June 03, 2013

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

Carol Burnett joins in fight to stop Alzheimer's and new research that could help spur growth of new neurons (read more)
 
 
  • A June 2, 2013 Los Angeles Times' collection of letters-to-the-editor highlighted reader support for a recent opinion piece by David Shubert that advocated for increased Alzheimer's research and funding. According to Stacy Pagos Haller of Rockville Maryland, "Whether it's a government or an academic initiative, or a combination of the two, stemming the looming Alzheimer's epidemic must be a national priority. If not, we risk draining our healthcare system and our economy."
  • A May 31, 2013 Washingtonian.com article reported that actress Carol Burnett will play the role of USA2's Trish Vradenburg's mother in a Los Angeles production of Saving Grace. According to the article, "Washington activists George and Trish Vradenburg are taking their quest to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease on the road, with some star power in tow. Carol Burnett has agreed to play the role of the mother in a reading of Trish’s play, Saving Grace, which will be staged in Los Angeles on September 25."
 
Research and science 
  • A June 3, 2013 ScienceAlert.com article reported that Australian researchers have found that a brain protein called amyloid precursor protein (APP), previously thought to be indirectly responsible for causing Alzheimer’s disease, might have a positive function as well. Researcher David Small stated, "In addition to its role in causing Alzheimer’s disease, APP may also be part of a solution to the disease." According to the study, "APP is responsible for the growth of new neurons (nerve cells) in the brain."
  • A May 31, 2013 Guardian opinion piece by Dr. Gail Cardew, director of science and education at the Royal Institution, advocated for increased public engagement in science and for exposing students to science policy at an early age. According to Cardew, "The Ri unconference has convinced me of the importance of exposing students to the complexity and messiness of science policy at a young age. Perhaps, however, the best piece of evidence in favour of developing and nurturing a young scientific voice comes from the students themselves:"I learned a lot about the issues my generation will have to face in the future and how complex they can be to solve. It was a good chance for us to voice our opinions and have discussions with people from other schools.""