USA2 SPOTLIGHT

A September 13, 2019 The Washington Post article looked to the different ways the faith community is embracing people with dementia, including creating special get-togethers and services. FaithUnitedAgainstAlzheimer’s, a UsA2 Network, suggests organizing memory cafés, a safe space where people with dementia can socialize and engage, while their caregivers get some respite. According to the article, “A 2014 review of studies of older adults with dementia found that those involved in spiritual and religious practices had a better quality of life. ...Residents with dementia involved with the Spirit Alive program [a weekly multisensory worship service for people with mid- to late-stage dementia], are more engaged during worship and reported feeling closer to God.” Although Alzheimer’s tends to affect recent memories, many people maintain long-term memories, including prayers.

MUST READS

A September 16, 2019 People article spotlighted Hilarity for Charity’s County Fair, which raised money for Alzheimer’s disease awareness Saturday night in Los Angeles. Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller, who founded their charity in 2012 in response to Miller’s mom’s diagnosis of early-onset AD, were joined by fellow celebrity guests hosting carnival rides, music and other entertainment. “It has all the ingredients of a very good time. And all in the name of something that is not at all a good time. I think that contrast is what has been interesting for people and it’s been a draw for people — to attack a subject that is decidedly not that fun with an approach that is as fun as we can make it,” said Rogen.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

According to a September 12, 2019 Yale News article, Professor Dr. Heather Allore received $1.7 million to lead the Design/Statistics Core of NIA’s IMPACT (Imbedded Pragmatic Alzheimer’s Disease or Alzheimer's-related dementia Clinical Trials) Collaboratory. Allore founded the field of Gerontologic Biostatistics, developing innovative trials design and biostatistical methods pertaining to geriatric health. The research incubator brings together experts from more than 30 top research institutions, with a focus on providing expert assistance to pilot trials testing non-drug, care-based interventions for people living with dementia, and developing best practices for implementing and evaluating interventions for AD and dementia care.

CLINICAL TRIAL SPOTLIGHT

A September 13, 2019 The Street article reported that shares of Biogen rose after the company canceled two late stage elenbecestat trials, a drug co-developed with Eisai for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The safety review recommended to end the trials “due to an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio.” According to Dr. Lynn Kramer of Eisai, “We are very disappointed with the news, and intend to learn from these data and continue engaging with patients and investigators, to pursue the discovery of new medicines for Alzheimer's disease.”