MUST READS

According to a September 25, 2017 Bloomberg article, test results from Axovant’s experimental intepirdine, treating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, are expected by the end of September. Estimates compiled by Bloomberg say the company could generate more than $2 billion in sales by 2023.

A September 22, 2017 Medical News Today article reported on a longitudinal study from researchers at Florida State University College of Medicine in Tallahassee looking at dementia-related personality changes, and whether or not they occur before onset. Personality and behavioral changes like irritability, moodiness, increased neuroticism, decreased conscientiousness, or loss of motivation can accompany Alzheimer's disease.

A September 22, 2017 The San Diego Union-Tribune video segment and article highlighted a new genetic test which gives the best estimate yet of the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The test, or “polygenic hazard score,” which covers more than two dozen genetic variants, will be useful for selecting people for Alzheimer’s prevention trials.

DISPARITIES SPOTLIGHT

A September 23, 2017 New America Media article spotlighted a meeting of scientists, physicians and mental health experts from the Global Council on Brain Health in Washington, D.C. to make recommendations on how to forestall age-related mental deterioration. According to Sarah Lock of AARP, “Frequent and continuous learning teaches the brain to modify its neural activity to meet the challenge of facing a new situation.” Medicare data show that 11.5 percent of Hispanics age 65-plus have been diagnosed with dementia, compared with 6.9 percent of whites, and 9.4 percent of African Americans.

CAREGIVER CORNER

A September 22, 2017 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution article reported on a caregiver who stole over $50,000 from a patient in her care who has Alzheimer’s disease. She was sentenced to jail and financial restitution.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A September 22, 2017 BBC News article focused on a university professor in China, Hu Ming, who brings his mother with Alzheimer’s disease to his classes. People have praised his actions saying that ‘he is teaching "the best lesson" to students.’ According to 2010 data, China had more people living with AD than any country in the world.

VETERANS SPOTLIGHT

Come to “Igniting the Spark” on September 27, 2017 at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC, for a networking breakfast and public event that will explore the full spectrum of challenges that veterans and others face in the wake of physical and emotional brain trauma. It will be an interactive forum to address the research and clinical priorities for PTSD, TBI, and other mental health disorders in military and veteran's communities. Noteworthy speakers include: Steven A Cohen, Chairman & CEO, Point72 Asset Management; Frank Larkin, US Senate Sergeant at Arms; Admiral Robert (Bob) Harward, CEO, Lockheed Martin UAE; and Dr. David Shulkin, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.