USA2 SPOTLIGHT

(ICYMI) A February 5, 2019 Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio segment featured UsA2 Founding Board Member Meryl Comer, and Joan M. Griffin, PhD of Mayo Clinic. Host Lori La Bey leads a discussion about the A-LIST research initiative of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, a collective voice working to overcome scientific skepticism around the value of patient and caregiver engagement in research.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A February 6, 2019 Science Daily article reported that an HIV drug looks promising to treat age-associated disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. A generic HIV drug blocks retrotransposon (DNA sequences able to replicate and move to other places) activity, which significantly reduces age-related inflammation, a major component of age-associated disorders, and senescent human cells (old cells that no longer divide). Retrotransposons are present in every type of tissue, making them a “compelling suspect for a unified component of cellular aging.” Also covered by Express, and others.

FAITH SPOTLIGHT

Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains is holding its “Conference 2019: Change & Holiness,” May 5-8, 2019 in Cherry Hill (NJ). Panel presentations include, “End of Life Considerations,” “Long Term Care,” and much more. Keynote speaker Rabbi Richard Address is a Founding Member of ClergyAgainstAlzheimer’s, a UsA2 network. Register here. 

CAREGIVING CORNER

Listen to the “Thank You Dan & Alex” show on WABC 77 Radio, Sundays from 7-8pm. The show is hosted by Dan Gasby, husband and caregiver of B. Smith, who has Alzheimer’s disease. Gasby’s girlfriend, Alex L., helps to care for Smith, along with Gasby’s daughter. The show discusses compelling stories about the reality of living with Alzheimer’s disease.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A February 6, 2019 Alzheimer’s Research UK Blog post spotlighted the launch of the “Dementia Attitudes Monitor Report” (repeated every two years), providing an in-depth analysis of the UK’s attitudes about dementia and research. It found that more than half of the population has been affected by dementia, one in five believes it is an inevitable part of aging, and only half are aware it can cause death. According to the article, “It has also shown that more must be done to engage people with how they can personally support research efforts. We know that participation in research… is vital for research efforts to continue at pace so there is a real opportunity to engage more people with the positive personal contribution they can make to research.”

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

A February 5, 2019 New Jersey 101.5 radio segment interviewed Ken Zaentz of Alzheimer’s New Jersey about finding support services in New Jersey for people with dementia and their family members. According to Zaentz, “Support services, I think, can make all the difference for families and people with the disease in being able plan, being able to move forward, and being really able to understand all the changes that this disease will bring to their lives.”