MUST READS

A February 5, 2015 US News & World Report article underscored the need for increased funding for Alzheimer's research to "save lives and reduce government costs." According to the article, "Advocates for Alzheimer's research note that cancer and HIV research receive significantly more funding from the government. Cancer, the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., receives more than $5 billion through the National Cancer Institute for research funding, while HIV, whose complications kill nearly 7,700 Americans a year, receives more than $2 billion a year in the U.S., not including foreign aid. This year, President Barack Obama's health budget includes an increase for Alzheimer's research of $51 million, bringing the total to $638 million. Scientists have recommended that $2 billion a year will be needed to meet the 2025 goal of the Alzheimer's Plan."

A February 5, 2015 AARP Blog post explored the complications of Alzheimer's and love as Valentine's Day approaches. According to the post, "Dad’s ability to connect may be hampered, but he can still give and receive love. He still takes care of me in his way, comforting me when I’m sad and giving me the best Daddy hugs ever. He lights up when he gets phone calls or greeting cards; he soaks up compliments and loving physical touch. Even if it’s just for a moment, the moments matter. His essence is still there. Recently, as I sat next to him with my head on his shoulder and our arms intertwined, I asked if he was ready to go to bed. Usually, he’s anxious to do so, but he contentedly said, “No, I’m just fine right here with you.” He felt our heart connection, the simple comfort and security of being with someone who loves him. That’s what means the most to him now. And that fills up my heart, too."

RESEARCH, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY 

A February 6, 2015 Forbe's article reported on progress in developing a diagnostic for Alzheimer's disease. According to the article, "While genetic tests are presently able to determine about 4,000 diseases and disorders, the breakthrough of predicting Alzheimer’s disease could vastly change the behaviors and costs to society, actually bending the cost curve health experts so often talk about as necessary for economic stability. Until now, official diagnosis of the disease has been reserved for the autopsy table, an unacceptable situation.In January, Amarantus reported positive top-line results of its LymPro Test®blood diagnostic for Alzheimer’s disease. The Company also entered into an exclusive option agreement with Georgetown University (GU) to commercialize sets of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. The Company has said it is positioning itself to capture the lion’s share of the Alzheimer’s blood test market – eventually worth an estimated $3 billion."

A February 5, 2015 Medical Xpress article reported on efforts to recruit and cultivate the UK's next generation of dementia researchers. According to Dr. Doug Brown, Director of Research and Development at the Alzheimer's Society, "There's a huge amount of progress being made by the dementia research community but unless we attract and train the best young talent we will limit how quickly we can make ground breaking discoveries. For too long dementia research has been underfunded and as a result we have significantly fewer scientists than other conditions, with six times more people working in cancer than dementia."