USA2 SPOTLIGHT

According to a March 29, 2017 Common Dreams article, Trump’s proposed budget cuts targeting scientific research and the NIH will be a hard sell to both Congress and the public. Last week’s Quinnapiac poll cited 87% disapproval regarding cutting medical research, and only 10% approval. UsAgainstAlzheimer's said the recent proposals "represent an assault on the hopes of millions with Alzheimer's and related dementias who are desperate for a cure." Trump, whose father had Alzheimer's, once called the disease a "total top priority for me."

The March 25, 2017 “All About Living” radio show, hosted by Carol Koby, featured George and Trish Vradenburg, founders of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, joined by Rob Gundermann, Public Policy Director, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin. The Vradenburgs share the story behind their vision to start USA2 and grow it into a national movement to end Alzheimer’s by 2020.

MUST READS

According to March 29, 2017 Iowa Public Radio article, Anumantha Kanthasmy of Iowa State has discovered a way to study the early stages of diseases like Parkinson’s or Chronic Wasting Disease, utilizing fluorescent dye. This may help researchers understand what triggers a protein disease, and lead to new treatments. The process takes seven to 10 days.

On March 27, 2017, BrightFocus Foundation announced $13.3 million in new grants toward science seeking cures for Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. “At a time of proposed cuts in federal research, it is more important than ever for private foundations like BrightFocus to support the science that can defeat these diseases,” said BrightFocus President and CEO, Stacy Pagos Haller. BrightFocus has invested more than $176 million in research, and manages a portfolio of nearly 160 research projects around the world.

RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

A March 29, 2017 USA Today article explored four useful mobile apps to help care for aging parents, spouses or loved ones. The Honor app is a match-making service of sorts to find the perfect caregiver match. AARP’s Caregivers in the Community app is similarly a matching service, but caregiver to caregiver, and provides various useful resources. Care.com (online and app) also helps in finding the perfect caregiver. CareZone’s app coordinates information about medications, doctor appointments and general care, and can connect you to the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline.