USA2 SPOTLIGHT

(ICYMI) Listen to our latest Alzheimer’s Talks. While the search for an Alzheimer’s cure has been more focused on fighting the amyloid build-up in the brain, for 30 years Professor Claude Wischik has explored the role of tau. Is tau the key to stopping Alzheimer’s progression? Are we likely to see a stand-alone treatment that inhibits or clears tau – or could a combination therapy, addressing amyloid and tau, be the solution? Hear about TauRx’s latest clinical trial (now enrolling). 

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

An October 22, 2018 UCLA Newsroom Health & Behavior article reported that UCLA researchers discovered a drug that blocks b-amyloid plaques from attaching to brain cells, a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. According to Dr. Lin Jiang, “We were searching for a molecule that could block the receptor like a shield, preventing b-amyloid from binding to and killing brain cells. Currently, many drugs are aimed at preventing the b-amyloid proteins from accumulating and forming into plaques because that is the dangerous form of the protein. However, when a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, many of the b-amyloid plaques have already formed, so the time window for treatment is already closing.”

DISPARITIES SPOTLIGHT

An October 23, 2018 NIH news release announced the selection of 13 researchers for NIH’s Distinguished Scholars Program pilot program. The program is designed to build diversity within the NIH Intramural Research Program. According to Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity Hannah A. Valantine, MD, “Our goal is to build a sustainable and diverse intramural research program at NIH that provides resources for today’s early stage biomedical scientists, and paves the way for future researchers from historically underrepresented communities.” 

DEMENTIA AND THE ARTS

Calling all people living with dementia to submit their artwork for the Dementia Action Alliance’s inaugural “Thriving & Inspiring Thru Heart & Art” show at the 2019 National Re-Imagining Dementia Conference in Atlanta, GA. Entries are open to ceramics, drawings, paintings, photographs, printmaking, collage and mixed-media, sculptures, watercolors, jewelry design, textiles, quilts and woodworking. Click here for more information.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

An October 23, 2018 Express & Star article revealed that dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, was the leading cause of death last year (for the third consecutive year) in England and Wales, accounting for one in eight. The Office for National Statistics reports that the figures are increasing.

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

An October 18, 2018 Des Moines Register article spotlighted the trend in Iowa, and across the country, of turning away dementia patients from nursing homes if they are marked as “difficult” or “aggressive.” Nursing homes aren't required to report on this so there are no reliable statistics, but younger, stronger patients are seen as more difficult to manage. According to the article, “…Administrators are increasingly wary of accepting residents younger than 65 who have histories of aggression… The state offers no extra reimbursement for nursing home residents with dementia, even those who need unusually close oversight.” This article is part of a series about Iowa’s mental health care system.