USA2 SPOTLIGHT

Take our latest A-LIST “What Matters Most: Early Cognitive Assessment” survey. The A-LIST partnered with Quest Diagnostics to gain insights to help doctors and other clinicians understand what matters most to us when it comes to early cognitive assessment, modifying risk and managing brain health. A-LIST is an initiative of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.

MUST READS

According to an August 13, 2018 Express article, scientists observed cell death for the first time, and measured how fast it travels. This knowledge could eventually help find a treatment or cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Death spreads rapidly, via a “death cascade” through apoptosis, whereby the body rids itself of old cells to create new ones. According to the article, “The experts say to imagine how a cell dies, think of a wildfire that starts at a certain point and how it spreads outward from that point in an action known as trigger waves.”

An August 9, 2018 The Washington Post article looked at ways for people with a dementia diagnosis to live well. Laura Gitlin and Nancy Hodgson penned “Better Living With Dementia,” to help overcome feelings of hopelessness after receiving such a diagnosis. According to Hodgson, “…People are not given access to the resources they need to plan for the future. They’re left on their own to find out even basic information.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

An August 14, 2018 EurekAlert! release focused on new research which discovered new genes that will help unravel genetic risk factors that predispose people to Alzheimer's disease. Through the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP), researchers found rare variations in genes which may contribute to the development of AD. "This large and deep gene sequencing study is an important part of identifying which variations may play a part in risk of getting Alzheimer's or protection against it," said Eliezer Masliah, MD of the NIA.

CAREGIVING CORNER

An August 8, 2018 U.S. News article delved into options to preserve retirement funds when caring for a loved one. 44 percent of caregivers spend $5,000 or more per year out-of-pocket, which can cause stress, especially if dipping into savings or retirement accounts. According to the article, “Review your loved one's finances. Look at savings accounts, retirement funds and any other accounts your loved one has that could be used to cover costs. Review insurance policies to understand what is covered and what is not. Medicare, for instance, covers certain home health services, such as physical therapy and part-time skilled nursing care.”

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

An August 13, 2018 The San Diego Union-Tribune article reported that a new program in San Diego is offering free gun locks to households affected by dementia. According to the article, “The topic of dementia patients’ access to guns has been gaining greater attention recently as the U.S. population ages. An estimated 5.1 million Americans 65 and older suffer from some form of dementia. Meanwhile, an estimated 33 percent of adults in that same age bracket own guns, while another 12 percent live in a household with someone who does, according to a Pew Research Center report last year.”