ALZHEIMER'S IN THE MEDIA

A September 24, 2019 Yahoo! Finance article spotlighted the “Alzheimer’s The Science of Prevention” documentary series, which will premiere online October 9-20, 2019. Top experts explore the burgeoning field of dementia prevention. According to the article, “While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, the latest scientific research reveals that, to a significant extent, Alzheimer's disease can be prevented. Lifestyle choices including diet, sleep, and exercise play powerful roles in determining the brain's destiny. The cutting-edge information presented in Alzheimer's – The Science of Prevention helps viewers learn how to maintain brain health into old age and live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.” Register to watch here .

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

According to a September 22, 2019 Arab News article, there is a great need, in the Arab world, to challenge misconceptions and educate the public about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, especially early detection. “There are many conflicting beliefs about Alzheimer’s disease in the general population… The results of the study [“Perception and attitude of the general population towards Alzheimer’s disease in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia”] suggest that the perception of the general public of Alzheimer’s disease is lagging behind. Many wrong beliefs were identified in the general public regarding the causes and management,” said study author Hussein Algahtani.

VETERANS SPOTLIGHT

A September 22, 2019 MSNBC broadcast segment featured two army veterans, Tim Welbaum and Scott Doney of Visiting Angels of South Central Michigan senior home care, and UC San Francisco Professor Kristine Yaffe, discussing the link between Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Veterans who experience TBI are three times more likely to develop AD or another form of dementia than their peers. “I see the struggle that the families are having. And actually my uncle, my great uncle, actually passed away last year with Alzheimer’s, and he was a veteran as well. And so I see the families struggling with the veteran on a daily basis and ultimately I want to help them out,” said Doney.

HUMAN INTEREST

A September 19, 2019 Cosmopolitan article by Sarah Brown, as told by Ashley Oerman, recounted finding out about her APOE4 status via a home genetics test. As she suspected, Oerman carries APOE4 and with it, a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to the article, “In the beginning, my grandma would forget to turn off the stove or wander outside in the middle of the night. As she got worse, she got angry and moody… I watched my mom take care of her and worried: One day, that could be me, a daughter caring for her sick mom. Now, I might be the sick person myself.”

CAREGIVING CORNER

A September 17, 2019 Being Patient article and video gave tips and best practices for helping to maintain hygiene and bathe a loved one who has dementia. A person-centered, dignified approach is recommended, keeping their needs, feelings and fears in mind. According to the article, “Whether the person is afraid of the rush of water from an overhead shower, sitting in a bathtub or feeling self-conscious, you’ll want to make the experience as pleasant for them as possible. Find out whether they prefer to shower or wash in a bath, then explain each step of the process gently. You can also find ways to adjust your routine to make your loved one more comfortable. If bathing causes distress, you can try a sponge bath instead.”