MUST READS

A March 14, 2018 CISION PR Newswire release reported that according to analysis by Alzheimer’s Germ Quest of five medical research reports, neurosurgeons performing brain surgery are at heightened risk for acquiring transmitted Alzheimer's disease. Further research is needed to understand possible infectivity of AD. In three of the five reports, amyloid-beta was postulated as transmissible.

A March 7, 2018 Boston Globe article highlighted a Tufts University study which finds that it takes longer to launch clinical trials than it did 10 years ago. Trials today are more complicated as more experimental medicines are gene-based and require more complex testing. 15 to 20 years is the average time for a pharmaceutical company to develop and market a new medicine. According to study co-writer Mary Jo Lamberti, “There are so many inefficiencies in running clinical trials. Those of us who have been in the field a long time weren’t surprised, but it’s not encouraging.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

According to a March 14, 2018 The Irish News article, a joint study between Queen's University Belfast, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and University College London finds that patients who experience confusion after joint (hip and knee) replacement surgery may be in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. A toxic form of the amyloid protein, a major Alzheimer's disease hallmark, was present in patients showing signs of delirium after surgery. Approximately one in six people experienced such delirium.

LIFESTYLE

A March 15, 2018 NBC News article looked to a study from Gothenburg University in Sweden which finds that the fittest middle-aged women are 90 percent less likely to develop dementia than those who are the least fit. The study, which followed 191 women throughout their lifetimes, concludes that fitness in middle age predicted later risk of developing dementia. According to Helena Hörder, “These findings are exciting because it's possible that improving people's cardiovascular fitness in middle age could delay or even prevent them from developing dementia. However, this study does not show cause and effect between cardiovascular fitness and dementia.”

CAREGIVING CORNER

A March 11, 2018 The Advocate “Alzheimer’s Q&A” asked if the changing seasons affect people with Alzheimer’s disease. Spring brings more time outdoors and heightened risk for wandering and getting lost. GPS and medic alert identification bracelets are helpful. There is a greater risk of falls from walking outside, gardening or other activities, as well as increased distractions which may cause stress and anxiety. Caregivers should monitor regularly for dehydration.

DEMENTIA AND THE ARTS

A March 14, 2018 CTV News article and video featured Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden, whose new album, “These Are The Days,” is about “learning from mistakes and embracing hardships” while caring for her mom with Alzheimer’s disease. According to the article, “Richards [Arden’s mom] was complaining about imaginary people at the house across the road -- Arden’s house. Rather than explaining the situation, she told her mom, “You’d think they could pick up a broom and do that deck.” “Well yeah!” Richards responded, according to Arden. “And we moved on,” she says. “If someone would have told me it’s that easy: just go where they go... be in the moment.” ”