USA2 SPOTLIGHT

(ICYMI) A November 11, 2019 Volunteers of America YouTube videofeatured a CBS clip exploring VOA’s “Resilience Strength Training” program for veterans. Dr. Rita Brock, who leads VOA’s moral injury programming and strategy, was interviewed for the segment. Veterans are disproportionately affected by dementia. VOA is a partner in UsA2’s FaithUnitedAgainstAlzheimer’s Coalition.

The Alzheimer’s Disease Research Semipostal Stamp will remain on sale only until the end of this month (November, 2019)! (Post offices may continue to sell them directly.) Almost $1 million has been raised for NIA/NIH-funded dementia research. The stamps send a powerful message of support and solidarity with families facing the challenges of neurodegenerative diseases. Order online to use for your holiday gifts, or call: 1-800 STAMP-24 - but only through November 30th!

HUMAN INTEREST

A November 17, 2019 The Philadelphia Inquirer opinion piece announced that Inquirer sports writer Bill Lyon died this weekend from Alzheimer’s disease. Lyon continued to write about his experience with AD well into the disease. According to Lyon, “My intent is to write columns about my dementia. My hope is that the columns will be cathartic and perhaps be of some help to anyone else who’s going down this same long and winding road... My intent is to write until ... well, until I can’t.”

MUST WATCH

A November 14, 2019 WITN broadcast segment told the story of an emotional ceremony held at Spring Arbor Assisted Living in Kinston (NC), sealing a time capsule with dementia patients’ memories to be opened in 2039. “I hope that we're less isolated of a disease, that we know that there's more support for caregivers, that our infrastructure can support our caregivers and those living with dementia and hopefully a cure by then as well,” said Dementia Alliance of NC Executive Director Heather Hooper.

CLINICAL TRIAL SPOTLIGHT

A November 14, 2019 Yahoo! Finance article reported that EastGate Biotech will expand its alternative, oral insulin delivery portfolio into the treatment of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The company is considering a proof of concept trial with the primary endpoint to delay disease progression, including memory loss stabilization and improvements in self-care. Insulin is critical to brain function and if it cannot reach the brain, may lead to Alzheimer’s disease or “Type 3 diabetes.” “As we believe that our liquid insulin formulation is robust. We want to exhaust all possible applications with varying delivery options before developing other drugs utilizing our innovative delivery system. Alzheimer’s disease, along with diabetes, is growing at a rapid pace and simple and effective solutions with existing proteins could impact the treatment paradigm,” said CEO Anna Gluskin.