GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A November 26, 2019 The Jerusalem Post article spotlighted researchers from Tel Aviv University, who found that ADNP (activity dependent neuroprotective protein) mutations continue to occur into old age and accumulate in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. ADNP mutations during pregnancy are linked to autism. According to the article, “Researchers now propose what they describe as a “paradigm-shifting concept in the perception” of Alzheimer’s disease, in which uninherited genetic alterations passed on during cell division promote neurological disorders.” Also covered by Technology Networks.

HUMAN INTEREST

A November 26, 2019 NBC News article and video spoke with TODAY anchor Natalie Morales, whose mother-in-law was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 55. Morales, who has become an advocate for early diagnosis and prevention, decided to modify her lifestyle, and that of her family, toward healthier eating, and physical and cognitive exercises. According to the article, “Morales pointed out that health risks are one of the reasons why women need to be financially secure and plan for unforeseeable events." "If you're constantly changing your routine, and challenging yourself, studies show that those are ways to at least prevent perhaps early onset or push it off a little bit longer,” said Morales.

CAREGIVING CORNER

A November 25, 2019 The Washington Post article talked with caregivers about planning for their own old age, as they care for their aging parents. Contemplating old age and death can inspire practical decisions such as what type of home to purchase or sell, whether to age at home versus a senior facility or community, or giving away prized possessions for others to enjoy. According to the article, “For Richard Lui, 52, an MSNBC news anchor in New York City, becoming a caregiver for his father, who has dementia, forced him to grow emotionally. After his father, a retired pastor in San Francisco, began to have memory problems eight years ago, Lui started flying there each week to help care for him, as his father gradually lost his ability to communicate. The experience, while wrenching, also resulted in a breakthrough.”

MUST READS

A November 26, 2019 The Ladders article highlighted latest stats on Alzheimer’s disease. With the greying of America, the U.S. is experiencing a “radical demographic shift,” so that seniors will soon outnumber children under 18. Researchers at A Place For Mom analyzed statistics from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to determine which 10 states have the highest rates of AD.

A November 22, 2019 UCI News article announced that UCLA Alzheimer’s researcher Dr. David Sultzer will oversee the clinical research operations for UCI MIND (Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders). The Institute brings together interdisciplinary faculty from biological sciences, information and computer sciences, engineering, nursing science, education, social sciences and medicine. According to Sultzer, “A lot of the things being done at UCI MIND come from the productive environment and careful thought into the structure of studies and trials, so the institute is really set up to accommodate patients and families in as many ways as possible.”

NOTE FROM USA2

Alzheimer’s Daily take a short break Thursday and Friday this week for the Thanksgiving holiday.