Must reads

• A November 19, 2013 The Hill opinion piece by Rachelle S. Doody, M.D., Ph.D, and John Q. Trojanowski, M.D., Ph.D, two founding members of the ResearchersAgainstAlzheimer's Network highlighted the need for President Obama's BRAIN initiative to define goals. According to the authors, "The lack of clearly defined goals connected to defeating Alzheimer’s and other grave diseases raises real questions as to the ultimate impact of an endeavor like BRAIN, particularly during a time when federal research resources are increasingly scarce…By focusing more of the resources and energies of the BRAIN Initiative on Alzheimer’s and other targeted efforts, we have the opportunity to achieve a truly lasting legacy."
• Congresswoman Waters Urges International Action to Address the Global Challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease [Press Release] (11/21/13)

• A November 22, 2013 Agence France Presse article focused on the use of poetry as a form of Alzheimer's therapy. According to the article, "Experts caution that poetry will not halt the onslaught of dementia, which affects 800,000 people in Britain. "Poetry does not cure dementia," says Dave Bell, a specialist nurse with Dementia UK, a charity which works to improve the quality of life for people affected by the disease. "But there is a sense of achievement and self-esteem for the person because they can remember something," he says, adding that it also helps them connect with other people." 

• A November 22, 2013 Community Voice article highlighted tips to for making Thanksgiving easier for dementia patients. According to the article, "Many people with dementia count Thanksgiving as one of their favorite days, even if it does present challenges. Even those whose dementia impedes their understanding of the holiday can still enjoy the day with proper planning and consideration."