Vaccine for Alzheimers Is in the Works

June 28, 2019 – There are currently about 5.8 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s Disease. That’s expected to more than double to 14 million. In New Mexico, an estimated 41,000 people age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s. It’s a devastating illness that robs people of their mental capacity and brings tremendous burdens to families and caregivers. Some studies indicate African Americans and Hispanics are more likely than non-Hispanic whites to develop Alzheimer’s. It’s also expensive, costing Americans $277 billion in 2018. That could rise to $1 trillion by 2050. But researchers at the University of New Mexico have developed a vaccine that holds the potential to prevent this disease. On this episode, they talk with NMIF correspondent Megan Kamerick about the potential for a new vaccine.

Resources:

UNM researchers develop vaccine to possibly prevent Alzheimer’s Disease – KRQE

UNM Researchers Develop Vaccine That Could Protect Against Alzheimer’s – UNM

Alzheimer’s Vaccine Draws Closer – Medical News Today

A Vaccine For Alzheimer’s Shows Promise In Human Trials – Being Patient

What Happens To The Brain In Alzheimer’s Disease – National Institute on Aging

2019 Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures – Alzheimer’s Association

 

Guests:

Kiran Bhaskar, Associate Professor, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, UNM

Bryce Chackerian, Professor and Vice Chair, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, UNM

Nicole Maphis, Ph.D. candidate, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, UNM