USA2 SPOTLIGHT

A September 26, 2018 UsAgainstAlzheimer’s statement from Chairman George Vradenburg reacted to the passing of the FY19 Labor-HHS bill with a $425 million funding increase for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health. “The Senators and Representatives who have worked tirelessly to push for funding increases are heroes in the Alzheimer’s movement for what they have accomplished after 30 years of flat funding for research. I thank Senators Blunt and Murray and Representatives Cole and DeLauro, and their colleagues, who have boosted funding in recent years by 400 percent, from $450 million to $2.3 billion.”  

MUST READS

A September 24, 2018 Being Patient article explained the last stage of dementia. According to end-of-life-care expert Dr. Liz Sampson, MD, “Because Alzheimer’s patients may pass away from other causes before reaching the final stages of the disease, people do not think about Alzheimer’s the same way they think about other terminal illnesses. These misconceptions may cause caregivers to feel unprepared as they witness the drastic changes their loved one goes through during the final stages of Alzheimer’s.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A September 26, 2018 Science Daily article focused on the work of Rutgers researchers on a new mechanism, KCNB1, a non-amyloid-beta protein that may contribute to Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury. Through oxidation, KCNB1 builds up and becomes toxic to neurons in a brain with Alzheimer’s, which promotes the production of amyloid-beta. Build-up of KCNB1 in brains affected by AD is much higher than normal brains. Also covered by Eurek!Alert.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A September 26, 2018 Bloomberg article looked at the potential of a blend of ginkgo biloba, ginseng and saffron extracts, called Sailuotong (SLT), to treat dementia. The herbal mix is formulated to treat the vascular causes of dementia. According to the article, “…Its backers’ hopes extend beyond dementia: they seek to validate a new approach to pharmaceutical innovation combining the ancient wisdom of traditional medicines with the scientific rigor of modern drug development.”

PROFILES IN COURAGE

A September 21, 2018 Al Jazeera article told the story of Sheila, whose mom, Theresa, has Alzheimer’s disease and lives in an assisted-care facility. Ten years before symptoms appeared, the two woman discussed Theresa’s wishes, should she develop AD. They were aware of the heightened risk because of their family's history. Theresa told Sheila, “If I get this disease, I'm telling you right now that I don't want to live with my children and I don't want to be a burden.” 

CAREGIVING CORNER

The Caregiving Old Guy blog from pediatrician Ron Louie, who cares for his wife with dementia, takes on a frank, humorist tone. “I’m starting this blog because I’ve learned some things by trial and error that might be helpful to other caregivers. I've also learned some tricks from professional caregivers. Some practical “hacks” (which us old folks used to call “makeshift solutions”) might provide ideas that help others, while some anecdotes might be amusing, and some issues intriguing (I hope.)”