MUST READS

A March 30, 2020 The Washington Post article spotlighted how some caregivers to people with Alzheimer’s disease are adapting to the coronavirus restrictions. Among other adjustments, it may be prudent to limit TV time as people with dementia can become confused or scared by things they hear on the news. According to social worker Beth Kallmyer, “There’s also a heightened concern that a person living with dementia might not be able to communicate their symptoms if they are feeling unwell. Caregivers need to watch for a sudden change in cognition (not a more gradual change), because it could indicate a fever and the need to notify a health-care provider.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A March 30, 2020 News Medical Life Sciences article looked at the importance of brain blood flow, and its link to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Brain blood flow-related therapies may lead to future treatments for different types of dementia, including vascular dementia. According to the article, “Recent research of both clinical and animal studies has revealed different mechanisms that could underpin this blood flow dysfunction in dementia, including a recent study revealing the adhesion of white blood cells to brain vessels to cause reduced CBF [cerebral blood flow]… Whilst they show promising results in mice, much more research in the form of clinical trials is needed in human patients before we can assume the success of such strategies.”

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A March 30, 2020 BBC News article looked at the stress and distress that additional isolation, due to the coronavirus lockdown, may be causing people with dementia and their families and loved ones. Those with dementia may struggle to adapt their routines to changing realities. According to the article, “The Alzheimer's Society has compiled a list of activity ideas to keep people living with dementia active, but said it was always best to base these on their interests and preferences. Despite the difficulties, the families are keeping positive.”