The REBALANCE project is investigating an innovative approach called focused ultrasound (FUS) for Alzheimer’s disease. This research explores how FUS could help clear proteins like beta-amyloid, which are associated with Alzheimer’s, potentially reducing the disease’s impact and improving quality of life for those affected. Currently in pre-clinical stages, the project aims to better understand the effects of FUS. Ethical considerations are central to REBALANCE, ensuring careful evaluation of the transition from preclinical findings to early-phase human studies. To ensure inclusion of all stakeholders’ views on ethical aspects and needs, the project also conducts focus groups and interviews with basic scientists, clinicians, and people living with dementia and their supporters.
Seeking input from people with dementia and their carers
An important focus of the REBALANCE project is gathering insights from those directly affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. We are conducting online interviews with people living with dementia and their carers to better understand their experiences and perspectives on needs, expectations and concerns about available and potentially new treatments of the disease. These insights will contribute to developing an ethical decision-making tool for researchers and, in close collaboration with Alzheimer Europe, carefully crafted, balanced information on ongoing research studies for people living with dementia and the general public, ensuring that all communications avoid exaggerated or unfounded health claims.
What to expect from the interviews
Topics: Diagnosis, daily life with dementia, healthcare interactions, available support, perspectives on research participation, attitudes, expectations and hopes of innovative therapies Format: Online (via Zoom or similar platform) Duration: 40-60 minutes (flexible, with breaks if needed) Confidentiality: All interviews will be anonymised. If you are interested in participating, please contact Anna Žabicka from the University of Lativa at: anna.zabicka@lu.lv
Survey for Physicians: your views on innovative Alzheimer’s treatments
As part of the REBALANCE project, a survey has been launched for physicians. It seeks to understand physicians’ perspectives, including risk perceptions on new treatment approaches and how these might influence their practice. If you are a physician who cares for patients with dementia and would like to participate, please follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/ADtreatment The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 10 min. Your views will help the project to better understand the expectations and concerns surrounding emerging treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
The REBALANCE project is funded under the 2022 JPND Call for “Understanding the Mechanisms for Non-Pharmacological Interventions”. The project is supported through the following national funding organisations: Academy of Finland, Finland; Brain Canada Foundation; Luxembourg National Research Fund; The Netherlands Organization for Health Research; French National Research Agency and the Latvian Council of Science. The project will be carried out during 01.4.2023 – 31.12.2026. You can find more information about the REBALANCE project here:
