MUST READS

The Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp was issued Nov. 30, 2017 to raise money for Alzheimer’s disease research. It sold over 4.1 million stamps in the first eight months, raising $579,000 for NIH-funded research. Semipostal fundraising stamps advance causes “in the national public interest and appropriate.”

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

A September 18, 2018 Miami Herald article featured the work of researchers at the University of Miami. Recently, under the guidance of neuropsychologist David Loewenstein, they successfully used a behavioral test, a cognitive stress test, to identify which patients with cognitive impairment are most likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. According to the article, “…Loewenstein’s team accurately identified patients who actually have Alzheimer’s from those who look like they do, but don’t. “It’s a landmark finding,” Loewenstein said.”

CAREGIVING CORNER

A September 15, 2018 NPR article spotlighted the Program for Positive Aging at the University of Michigan, led by Geriatric Psychiatrist  Helen Kales. Kales developed a behavioral approach to dementia care, including training and support for the caregiver as much as the patient. According to Kales, “By teaching caregivers new ways to solve old problems, and to respond to their own needs in as well as those of their loved ones, the approach helps ease their burden while simultaneously improving the patient's experience. It's a bit like airplane safety rules directing passengers to put on their own oxygen masks before helping someone else.”

ALZ TECH

A September 17, 2018 News Wise DOE Science News Source article reported on a promising approach to predicting Alzheimer’s disease risk, utilizing a combination of two different modes of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer-based image analysis, and image classification using machine learning models. Structural MRI is routinely part of a clinical assessment when someone is suspected of having AD, however it lacks the accuracy and generalizability across patient populations. “Such multimodal imaging analysis can enhance predictive power by identifying key diagnostic markers of the disease,” said researcher Shinjae Yoo.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Apply for the 2018 Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Awards. The program promotes innovations in the field of Alzheimer's disease caregiving which address the needs of caregivers. An award of $20,000 will be given in each of the following categories: Creative Expression, Diverse/Multicultural Communities, and Public Policy. Application deadline is on October 12, 2018.