RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A September 3, 2018 Medical News Today article reported that investigators from the University of Sheffield (UK) found that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a drug used to treat liver disease, may be used to treat Alzheimer's. The drug improves the functioning of mitochondria, which provide cells with energy; mitochondrial dysfunction is a factor in AD. According to lead study author Dr. Heather Mortiboys, “For the first time in actual Alzheimer's patient tissue, this study has shown that the drug UDCA acid can boost the performance of the cells' batteries, the mitochondria.” Also covered by Daily Excelsior. 

VETERANS SPOTLIGHT

An August 30, 2018 McKnight’s Long-Term Care News Daily Editors’ Notes post by James M. Berklan commented that the passing of decorated military veteran Senator John McCain reminds us that veterans often need an extra layer of support, as they near death, from all long-term care operators not just dedicated veterans facilities. It’s important to identify veterans as many have seen, experienced or perpetrated violent acts, had traumatic recollections and flashbacks causing hyper agitation, or suffered with depression and withdrawal. According to the post, “Conditions can be the toughest with Vietnam vets, which McCain was. He was a prisoner of the North Vietnamese for five years. All vets from that era faced challenges…”

PROFILES IN COURAGE

A September 3, 2018 KSLA News 12 broadcast segment announced that their “Celebrating Johnny in the fight against Alzheimer’s” news report was nominated for an Emmy award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The report featured Johnny’s Pizza founder Johnny Huntsman and his journey with Alzheimer’s disease. According to Melvin DeLacerda of Johnny’s Pizza, “It does a great job of highlighting Johnny and his career and, of course, his battle with the disease. It also, I think, will do wonders for advancing the word about Alzheimer’s and hopefully will help generate some funding and get this disease taken care of.”

FAITH SPOTLIGHT

An August 27, 2018 CBS 6 WTVR broadcast segment spotlighted the “Joyful Voices” community chorus for singers with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and their caregivers. The chorus meets in the Fellowship Hall at Salisbury Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA. Click here to get involved.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Join “The State of Care: Disrupting Alzheimer’s” event from The Atlantic on September 12, 2018 in Chicago. Leading experts and key stakeholders gather for a national conversation about how AD and an aging population will burden the country’s healthcare system. 

The Alzheimer’s Regional Resource Center and the Kingsport Kiwanis Club is hosting a one-day Alzheimer’s caregiver conference on September 25, 2018. The event will be held in the St. Dominic’s Catholic Church Parish Life Center (Kingsport, TN). Register here.