USA2 SPOTLIGHT

Listen to our latest Alzheimer's Talks podcast, where host Meryl Comer speaks with Dr. R. Scott Turner, a leading Alzheimer’s disease researcher at the Georgetown University Memory Disorders Program. They discuss the current Alzheimer's drug pipeline, related questions about diagnosis, and prevention. Watch the full video here.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

An August 27, 2019 Medical News Today article focused on research from the School of Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences at Loughborough University (UK), utilizing eye tracking technology to distinguish between MCI subtypes (amnesic/aMCI, nonamnesic/naMCI) for the purpose of early and accurate diagnosis. Risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is significantly heightened for people with aMCI, as opposed to naMCI. People with AD display signs of eye movement impairment prior to cognitive symptoms. According to the study authors, “Given that people with MCI are more likely to develop dementia due to [Alzheimer's] than cognitively healthy adults, and, in particular, that people with [aMCI] are at the highest risk of progressing to a full dementia syndrome, this may also offer an additional prognostic tool for predicting which people with a diagnosis of MCI are more likely to progress to [Alzheimer’s].”

(ICYMI) An August 21, 2019 Medical Xpress article spotlighted research on the role microglia plays in Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine School of Biological Sciences blocked microglia signaling and found in those areas of the brain, amyloid plaques didn’t form. Where plaques are present, microglia attack them, and neuronal genes needed for normal brain functioning are switched off. “…In places where microglia survived, plaques did develop. You don't have Alzheimer's without plaques, and we now know microglia are a necessary component in the development of Alzheimer’s… This finding underlines the crucial role of these brain immune cells in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s,” said Associate Professor Kim Green.

MUST LISTEN

Listen to Mark Hyman, MD’s Broken Brain Podcast #68: “Is There an Optimal Diet for Humans? with Anahad O’Connor.” Host Dhru speaks with bestselling author and The New York Times reporter Anahad O’Connor about his research into nutrition, medicine and chronic disease, and if there is anoptimal diet for humans. Studies show that modern hunter-gatherers tend to have excellent heart and metabolic health, sidestepping chronic diseases that kill many Americans. Amongst a variety of topics, they discuss the impact of lifestyle and social connections on overall health, and longevity and resistance training.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

The federal R.A.I.S.E. Family Caregiving Advisory Council is meeting for its annual convening. The council provides recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on effective models of family caregiving and support to family caregivers, and improving coordination across federal government programs. Watch the livestream here, today until 5pm (EST). And watch tomorrow, August 29, 2019, from 8:45am-2:45pm (EST).