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IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star
Here's why Bill Gates visited Indiana University's School of Medicine.
By Binghui Huang, Indianapolis Star,
15 hours ago
Bill Gates, co-founder of tech giant Microsoft, toured the Indiana University School of Medicine earlier this week to learn about the work the school is doing to advance treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
The billionaire visited a biobank where researchers keep samples, including DNA, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue, according to the school.
Scientists from around the world can request to use the samples to advance their studies.
During his visit Tuesday, Gates spoke with IU researchers, expressing an interest in learning about challenges in developing treatment options, said Tatiana Foroud, executive associate dean for research affairs at IU School of Medicine.
Gates wanted to understand many aspects of the diseases, including "understanding the basic biology of the disease, identifying new targets for drug development, supporting a wide range of clinical trials to treat and eventually prevent the disease and innovative models of health care that will provide the best care and treatment options for each patient," she said.
Gates lost his father to Alzheimer's in 2020. The progressive disease slowly destroys memory and other mental functions. While there is no cure, researchers and pharmaceutical companies have been developing drugs that slow the progression of the disease and improve symptoms.
What research is IU doing to advance Alzheimer's treatment?
IU School of Medicine was a part of the development of recently approved drugs to slow Alzheimer's, such as Eli Lilly's donanemab , said Dr. Jay Hess, Dean of Indiana University School of Medicine.
IU School of Medicine researchers are studying rare cases where patients younger than 65 develop Alzheimer's to better understand genetic traits connected to the disease.
They are also studying how doctors can improve early diagnosis of the disease as well as identifying opportunities to develop new drugs.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's?
Symptoms of Alzheimer's include memory loss, difficulty completing everyday tasks, problems speaking or writing, vision changes or balance problems and a decline in decision-making skills, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
Gates has donated many millions to advance research on Alzheimer's.
However, school officials said Gates' visit was to learn about the work. He has not donated to the school.
Binghui Huang can be reached at 317-385-1595 or Bhuang@gannett.com
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