June 18, 2013
Today's Top Alzheimer's News
George Vradenburg on the G8 and Alzheimer's, Sen. Evan Bayh urges President Obama to keep up the fight against Alzheimer's, and a new Alzheimer's documentary to show at AFI Silver Theatre (read more).
Must reads
- A June 17, 2013 HuffingtonPost.com opinion piece by USA2 Chairman George Vradenburg urged the G8 to continue its leadership in the fight against Alzheimer's. According to Vradenburg, "Whatever history will reveal to us about the truth of these claims, the G8 continues to play a leadership role in setting the agenda for major global issues. This role is on display this week as the G8 meets to address a momentous new challenge confronting both developed and developing nations -- Alzheimer's and related dementias…For all of the criticism that G8 has received for not doing enough to solve global problems, it has taken a clear and decisive step under Mr. Cameron's pledge to provide leadership to the fight against Alzheimer's. Now, other nations and the many stakeholders in this fight must turn ambition into action."
- A June 17, 2013 The Hill opinion piece by former Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) urged President Obama to "keep up the fight to defeat Alzheimer's." According to Sen. Bayh, "To reach the 2025 goal, it remains critical that the Obama administration support breakthrough technologies that improve discovery of the disease as early as possible, which is consistent with NAPA’s 2013 recommendations…It is vital that the momentum continue on early detection and more accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease."
- A June 13, 2013 Post-Gazette.com (PA) opinion piece by Pennsylvania researchers Olivera Finn and Robert Schoen highlighted sequestration's negative impact on medical research and America's health. According to the authors, "Every day, physicians and scientists see the hope and promise that medical research brings to patients and families. For nearly 70 years, research funded by the National Institutes of Health has increased understanding of the causes of disease, contributed to longer life expectancy and improved the health and well-being of all Americans. With such a proud record of economic and social benefit, it is shocking that the House Appropriations Committee has proposed a drastic cut of nearly 20 percent to NIH funding in 2014. This outrageous proposal must be stopped."
Human Interest
- A June 17, 2013 WashingtonPost.com article reported on a documentary called "The Genius of Marian" that explores one family's struggle with Alzheimer's. According to the article, "Eager to help, her son, Banker White, began to record conversations with his mother about his grandmother, who had been a painter. From these recordings, accumulated over three years, grew a poignant, feature-length film about the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease and the White family’s struggle with aging and loss."The trailer can be viewed here.
Research and science
- A June 17, 2013 ScienceDaily.com article reported that "The first experimental drug to boost brain synapses lost in Alzheimer's disease has been developed by researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute." According to the article, "The drug, called NitroMemantine, combines two FDA-approved medicines to stop the destructive cascade of changes in the brain that destroys the connections between neurons, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline."
- World Leaders in Alzheimer’s Innovation to Discuss Progress, Collaboration at DIA Annual Meeting [DIA Press Release] (6/17/13)