July 06, 2017

Today’s Top Alzheimer’s News

MUST READS

A July 5, 2017 Time article focused on physical exercise as a simple way to reduce the risk of memory loss and Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Aerobic exercise in particular is just as good for the brain as it is for the body because it boosts brain structure, function and cognition, and aids glucose metabolism, which signals a healthy brain. “Considering exercise can also reduce the risks associated with common lifestyle diseases that impact the brain, such as high blood sugar and hypertension, it is further motivation to try to incorporate exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle,” said Joe Northey of the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise in Australia.

According to a July 5, 2017 The New York Times article, poor sleep may be an indication of increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. “Not everyone with sleep problems is destined to develop Alzheimer’s disease. We’re looking at groups of people, and over the whole group we find the association of poor sleep with the markers of Alzheimer’s. But when you look at individuals, not everyone shows that pattern,” said Barbara B. Bendlin of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. 

A July 5, 2017 The Hill opinion piece by Emily Rogalski celebrates the recent $400 million surge in funding for Alzheimer’s dementia and related disorders at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). But looking forward to 2018, the proposed budget would cut 20% to the NIH, the country’s largest dementia research funder. From 2000-2014, there was an 89% increase in AD deaths. The uncertainty of sustained funding for NIH-supported research projects threatens delay in the development of treatment options, ultimately hurting patients and families. 

RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

A July 6, 2017 Medical Xpress article focused on a new compound, Silent Allosteric Modulation (SAM), created by Bristol Myers Squibb to treat schizophrenia. It restores memories and connections between brain cells in mice with a model of Alzheimer's disease, according to a Yale-led study. The next step is preparing for human drug trials.

CAREGIVER CORNER

A July 6, 2017 Afro article spotlighted Prince George’s County Executive and Democratic candidate for Maryland governor, Rushern T. Baker III, who has cared for his wife Christa with Alzheimer’s and dementia for the last eight years. “It was just really hard. And I cried every day. I miss going to her for advice,” said Baker.