MUST READS

A July 30, 2019 Medical Xpress article explored the true, ‘hidden costs’ of dementia on caregivers and society. New research from an international team of experts suggests that socioeconomic costs, including healthcare for caregivers, reduced quality of life, and additional financial costs, are overlooked by current estimates. Global costs are estimated at $1 trillion per year. “We found staggering inconsistencies between how costs of dementia are calculated across studies and our analysis strongly supports that current estimates fail to recognise the true costs of the diseases, such as Alzheimer's, that cause dementia,” said Alireza Atri, MD, PhD of Banner Sun Health Research Institute.

A July 29, 2019 National Institutes of Health news release reported that the NIA awarded the University of California, Berkeley a total of $47 million, over five years for the U.S. POINTER (Protect Brain Health through lifestyle Intervention to Reduce risk) Neuroimaging Ancillary Study. The trial will look at interventions to try and protect against cognitive decline such as exercise, nutrition, cognitive and social stimulation, and improved health self-management. According to the article, “The U.S. POINTER Neuroimaging Ancillary Study will be adding important neuroimaging measurements not included in the original U.S. POINTER design… These measurements will tell how effective the interventions are and provide important information about the underlying biology of brain health.” Also covered by EurekAlert!.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A July 30, 2019 The Jerusalem Post article spotlighted work by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem who transformed an MRI into a device to record changes in the biological makeup of brain tissue. The goal is to utilize this non-invasive technique to help with early diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's resulting in higher quality-of-life. “We know that when we look at the brain post-mortem there is a huge difference in the macromolecules in different diseases - but now we can only see these changes post-mortem. The hope is that with our new approach, we'll be able to see those macromolecules in the brain and detect the onset of neurogenerative diseases while people are still alive,” said Dr. Aviv Mezer.

PATIENT AND CAREGIVER VOICES

A July 25, 2019 Being Patient "Leaving Alzheimer's Behind" short documentary featured Peter Berry sharing his personal experience with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. “I ought to do something to show the world that life’s not over with dementia, so I decided to cycle across the country. When I go cycling, I leave my dementia at home, it’s no longer in control of me… There’s the old saying that you ‘only live once.’ Well, that’s actually rubbish. You only die once, you live every day,” said Berry.

DEMENTIA AND THE ARTS

A July 22, 2019 ArtsHub Opinions & Analysis piece looked at “social prescribing,” using music, dance, art and storytelling to address the ‘loneliness epidemic’ in Australia, which constitutes a serious public health issue. Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to increased risk for dementia. According to the piece, “…Social prescribing may be the shift that we need to remind ourselves that those experiences that make us uniquely human are therapeutic. Furthermore, along with the artists, writers, singers and dancers, we all have the knowledge and expertise at our own fingertips.”