MUST READS

A June 29, 2017 Kaiser Health News article reported that seniors continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials, including Alzheimer’s disease. Fewer than one-third of people diagnosed with AD are eligible to join clinical trials. Clinical trials are essential to help guide medical practice by investigating safety and effectiveness of new drugs and therapies, and exploring ways to prevent illness and detect conditions early. “We’re going to be seeing more and more clinical trials, but it’s already difficult to get enough people to participate,” said Keith Fargo, Director of Scientific Programs at the Alzheimer’s Association.

A June 28, 2017 The Kansas City Star article focused on June as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s is one of the largest health care crises in the world and the only top-10 cause of death that cannot be prevented or cured. The CDC recommends exercise for both body and mind, healthy eating, staying socially active, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol.

A June 28, 2017 Huffington Post article spotlighted Deborah Kan’s “Being Patient,” an editorially independent news site covering Alzheimer’s disease, with the goal of elevating the patient’s (or caregiver’s) perspective. Kan urges senators to keep Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers in mind when reforming Medicaid as part of the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 22 million people will be uninsured in the next decade if the bill is passed.

DISPARITIES SPOTLIGHT

According to a June 28, 2017 Very Well article, the number of Latinos with Alzheimer's is projected to increase from less than 400,000 to over one million by 2030. Historically, Latinos are less likely to use formal care systems because of a tradition of multi-generational caring for family members, coupled with a lack of resources, care options and services. Latinos are underrepresented in clinical trials, less likely to be screened and diagnosed early to benefit from most treatment options, and have limited access to health insurance, preventative resources and awareness. Limited English proficiency can hinder people from learning about the disease and accessing available community resources and services.

POLITICS

A June 29, 2017 Sun Journal article by Judith Stein, Executive Director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy Inc., reported that the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 hurts our nation’s health care system as a whole and our most vulnerable citizens in particular. It would gut Medicaid, affecting especially people aged 50-65, leaving millions uninsured. Nearly two-thirds of Medicaid’s spending supports older and disabled adults. Nursing home coverage would be in jeopardy which is often relied upon by people with Alzheimer’s disease. A recent report showed that 700,000 home health aides could lose their jobs. Medicare would also be hurt. Most Medicare beneficiaries who receive Medicaid have a cognitive or mental impairment, such as dementia.