USA2 SPOTLIGHT

Join us this Thursday, June 20, 2019 for our next Alzheimer's Talks. UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Founding Board Member Meryl Comer will interview Woman's Day editor-in-chief Susan Spencer. They'll discuss Woman's Day’s commitment to brain health, including their partnership in our Be Brain Powerful campaign, and why women need to prioritize brain health.  

(ICYMI) A May 31, 2019 MarketWatch article highlighted the need for standardized brain health check-ups, which could potentially deter Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Many doctors don’t broach the subject at all. According to the article, “…Brain health checkups can be crucial to ensuring a long, healthy life, especially for those after 50. Every aspect of life affects the brain, and the brain affects all aspects of life, including mobility, a good night’s rest, diet and stress levels. Doctors may know to check aging patients’ risk of myriad diseases, but not many take a few extra minutes to assess a patient’s cognitive abilities, or its link to other health issues, said George Vradenburg, chairman and co-founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.”

MUST READS

A June 16, 2019 The Advocate Alzheimer’s Q&A wondered if someone can still work after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The article advises to inform your employer in the name of transparency. “Start the conversation early and inform your supervisor about your diagnosis before your job performance suffers and/or you receive any disciplinary actions. Taking this approach up front would demonstrate your trust and confidence to the company and also build a more beneficial relationship with your employer, which could ultimately mean a longer stay at your job.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A June 17, 2019 WebMD article spotlighted the results of a small clinical trial showing that the blood pressure medication nilvadipine can improve blood flow by 20% to the hippocampus in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. This was part of a larger trial to see if the drug could improve memory and thinking skills in people with AD. Although the study was too small to determine if the drug has an effect on symptoms, researchers deemed it worthy of future research. According to lead study author Dr. Jurgen Claassen, “We don't know if [blood pressure control] may be more of a preventative measure, or if it might have a role in treatment, too.” Also covered by Medical Express.

CAREGIVING CORNER

A June 12, 2019 National Institute on Aging blog post requested submissions for ideas and questions to help shape the agenda for research into Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In particular, they are seeking input for the Second National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers, taking place next March. Submissions are due by June 28, 2019.