USA2 SPOTLIGHT

A September 12, 2018 Chicago Tonight WTTW PBS Health article spotlighted The Atlantic’s “Disrupting Alzheimer’s” event in Chicago this week. Speakers included UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Chairman and Co-Founder George Vradenburg, WomenAgainstAlzheimer’s President Jill Lesser, AfricanAmericansAgainstAlzheimer’s Executive Director Stephanie Monroe, and LatinosAgainstAlzheimer’s Patient/Caregiver Advocate Daisy Duarte.

MUST READS

A September 12, 2018 University of Toronto article focused on the unique challenges of the “other face of dementia.” Patients with young-onset dementia often have difficulties with language, visual processing, organizing and planning, and fewer memory complaints. According to the article, “When a young person goes to see their doctor and reports such changes in cognition, the “d” word brought up is usually depression and not dementia. Until the correct diagnosis is made, there can be many misinterpretations of their changes in thinking – resulting in conflicts with family, friends and colleagues.”

PROFILES IN COURAGE

A September 12, 2018 Being Patient article told the story of Jamie Tyrone, who at age 48 learned she has a “near-certain chance of developing Alzheimer’s.” She has two copies of ApoE4, raising her risk 12-fold (91 percent lifetime risk). Tyrone is a self-labeled “lab rat” in a Banner Alzheimer’s Institute clinical trial and chronicles her journey.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A September 11, 2018 Medical Xpress article featured the work of McMaster University researchers, led by Maikel Rheinstädter, who studied the tissue surrounding the plaques typically found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. According to the article, “To test Rheinstädter's theory that surrounding membranes are important to plaque formation, the researchers developed a synthetic membrane to use in place of human brain tissue. "Brain tissue has some negative charge that may also play a role in attracting peptides so we even included that. We have a good mimic of brain tissue.””

ALZ TECH

According to a September 13, 2018 Orlando Sentinel article, a pilot program in Orange County, CA will deploy drone technology to track someone with a cognitive disease who wanders away from home or a facility. According to the article, “The technology is provided by Project Lifesaver, which will provide tracking devices for those with cognitive disorders. The device can be placed on a person’s foot or ankle. Working with 911, deputies will be able to find the person using a frequency emitted from the device.”

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

NBC 9 News is seeking your stories about “Alzheimer's care in Colorado.”What resources did you turn to for your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? Did you ever take your loved one to a hospital or emergency room when you couldn’t handle the care anymore? Send your story to the 9Wants to Know Facebook page or email: [email protected].