USA2 SPOTLIGHT

An April 13, 2020 UsAgainstAlzheimer’s blog post spotlighted the new UsAgainstAlzheimer’s A-LIST survey about the effects of coronavirus on the Alzheimer’s community. Caregivers shared advice about how they are managing additional stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic. “Find support groups using Zoom. Honestly there’s so much more support and community available now for those of us who are isolated in general, it feels easier to find creative groups and community and support groups than there was before.” “Keep your sense of humor and if you never had one, get one.” “Laugh, laugh, laugh – by watching funny cat videos if you like, or babies laughing.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

An April 13, 2020 Fierce Biotech article spotlighted research from Emory School of Medicine scientists who looked at targeting proteins which regulate glucose metabolism to treat Alzheimer’s disease. "We've been studying the possible links between abnormalities in the way the brain metabolizes glucose and Alzheimer's-related changes for a while now. The latest analysis suggests that these proteins may also have potential as fluid biomarkers to detect the presence of early disease,” said co-author Madhav Thambisetty, MD, PhD of the NIA.

PATIENT AND CAREGIVER VOICES

An April 8, 2020 Psychology Today blog post by CBS Sunday Morning correspondent, flutist and writer Eugenia Zuckerman addressed the ways that she stays positive, even in light of her Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. Zuckerman recounts, “…In a television interview in Washington D.C., I read one of my poems entitled “Marbles.” The interviewer broke into tears on live television. That made me realize how important it is to be talking about this insidious disease. Using my words and experience to help others process Alzheimer’s has been incredibly healing for me.”

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

A Caregiving Research post promoted a new, paid, virtual research study, from the nursing school faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, recruiting dementia caregivers to share their day-to-day experiences. Those who are older than 18, who live with and provide unpaid care or assistance to a person with dementia, and have reliable internet, may be eligible to participate.