Pfizer highlights wider burden of Alzheimer’s disease

Pfizer has presented research at an industry conference which highlights the impact that Alzheimer’s disease can have on general health, as well as on the wider community.

The company collaborated with Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy to give a series of presentations at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease 2010 in Honolulu this week.

Among the findings of the studies published include suggestions of an increased risk of conditions such as stroke and seizures among Alzheimer’s sufferers, as well as central nervous system comorbidities.

The companies also highlighted the significant healthcare expenditure associated with the disease, as well as the significant burden it places on caregivers.

Dr Ronald Black, assistant vice-president for clinical research and development at Pfizer, said: “These findings underscore the importance of advancing research about the growing burden and costs of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Earlier this month, Pfizer was granted regulatory approval in the EU for a new chewable version of its cholesterol drug Lipitor, which is designed for paediatric patients.