MUST READS

An August 1, 2017 Science article reported on a new study of elderly chimpanzee brains with tell-tale signs of Alzheimer’s disease, namely plaques and tangles. It is unclear whether or not they actually develop AD, which includes having dementia with cognitive or behavioral changes. Proving so would require research on living animals, which is currently forbidden due to their endangered animals designation.   

A July 31, 2017 Reuters article looked at the elevated risk of developing dementia for people who come from the so-called “stroke belt” in the United States (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, South Carolina, West Virginia). Researchers found links between hailing from these states and vascular risk factors, including obesity, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure, which translate into higher odds of dementia and stroke. “We know that where someone was born can influence how likely they are to have a stroke. But as far as we know this is the first paper to look at the association between the place of birth and dementia,” said lead study author, Paola Gilsanz, from the University of California, San Francisco. 

A July 31, 2017 The Charlotte Observer opinion piece, by retired journalist Kent Pollock, chronicles his own journey through dementia. “Sometimes I lose the ability to think clearly, and that is frightening. Confusion. Forgetfulness. Being befuddled by changes. Losing my way. Shedding tears when I see a photo of my daughter kissing my cheek on her joyful wedding day I can no longer recall.”

MUST WATCH

A July 31, 2017 MedPage Today video segment and article from Jason Karlawish, MD, of the University of Pennsylvania, focused on the way forward in Alzheimer’s research. According to Karlawish, the future direction relies on knowledge gained and failures from past drug trials. He finds it unlikely we will have a preventive therapy by 2025. “But I think the signals from our studies are telling us that we may be able to slow down the decline seen over time in people who have Alzheimer's pathology, and delay the time before people lose the capacity to do their daily activities like managing their money or driving.”

RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

An August 1, 2017 Rivard Report article spotlighted scientists at the University of Texas at San Antonio who work alongside students on prevention and treatment to reduce the morbidity associated with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and tularemia. George Perry, Professor and Dean of College of Sciences, is the nation’s leading Alzheimer’s researcher and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. According to Perry, “Research and teaching are not separate missions… The modern economy favors people who have creative thoughts.”