MUST READS

An April 13, 2018 Medical Express article spotlighted a new study, led by Dr. Lilian Calderón-Garcidueñas of the University of Montana, finding increased risks for Alzheimer's disease and suicide among young people living in polluted megacities. Researchers studied Mexico City residents, exposed to fine particulate matter and ozone above EPA standards, and were able to detect the early stages of Alzheimer’s in babies less than a year old. They found AD hallmarks in 99.5 percent of their subjects. Also covered by Science Daily. 

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

An April 16, 2018 The University of Texas at Dallas article highlighted a new study which showed that slightly elevated beta-amyloid levels in the brain are associated with increased activity in brain regions involved in working memory. These brains may be working harder or recruiting more cognitive resources to complete tasks. According to the article, “…This novel research offers a step toward better determining when in their lifespan an individual with rising levels of beta-amyloid might experience changes in the way the brain operates. A better understanding of these subtle shifts in brain function could lead to new insights into how Alzheimer’s disease progresses and possible ways to diagnose it earlier.”

INDUSTRY UPDATE

An Alzheimer’s News Today article offered a comprehensive list of experimental compounds, other than those which target amyloid and tau, for the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Additional information about the compounds can be found by clicking on each link.

LIFESTYLE

An April 11, 2018 Being Patient article looked at a study which found that treating depression can improve or maintain cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment. Older adults with depression are twice as likely to develop dementia, and 65 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. According to Robert Stern, PhD of the BU Alzheimer’s Disease Center, “The implication is that successfully identifying and providing effective treatment for these neuropsychiatric symptoms, including depression, may potentially improve or maintain cognitive functioning in many older adults.”  

CAREGIVING CORNER

A Being Patient Voices post by author and caregiver Vicki Tapia shared her experience caregiving for both parents with dementia. According to Tapia, “Although I had read whatever I could find about dementia, most of it was written from a clinical perspective. I searched high and low for practical advice from actual family caregivers and found little written information. For me, it became on-the-job training, or perhaps I should say, stumbling, as I settled into the role of a caregiver. There were times it took me a while to discover the right approach.” 

YOUTH FOCUS

A University of Alabama Honors College video, posted April 12, 2018, gives a snapshot of the Art to Life course, pairing undergraduate students with people with dementia to do art therapy together. The course is part of the Bringing Art to Life initiative developed through Cognitive Dynamics Foundation.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Join The Family Caregiver Alliance webinar, “Alzheimer’s Disease and Spouse Caregiver Support: How to Keep the Glass Half Full.” April 25, 2018 at 2pm (EST). The webinar will focus on identifying the issues and challenges that confront the spouse/partner caregiver of a person living with dementia at each stage of the illness.