February 02, 2017

Today’s Top Alzheimer’s News

USA2 SPOTLIGHT

A February 1, 2017 KSMU (Ozarks Public Radio) segment tells the story of Sonja Cardona, a now-retired Chicago teacher’s aide, and her daughter, Daisy Duarte, who is her primary caregiver. Cardona was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease six years ago. “Before she would just walk on her own or she would feed herself. I’m literally doing everything for her, from feeding her to bathing her.” When not busy caring for her mother, Duarte serves as a patient and caregiver advocate for LatinosAgainstAlzheimer’s, part of the Washington, DC-based UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. In addition to funding challenges, she believes more can be done to bring awareness to the issue by way of research, public service announcements and action on behalf of policymakers.

MUST READS

A Summer 2016 Care and Cure Magazine article (reposted by Alzheimer’s Society United Against Dementia) explores cognitive rehabilitation therapy, which is being tested to see if it can help people with dementia continue engaging in everyday activities and maintaining their interests. Cognitive rehabilitation therapy was developed for people with brain injuries. “With funding from Alzheimer's Society, we were able to complete the first randomized controlled trial of cognitive rehabilitation – an approach whereby people with Alzheimer's disease work with healthcare professionals to set personally relevant and meaningful goals and develop strategies to reach them,” said Professor Linda Clare, University of Exeter. “Our trial showed that cognitive rehabilitation therapy could improve the quality of life of both people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease and close family members.”

RESEARCH, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY

A January 27, 2017 Built In Chicago article reported on CareBand, a Chicago startup, which makes wearables that protect people living with dementia from wandering. One of the most common problems associated with dementia is the risk of becoming disoriented or confused, and getting lost. Wandering affects 60% of Alzheimer’s patients at some point, and can be very dangerous. CareBand was developed for use in assisted living facilities using a network of beacons and proprietary software to help caretakers keep an eye on residents’ location. “Our focus is really on creating technology that helps seniors stay safe and independent, in the least restrictive manner, for as long as possible,” said founder, Adam Sobol.

CAREGIVER CORNER

A February 1, 2017 WGRZ article reported on Generation X, often known as “the sandwich generation,” not only for being sandwiched between baby boomers and millennials. but now for caring for both kids and aging parents. There are three essential ingredients to the sandwich: i) family’s emotional wellbeing; ii) financial consequences of managing care; and iii) parent’s health. The article gives specific tips for balancing all these ingredients in a healthful way, including involving the whole family, assessing financial resources, making plans and keeping parents active.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A February 2, 2017 City Metric article reported on the far-reaching effects of dementia and how it touches us all. And while waiting for an Alzheimer’s cure, right now we can work to improve the environment to help people live well and independently longer. To these ends, many communities (in the UK) have signed up to become Dementia Friendly Communities. This initiative, established by Alzheimer’s Society, galvanizes local efforts and support. Good planning can create better environments for people living with dementia.