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Expert Insights: The Systemic Amyloidoses vs. Parkinson’s vs. Alzheimer’s

Current medical education on amyloid diseases is 25 years old and materially outdated, punctuated by rapid advancement in the last five years. Hear from renowned Dr. Jeff Kelly from Scripps Research, developer of ATTR drug tafamidis, about the current biology and how amyloid diseases such as the Systemic Amyloidoses (ATTR and AL), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are today believed to be more similar than different.

 

For those interested in learning more about neurodegenerative diseases driven by amyloid protein misfolding, below is an excellent video from May 17, 2024 by Dr. Kelly.

Expert Insights: Amyloidosis – A Brief Clinical Overview

Dr. Sarah S. Lee, Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology, at the City of Hope, provides a brief yet comprehensive clinical overview of amyloidosis. In this video Dr. Lee discusses the breadth of amyloidosis, the wide range of symptom presentations, and which organs are typically involved. Focusing on AL (light chain) and TTR (transthyretin) types, she then goes through a diagnostic workup to arrive at a diagnosis, stressing the importance of typing once the presence of amyloid has been confirmed. Concluding her overview, Dr. Lee describes treatments available and how they impact patient prognosis and quality of life.

 

Expert Insights: What is the Relationship between AL Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma?

While both AL Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma are plasma cell disorders and share similar patient care treatments, they diverge in pathogenic mechanisms. In this presentation, Dr. Giada Bianchi from Brigham & Women’s Amyloidosis Program shares that 10-15% of Multiple Myeloma patients will experience overlapping AL Amyloidosis, elevating the importance of understanding the similarities and differences in diagnostic criteria and patient care.

Expert Insights: Why is Amyloidosis Bad for Your Kidneys?

One of the organs most frequently impacted by amyloidosis is the kidney. Dr. Jeffrey Zonder from the Karmanos Cancer Institute provides a brief summary of amyloidosis and the most common types of this disease. From there, he goes on to describe how AL (Light Chain) and AA ((Apo)serum Amyloid A) are the two most prevalent types to affect the kidneys, detail how amyloidosis affects the kidneys, how this damage is assessed, and strategies for reducing kidney damage.

Patient Insights: Be a medical detective

Our patient speakers at the Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau are powerful educators and offer compelling insights. Have a listen to this brief clip from Joe with thoughts on physicians being curious and persistent to find answers.

Patient Insights: I have to advocate for myself

With a rare disease, it is difficult to expect the healthcare community to be fully knowledgeable. Thus being a self-advocate is critically important. Our patient speakers at the Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau are powerful educators and offer compelling insights. Have a listen to this brief clip from Dan.

Patient Insights: Discussing a hereditary disease with relatives

With a hereditary disease, talking with relatives can be challenging. Hear Greg share ways that he has advanced discussions. Our patient speakers at the Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau are powerful educators and offer compelling insights. Have a listen to this brief clip from Greg.

Patient Insights: Diagnosis was a huge relief

Have a listen to this brief clip from Sean with thoughts on getting such a devastating diagnosis. Our patient speakers at the Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau are powerful educators and offer compelling insights.

Expert Insights: Why is amyloidosis so often misdiagnosed?

Dr. Angela Dispenzieri from the Mayo Clinic discusses why amyloidosis is often misdiagnosed. The complexity of the disease and commonality of symptoms are two of the reasons she examines. In addition, she offers guidance on appropriate diagnostic pathways.

Expert Insights: The Future for Patients with Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis is Looking Brighter

The treatment for patients with Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis has advanced significantly since 2018 when there were no FDA-approved therapies. In this presentation, Dr. Mat Maurer from Columbia University shares how diagnostic imaging techniques have significantly improved, thereby reducing the need for an invasive heart biopsy. In addition, he shares fascinating statistics on how the age and stage of diagnosis has been evolving. Based on today’s clinical trials, providers are optimistic that the expansion of options for patient care will continue.

The future is indeed looking brighter.

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