September 04, 2013

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

USA2 featured on the Today show, Maria Shriver hosts a Google+ Hangout with George and Trish Vradenburg, a physician buddy program at Northwestern University aims at improving Alzheimer's care (read more). 
 
 

 

Must Reads and Watch 

  • A September 3, 2013 Today Show segment highlighted the nation's growing Alzheimer's crisis and featured an interview with USA2 Chairman George Vradenbrug. 
  • A September 3, 2013 MSNBC segment with Andrea Mitchell highlighted the devastating impact of Alzheimer's on families. The segment featured Susan Harvell who was diagnoses with early-onset Alzheimer's at the age of 52. Susan's husband and primary caregiver David stated, "It’s certainly been difficult on our family...Susan had a great career and she had to stop doing that. That’s been a big part of her life. You know, Alzheimer’s pretty much affects a family in every way that there is.”
  • A September 3, 2013 NBC Nightly News segment reported on a buddy program at Northwestern University that pairs Alzheimer’s patients with first-year medical students in an efforts to combat the growing disease. According to the article, "With as many as 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer's -- and that number expected triple by 2050 -- there’s a pressing need for physicians who can recognize it, treat its symptoms, and better communicate with patients and their caregivers. That's where the Buddy Program comes in. The program is helping improve medical student knowledge and familiarity with Alzheimer's, while heightening sensitivity and empathy towards dementia patients, according to recent research."
  • A September 3, 2013 Associated Press article reported on Maria Shriver's personal connection to Alzheimer's. According to the article, "Maria Shriver says her daughter is so terrified of her mother getting Alzheimer's disease that she's constantly introducing her to games that will keep her mom's mind active."