MUST READS

An October 31, 2017 Newsweek article reported that new research shows the nerve damage responsible for Alzheimer’s onset might begin in the body, which could open a new pathway for research. Amyloid-beta protein can be synthesized in peripheral tissues anywhere in the body, which may factor into the development of AD. Cell walls separating blood vessels from the brain become weaker as people age and the amyloid-beta could cross over into the brain.

An October 31, 2017 Herald-Whig article spotlighted Margaret Honnold’s book, “The Cloisonne Heart: A Memoir of Love,” about how her marriage was affected by Alzheimer's disease. Carl, her husband of 30 years, died from Alzheimer’s disease in 2013 after an eight-year battle, during which time she kept a journal. Her mother also had AD.

An October 31, 2017 Houston Chronicle article focused on a day-in-the-life of partners Dennis Abrams and David Fox. Fox was diagnosed with dementia and Abrams cares for him. Abrams writes, “But, as I'm about to eat, he gets out of bed and asks me to help him put on his robe. As I'm doing so, he suddenly goes off on how awful his life is. How I'm abusing and torturing him, and he needs to get away. How I'm trying to push him out of the house. How he wants to get a nurse and for me to get my own place.”

MUST WATCH

An October 31, 2017 RealClear Politics video shows Frank Stephens, a young man with Down Syndrome, giving a speech on the importance of people living with Down Syndrome in science and research. "On a deeply personal note, I cannot tell you how much it means to me that my extra chromosome might lead to the answer to Alzheimers. It's likely that this thief will one day steal my memories, my very life, from me."

CAREGIVING CORNER

A November 1, 2017 Parade article spotlighted three caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of cognitive decline. Dan Gasby cares for his wife, former model and restaurateur B. Smith, who has AD. “Regardless of B’s ups and downs, Dan tries his best to stay strong. But he sometimes forgets that his wife isn’t the person she used to be, even though she looks the same. He’ll lose his patience, get angry, or even yell—and later, feel terribly guilty. But he keeps on doing the best that he can. Because even though B. is different, she’s still the woman that Dan loves.”