USA2 SPOTLIGHT

Join UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and WomenAgainstAlzheimer’s for “Courageous Conversations on Brain Health.” Two events in Chicago on Wednesday, April 25th will engage a panel of Alzheimer’s and brain health experts.

MUST READS

A March 16, 2018 European Pharmaceutical Review article reported that a study out of Finland finds that long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use does not increase the risk of hip fracture among people with Alzheimer’s disease. PPI’s are commonly used by older people to treat gastric conditions. Also covered by Healio. 

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A March 16, 2018 Business Standard article focused on a new study from the Gladstone Institutes which finds that transplanting inhibitory interneurons into the brains of people with Alzheimers could help reverse memory loss and alleviate learning deficits. These types of neurons manage brain rhythms, controlling complex neuronal networks and signaling. According to assistant investigator Jorge Palop, “We took advantage of the fact that transplanted interneurons can integrate remarkably well into new brain tissues, and that each interneuron can control thousands of excitatory neurons. These properties make interneurons a promising therapeutic target for cognitive disorders associated with brain rhythm abnormalities and epileptic activity.” Also covered by Science Daily and Hindustan Times. 

CAREGIVING CORNER

AgingWell Hub created a comprehensive, free-to-download Caregiver Journey Map for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The map identifies and prioritizes areas where caregivers need support, drives alignment and collaboration across various players within the healthcare and community services ecosystem, and informs the development of technology-enabled solutions to benefit caregivers and their care recipients.

YOUTH FOCUS

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s 2018 Teen Scholarship Essay Contest is open for submissions. “Each year, AFA holds a scholarship essay contest which asks students to describe how Alzheimer’s disease changed or impacted their lives. Whether they’ve had a loved one with the disease, volunteered or worked as a caretaker or are just passionate about the cause, the next generation of leaders in the fight against Alzheimer’s have a story tell.” Submission deadline is March 26, 2018.

CLINICAL TRIAL SPOTLIGHT

A March 12, 2018 WABI 5 broadcast video and article spotlighted a clinical trial for the Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trials Program at Acadia Hospital and Eastern Maine Medical Center. It is recruiting cognitively normal people older than 65, or over 60 but with a family member with Alzheimer’s. The goal of the study is to reduce beta-amyloid plaques and stave off AD symptoms. According to principal investigator Dr. Clifford Singer, "This study, we're actually hoping for prevention of Alzheimer's disease eventually in people who have the first step along this pathway. This is groundbreaking really."

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Help for Alzheimer’s Families hosts the “Strategies to Cope with Ambiguous Loss” live chat webinar on March 20, 2018 at 2pm (EST). Social worker Susy Favaro of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, and Lakelyn Hogan from Home Instead Senior Care discuss strategies to cope with ambiguous loss. Ambiguous loss describes what many dementia care partners experience when the person they know and love has significantly changed psychologically but is still physically present.