February 21, 2017

Today’s Top Alzheimer’s News

USA2 SPOTLIGHT

Join Alzheimer's Talks on February 23 from 3-4pm (EST) with guest, Dr. Nathan Rose, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Notre Dame. Researchers use MRI neuroimaging technology to “watch memories” in the hopes of finding ways to retain more information, or even activate the brain to retrieve lost memories.

MUST READS

A February 20, 2017 People Magazine article reported that actor/musician, David Cassidy, of Partridge Family fame, has dementia. Both his grandfather and mother battled dementia. At his concert in Agoura Hills, California, this past weekend, Cassidy struggled to remember lyrics to songs he had been singing for nearly 50 years.

A February 20, 2017 Sacramento Bee column by writer, Kent Pollock, who is diagnosed with cognitive dementia, spoke about his journey with the disease. His hope is to help others understand what it’s like to have dementia—to be confused and slowly lose your memory—to create a conversation exploring all aspects of dementia. When first diagnosed, Pollock only told his immediate family and a few close friends. He was embarrassed by his condition, and concerned that it might change how people viewed and related to him. He didn’t want to be pitied. But he eventually decided he had nothing to hide and started telling others.

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES

A February 20, 2017 WGN TV segment reported on dance therapy for dementia, an innovative therapy making a big difference for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Erica Hornthal, dance and movement therapist of Chicago Dance Therapy, leads the classes. She says it is effective because changing the posture of the body affects the mind positively, sparks brain connections, fires synapses, encourages creative expression and fosters connection.