February 3, 2020

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

USA2 SPOTLIGHT

(ICYMI) A January 17, 2020 Digital Journal article looked at the value of evidence-based brain training to maintain or improve cognitive abilities. UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, along with other organizations, recommends such exercises. According to the article “…The evidence is now in that it improves health outcomes; second, that while improving outcomes it also lowers healthcare costs… A large AARP survey found that brain health is actually the top concern of older adults, surpassing concerns about saving Medicare and Social Security.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

According to a February 3, 2020 Medical Xpress article, the "C1" compound may inhibit the production of amyloids, a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. "Historically, drug trials for gamma secretase inhibitors failed because traditional enzyme inhibitors have severe side effects… Our compound binds to the cleavage site of the precursor protein instead of the enzyme itself, which may avoid many problems associated with traditional enzyme inhibitors,” said Chunyu Wang of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

A February 3, 2020 Fox 5 Atlanta broadcast segment spotlighted the 3rd Annual Battle for the Brain event from Daughter’s Against Alzheimer’s, which is raising funds for the Emory University’s Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. The event is a lip-sync battle where fans vote for their favorite performer by donating toward their team’s fundraising goal. Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Coca Cola Roxy.

ALZ TECH

A February 3, 2020 NY Daily News article focused on the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s attempt to convey the experience of having Alzheimer’s disease via a new virtual reality tool. The experience is based on common symptoms of AD and hopes to build patience and empathy. According to the article, “With the help of a virtual reality headset and a three-minute video, one can step into the world of “Harry,” a 76-year-old retired veterinarian and widower living with midstage Alzheimer’s disease. Harry suffers from hallucinations, mistakes toothpaste for another medication, forgets to shut off the sink and is constantly confused about what time it is.”