February 20, 2015

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

USA2 SPOTLIGHT

A February 19, 2015 Tampa Bay Times article featured ResearchersAgainstAlzheimer's Dr. Dave Mogan and his thoughts about the film "Still Alice." When asked about the most memorable scene, Dr. Morgan responded, "The one where Alice said, "You know, I'd rather have cancer. Because then I wouldn't be such a …'' The word she was searching for was pariah. Alzheimer's is like cancer used to be. People don't understand it, they're afraid of it. But when you ask people over 65 what disease they're most concerned about, it's Alzheimer's."


MUST READS

A February 19, 2015 Bangor Daily News editorial underscored the need for increased investment in Alzheimer's research. According to the editorial, "But funding to tackle Alzheimer’s disease is woefully inadequate. The federal government spends about $550 million per year on research into the disease. According to figures from AARP, the federal government this fiscal year has committed nearly 10 times that amount — $5.4 billion — to cancer research, $3 billion to HIV/AIDS and $1.2 billion to heart disease. To be sure, these are terrible and too often deadly diseases as well, but they are on the decline while Alzheimer’s is rapidly growing.That’s why a proposal from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins to double federal funding for Alzheimer’s research next year and raise it to $2 billion within five years is timely…Increasing federal funding for Alzheimer’s research will help families and save money and, hopefully, find ways to better treat and prevent the disease. It is the right thing to do."

A February 19, 2015 Reuters article reported that the growth of boomer entrepreneurs is slowing. According to the article, "Among the population aged 55-64, some 0.31 percent started a business last year, according to the latest Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity. That is higher than the 0.28 percent startup rate for the total population, and just a little less than the rate among people aged 45-55, which was 0.36 percent. The rates for baby boomers are somewhat down from their peaks in 2009. That signals to Dane Stangler, Kauffman's vice president of research and policy, that the wave may be flagging for the boomer generation - especially those heading into their 70s. The Great Recession of 2007-2009 has also taken a toll on entrepreneurship, Stangler says. The substantial decline in housing values has made it more difficult to finance startups, since home equity is a key source of financing a new business."


NEWS YOU CAN USE

A February 19, 2015 PBS NewsHour Q&A addressed issues with paying for long-term care. According to the article, "Long-term care in the U.S. is confusing, there is no doubt about it, and trying to sort through the elements and options can be stressful. But there are some resources to help. Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions that we receive, along with recommended sources for further information."