June 11, 2019

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

MUST READS

A June 11, 2019 CBS News broadcast segment spotlighted University of New Mexico researchers working on an Alzheimer’s vaccine which targets tau tangles, a major hallmark of AD. They tested it on mice with Alzheimer’s, which cleared pathological tau. According to the article, “However, drugs that seem to work in mice do not always have the same effect in humans. A clinical trial involving people will be required to see if the drug helps in real life, and that's a difficult and expensive undertaking — with no guarantee of success.” Also covered by The HillWFLA News Channel 8,  and others.

A June 9, 2019 NBC News article reported that the administration plans to drastically cut federal dollars for research using “fetal tissue from elective abortions.” Fetal cells have been used in hundreds of thousands of research projects, including studying Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and are superior to adult cells. According to the article, ““Our holy grail is to create alternatives to fetal stem cells. But it’s not going to happen tomorrow,” [Dr. Elias] Zambidis [of Johns Hopkins] said. Fetal cells continue to be the gold standard in certain types of research, and indeed, any alternatives developed will have to be comparable in quality and function. That's one reason why fetal cells are still needed, so scientists can see how new technologies stack up against them.”

SEX MATTERS

A June 10, 2019 Next Avenue article by Deborah Copaken explored the link between menopause and Alzheimer’s disease after she couldn’t remember the word ‘artichoke.’ Copaken spoke with Weill Cornell neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi about her research into the subject and the fact that women are twice as likely to get AD as men. According to Mosconi, “Well for one, we have known for a good ten years that taking out the ovaries or the uterus increases risk of dementia in women… There’s a strong association between early menopause and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s in women. And an oophorectomy, which is the surgical removal of the ovaries, increases the risk up to seventy percent… There is an increased risk of Alzheimer’s also with a hysterectomy.

CAREGIVING CORNER

A June 9, 2019 The Advocate Alzheimer’s Q&A asked about Father’s day gifts that are appropriate for people with dementia. The greatest gift recommended is simply spending time with your loved one, incorporating things that can trigger memories and spark conversation. Schedule activities around the best time of day for him. According to the article, “Focus on him and the present moment you share together and treasure those meaningful connections you can create.”

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

A June 7, 2019 Civil Beat Community Voice piece by Pokii Balaz supportedthe Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2019, to give assistance and services to people younger than 60 living with AD. This includes nutritional programs, respite services for family caregivers, supportive services and other services to enhance quality-of-life. According to the article, “As a family caregiver, I understand the enormous burden dementia has on Hawaii families and the economy… But it is with hope that we can decrease those challenges and increase the quality of life for those living with the disease and those caring for their caregivers.”

NOTE FROM USA2 

Alz Dailies will take a short hiatus and return on Monday, June 17, 2019.