April 18, 2019

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

HUMAN INTEREST

An April 18, 2019 Daily News article announced the death of singer and Alzheimer’s advocate Paula Abdul’s father from Alzheimer’s disease. According to the article, “The 56-year-old celeb also thanked friends, fans and supporters for their “love and support during this difficult time.” During her father’s years-long battle, Abdul became an advocate for Alzheimer’s research, USA Today reported, and raised awareness by sharing her personal experience with the disease. “It’s time there’s an end to this unforgiving disease,” she said in a 2016 interview quoted by USA Today.”

FAITH SPOTLIGHT

An April 17, 2019 Psychology Today article looked at the crossroads of aging and resilience, a ‘trait that modulates the dichotomy between success and failure.’ Jamie D. Aten PhD interviewed Drs. Michael Parker and Harold Koenig, covering topics such as their own definition of aging and personal interest in the study of aging. According to the doctors, “…A growing number of religious congregations are providing much-needed respite to dementia family caregivers, shifting the concept of caregiving from “solo” to “many.” Leaders in congregations are asking a different set of questions grounded in their religious faith: … “How does a congregation learn to deal with Alzheimer's in a constructive and supportive way?” “What can we do as a church about the isolation and loneliness brought about by disease?”… Even health professionals such as neurologists, who specialize in the treatment of dementia, are acknowledging that faith-based (volunteer) respite care programs are an invaluable support to dementia patients and their family caregivers.”

CAREGIVING CORNER

An April 17, 2019 Being Patient article gave tips to modify the home to make it more comfortable for people with Alzheimer’s disease and family members who care for them. Consult with the patient’s doctor and do a walk-through with an occupational therapist, noting that the modifications may need to change as the condition progresses. Check grant resources before making any changes to see if some costs can be covered.

MUST LISTEN

An April 15, 2019 WLRN radio segment interviewed Dr. Lisa Wiese of Florida Atlantic University, who conducted a survey, “Basic Knowledge of Alzheimer's Disease,” in rural communities in Florida. The survey measures and assesses knowledge on topics related to AD symptoms, risk factors, screening, prevention, treatment and care. According to Wiese, “Most of these rural residents do have a primary provider… What is not happening is that they are not being tested for memory loss. There is no cognitive screening going on even though if you asked the provider or the participants if they wanted to be screened an overwhelming 88 percent wanted to be screened, but it's not happening because either the provider is too busy or they think they can't manage the illness if they do detect it.”

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

An April 17, 2019 Marietta Daily Journal article focused on proposed Missouri legislation, HB 466, which would provide payment to family caregivers for people with Alzheimer's disease and related conditions. The bill would add structured family caregiving to the MO HealthNet, or Medicaid, program with the goal of keeping people at home longer and out of expensive nursing homes.