MUST READS

A June 18, 2019 Dementia Journey blog post by author Deborah Shouse extended kudos to Lynda Everman and Kathy Siggins for their continuing, tireless work on the Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp. The stamp is slated to be removed from sale on November 30th of this year. But you can support proposed legislation to keep it in circulation by contacting your Congressperson and Senators.

CLINICAL TRIAL SPOTLIGHT

A June 19, 2019 WCCO CBS 4 Minnesota Health Watch broadcast segmentspotlighted a clinical trial from researchers at Health Partners Neuroscience Center, who are testing a new Alzheimer’s disease treatment via a nasal spray delivering insulin, and observing its effects on the brain. People with AD have lowered insulin, which leads to memory loss. They are working under the theory that current Alzheimer’s drugs can lose effectiveness when digested or in the blood stream; the nasal spray shoots directly into cells that connect to the brain. See if you qualify for one of their clinical trials here.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A June 20, 2019 UPI Health News article highlighted a new study examining the role of decreased blood flow to the brain, which causes the constriction of cells surrounding blood vessels and may be a cause of cognitive decline. Reduced blood flow is the first clinically detectable sign of Alzheimer’s. “In clinical trials, drugs that clear amyloid beta from the brain have not succeeded in slowing mental decline at a relatively late phase of the disease. We now have a new avenue for therapies intervening at an earlier stage,” said study senior author David Attwell of University College London.

PATIENT AND CAREGIVER VOICES

An AARP post by Marti Wilson wrote about her final happy day with her late husband, Sgt. Maj. William C. Wilson (USMC Ret.), who had Alzheimer’s disease. According to Wilson, “He talked and we sang with the music that was playing. He laughed and playfully poked at me. He said “Hi, baby” as he petted the dogs that came to visit the residents, and even fed himself. We spent a wonderful day together. Friday, he did not eat and slept most of the time. I was filled with foreboding, and called several times that day to ease my worries. At 4:30 A.M on Saturday he slipped away peacefully in his sleep, freed from the prison that had confined him for so long.”

DEMENTIA AND THE ARTS

A June 19, 2019 KING 5 News broadcast segment focused on the “Art of Alzheimer’s” traveling exhibition, comprised entirely of artwork created by people with AD. The exhibition is built on the belief that people can gain new creativity after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.“…It’s really to introduce people to a completely different story about dementia and Alzheimer’s, one that is joyous and one where they are still here,” said founder and creator Marilyn Raichle.

BRAIN HEALTH

A June 19, 2019 Discover Magazine blog post examined the link between fasting and Alzheimer’s disease. Mark Mattson (formerly of John Hopkins University), and University of Southern California biological sciences professor Valter Longo, are both conducting human studies on the subject. In particular, they are looking at ketones, which are produced by the liver during periods of fasting and help fuel the brain. Higher levels have been linked to improved thinking, learning and memory. According to the article, “With other factors like exercise, sleep, stress and diabetes also being linked to the disease, untangling the mystery of Alzheimer’s is far from over. For now, and until we know more about the disease, Longo says that limiting calorie intake to about 12 hours a day could be a good way to help brain health.”