SEX MATTERS

An August 22, 2018 Health 24 article looked at why Alzheimer’s disease may be harder to detect in woman than in men. Women excel in verbal memory, the ability to learn and remember verbal information. Tests to detect Alzheimer's disease rely heavily on verbal information, so some women may appear normal when they already have AD. "Women transition so much more quickly from preclinical Alzheimer's disease to the dementia stage because they're diagnosed later," said Pauline Maki of the University of Illinois at Chicago.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

An August 19, 2018 The Japan Times article focused on Japanese insurance providers competing to offer dementia insurance products and services to an aging population. Policyholders can claim lump-sum benefits when diagnosed with mild symptoms of dementia. “Patients vanishing is what makes their family members most anxious,” said a spokesperson for Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co.

CAREGIVING CORNER

An August 19, 2018 Cleveland.com article spotlighted the new Lantern of Chagrin Valley assisted living facility in Northeast Ohio, a "neighborhood" evoking America from the past. The facility uses architecture and sensory stimulation to improve the lives of the residents, including people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. According to the article, “The "reminiscence therapy" employed at the Lantern can be an effective treatment for depression and loneliness, and provide mental stimulation to promote social interaction.”

PROFILES IN COURAGE

An August 21, 2018 The Washington Post perspective piece by Lorien Hunter recalled her first-date experiences. Hunter is 37 and cares for her grandfather, who has Alzheimer’s disease. According to Hunter, “I think this aversion to such topics is a product of my age group… Single people such as ourselves are far more likely to assume a caregiver role than are family members with partners. Suddenly the deer-in-the-headlights look I sometimes get from my dates becomes even more understandable.”

ALZHEIMER'S IN THE MEDIA

An August 22, 2018 Bustle article reviewed this week's episode of “Castle Rock,” which dramatized Alzheimer's disease. Other story arcs around AD include Meredith Grey's mother on “Grey's Anatomy,” and Professor X, who had supernaturally-enhanced dementia on “Logan.”

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Join the “Living the U.S. National Plan” webinar, from Dementia Alliance International, with Presenter Jerry Wylie. August 22 and 23, 2018. Jerry is an advocate living with dementia who shares his personal perspective on contributing toward developing the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s disease, through his work with Ian Kremer (LEAD).