October 2023 Newsletter - Issue 109 - Alzheimer’s Disease & Weight Loss Drug

Aug 26, 2026

October 2023 Issue 109 newsletter content focuses on Alzheimer’s disease and its biological drivers, risk factors, diagnostic imaging approaches, and emerging treatment targets, emphasizing the need for preventive and disease-modifying strategies. It also covers semaglutide as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, summarizing clinical-trial weight loss results, current approvals, access barriers, and potential adverse effects including thyroid tumor risk and digestive complications. The newsletter highlights the role of ongoing research and caregiving while underscoring hope alongside persistent challenges.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Issue 109 | October 2023

Alzheimer’s Disease

Antidiabetic Medication Making Waves as a Weight Loss Drug

Antibiotics for Cystic Fibrosis

ISSUE 109 | OCTOBER 2023 Alzheimer's Disease The silent theft of memories, and the gradual fading of identities—Alzheimer's disease poses a profound threat to the essence ofwho we are. In a world where memories shape our identities, Alzheimer's disease emerges as a formidable adversary, chipping away at the essence of who we are. There are no disease-modifying medicines for Alzheimer's disease (AD), despite the fact that it is a global public health priority. Since Alois Alzheimer's first case in 1907, there have been tremendous improvements in our understanding of the etiology of AD, but no disease-modifying therapies have been developed. According to current estimates, dementia affects 44 million people globally; the number is expected to triple by 2050 as the population ages. Low-and middle-income nations, which exhibit rising trends of cardiovascular illness, hypertension, and diabetes, are predicted to experience the biggest increase in dementia prevalence. Dementia is mostly brought on by AD, which accounts for 50% to 75% of cases. The majority of cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are sporadic, while a rare familial form (fAD) is brought on by mutations in thepresenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin 2, and the amyloid precursor protein (APP) genes. The APOE gene is the main risk factor, and symptoms often occur between the ages of 30 and 50. A significant step in the pathogenesis of AD is microglial activation, which has been linked to over 20 genetic risk factors. While education and exercise can help prevent AD, hypertension and diabetes can have a detrimental impact on risk. There are several imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET), amyloid PET, and tau PET, for locating biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) . MRI is used to evaluate neurodegenerative illnesses, detect shrinkage in ADrelated brain regions, and assess cerebrovascular disease. Specific brain regions with hypometabolism can be identified with FDG PET, which examines brain glucose metabolism. In order to measure the postmortem betaamyloid burden and bind to fibrillar beta-amyloid plaques, amyloid PET is used. Tau PET, which visualizes tau pathology using tracers, is currently employed for research. New treatment targets have been found as a result of the biology of Alzheimer's disease, such as immunotherapy to clear amyloid or stop harmful forms in the preclinical stage. Additionally, being studied are tau pathology and neuroinflammation. A more thorough understanding of the preclinical stage of AD will lead to a more allencompassing approach to treatment and prevention, viewing beta-amyloid, tau, and inflammation as parts ofacellular stage of AD pathogenesis. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by aberrant protein accumulations that result in neuronal malfunction and death as well as cognitive and behavioral symptoms. As researchers and carers labor assiduously to find solutions, it emphasizes the power of human intellect and compassion. Communities come together to support those who are suffering, and the fusion of empathy and science emphasizes the importance of shared experiences and knowledge. Although there is still a long way to go until Alzheimer's is completely eradicated, there is hope for improvement and better days ahead. Although the road is lengthy, the hope for better days to come is clear. Written by: Adrita Rahman (ID 22146043) Newsletter Editorial Board: Namara Mariam Chowdhury, Luluel Maknun Fariha, Syeda Maliha Ahmed, Nashrah Mustafa ISSUE 109 | OCTOBER 2023 Antidiabetic Medication Making Waves as a Weight Loss Drug After a 2021 clinical trial, different forms of semaglutide were FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes or obesity (in conjunction with diet and exercise) . Semaglutide is the active ingredient in the brand-name medications Ozempic (injection), Wegovy (tablet), and Rybelsus (injection) . Semaglutide is a glucagon-like pepti

FAQs

How does semaglutide support weight loss, and what results were reported in the phase 3 trial?

Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist by mimicking GLP-1 activity, which increases insulin, lowers blood sugar, and reduces hunger to promote satiety. The phase 3 trial reported a mean weight loss of 14.9% with 2.4 mg weekly injections over 68 weeks versus 2.4% with placebo.

Aug 26, 2026

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