USA2 SPOTLIGHT

TAKE OUR LATEST A-LIST CAREGIVER-PHYSICIAN RELATIONSHIPS SURVEY! Lend your voice to the conversation. The A-LIST continues researching experiences of caregivers when they visit the doctor with a loved one. Trusted connections with the physician are vital to both patient and caregiver. If you are a current or past caregiver, we want to know your opinions on this important connection. A-LIST is an UsAgainstAlzheimer’s initiative.

DISPARITIES SPOTLIGHT

A December 12, 2018 National Institute on Aging/NIH article focused on Latinos and their heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The NIA-supported Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging is looking at middle-aged and older Latinos with mild cognitive impairment relating to such factors as cardiovascular health and genetic risk. According to the article, “Beyond age, certain factors put Latinos at increased risk, including low socioeconomic status, lots of cardiovascular disease, and a higher prevalence of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and depression. Latinos also tend to develop symptoms at a younger age than non-Latino whites.”

PROFILES IN COURAGE

A December 13, 2018 Speed Bump blog post focused on the holidays with a loved one with dementia. “…My sister made the icing and Mom laughed about how she was no help to us at all. ‘Good thing I can still clean up all the dishes!’ Mom joked… My sister and I exchanged a quick glance, the oldest grandkids did not look up. They knew what the younger ones did not - that Gram had Alzheimer’s Disease and her memory would continue to decline. Our holiday tradition of baking sugar cookies is the perfect activity to share with my Mom at this stage of her dementia. With all the people she loves in the same room, she can share in the joy and fun.”

CLINICAL TRIAL SPOTLIGHT

A December 17, 2018 WKBN First News 27 broadcast segment spotlighted the need for non-symptomatic participants, age 60-75, for an Alzheimer’s prevention study at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. There are around 50,000 people in Ohio living with the disease.

CAREGIVING CORNER

A December 13, 2018 Being Patient entry by caregiver and writer Avery T. Stone shared practical advice about managing loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease who wander, based on her own experience with her mom. “Anyone with dementia can be prone to wandering, even if they have never gotten lost before. The urge to wander may make no logical sense to the caregiver. The caregiver will not likely get any warning that the person with dementia will wander until the first incident.”

FEEL GOOD STORY OF THE DAY

A December 16, 2018 Basingstoke Gazette article spotlighted staff and residents at Ashcombe House, who participated in Elf Day to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s society. According to general manager Louise Lambert, “I am pleased that we could hold something like this for our home and it is clear that everyone has really enjoyed the day and to raise awareness for such a good cause."