USA2 SPOTLIGHT

Tune in today at 1pm (EST) for our latest Alzheimer’s Talks, “Demystifying Clinical Trials.” Bestselling author, journalist and UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Board member Meryl Comer moderates a panel with Reisa Sperling, MD of Brigham & Women's Hospital Center for Alzheimer Research & Treatment, Geri Taylor, an Alzheimer's Clinical Trial Participant, and her husband and care partner, Jim, and Nate O'Keefe of Roobrik, Decision-Making Tools for Families. Click here to listen.

MUST READS

According to a March 28, 2018 Web MD article, a new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease may discourage Americans from seeking diagnosis, including implications for employment and health insurance. "We found that concerns about discrimination and overly harsh judgments about the severity of symptoms were most prevalent. By understanding what the biggest concerns are about the disease, we can help develop programs and policies to reduce the stigma," said lead researcher Shana Stites. Also covered by Facts Herald News.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A March 28, 2018 Health Thoroughfare article reported that according to researchers at the University of Sheffield, a dopamine deficit could be one of the first signs of an incipient Alzheimer’s disease. The loss of dopaminergic, neurons that produce dopamine, could be the cause of early stages of AD. The findings could lead to improved early stage diagnosis and the development of new and more effective treatments.

LIFESTYLE

A March 25, 2018 The Guardian article featured the story of Sion Jair, 68, who has battled a host of health problems including chronic fatigue syndrome, pernicious anaemia and now Alzheimer’s disease. Jair has climbed the Old Man of Coniston mountain (in England) more than 5,000 times and continues to do so every day, using exercise as his medicine. According to the article, “When he reads, Jair finds that he has forgotten the start of a sentence by the time he’s finished it. Nevertheless, as we wind our way up the Old Man, he has a precise recall of events that took place 50 years ago, even down to very specific details about the one-month Outward Bound course that first brought him to the Lake District. “I had quite a good memory in the past,” he says. “But that’s ironic, isn’t it? I can remember that my memory was good, but I can’t remember what about.” ”

YOUTH FOCUS

The Women’s Brain Health Initiative is hosting “Engaging Millennia Minds: Young Caregivers - Taking Care of Your Parent or Grandparent” on May 2, 2018 in Toronto. One in four young Canadians provide care to a family member or friend, and rates of caregiving are higher among young women. About one in four young caregivers provide care to two people, and 19% to three or more family members or friends. Hear from those who have experienced caring at a young age and how they’ve learned to cope. Register here.

A March 23, 2018 Fox News video and article spotlighted Sanfilippo Syndrome, an incurable condition also known as “childhood Alzheimers,” which affects 1 in 70,000 children in the U.S. Levi Ormeroid, now 19, was diagnosed at age 10, and his family rallies to raise money for research.

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

A March 28, 2018 Richland Source article highlighted the launch of the Dementia Friendly Coalition in Richland County (Ohio), which is working to address the needs of families affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The Coalition will provide: free business/agency consultations, comprehensive community programs including education for local businesses, ideas to make buildings and spaces more dementia-friendly, toolkits, talks and an awareness campaign.