Experts are hopeful theyll be able to give Alzheimers patients more healthy years of life

A new study conducted by researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine identified an experimental drug that could be effective at preventing the onset of Alzheimers symptoms.

The drug, gantenerumab, works by lowering the amyloid levels in the brain. Amyloid is a protein in the brain that, when elevated, has been linked with Alzheimers. This study showed that targeting the protein directly with this drug was effective at delaying Alzheimers-related symptoms.

I am highly optimistic now, as this could be the first clinical evidence of what will become preventions for people at risk for Alzheimers disease, senior author Randall J. Bateman, MD, said in a news release. One day soon, we may be delaying the onset of Alzheimers disease for millions.

A look at the study

Researchers at Washington State University School of Medicine have been working on the Knight Family Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network-Trials Unit (DIAN-TU) since 2012. The ongoing trial was designed to evaluate drugs similar to gantenerumab that work to specifically target the amyloid protein.

All of the participants enrolled in the study had genetic mutations that contribute to increased levels of amyloid. None of the participants had displayed any symptoms related to Alzheimer's or cognitive decline, but based on their genetics, they were predisposed to develop the condition within 10 to 15 years.

While the DIAN-TU study has been ongoing for several years, these most recent results focus on the outcomes of 22 participants who have been taking gantenerumab for an average of eight years.

The results

The researchers observed positive cognitive health outcomes for the study participants taking gantenerumab.

At the start of the study, all of the participants were all but 100% guaranteed to develop Alzheimer's symptoms. After taking the drug for nearly a decade, the risk of developing symptoms was cut in half.

Based on these findings, the researchers believe that targeting the amyloid protein decades before Alzheimers symptoms show up could be an effective way to prevent cognitive decline.

It currently remains a question how long these preventative efforts will continue to protect participants from developing Alzheimers symptoms. However, the researchers are continuing their work to get a better understanding of this.

Everyone in this study was destined to develop Alzheimers disease and some of them havent yet, Dr. Bateman said.

We dont yet know how long they will remain symptom-free maybe a few years or maybe decades. In order to give them the best opportunity to stay cognitively normal, we have continued treatment with another anti-amyloid antibody in hopes they will never develop symptoms at all. What we do know is that its possible at least to delay the onset of the symptoms of Alzheimers disease and give people more years of healthy life.

Some HP models won't operate with non-HP ink, a supposed anti-fraud tactic

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs

Switching to dry food can save big money

How to save money on pets

• Subscriptions: There are various websites that offer low-cst subscriptions to treats and toys.
• Set budget: Track expenses for pets and maintain a monthly budget.
• Savings: Set aside money for potential emergencies.
• Pet insurance: Insuring pets for medical emergencies is a good idea to save costs in the long run. On average, pet insurance costs $53.34 per month for dogsand $32.25 for cats, according to the North American Pet Insurance Association.(ConsumerAffairs hasreviews of pet insurance here.)
• Dry food: Switching from fresh to dry dog food can save up to $3,000 a year, resulting in a 78% decrease in costs for dog food,Rover said.
• Local community: There are often organizations that offer used pet items, such as ramps, cat trees and orthopedic beds, and lower-cost veterinary services.
• Online meds: It is generally cheaper to buy pet medications online.

But scrutiny of delivery promises kept and otherwise continues

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs

A Washington State judge on Friday dismissed the latest proposed class-action lawsuit that accused Amazon of misleading consumers with its guaranteed delivery promises, handing a legal win to the e-commerce giant as it continues to face mounting scrutiny over its shipping practices.

The complaint, brought by a group of Amazon Prime members, alleged that the companys widely advertised guaranteed delivery dates were routinely missed, particularly during peak seasons. Plaintiffs claimed that they had relied on these promises for time-sensitive purchases and that the delays caused financial and personal harm.

This isnt just about inconvenience, said lead plaintiff Laura Kingsley in a statement before the ruling. Its about accountability. If a company says guaranteed, then it should be just thatguaranteed.

But in Fridays ruling, the judge found the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate a consistent pattern of deceptive conduct or sufficient evidence of harm. The court pointed to Amazons terms of service, which describe delivery windows as estimates unless specifically marked as guaranteed.

Amazon is 'pleased'

In response, Amazon welcomed the decision.

Were pleased with the courts ruling, said Amazon spokesperson Megan Halperin. We work hard to deliver on time and offer appropriate remedies when we dont meet expectationsincluding refunds, credits, and Prime membership extensions. The vast majority of our deliveries arrive when promised.

The case is the latest in a string of legal battles over Amazons delivery practices.

In July 2024, a similar lawsuit was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Tana Lin. That suit accused Amazon of misleading Prime subscribers by charging a $9.95 delivery fee for Whole Foods ordersdespite marketing Prime as offering free delivery. The court ruled that Amazon had adequately disclosed the fees.

Meanwhile, in December 2024, a separate class-action complaint accused the company of covertly excluding underserved ZIP codes from its fastest Prime delivery service, a practice plaintiffs described as digital redlining. Amazon denied the allegations, saying delivery options are based on logistics and carrier availability.

Is there a pattern?

Some legal experts see a pattern emerging.

Amazons user agreements are tightly written, and courts have generally sided with them unless theres blatant deception, said Professor Dana Mueller, a consumer law expert at the University of Washington. But public perception is another matter. Consumers expect guarantees to mean something, especially when theyre paying for Prime.

In February 2025, Amazon was also hit with a class action under Washingtons new My Health My Data Act, alleging unauthorized collection of sensitive user information through mobile app development tools. That case, still pending, marks a broader challenge to Amazons handling of consumer trust.

Despite Fridays ruling, some consumer advocates say the fight isn't over.

Courts may defer to fine print, but that doesnt mean Amazon should keep hiding behind it, said Eliza Moreno, director of the Consumer Fairness Project. People pay for reliability. If the company cant deliver, it should stop overpromising.

With over 200 million Prime members globally, the companys delivery performance remains under the microscope. And while this latest lawsuit may be over, the scrutiny is far from finished.

Researchers say climate change is having an impact

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

The arrival of spring brings flowers and flowering bushes, but unfortunately, those benefits also bring allergies, and allergies are worse in some parts of the country than others.

For the third consecutive year, Wichita, Kansas, has been named the most challenging city in the United States for people with pollen allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of Americas 2025 Allergy Capitals report.

The report shows the growing impact of climate change on allergy seasons nationwide, with a significant concentration of the worst cities located in the southern and eastern regions of the U.S.

The AAFAs annual ranking assesses the 100 most populated metropolitan areas based on pollen counts, over-the-counter allergy medication usage, and the availability of allergy specialists. Wichitas persistent top ranking is attributed to its high levels of tree and grass pollen, increased medication use, and limited access to allergists.

Worst cities

The top 10 worst cities for allergies in 2025 are:

1. Wichita, KS
   

2. New Orleans, LA
   

3. Oklahoma City, OK
   

4. Tulsa, OK
   

5. Memphis, TN
   

6. Little Rock, AR
   

7. Raleigh, NC
   

8. Richmond, VA
   

9. Greenville, SC
   

10. Greensboro, NC
    

"New Orleans is a stark example of the impact of climate change on pollen allergies," Kenneth Mendez, CEO of AAFA said in a press release accompanying the report.

"This year, it surged 32 places in our rankings due to increased weed pollen counts. The unusually warm November in Louisiana, coupled with moisture from Hurricane Francine, extended the weed pollen season. Nationally, were seeing growing seasons start earlier and last longer, resulting in more prolonged and intense allergy seasons."

Best cities to live in if you have allergies

Boston is the least affected city by allergies, followed by Salt Lake City, Akron, Ohio, San Diego and Cleveland.

The report identified a concerning trend of worsening allergy seasons, particularly in the southern and eastern U.S., where ragweed pollen can trigger symptoms almost year-round in some areas. The increased pollen exposure is leading to more missed work and school days, emergency room visits, and hospital stays, impacting the quality of life and health outcomes for millions, the report found.

While the majority of the worst cities are concentrated in the South and East, the report also noted significant changes in the West. California experienced increased grass and weed pollen counts in 2024, attributed to increased storms and moisture, leading to drastic jumps in the rankings for several cities.