MUST READ

A May 28, 2019 Newsweek Health article spotlighted a new study looking into the connection between high cholesterol (LDL) and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Participants with high LDL were more likely to have early-onset AD compared to those with lower levels. According to lead study author Dr. Thomas Wingo, “The big question is whether there is a causal link between cholesterol levels in the blood and Alzheimer's disease risk… One interpretation of our current data is that LDL cholesterol does play a causal role. If that is the case, we might need to revise targets for LDC cholesterol to help reduce Alzheimer's risk.” Also covered by MedPage Today, Being Patient, and others.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A May 29, 2019 My San Antonio article explored the use of cannabis to treat people with Alzheimer’s disease. Seattle-based neuroscientist Dr. Ethan Russo of the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute is creating individualized solutions for each patient, with a main component of THC, accompanied by other selective cannabinoids. “It is definitely time to move the effort into the clinical arena. Both THC and CBD have been shown to interfere with the production of abnormal toxic matter in the brains of such patients. This is quite exciting, inasmuch as synthetic drugs designed for similar purposes have yet to advance in the clinic. Both THC and particularly CBD are known neuroprotective agents that hold the potential to slow or perhaps even halt the degenerative process,” said Russo.

MUST LISTEN

A May 29, 2019 WUKY NPR 91.3 “Dr. Greg Davis on Medicine” radio segmentspoke with Dr. Pete Nelson of the University of Kentucky about classifying different types of dementia, and the newly-discovered LATE designation.According to Nelson, “By developing a sense of scientific focus around these data, we hope to jump-start a broad field of work to advance our understanding of this form of dementia and, ultimately, to open new opportunities for treatment. It's time to stop thinking of dementia as a “one-size-fits-all” disease… LATE probably responds to different treatments than AD, which might help explain why so many past Alzheimer’s drugs have failed in clinical trials.”

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

A May 28, 2019 KATC ABC 3 “Good Morning America” broadcast segmentfeatured Holly Boffy talking about the “Fishing for Memories” family-friendly, benefit fishing rodeo in Louisiana, raising funds for Alzheimer’s disease research and awareness. Sign-up or just join-in the event on June 6, 2019 starting at noon, at the Abbeville Harbor & Terminal Public Boat Launch. Find complete event info here.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Rock-out with Cheryl Crow at the 25th Music Festival for Brain Health. The event includes a scientific symposium and wine tasting. September 14, 2019 in Napa Valley.