RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A March 4, 2020 Technology Networks article looked at the effects of supplying the L-serine amino acid as a nutritional supplement to restore brain function and memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the article, “With the identification of the role of L-serine in memory disorders and the experimental efficacy of nutritional supplementation, new strategies appear that may complement medical treatment, to combat early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other diseases that display metabolic deficits, like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. Since L-serine is available as a nutritional supplement, this compound should be rigorously tested in humans, through controlled clinical trials.”

CAREGIVING CORNER

A March 2, 2020 Press-Telegram Senior Living article by David W. Hart, PhDexplored intimacy, attraction and sex amongst seniors with cognitive impairment and dementia, and their caregivers, based on a conversation with dementia spouses. “Partners of people with dementia frequently report meaningful changes to the relationship, including loss of companionship, reciprocity, communication and shared understanding, progressive and compounding grief and loss due to declining abilities, shifting responsibilities and roles, and decreases in shared activities… The attributes that were previously attractive, including intellect, gender roles and personality traits, shift over time and frequently have a negative impact on sexual activity,” wrote Hart.

YOUTH FOCUS

(ICYMI) A February 26, 2020 NECN 10 Boston broadcast segment featured 19 year-old Logan Wells, who taught himself how to code in order to create an app to coordinate all of his grandmother’s caregivers. He was 11 when she was diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease. He offers the app free to other families who may be struggling with coordinating with the activities of their loved one.

PATIENT AND CAREGIVER VOICES

(ICYMI) A February 19, 2020 E Cronicon commentary by Michael Ellenbogen, who lives with dementia, advocated for people who have dementia and have lost their freedom. Ellenbogen recounted the story of a woman who was evacuated due to natural disaster, and put on psychiatric hold when she went to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. According to Ellenbogen, “This incident sent chills to my body because I also live with dementia. Because dementia does not allow me to communicate clearly, I too am at risk for being locked up for a possible psychiatric illness if a caregiver or another person alleges I am a danger to myself or oth- ers. Until my psychiatric evaluation is complete, I can be held against my will. During that time, I will have lost my freedom.”