MUST READS

A September 6, 2016 CNBC article reported that “Microscopic magnetic particles from air pollution have been discovered in human brains…researchers believe the magnetic particles they found could potentially be a cause of Alzheimer's disease.” According to the article, “The findings of the study, which involved researchers from Oxford, Glasgow, Manchester and Mexico City, were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. David Allsop, a leading Alzheimer's researcher from Lancaster University's Faculty of Health and Medicine, said the study had opened up "a whole new avenue for research into a possible environmental risk factor for a range of different brain diseases.””

A September 3, 2016 Boston Herald article reported that Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug aducanumab received federal fast-track status from the FDA. According to the article, “The drug, aducanumab, was found to both destroy harmful brain plaque associated with the devastating memory disease and slow cognitive decline.” Aducanumab also reported on byFortune.com. 

A September 2, 2016 New York Times article highlighted the toll caregiving can take on care partners. According to the article, “After Mark Donham’s wife, Chris, fell under the spell of early-onset Alzheimer’s, he doubled down on his marriage vows. He quit his job as a well-paid sales representative in the printing industry and became his wife’s 24-hour caregiver: dressing her, doing laundry and scheduling social visits with friends. Faith, hope and courage became his new mantra…Researchers have found that the human immune system can be weakened by stress and strain for up to three years after caregiving ends. As a result, caregivers can be more prone to having serious illnesses. Yet they rarely complain.”