USA2 SPOTLIGHT

ICYMI: A June 14, 2017 STAT News opinion piece by UsAgainstAlzheimer's board members, Dr. David Satcher and Dr. William Vega, was picked up by Raw Story. The piece underscores the need to address Alzheimer's in communities of color.

MUST READS

A June 15, 2017 Alzheimer’s News Today article looked at six future tests that could detect Alzheimer’s before it becomes too advanced, allowing doctors to aggressively treat the disease to slow down progression and preserve the patient’s quality of life. They include testing for: biological markers, brain scans, cerebrospinal fluid protein, blood proteins, gene risks and mild cognitive impairment.

A June 14, 2017 Missoulian opinion piece by Dick Blank from Missoula encourages the new Representative-elect, Greg Gianforte, to prioritize and maintain efforts to end Alzheimer’s disease. Blank was the primary caregiver for his wife of 50 years, who lived with early-onset Alzheimer's for over 10 years.

DISPARITIES SPOTLIGHT

A June 14, 2017 KXAN article reported on an expanded Alzheimer’s study looking specifically at Mexican-Americans. Dell Medical School and Seton Healthcare was awarded $800,000 for the new multi-year, statewide (Texas) study. Mexican-Americans have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s and other diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. “One question to ask: is the high Alzheimer’s risk due to high blood pressure and diabetes or is it due to different genetic factors we haven’t identified yet?” said Dr. John Bertelson, who is spearheading the study.

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES

A June 14, 2017 The San Diego Union-Tribune article spotlighted Mary Ball, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s San Diego, who is moving to Scripps Mercy Hospital Foundation next week. “I’m most proud of the team here at Alzheimer’s San Diego and all that we have accomplished together to serve the community,” Ball said.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation created an infographic, Medicaid’s Role For Seniors, to assist the 47.5 million Americans age 65 and older.