MUST WATCH

A July 11, 2018 NBC 5 Chicago broadcast segment reported that scientists from UT Southwestern's O'Donnell Brain Institute have discovered a "Big Bang" of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers identified the point where a healthy tau molecule in the brain becomes toxic, before it forms deadly tangles by sticking to itself and creating larger aggregates. Tau tangles are a major hallmark of AD. According to Dr. Marc Diamond, "In the case of other diseases that are due to a shape-shift protein, it's been possible to design a drug that is approved that helps prevent that shape shift from occurring. If it's been done in other diseases, it could possibly be done in Alzheimer’s.” Also covered by Science Daily. 

Watch the latest installment of Being Patient Brain Talks, with scientist Daniela Kaufer, discussing the effects of chronic stress on the brain - particularly learning and memory. Kaufer’s work shows how stress hormones change the structure of the brain. 

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A July 9, 2018 New Scientist article looked at “quantum dots,” tiny particles which block formation of amyloid clumps in the brains of mice, which is a major factor in Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at Seoul National University in South Korea are experimenting with the particles which are so small, they can pass from the bloodstream into the brain. If animal safety tests go well, they will begin human trials in approximately two years. 

CAREGIVING CORNER

A July 5, 2018 AARP Family Caregiving article offered practical advice about what to do when a caregiving journey comes to a close. Rates of caregiver depression may actually rise after caregiving ends. According to the article, “Family caregivers typically don’t like to think about the challenge of what comes next, as if doing so would somehow hasten the death of the loved one they are caring for… When the funeral is over, the thank-you cards are written, and the parent's clothes are eventually put away or donated, the caregiver often faces not just lingering sadness but an uncomfortable void.” 

DEMENTIA AND THE ARTS

A July 10, 2018 Leader-Telegram article featured a poetry program at Grace Lutheran Communities’ River Pines facility for long-term care. The Alzheimer’s Poetry Project runs “poetry parties” and trains staff in new ways to interact with residents beyond regular poetry sessions. According to Founder Gary Glazner, “It’s a privilege to be able to be part of their lives and hopefully have some effect, make it a little bit funny and humorous. Ultimately, it helps us reframe the story of dementia because we see that they will learn and they will get better at this, and that’s not the story we tell with dementia.” 

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Join the Alzheimer’s Disease International’s (ADI) 33rd Conference in Chicago. July 26-29, 2018. ADI is the international federation of Alzheimer associations around the world, in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and in consultative status with the United Nations (UN). MaryAnne Sterling of the National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patient & Caregiver Powered Research Network (AD-PCPRN) Patients and Caregivers advisory council will participate in “Transforming the Culture of Alzheimer’s Research.” Friday, July 27, 2018 at 4:00pm.