USA2 SPOTLIGHT

(ICYMI) According to a December 9, 2017 EGP News article, the “Millennials and Dementia Caregiving in the United States” study finds that one out of six millennial caregivers looks after someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. “Caregiving to family members with dementia can be a full-time job. Caring for the millennial caregiver is a societal investment with the potential of delaying family burdens and healthcare costs in the future,” said Maria Aranda (of Roybal). The study was issued by the USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging and UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. 

MUST READS

A December 11, 2017 Undark article highlights the rising need for human brains for scientific research. It remains a challenge, as it’s easier to recruit blood or organ donors than brain donors. Dr. David Bennett of the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is leading the push for healthy human brains, which allow researchers to uncover how the brain works and accurately identify causes of dementia. Brains traditionally studied too often showing signs of end-stage Alzheimer’s and other maladies that contribute to dementia. 

(ICYMI) A December 9, 2017 Star Tribune article spotlighted new camera technology, from researchers at the Center for Drug Design, which gathers images of light interacting with the retina to help detect early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at the University of Minnesota began clinical trials this year utilizing the technology. According to Co-Lead Researcher Swati More, "Our goal is to detect the disease as early as we can, which will help in the progression and the success of treatments as well as drug discovery.” 

A December 8, 2017 The Frederick News-Post article reported on efforts to extend the sale of the new Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp by six years. According to U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who is co-sponsoring legislation to extend the sales, “I’m proud to join Senator Markey and Maryland advocate Kathy Siggins today in announcing legislation to direct the Postal Service to continue the stamp beyond the current planned two years. Whether it’s sending holiday packages or mailing a letter to a friend, every dollar we put towards Alzheimer’s research can help make a difference.” Proceeds go to the National Institutes of Health for AD research.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A December 11, 2017 Financial Times article looked at Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in India, which affects an estimated 4 million people, the third highest caseload in the world. Public services for the aged are almost non-existent and AD remains a largely hidden problem. Most Indians consider memory loss and confusion an inevitable part of aging, rather than signs of a degenerative disease, and most patients are never formally diagnosed or treated.