USA2 SPOTLIGHT

Join our next Alzheimer's Talks on Friday, September 8th, from 4-5pm (EST)for a fascinating discussion with a panel of current and former research volunteers from different cultures, communities, and clinical trials. In collaboration with the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Disparities Engagement Network (ADDEN), the talk will provide the audience with insights into the motivations, barriers, and facilitators of Alzheimer’s research participation among diverse communities. Dr. Goldie Byrd, Director, Center for Outreach in Alzheimer's Aging and Community Health at North Carolina A&T State University and Project Lead of ADDEN, will moderate this call and we will also have time for your questions.

An August 25, 2017 Argentum article reported on the Argentum Memory Care Symposium, which focused on how senior living leaders can prepare for the coming spike in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and increased need for memory care. Innovative programs, community outreach and engagement, and participation in pilots and clinical trials topped the list to deal with the looming crisis. According to UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Chairman and Co-Founder George Vradenburg, “The time is now to be thinking about how we’re going to be treating 10 times the number we do today. Society won’t do it; taxpayers won’t do it—you’re the leading edge. So set the standards now."

An August 25, 2017 Argentum article highlighted the new “Be Trish” campaign from George Vradenburg of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. The campaign, which will include a “Be Trish” award and other initiatives, was created to ensure that the legacy of George's late wife, who passed away in April of this year, continues to flourish. “Trish is going to be part of this organization forever.” 

MUST READS

A September 5, 2017 The State Press article looked at the ASU Jurutka lab, which is working to understand healthy aging. The scientists are pioneering nutraceutical research, or pharmaceutical vitamins and nutrients, especially in the context of healthy aging. “There are four FDA approved drugs (for treating Alzheimer’s disease) and as far as efficacy, they don’t do much. They do not stop the progression of the disease. Patients may have improvement early on when on these drugs, but they still get worse. That is why there is an urgent need to have new medications."

According to a September 5, 2017 Web MD article, a new study, published in the journal JAMA Neurology, shows that the rates of Alzheimer’s and dementia have dropped significantly over the last decade. However, the actual number of people with dementia is expected to increase dramatically due to baby boomer population growth. According to Dr. Sam Gandy of Mount Sinai Hospital, “As cardiovascular health has improved, stroke incidence has fallen. So one would predict that, over time, sustained reduction in stroke risk would be a precursor to reduced dementia risk.” 

A September 5, 2017 The Washington Post article spotlighted “Finding Magic,” a new memoir by veteran Post writer Sally Quinn, about her late husband, the legendary executive editor of The Washington Post Ben Bradlee, and his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Quinn writes about her husband receiving the Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama at the White House, “I was surprised at how important this medal was to Ben… He must have known that he was coming to the end of his life. He had been reminiscing more than usual about his past. In some way this medal represented to Ben so much that had given his life meaning.”  

MUST WATCH

Watch “How Alzheimer's Changes the Brain,” from the National Institute On Aging. The 4-minute video shows how Alzheimer’s affects the human brain and looks at promising ideas to treat and prevent the disease.

RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

A September 6, 2017 Medical Xpress article focused on a study led by Spanish scientists called SloW Dyn, which shows how slow-wave neuron activity travels across the cerebral cortex during deep sleep. This phenomenon is related to the consolidation of memory and could be useful in understanding Alzheimer’s disease. According to researcher Mavi Sanchez-Vives, “If slow wave sleep periods are disrupted, cognitive functions such as attention and memory can be negatively affected.”