My Alzheimer's Journey
Part 81 - WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
It is tragic that Nancy Guthrie is still missing. Let’s keep her family and the law enforcement professionals and search teams in our thoughts. It is said that Nancy is a fighter. Let’s hope she gets through this awful situation.
I recently learned about the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. It is the type of institution that I believe can play a pivotal role in finding the cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Their multidisciplinary approach combines patient care, education, and research all under one very large roof. There are over three hundred physicians and research scientists working in three primary areas of focus: neuroscience, brain health, and therapeutics.
I first learned about WVU RNI when I discovered an article published in January, 2024. The article announced WVU RNI scientists had used focused ultrasound to penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB) to allow anti-amyloid-beta antibodies access to targeted areas of the brain. Penetrating the BBB has been a goal of Alector Therapeutics and Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals. There are risks and limitations to both of the technologies developed by these companies.
Ultrasound-mediated drug delivery combines focused ultrasound with microbubbles or nanoparticles to enable precise penetration of the BBB, Studies are showing this delivery method significantly enhances the drug delivery efficiency across the opened BBB without causing permanent damage.
I will write an article about ultrasound-mediated drug delivery next week. Today, I want to focus on WVU RNI.
The stated goal of WVU RNI is “for West Virginia to become a world leader in brain research, education, and health.” Such a simple statement carries enormous challenges. It seems they are moving rapidly toward becoming a world leader.
Here are a few highlights that demonstrate the innovation and commitment to excellence at WVU RNI:
They are one of about 360 hospitals in the United States that offer non-invasive, focused ultrasound for treating conditions like essential tremor and Parkinson’s. Worldwide there are about 1541 facilities.
Twenty-seven telestroke and teleneurology locations across West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland connect WVU neurology physicians with rural hospitals, offering specialized care.
WVU RNI has an ongoing research study to determine if focused ultrasound neuromodulation can treat food addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other conditions.
WVU RNI is the only hospital in the United States to receive FDA approval to study delivery of Lecanamab in combination with focused ultrasound.
When I convince Trump to postpone the Kennedy Center renovations and establish an organization of world-class facilities to collaborate on finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, I will certainly recommend West Virginia University Rockefeller Neurology Institute as a leading participant.
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