RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

According to an October 17, 2019 Medical Xpress article, researchers created a new mouse animal model, where the mouse version of the Alzheimer's-associated MAPT gene was replaced by the human version. The gene, which is not well understood, was selected to learn how it contributes to the progression of AD. “…Animal model work typically involves a great deal of trial and error, and it requires researchers to make assumptions about why and how a genetic change leads to the observed changes. In addition, drawing conclusions about the role of the human version of the gene in humans—and building on this knowledge by developing therapies—is difficult and prone to error, and the findings do not always translate.”

LIFESTYLE

An October 18, 2019 WTMJ-TV Milwaukee broadcast segment featured a new exercise program at St. Camillus in Wauwatosa for residents living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Exercise science students from Marquette University and Wisconsin Lutheran College lead the residents through workouts focused on strength and skill-building. According to Research and Development Director Bridget McNair, “This helps them feel more involved in the community, and they can learn more about what's going on in the community through their visitors. Our goal is to get them sitting better, eating better, sleeping better, feeling better.”

HUMAN INTEREST

An October 16, 2019 Voyage Dallas Local Stories article spoke with Ashli Montgomery, who shared her story as a blogger and football coach’s wife, turned Alzheimer’s advocate. “I began using my platform as “Coach Montgomery’s wife and Ashli-the-blogger” to advocate for an end to Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a truly horrific death sentence that has touched our family in heartbreaking ways. I began serving as a volunteer in this cause. That work led to chairing fundraisers and awareness events, which in turn led to speaking engagements and opportunities to educate others about Alzheimer’s,” said Ashli.

OPINION

An October 16, 2019 Deseret News opinion piece by brothers Craig and Kyle Weston relied on their own personal experience, with their grandma Willie’s Alzheimer’s disease, to write about hope for the future. They point to promising new avenues of research, including infection-based causes (bacterial, microbial, viral), lifestyle and prevention, and predictive analytics.“In light of these recent and exciting new developments, the future of those affected by Alzheimer’s holds considerable promise. A hope that one day when friends and family look into the eyes of an aging loved one, reflected back will be the vibrant gaze of a life lived,” they wrote.

CAREGIVING CORNER

An October 13, 2019 The Advocate Alzheimer’s Q&A asked about potential benefits of aquatic therapy for people living with AD or another dementia. A 2018 study out of the UK found swimming sessions to be beneficial both to people with dementia and their caregivers. It helped mitigate such behaviors as restlessness, agitation and pacing, and elevated mood and enhanced quality of life. According to the article, “…There is speculation that this type of environment may recalibrate sensory input because being immersed in water decreases weight-bearing sensory information and requires less effort to balance. This, in turn, enables a more enhanced focus on cognitive skills.”