Alzheimer's Disease Archives - Profound Research

December 7, 2023

Profound Research and Michigan Healthcare Professionals Forge Path in Neurology: A Q&A with Dr. Esther Young

In the constantly evolving healthcare realm, the collaboration between Profound Research and Michigan Healthcare Professionals emerges as a source of notable progress, particularly within the field of Neurology. Dr. Esther Young, a highly respected neurologist at Michigan Healthcare Professionals, generously shares her experiences in clinical research, offering valuable insights into her motivations, successes, and the significant influence clinical research wields in shaping the future of medicine.

Quick Bio

Dr. Esther Young, D.O., is a highly respected neurologist with a focus on Neurology at Michigan Healthcare Professionals. Holding a certification in neurology, Dr. Young is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Young is a member of the President’s Council and holds the position of Stroke Director at Troy Beaumont Hospital, contributing her expertise to clinical research trials focused on multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and stroke. Furthermore, Dr. Young holds roles as an associate clinical professor at Michigan State University, Oakland University, and William Beaumont School of Medicine, while also serving as an assistant professor at the Wayne State School of Medicine.

Dr. Young supports various indications aligning with the needs of her patients, which include but are not limited to:

Migraine
Alzheimer
Multiple Sclerosis
Epilepsy
Stroke

Find out more about Dr. Young in our Q&A below.

Q1: What led you to clinical research?

"I derive immense satisfaction from engaging in clinical research, driven by a profound fascination with the ever-evolving landscape of neurology. My passion for staying abreast of the cutting-edge developments in this field led me to embark on a journey into research. Specifically, my initial foray into research was motivated by a desire to assist patients in accessing information that was not yet widely available. This commitment to bridging knowledge gaps and providing patients with crucial insights has become a cornerstone of my research endeavors. Through this dual commitment, I not only contribute to the advancement of neurology but also strive to empower patients with information that can shape their healthcare journeys."

Q2: Do you have a particular success story that stuck with you?

"I have vivid recollections of a significant milestone in my clinical research journey, particularly involving Tysabri. Acquiring additional insights into the optimal duration of Tysabri treatment enabled me to advocate for extending the medication period for certain patients beyond conventional expectations. This experience highlighted the tangible impact that advanced information, gleaned through rigorous research, can have on patient care. It reinforced my belief in the transformative potential of clinical research, not only in expanding our knowledge base but also in directly influencing treatment outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for those under our care."

Q3: What would you want people to know about clinical research?

"Delving into the realm of clinical research is not just about individual benefit; it's a collective effort that extends far beyond personal advantages. While clinical research undeniably holds the potential to offer solutions and improvements at an individual level, its overarching impact is in shaping the very future of medicine. It serves as a cornerstone for medical progress, influencing protocols, treatment methodologies, and healthcare standards. By actively participating in and supporting clinical research, we contribute to a broader narrative—one that transcends our immediate circumstances and plays a pivotal role in defining the trajectory of medical advancements for generations to come."

Q4: What are some hobbies/interests of yours outside of clinical research?

"Beyond the intricacies of neurology and my involvement in clinical research, I find immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. I enjoy hanging out with my kids, cherishing precious moments of family time. Additionally, incorporating regular exercise into my routine not only helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle but also adds a dynamic balance to my professional pursuits. These personal interests not only rejuvenate my spirit but also contribute to the holistic approach I bring to both my family life and my role in advancing neurology through clinical research."

Contact Us

Join Profound in advancing novel therapies through community-based clinical trials. We champion diversity, recognizing its vital role in trial success. Our approach brings trials to patients in their own communities, facilitated by dedicated physicians like Dr. Young. If you seek support for your own studies from Dr. Young or any of our distinguished providers, take action today. Contact Profound at https://profoundresearch.io/sponsors.

October 16, 2023

Groundbreaking treatment may be on the horizon for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, remains one of the most challenging and devastating health crises of our time. While we have made significant strides in understanding the disease, finding an effective treatment has proven elusive for decades. However, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of the Trailblazer clinical trial studying Donanemab, a monoclonal antibody developed to target Alzheimer's disease. In this blog, we will delve into the groundbreaking clinical trial, Donanemab's potential, and the vital role played by Profound Research Sites in advancing Alzheimer's research.

The Donanemab Clinical Trial

Donanemab, developed by Eli Lilly, is a monoclonal antibody designed to target a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease—amyloid plaques. Amyloid plaques are abnormal clusters of protein fragments that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, contributing to cognitive decline and memory loss. Donanemab seeks to remove these plaques, potentially slowing the progression of the disease.

The Phase 2 clinical trial for Donanemab, often referred to as the "Trailblazer" trial, has garnered significant attention and excitement in the Alzheimer's research community. This study, which began in 2017, involves multiple research sites across the United States and around the globe.

Changing the Landscape of Alzheimer's Treatment

Donanemab is changing the landscape of Alzheimer's treatment in several significant ways:

1. Targeting the Root Cause: Donanemab is one of the first Alzheimer's treatments to directly target amyloid plaques, which are believed to play a central role in the development and progression of the disease. By removing these plaques, Donanemab aims to slow down or potentially reverse cognitive decline.

2. Promising Early Results: Preliminary results from the Trailblazer trial have been promising. According to data presented by Eli Lilly, patients who received Donanemab experienced a significant reduction in cognitive decline compared to the placebo group. This suggests that Donanemab may indeed be a game-changer in Alzheimer's treatment.

3. Hope for Delaying Progression: If Donanemab proves to be effective in larger clinical trials and gains approval from regulatory authorities, it could offer hope to millions of Alzheimer's patients and their families by providing a means to delay the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

Profound Research Sites' Contribution

Profound Research Sites, a network of research facilities dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and treatments, has played a crucial role in the Donanemab clinical trial:

1. Enrolling Participants: One of the biggest challenges in Alzheimer's clinical trials is recruiting enough participants. Profound Research Sites have been instrumental in recruiting and enrolling patients in the Donanemab trial, ensuring that the study's findings are based on a diverse and representative sample of participants.

2. Providing Expertise: Profound Research Sites consist of experienced healthcare professionals and researchers who specialize in Alzheimer's disease. Their expertise in patient care and data collection has been invaluable in ensuring the smooth execution of the trial.

3. Advancing Alzheimer's Research: By actively participating in the Donanemab clinical trial, Profound Research Sites contribute to advancing our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and the potential efficacy of Donanemab. Their dedication to research is helping bring us closer to effective treatments and a cure for this devastating condition.

The Trailblazer clinical trial represents a beacon of hope in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. As we await the results of larger-scale trials, the early success of Donanemab in targeting amyloid plaques offers a glimmer of hope for millions affected by this devastating condition. The commitment and expertise of research organizations like Profound Research are instrumental in driving progress and changing the landscape of Alzheimer's treatment.

While there is still much work to be done, this clinical trial reminds us that with dedication, collaboration, and innovation, we can make significant strides in our quest to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, and bring relief to those who suffer from it.

Learn more about Profound Research sites and how they are contributing to Alzheimer’s research and a multitude of other therapeutic areas. Visit profoundresearch.com or email info@profoundresearch.io to learn more.

August 31, 2023

Meet Dr. Frishberg, MD

In our latest installment of the Profound Research spotlight series, we turn our focus to a distinguished medical professional exploring the intricate connections between the nervous system and vision - Dr. Frishberg. As a Board-Certified Neurologist with specialized training in Neuro-Ophthalmology, Dr. Frishberg is bringing profound insights to the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Read our latest blog to learn more about Dr. Frishberg below!

What led you to clinical research?

Dr. Frishberg: I am a Board-Certified Neurologist with specialty training in Neuro-Ophthalmology, and expertise in the area of Multiple Sclerosis and Headache Medicine. I am a seasoned clinician (read old) who very much enjoys the continued practice of medicine. As part of that practice, I’ve been involved in clinical research for well over 30 years and became Research Director in our institution about 8 years ago. I am lucky to work with a very talented and experienced group of Clinical Research Coordinators who do an outstanding job and make my work easier. While I have been principal investigator on neurologic studies in many different disease states, most of my involvement has been with headache care, multiple sclerosis, and, more recently, Alzheimer's disease.

What is your favorite part about working in clinical research?

Dr. Frishberg: I love working with the research patients because they are often involved for altruistic reasons, and they tend to be very cooperative and appreciative of the care we give them. While not every study shows positive results, I think patients and the researchers benefit from our involvement with the patients and their families.

Do you have a particular success story that stuck with you?

Dr. Frishberg: One of my favorite studies involved engineered stem cell implantation into the brain in the motor area in patients who had serious brain injuries with paralysis on one side. The study was positive, and I saw some of the participants show improvement, sometimes after over a decade of stability.

What would you want people to know about clinical research?

Dr. Frishberg: For the participants, being involved in clinical research means committing your time and the time of your significant other/caregiver in order to participate in a study. Some studies are very simple, with just 2 visits, while others may go on for years. I believe our study participants enjoy meeting regularly with coordinators and being watched carefully by the investigators. I believe our patients are often amazed by the detail and depth of information that we obtain for studies. A single patient may have 5-8 large binders of their clinical information and study related materials that we need to store for up to 20 years.

What are some hobbies/interests of yours outside of clinical research?

Dr. Frishberg: Since my hair is now all white, I suspect I am entering the winter of my existence. When not seeing patients in the office and caring for participants in our clinical studies, my wife and I are traveling to exotic locales such as Istanbul, Lisbon, Tokyo, and Iceland. The problem is I can’t stay too long because I have to come back for my research patients. I also still enjoy jogging, coin collecting, collecting Hawaiian shirts, and spending time with my wife of 44 years.

Dr. Frishberg's exceptional expertise as principal investigator has not only advanced our understanding of the intricate relationship between neurological and visual health but has also transformed the lives of countless patients. Through dedication, research, and compassionate patient care, Dr. Frishberg continues to make strides toward medical breakthroughs.

Learn more about our team at Profound Research in our upcoming spotlight series.

Tags: Clinical Research, Principal Investigators