USA2 SPOTLIGHT

Sign-up to join our next Alzheimer’s Talks, where Host Meryl Comer speaks with Dr. Mark Hyman of the Cleveland Clinic and UltraWellness Center. They will discuss Functional Medicine and its innovative approaches to treating Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and a new report from ResearchersAgainstAlzheimer's analyzing the science behind lifestyle changes that may reduce the risk for Alzheimer's. Monday, September 9, 2019, 4-5pm (EST).

MUST READS

A September 3, 2019 Forbes Editor’s Pick piece looked at the possibility of using medical marijuana to help treat symptoms of dementia. In Colorado, where cannabis is legal, research studies are examining its potential efficacy as a medicine. According to the article, “…We have convincing data now about its beneficial use for epilepsy and some data showing good results with use of cannabis for veterans with post traumatic stress. Studies as to how it can help older people, particularly with dementia (Alzheimer's disease being the most common kind of dementia), have been lacking. However, better and newer data is now reported and the results look very promising.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

According to a September 5, 2019 EurekAlert! news release, the University of Arizona Center for Innovation in Brain Science received a five-year, $37.5 million grant from the NIH to fund a national, multi-site, Phase 2 clinical trial of “allo” (allopregnanalone). Allo is a regenerative therapy developed to treat people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, who carry the genetic risk factor. “Based on our discovery and early clinical research findings, we are optimistic that allo could be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s. Our precision medicine approach for Alzheimer's is designed to treat the right person at the right time,” said team lead Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD. Also covered by AZ Big Media.

ALZ TECH

A September 6, 2019 KCAL CBS Los Angeles broadcast segment focused on the one-year anniversary of the L.A. Found program, LA County’s use of tracking bracelets to help locate people with dementia and other conditions who wander. 60% of people with dementia will wander. 12 people have been located safely. Find more information on the program here.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A September 5, 2019 Newsweek article spotlighted a longitudinal study in Canada involving participants aged 65 and over, which found that people with dementia were three times more likely to have experienced migraines than those without dementia. “We need to explore all options so we can fully understand how different factors may increase our risk of developing the condition. Understanding more about the impact of migraines on the areas of the brain associated with the early stages of dementia, and how this might affect thinking and memory is important before any conclusions can be drawn,” said Dr. James Pickett of Alzheimer's Society (UK).