaving him disoriented and incapable of seeking help. The discovery of his wife’s body, after a week, was inevitably a shocking and overwhelming experience for him, especially considering his cognitive impairment.… Continue reading
Rachel Waters, 41, has been indicted for malice murder in the death of her 74-year-old mother, Marsha Foster, who resided at an assisted living facility. Waters allegedly administered a lethal dose of morphine, found left behind by hospice workers, to her mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, on July 12, 2023. An autopsy confirmed excessive morphine as the cause of death. Waters, Foster’s only biological child, is expected to surrender this week to face the charges.
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Israeli researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, identifying specific markers that appear up to 20 years before the onset of symptoms. This incredibly early detection opens up exciting possibilities for intervention and prevention, potentially revolutionizing how we approach this devastating illness.
The significance of this breakthrough cannot be overstated. For too long, Alzheimer’s has been a disease diagnosed only after significant cognitive decline has already occurred, leaving limited options for treatment. This new ability to identify the disease decades in advance offers a window of opportunity to develop and implement preventative strategies, or at least to prepare for the eventual onset of the condition.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood