RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

An April 27, 2020 AL.com article focused on research out of Alabama and California, on a TET2 gene mutation which doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer disease, ALS and frontotemporal dementia. According to the article, “The TET2 gene is the blueprint for a protein also called TET2, which scientists already know has role in maintaining brain DNA. Researchers now think the genetic changes they found could lead to TET2 protein that might “disrupt how the brain ages and contribute to the development of Alzheimer disease, ALS and frontotemporal dementia.”

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

According to an April 28, 2020 CNY Central article, National Public Radio reported that 440 clinical trials have been put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak, including Alzheimer’s and dementia trials. "We've already started to see some of our studies paused. They're doing that to try to save the resources they have so they can start after COVID. But what we're trying to do is continue to have patients, continue to gather data," said Clarity Clinical Research Site Director Lisa Sonneborn.

YOUTH FOCUS

An April 30, 2020 Points of Light post spotlighted seventh-grader Hailey Richman, Founder of Kid Caregivers, which supports kid caregivers around the world, especially those who have family members with Alzheimer’s disease. Richman also works through the Puzzle Time program to provide special, intergenerational Alzheimer's jigsaw puzzles to seniors in nursing homes, which both calm and benefit cognition. “Seeing smiles on the faces of kids that were afraid to go into nursing homes at first is rewarding. Now they don’t want to end their visit with the seniors, because they are so happy,” said Hailey. According to the article, “Helping both the old and young to feel purposeful and by focusing on youth caretakers, Hailey has filled a critical gap that persists in senior care, where depression and loneliness can negatively affect the life of an individual living in a nursing home.”