MUST READS

A January 4, 2019 The New York Times article explored “cognitive rehabilitation” treatment for people with early and mid-stage dementia, which evolved from methods for people with brain injuries. According to the article, ““We can’t wait another 20 years for some magic pill,” said Laura Gitlin, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University. She has developed something called the Tailored Activity Program (T.A.P.), somewhat similar to cognitive rehab, which also brings occupational therapists into people’s homes. “We’re trying to lay the scientific basis for nonpharmacological approaches,” Dr. Gitlin said.”

VETERANS SPOTLIGHT

A January 4, 2019 Forbes article spotlighted the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Military and Veteran Caregiver Experience Map, a tool to help caregivers of military veterans by identifying three stages in the process, turning points and landmarks. There are 5.5 million military caregivers in the U.S. Veterans with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD are at heightened risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

CLINICAL TRIAL SPOTLIGHT

A January 13, 2019 Providence Journal article reported that the Ryan Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rhode Island will conduct an investigational drug trial (BEACON study) of dabigatran, FDA-approved to reduce the risk of embolism and stroke. It targets inflammation of blood vessels that supply the brain and its neurons, and reduces thrombus-induced inflammation, believed to be a factor in Alzheimer’s disease. According to Paula Grammas, “The fact that we’re testing this hypothesis is important because there’s more and more emphasis now in the field to look at things beyond amyloid.” 

DISPARITIES SPOTLIGHT

According to a January 14, 2019 WHYY article, Philadelphia-area community advocates hope that the passage of the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act will help not only provide better care for people with AD and other dementias, but help to reduce race-related disparities. One goal is to assist more people to get earlier diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis is common in African-American communities. African-Americans are twice as likely to develop AD as whites, and nearly half of Philly’s population is black. 

MUST WATCH

A January 8, 2019 Being Patient conversation between Founder Deborah Kan and Dr. Daniel Gartenberg, PhD explored potential harmful effects of sleep deprivation, including increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Gartenberg discusses how technology and sound can improve sleep quality. Limited deep sleep is associated with a 40-percent decline in memory performance. 

CAREGIVING CORNER

(ICYMI) A December 13, 2018 Caregiver Warrior blog post informed about the three most essential legal documents to protect loved ones and caregivers alike, which designate wishes and decisions for the future and end-of-life. Roberta Arnone, Esq. names Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy and Living Will (Health Care Directive) as imperative to have ready at a moment’s notice. According to Arnone, “…Making sure you have directive documents for yourself and your loved ones is the first step in creating a realistic care plan. These documents are so easy to complete that most lawyers bundle them into the price of will preparation and many online providers make them inexpensively available.”