April 15, 2015

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

USA2 SPOTLIGHT

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MUST READS

An April 15, 2015 The Guardian article reported that new Duke University research “suggests that in mice with Alzheimer’s disease certain immune cells that normally protect the brain begin abnormally to consume an important nutrient called arginine.” According to the article, “By blocking this process using the drug difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), memory loss and a buildup of sticky proteins known as brain plaques were prevented. The study used a type of mouse in which a number of important genes had been swapped to make the animal’s immune system more similar to a human’s. Senior author Carol Colton, professor of neurology at the Duke University School of Medicine, and a member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, said: “If indeed arginine consumption is so important to the disease process, maybe we could block it and reverse the disease.”” Also reported on byTime, BBC News, and others. 

An April 15, 2015 The Sacramento Bee opinion piece by William Fisher called for increased investment in Alzheimer’s research funding. According to Fisher, “As our Alzheimer’s epidemic continues to intensify, increased funding for research must become a national priority. Congress must increase the research budget by $300 million in 2015-16. From 2000 to 2013, Alzheimer’s deaths increased by 71 percent, while deaths from other major diseases including breast cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS and stroke decreased. Significant federal investment for Alzheimer’s research is needed now to realize the same prevention, early detection and treatment progress seen in these other major diseases and to save millions of lives. Without major medical breakthroughs, the number of Alzheimer’s cases in the U.S. is expected to nearly triple by 2050.” William H. Fisher is chief executive officer of the Northern California and Northern Nevada chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

BRAIN HEALTH 

An April 14, 2015 USA Today article highlighted a report from the Institute of Medicine on “cognitive aging” that identified the “best-studied” ways to slow cognitive decline. According to the article, “The report calls for government agencies, consumer groups and others to do more to regulate and offer reliable information on products that make memory-enhancement and other claims.” Find the report here. Also reported on by The Washington Post.

FINANCIAL SECURITY

An April 14, 2015 Investopedia article reported on ways that financial advisors can help protect vulnerable clients, including individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. According to the article, “Declining mental abilities are directly related to lack of financial decision-making ability. Specifically, an early hint of impending Alzheimer's disease is the inability to make sound financial decisions…Financial professionals are frequently the first to find out about financial malfeasance. Make sure the financial advisory firm has a plan in place to protect clients from financial harm. They must educate both employees and customers about how to keep the exposed adults’ accounts secure from fraud and abuse. At the outset of the client relationship, it’s important to gather information that will help if and when mental capacity declines. This might include a detailed questionnaire which includes a complete understanding of clients risk comfort level and the types of suitable investments for the individual. Additional information such as life stage, income, expenses, investment objectives will further improve the initial contact information. This initial questionnaire should also identify other possible financial decision makers. Be aware of who has power of attorney and can act in the clients stead should the individual become impaired. Family attorneys and consultants need to be part of the plan as well.”

CLINICAL TRIALS  

An April 9, 2015 FasterCures post and infographic highlighted the growing number of patient registries. According to the article, “In this new era of patient-centricity, researchers and sponsors are eager to find “research ready” patient communities to accelerate patient-centered studies and practices. We sought to document the current landscape of patient registries as one measure of community readiness.”