USA2 SPOTLIGHT

“A Consensus Statement and Research Framework” from ResearchersAgainstAlzheimer’s, The University of Tokyo and Health and Global Policy Institute spotlighted The Alzheimer’s Asian Scientific Roundtable at the University of Tokyo last month. The meeting’s goal was to discuss the state of Alzheimer’s research in order to stop AD by 2025. According to the paper, “It is now more important than ever for researchers, academics, advocates, and government officials to find ways to partner together at the national, regional and global level to find solutions to the multiple barriers to advancing innovative medicines to those in need with greater speed and efficiency. Advances in Alzheimer’s treatments are only possible if we define and implement a global strategy for combatting the disease.” ResearchersAgainstAlzheimer’s is a network of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.

(ICYMI) Listen to our March Alzheimer’s Talks, “Demystifying Clinical Trials.” UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Board member, author and caregiver advocate Meryl Comer moderated a discussion with Reisa Sperling, MD of Harvard, Geri (Alzheimer’s diagnosis) and Jim Taylor (spouse/caregiver), and Nate O’Keefe of Roobrik. They discuss how clinical trials work, what you need to know and why they’re important. 

MUST READS

An April 11, 2018 Alzforum article spotlighted research from the Mayo Clinic which suggests that the incidence of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is going up in developed countries, not down, as recent reports have concluded. The trend may also extend to late-onset AD. The article postulates, “Could pollutants and pesticides bump up AD incidence as well? AD has been linked to pesticide exposure (Jan 2014 news), but evidence is scarce… Since younger people with dementia typically develop a pure neurodegenerative pathology such as AD or frontotemporal dementia, without other age-related disorders or vascular pathology, this hints that AD could be climbing.”

An April 11, 2018 MedPage Today article asked top Alzheimer’s specialists to discuss implications of the new definition of Alzheimer’s disease, based on biomarkers, which is intended for research purposes. According to the article, “…But is not meant for clinical diagnosis. Still, once the door is opened to a biomarker definition, it may be difficult to keep it out of the clinic, as patients and their families may ask questions to which their physicians must respond.”

CAREGIVING CORNER

Take the “Family Caregiver Distress Assessment” to identify the things that make caregiving more challenging, and how to address those challenges. “Distress” can be feeling upset, nervous, depressed or angry, and “a loved one” can be anyone you are caring for including family, friends and neighbors. 

A March 30, 2018 The Daily Progress letter to the editor by caregiver (for her husband) Karen Lovegren Smith of Virginia points to the need for continued funding for family caregivers. She writes, “Congress took a great first step to provide additional support to caregivers with the RAISE Family Caregivers Act. Congress must continue to support research funding so that, one day, we will have a treatment or cure and no more families will have to face the burdens of this devastating disease.”

FEEL GOOD STORY OF THE DAY

Contribute to “A Mother’s Day to Remember” contest by sharing an inspiring story about your mom on social media with a photo or art that best represents her, with the tag: “@alzgla,” “#mymomandthegirl” or “#showyourheart.” Deadline for submissions is May 15.