USA2 SPOTLIGHT

A September 11, 2019 UsAgainstAlzheimer’s release highlighted the new ResearchersAgainstAlzheimer’s report, “Non-Pharmacological Therapies in Alzheimer’s disease: A Systematic Review.” The report focuses on opportunities for exploration within the non-pharmacological AD interventions pipeline, and contains case studies and commentary on ongoing non-pharmacological trials. “We cannot afford to leave scientific opportunity on the table. This means providing scientists and researchers, whose work is funded by the NIH, the resources they need to validate the benefits of non-pharmacological interventions with the strongest possible scientific rigor. An additional $350 million in funding for the NIH for fiscal year 2020 would allow us to keep pace with the latest science and explore both pharma and non-pharma pathways wherever they lead,” said UsA2 Co-Founder George Vradenburg. Read the full report here.

MUST READS

A September 11, 2019 National Institute on Aging research blog post looked at “paradoxical lucidity,” an unexpected return of mental clarity in people with longstanding dementia, also called “terminal lucidity,” because it occurs at the end of life. According to the article, “Paradoxical lucidity is the kind of phenomenon that can reshape our views of cognitive impairment and dementia if we can understand more about it… And understanding paradoxical lucidity better could help caregivers contend with the ethical and decision-making concerns that can arise after witnessing a lucid episode.” Get information on applying for ‘lucidity in dementia grants’ here.

A September 10, 2019 Yahoo! Finance article looked at the push toward diversifying the search for drugs to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease. Beyond amyloid, researchers are turning toward microglia, inflammation, infection and non-pharmacological methods such as deep brain stimulation. According to the article, “Most of the fresh starts for drugs are in the earliest research stages. It's far from clear that any will pan out, but "the field is now much more open-minded than it ever was to alternative ideas,”” said Donna Wilcock of the University of Kentucky.

PATIENT AND CAREGIVER VOICES

A September 12, 2019 The Wooded Path blog post by neurologist Daniel C. Potts, MD, FAAN, shared lessons learned about being a good care partner for someone with dementia, originally compiled for a webinar for the Dementia Alliance International. Potts advises, “Laughter is essential. It is the great equalizer. But listening rivals laughter as the best medicine. Listening requires use of all senses, not just hearing.” And, “Empathy is the game changer in creating a culture of compassion in dementia care. Empathy increases when persons allow themselves to have meaningful relationships with those living with dementia. It is especially important to facilitate this process in young people.”

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

The Caregiver Smile Summit is a virtual conference for caregivers. Videos go live on November 1, 2019 in conjunction with the launch of National Caregivers Month. The Summit provides practical knowledge for caregivers, while preparing them for their own aging journey. Register here.