October 9, 2019

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

USA2 SPOTLIGHT

An October 7, 2019 UsAgainstAlzheimer’s release addressed the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s (USPSTF) recent draft recommendation stating there is “insufficient” evidence that doctors should conduct cognitive screening for older adults. Public comments on the recommendations are due today and many groups, including UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, are calling on the task force to revise its recommendation and encourage health care providers to screen for cognitive impairment. “This draft recommendation would make it almost impossible to meet the nation’s goal to prevent or effectively treat Alzheimer’s by 2025. The task force’s position on cognitive impairment screening would slow progress toward earlier diagnosis of dementia, improved care and services, and better outcomes for people with dementia and their families,” said UsA2 Co-Founder George Vradenburg.

DISPARITIES SPOTLIGHT

According to an October 9, 2019 Medical Xpress article, a new University of Miami Miller School study, “Sleep and Neurocognitive Decline in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos,” found that insomnia and sleep disturbances may increase the risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease for Latinos. “We observed that prolonged periods of sleep and chronic insomnia symptoms led to declines in memory, executive function and processing speed. Those measures can precede the development of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease,” said Alberto R. Ramos, M.D.MSPH.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

An October 8, 2019 Medical News Today article reported that a new study in a mouse model used an anticoagulant, the blood thinner dabigatran etexilate, which prevents the formation of blood clots in people at risk of stroke, to try and slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. After one year of use, the researchers found a significant reduction in typical AD biomarkers, including amyloid plaques and inflammation. “Winning the battle against Alzheimer disease will require individualized combination therapy targeting the various processes that contribute to this disease. One goal is to improve the cerebral circulation, and our study shows that treatment with oral anticoagulants has the potential to be an effective approach in Alzheimer patients with a tendency to coagulation,” said study lead Marta Cortés Canteli, PhD.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

An October 7, 2019 CBS 12 News article spotlighted filmmaker Eric Gordon’s “When All That's Left Is Love” feature-length documentary. As secondary caregiver alongside his mother, Gordon began documenting his dad’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Film screenings will be accompanied by conversations with local experts and AD service providers. “The film showcases what we talk about every day, which is the fact that it takes a village. Not being afraid to ask for help and finding the right villagers. A caregiver is no good to their loved one if they've bent so far under the pressure that they break,” said Scott Greenberg, who will be speaking at several screenings.