MUST READS

A January 28, 2018 The Guardian article spotlighted “Somebody I Used to Know,” a memoir written by Wendy Mitchell, with the help of journalist Anna Wharton, about her own experience with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. The book is “a lucid, candid and gallant portrayal of what the early stages of dementia feel like, from the days of fog and exhaustion, through the bewilderment of medical examinations and psychological tests, into the certainty and fear of knowing what was wrong – and then into fear’s aftermath, which for her meant finding a new purpose, a way to be optimistic and valuable in the world in the face of her own unravelling.”

MUST WATCH

Watch Scott Williams’ “The Hidden Role Informal Caregivers Play in Health Care” TED Talk. As a former patient and current caregiver, Williams highlights the role of unpaid caregivers. “From personal care to advocacy to emotional support, caregivers form the invisible backbone of health and social systems all over the world.”

RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

According to a January 22, 2018 Medscape article, a comprehensive genetic study, “Associations of the Top 20 Alzheimer Disease Risk Variants With Brain Amyloidosis,” sheds new light on the importance of genes in brain amyloid deposition relating to Alzheimer's disease. The study looks beyond APOE4 to determine the impact of AD risk genes in order to develop new drug targets. "As we gain a better understanding of the genetics of Alzheimer's disease, and more studies like this are conducted, down the road we will be able to predict which patients will develop the disease and which won’t,” said lead study author Liana Apostolova, MD of the Indiana University School of Medicine.

LIFESTYLE

A January 25, 2018 Illinois Times article focused on research neurologist Dale E. Bredesen’s book, “The End of Alzheimer’s,” about how to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and reverse cognitive decline. Bredesen recommends genetic testing coupled with a personalized plan to identify and address the root causes of AD like inflammation, deficiency of brain-boosting nutrients and hormones, and toxic exposure. Over 200 patients are using Bredesen’s ReCODE (Reversal of Cognitive Decline) program with successful results. 

CAREGIVING CORNER

A January 17, 2018 Minn Post article talked with family physician Kim DeRoche, MD of Fairview Clinics-New Brighton, who observes a ‘certain sort of patient’ she often sees. “Sandwich generation” caregivers care for both children and parents at once, and their own health is suffering. Fairview Health Services is now offering Caregiver Assurance, a fee-based service with telephone, online and in-person support resources for caregivers. The hope is to sell the service to large employers as an employee benefit.  

VETERANS SPOTLIGHT

Grant applications are open for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes Fund. The fund is dedicated to supporting innovative programs for America’s military and veteran caregivers. Eligible projects must directly impact the lives of military and veteran caregivers, the spouses, parents, and other loved-ones caring for wounded warriors at home.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

A January 26, 2018 The San Diego Union-Tribune article highlighted the new Alzheimer’s Prevention Trials Webstudy, where people 50+ can have their cognitive abilities monitored. Funded by the NIH and run by San Diego’s Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, the study identifies apparently normal individuals at higher risk for developing AD, who can then participate in testing experimental Alzheimer’s therapies before major deterioration sets in. According to Dr. Paul Aisen of University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, “I would love for every single person 50 years and over in the San Diego area to join. The more people who join, the better it is for us. It strengthens this whole program.” Everyone can participate online, but taking part in the clinical trials is in-person, at one of 35 participating sites.