Downtown official reflects on successful St. Patrick's Day weekend
Over 75 groups marched down State Street in every shade of green for about two hours.
LECOM Health offers Erie's first treatment for Alzheimer's, dementia
Spectators voted Luther Memorial Academy for crowd favorite and Sinnott and Steves Family was voted best float by the Knights and Ladies of St. Patrick.
Organizers said everyone followed safety instructions properly and celebrated well into monday.
Downtown Erie goes green for annual St. Patrick's Day parade
'A lot of the feedback that we got was that it felt like the old days everybody hopping from bar to bar,' said Dave Tamulonis, events and marketing manager for the Erie Downtown Partnership. 'It's about bringing folks downtown getting them to visit the businesses getting them to stick around and have a dinner at a restaurant maybe shop at some of the retail shops so the economic impact of an event like the parade is felt throughout the weekend.'
Tamulonis thanked the community for their support and said they hope to continue making this a great event for Erie.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Business Upturn
4 hours ago
- Business Upturn
Roche receives CE Mark for minimally invasive blood test to help rule out Alzheimer's disease
Elecsys pTau181 is the first In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) certified test to rule out Alzheimer's associated amyloid pathology. The minimally invasive, blood-based test can serve as a rule out for Alzheimer's pathology, reducing the need for confirmatory testing with a negative result. Data from clinical study supports use in primary care for people with varying signs of cognitive decline. Basel, 23 July 2025 – Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today it has received CE Mark for its Elecsys® pTau181 test to measure phosphorylated Tau (pTau) 181 protein which is an indicator of amyloid pathology, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The test, which has been developed in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, can be used by clinicians in conjunction with other clinical information to rule out Alzheimer's disease as the cause of cognitive decline. This could avoid the need for further confirmatory investigation for patients testing negative. 'The burden of Alzheimer's disease on society and healthcare systems is increasing as the world's population ages,' said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. 'With Elecsys pTau181, doctors can give patients and their caregivers the clarity they need when establishing the cause of cognitive decline. By enabling an earlier and less invasive diagnosis, this test has the potential to improve patient outcomes and decrease costs for healthcare systems worldwide.' Barriers to early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease exist across the world. Up to 75% of people living with symptoms are not diagnosed, and those who have received a diagnosis waited nearly three years on average after symptom onset.1 The identification of amyloid pathology is critical for Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment. Current methods to confirm amyloid pathology – including positron emission tomography (PET) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assessment – can be expensive, difficult to access and invasive. With a negative Elecsys pTau181 blood test, people can avoid further unnecessary investigations for Alzheimer's using CSF or PET and can identify the care pathway that is right for them. Clinical study results support that the test can be implemented effectively across care settings, including primary care, where most patients first seek help for cognitive concerns. Those with positive results are then able to undergo further testing, supporting earlier identification of Alzheimer's pathology. This is key to accessing new treatments that are most effective when used early in the disease progression, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their future care. Clinical data support the Elecsys pTau181 test for varying signs of cognitive decline The CE Mark for the Elecsys pTau181 blood test was based on data from a prospective, multicentre study, which included 787 patients across the US, Europe and Australia. The study showed the test was able to rule out Alzheimer's disease with a high negative predictive value (NPV) of 93.8% based on a 22.5% prevalence of amyloid positivity according to positron emission tomography (PET) scans, with 83.6% sensitivity. The rule out performance of the test was only minimally impacted by the patients' age, gender, body mass index or impaired kidney function. This global, prospectively-collected, diagnostic registrational clinical study was the first of its kind in the industry to investigate the test's clinical performance in a diverse patient population, aged 55-80 years old that reflects as closely as possible the patients who could benefit from the test. It involved a subset of patients from a wider study looking at a highly diverse set of patients with broad inclusion criteria, to ensure the test could be used effectively across different geographies and ethnicities. Elecsys pTau217 blood test Roche is also developing the Elecsys pTau217 blood test, an in-vitro diagnostic immunoassay for the quantitative determination of the protein Phospho-Tau (217P) in human plasma for use as an aid in identifying amyloid pathology. Recent data presented on Elecsys pTau217 showed that it was able to accurately detect amyloid pathology and was more stable than a pTau217/Aβ42 ratio in blood and plasma samples at room and refrigerator temperatures. Together with the high throughput and full automation of the assay, these data support the potential of Elecsys pTau217 as an accurate standalone test that could be scaled up for broad implementation in routine clinical practice worldwide across Roche's unmatched installed base. About Roche in Alzheimer's With more than two decades of scientific research in Alzheimer's disease, Roche is working towards a day when we can detect and treat the disease early, in order to stop or even prevent its progression to preserve what makes people who they are. Today, the company's Alzheimer's disease portfolio spans investigational medicines for different targets, types and stages of the disease, including trontinemab. On the diagnostics side, it also includes approved and investigational tools, including digital, blood-based tests and CSF assays, aiming to more effectively detect, diagnose and monitor the disease. Yet the global challenges of Alzheimer's disease go well beyond the capabilities of science, and making a meaningful impact requires collaboration both within the Alzheimer's community and outside of healthcare. Roche will continue to work together with numerous partners with the hope to transform millions of lives. About Roche Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world's largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice. For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roche's business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit . All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. References [1] Alzheimer's Disease International. World Alzheimer Report 2022 [Internet; cited April 2025]. Available from: . Last accessed: April 2025 Roche Global Media Relations Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: [email protected] Hans Trees, PhD Phone: +41 79 407 72 58 Sileia Urech Phone: +41 79 935 81 48 Nathalie Altermatt Phone: +41 79 771 05 25 Lorena Corfas Phone: +41 79 568 24 95 Simon Goldsborough Phone: +44 797 32 72 915 Karsten Kleine Phone: +41 79 461 86 83 Kirti Pandey Phone: +49 172 6367262 Yvette Petillon Phone: +41 79 961 92 50 Dr Rebekka Schnell Phone: +41 79 205 27 03 Roche Investor Relations Investor Relations North America Loren KalmPhone: +1 650 225 3217 e-mail: [email protected] Attachment Media Investor Release Elecsys pTau181 CE Mark English Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash


Health Line
12 hours ago
- Health Line
How to Get a Parkinson's Diagnosis
Key takeaways Parkinson's disease is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation, where doctors review medical history, symptoms, and eliminate other potential causes, as there isn't a single definitive test. Key signs of Parkinson's include slow movement, muscle rigidity, tremors, and balance issues, but early non-motor symptoms like sleep disturbances, mood changes, and autonomic dysfunction can appear years before diagnosis. Although blood tests, spinal fluid tests, and imaging can't diagnose Parkinson's, they do help rule out similar conditions; genetic testing and response to levodopa may offer supportive evidence. Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in a part of your brain called the substantia nigra. Parkinson's is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder behind Alzheimer's disease. It affects nearly a million people in the United States. No single test can definitively confirm that you have Parkinson's disease. Doctors make a Parkinson's diagnosis clinically, meaning they use their judgment to make the diagnosis after: reviewing your medical history examining your symptoms ruling out conditions that cause similar symptoms Read on to learn more about the symptoms that can be early signs of Parkinson's disease and how a Parkinson's diagnosis is made. What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's? Parkinson's disease is a progressive condition, and symptoms tend to get worse over time. The rate of progression varies between people. At first, symptoms tend to be mild enough that they likely won't interfere with your daily life. But people who regularly spend time with you may notice changes in your gait, posture, or facial expressions. Parkinson's symptoms usually start on one side of your body before progressing to both sides. The four primary symptoms of Parkinson's include: slowness of movement (bradykinesia) muscle rigidity tremor postural instability Symptoms vary between individuals. For example, about 25 percent of people with Parkinson's don't experience a tremor. Even if you don't exhibit all the symptoms, you need to have slowness of movement for your doctor to make the diagnosis. Slowness of movement might manifest in numerous ways, such as: reduced blinking rate lack of facial expression trouble initiating movements like standing from a seated position Along with these four primary signs, other early symptoms of Parkinson's can include: soft voice or voice changes small handwriting shuffling steps stooped posture balance problems Parkinson's also commonly causes non-motor symptoms in the early stages. There's substantial evidence that these non-motor symptoms can appear several years before diagnosis, including: dysfunction of autonomic nervous system general body pain fatigue restless sleep mental changes constipation loss of bladder control erectile dysfunction depression anxiety What's next? If you begin to notice these symptoms gradually progressing, developing a treatment plan early is crucial. If you notice any changes in your movement that you believe could be signs of Parkinson's, visit a primary care physician. If they suspect that you may have Parkinson's, they'll refer you to a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. What are the diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's? Doctors diagnose Parkinson's clinically based on your symptoms and medical history. No individual test can be used to diagnose Parkinson's. Many other neurogenerative conditions can lead to similar symptoms, so your doctor may use a blood test, brain scans, or other tests to rule out other conditions. Medical history and physical exam The process of diagnosing Parkinson's usually begins with the neurologist evaluating your medical history and performing a physical exam. For a formal diagnosis to be made, you need to have a general slowness of movement with either a resting tremor or rigidity. During the physical exam, your doctor will have you perform a series of tests to monitor your movement. An example of a test they might use is a finger tap, where they measure how many times you can tap your finger in 10 to 15 seconds. They will also look for signs that you may have another condition. A group of movement disorders collectively called parkinsonisms can produce symptoms that are indistinguishable from those of Parkinson's but are not the same. Usually, additional tests are needed to rule out these conditions as well. Blood tests and spinal fluid tests A blood test or spinal fluid test can't be used to diagnose Parkinson's. But they can be used to search for certain proteins that indicate you may have another neurodegenerative condition with similar symptoms. The presence of elevated levels of a nerve protein called neurofilament light chain protein may indicate that you have another movement disorder, such as: multiple system atrophy progressive supranuclear palsy corticobasal degeneration Genetic testing Most people who have Parkinson's don't have a family history of the disease. But there does seem to be a genetic link in about 10 percent of cases. Researchers have found that mutations in some genes seem to be linked to the development of Parkinson's, such as: PINK1 PARK7 SNCA LRRK2 If you have a family history of Parkinson's, genetic testing may provide supportive evidence for a Parkinson's diagnosis. Imaging Your doctor may refer you for imaging tests to help rule out conditions similar to Parkinson's. The brain of somebody with Parkinson's looks the same as the brain of a person without the disease when examined with most imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). But an MRI can be used to rule out conditions such as normal pressure hydrocephalus or a subcortical stroke. An imaging technique called a DaTscan can be used to identify the loss of dopamine in your brain. This may help medical professionals differentiate between essential tremor and Parkinson's. Response to medication Although it's not used as a primary diagnostic method, if the medication levodopa helps manage your symptoms, it provides supportive evidence that you have Parkinson's. Usually, other movement disorders that cause similar symptoms don't respond to Levodopa or don't respond for long. How can I try to get an early diagnosis? By the time Parkinson's causes noticeable motor symptoms, usually about 50 percent of the cells that produce dopamine in your substantia nigra have already died off. Non-motor symptoms, such as constipation, loss of smell, or restless sleep, often appear before motor symptoms. There's still debate among medical professionals on how long non-motor symptoms may appear before an individual has noticeable changes in their movement. It's thought that they could appear years to decades beforehand. But a formal Parkinson's diagnosis requires the symptom slowness of movement. In the time before this symptom appears, your doctor can't make a Parkinson's diagnosis, but they may alert you that you're at a high risk of developing Parkinson's in the future if these or other symptoms appear at any point. What are my next steps? If your doctor doesn't diagnose Parkinson's, they can help you find out what the best next step is depending on what condition they suspect. In some cases, treatment may be as simple as changing the dosage of a medication that may be leading to Parkinson's-like symptoms. Receiving a Parkinson's diagnosis can be overwhelming. If your diagnosis is confirmed, contact a movement disorder specialist as soon as possible. A specialist can help you develop a strategy to delay the onset of more severe disease and manage symptoms you're already experiencing. Make lifestyle changes Making lifestyle changes may also help you manage your symptoms. Many people find their symptoms flare up during periods of stress. Adding relaxing activities to your daily routine like yoga or meditation may help you minimize flare-ups. Some early research has found that exercise may help slow the progression of Parkinson's by stimulating the production of a molecule called brain-derived neurotrophic factor in your brain. Many gyms now offer boxing classes for people with Parkinson's to help them manage their symptoms. Other forms of exercise are thought to be effective as well, but boxing has become a popular option. Participate in clinical trials Joining a clinical trial can help contribute to Parkinson's research and may even help you with your symptoms by giving you access to state-of-the-art treatment. You can find clinical trials in your area by searching the NIH database. The Michael J. Fox Foundation also offers a clinical trial matching tool on their website. What's the outlook for a Parkinson's diagnosis? No single test can provide enough information for a doctor to diagnose Parkinson's. A doctor can diagnose Parkinson's clinically by examining your symptoms and medical history. They will likely also recommend other tests, such as imaging or blood tests, to rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Parkinson's gets worse over time, but its progression varies in different people. Many people are able to manage their symptoms for many years before experiencing debilitating symptoms.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Scientists Discovered a New Alzheimer's Warning Sign—and It Has to Do With Your Sleep
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition that impacts millions of families around the world. But scientists are still trying to pinpoint the elements that go into why some people develop Alzheimer's disease and others don't. Now, a new study suggests that your sleep patterns may play a role. The study, which was published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, specifically looked at the relationship between REM sleep and Alzheimer's disease. But what's the link between the two and, more importantly, how can you use this information to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease? A neurologist explains. Meet the expert: W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the podcast. What did the study find? For the study, researchers looked at how long it took 123 people to reach rapid eye movement (REM) sleep for the first time after falling asleep, as well as several biomarkers linked to Alzheimer's disease. (REM sleep is a stage of sleep where your eyes move quickly and you dream, per the Cleveland Clinic. It's important for learning and memory, too.) Of the participants, 64 had Alzheimer's disease and 41 had mild cognitive impairment, while the others had normal cognitive function. All of the participants did a sleep study, as well as scans for biomarkers that indicated Alzheimer's. The researchers discovered that people who took longer to get to the REM stage of sleep were more likely to have biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Is there a relationship between sleep and Alzheimer's? The relationship between sleep and Alzheimer's disease is still being explored. The Alzheimer's Society notes that people living with dementia tend to have sleep issues, but the evidence is currently unclear on whether poor sleep is a risk factor for the disease. However, some research suggests that poor sleep could raise your risk of Alzheimer's. A study published in November found that 35 percent of people who were considered poor sleepers (and felt excessively tired during the day as a result) went on to develop motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), which is considered a precursor to dementia. 'Poor sleep quality has been linked to Alzheimer's disease,' says W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the podcast. 'Conversely, individuals who sleep well, and get consistent amounts of sleep on a consistent schedule, seem to reduce their risk of cognitive impairment.' Can a lack of REM sleep increase my risk of Alzheimer's? It's hard to say for sure at this point. While the researchers concluded that more studies are needed, they also said a slower movement to REM sleep could serve as a 'potential marker' for Alzheimer's disease. Given that good sleep is linked to good overall health, it can't hurt to try to improve your sleep. How can I get more REM sleep? Most people go through four to six sleep cycles a night, and REM sleep is part of that. Unfortunately, you can't dictate the stages of sleep you enter and when. What you can do is try to focus on getting good sleep, period. Winter offers up these tips to help support good sleep: Have a set bedtime and wake time, and do your best to stick to it. Limit alcohol and caffeine, especially avoiding caffeine later in the day. Try to be physically active, and aim to work out in the mornings to support your body's natural sleep/wake cycle. Create a good, consistent bedtime routine that helps you wind down for the evening. Be wary of sleep aids. 'Ironically, some sleep aids affect REM sleep,' Winter says. How can I reduce my risk of Alzheimer's? Researchers don't know exactly what causes Alzheimer's disease and dementia, making it tough to know for sure how to prevent it. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends doing these things to help lower your risk: Be physically active Try to prevent or manage diabetes Manage your blood pressure Try to prevent or correct hearing loss Try to limit or avoid drinking alcohol Try to limit or avoid smoking If you're struggling with sleep, Winter says it's important to consult with a healthcare professional sooner rather than later. They should be able to do a sleep study—which can give you more information on what's behind your sleep issues—and make personalized recommendations from there. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50