USA2 SPOTLIGHT

(ICYMI) Alzheimer's Talks spoke with Dr. Laura Baker of the Wake Forest School of Medicine about the U.S. POINTER study. The Study, which is enrolling now, will test whether lifestyle changes, including physical exercise, diet, and intellectual and social stimulation, can protect cognitive function in adults 60-79 years old, who may be at increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. According to Dr. Baker, “The number of countries wanting to test this approach is growing by the week.” 

MUST READS

A September 16, 2018 The Advocate Alzheimer’s Q&A asked if the writer should tell her mom that she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. According to the article, “There are many pros and cons in informing a loved one about their diagnosis. A family member or caregiver might feel that it would cause the affected person undue stress or set in motion a sense of hopelessness. Further, some might think it makes no difference whether to tell a loved one of the real diagnosis or not. Whatever the diagnosis, the person has a right to know.”

(ICYMI) A September 5, 2018 Forbes article wondered if paid leave for family caregivers will become the norm in the U.S. The AARP Public Policy Institute finds that only approximately 20% of major U.S. firms that adopted or expanded paid family leave over the past three years extended the benefit to family caregivers. According to the article, “Microsoft recently announced it will require its vendors to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents. Nice thought, but the tech giant missed an important opportunity. By limiting the required benefit only to new parents, it is ignoring the needs of workers caring for spouses, siblings, or aging parents.”

DISPARITIES SPOTLIGHT

A September 17, 2018 NBC News article featured Dr. Oanh Le Meyer, who is studying health disparities in Vietnamese American dementia caregivers, and how programs may help improve their lives. Meyer’s mom has dementia and she is one of her primary caregivers. Meyer’s 2015 study noted that Vietnamese Americans suffer from poor physical and mental health resulting from factors including high levels of trauma from war and the refugee experience, coupled with low levels of education and English language proficiency.

PROFILES IN COURAGE

A September 17, 2018 The Telegraph article (subscription) spotlighted the story of Martin, who received an advanced Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. However, he was misdiagnosed, and there are others like him.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

The Yale School of Public Health and Yale Alumni Nonprofit Alliance presents the “Family Caregiving as a Public Health Issue” panel discussion, exploring the challenges of family caregiving through one family's story. September 20, 2018 at 6:30pm in New York City. Alum Valerie Martinez will share her journey as she grapples with the emerging needs of two very independent parents with growing healthcare needs. A panel of experts will reflect upon her experiences.