USA2 SPOTLIGHT

(ICYMI) A May 27, 2017 Chicago Tribune article drew figures from the recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. U.S. deaths from Alzheimer's rose 55% from 1999 to 2014, and the number of people afflicted is likely to rise rapidly in the coming years. "The CDC findings raise needed public awareness of how fast this disease is growing and destroying families, and how we must stand firm against any action that reduces the nation's ability to innovate and speed cures," according to UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Chairman, George Vradenburg.  (Also covered by Boston Globe, Scientific American, The Spokesman-Review, Watertown Daily Times, Panama City News Herald, and others.)

MUST READS

A May 29, 2017 The Guardian article looks at a new book by Joseph Jebelli, a young British neuroscientist, “In Pursuit of Memory,” and why memory is so important to humans. Memory anchors us in space and time, defines the parameters of existence and may even confirm the futility of existence. Dementia disrupts this as Alzheimer’s has emerged as a global epidemic, and the WHO has declared it a global health priority. 

A May 27, 2017 The Washington Post article highlighted “Color Your Mind,” Maria Shriver’s new adult coloring book created with neurologists, psychologists and nursing home residents for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Her father, Sargent Shriver, was diagnosed with AD in 2003 and died in 2011. She said one of her biggest challenges with her dad was finding activities her family could do with him. “Enjoy the repetition of the image. . . . As you color new design pieces, enjoy the feeling of accomplishment as you complete more and more of the page.”

DISPARITIES SPOTLIGHT

A May 27, 2017 The Charlotte Post article spotlighted the story of Fred Archie, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago, whose three daughters are caring for him. African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementia as older whites. Dianne, the oldest sister, said they began noticing signs of dementia years before her dad was diagnosed but felt disbelief when she heard about his AD. “The initial reaction was I’m not sure that’s what he has until I actually saw it for myself,” she said.

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES

According to a May 28, 2017 Daily Breeze article, Los Angeles County is exploring creating a voluntary program that would offer traceable bracelets to families with loved ones who have cognitive disorders making them prone to wandering. 60% of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia will wander. L.A. County has more than 177,000 residents with AD, as well as a large population of people with autism and other developmental disorders that make them susceptible to wandering.