Alzheimer’s Trials Fail; Blood Test Predicts Tau; Neuroscience Moves to Bluesky

Investigational simufilam failed to reduce cognitive or functional decline in Alzheimer’s disease patients in the ReThink-ALZ phase III trial, Cassava Sciences reported. The company stopped a second phase III study of the controversial drug.

The INVOKE-2 phase II trial of investigational AL002 also did not slow clinical progression in people with early Alzheimer’s disease, according to drug developer Alector.

Levels of fetal antiseizure medication exposure were linked with verbal abilities in offspring; folate early in pregnancy was associated with improved outcomes. (JAMA Neurology)

A plasma phosphorylated tau-217 (ptau-217) test reliably predicted regional tau accumulation in early Alzheimer’s disease and could reduce reliance on tau PET scans. (Alzheimer’s and Dementia)

Younger patients were disproportionately affected by neurologic manifestations of long COVID, regardless of acute COVID severity. (Annals of Neurology)

A wearable transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device eased long COVID pain and fatigue, a pilot clinical trial showed. (Scientific Reports)

Long COVID brain fog may be associated with lung function, according to new research to be presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting.

Another study to be presented at RSNA suggested concussions may slow aperiodic brain signals in high school football players.

A mouse study identified a brain circuit actively involved in sexual rejection. (Neuron)

Daily neuroscience-related posts on the social media network Bluesky rose to average of 179 in mid-November — up from an average of 15 daily posts in August — as more researchers leave X. (The Transmitter)

Nine celebrities with multiple sclerosis — including actresses Selma Blair, Christina Applegate, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler — shared their experiences with the disease. (People)

Former NFL player Brett Favre discussed how Parkinson’s disease now affects his life. (TMZ Sports)