Alzheimer's Foundation of America |
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Brain Booster: Take the National Brain Game Challenge
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is calling on crossword buffs and novices up for a challenge to participate in its 2nd annual National Brain Game Challenge, an online game of skill created by one of the nation's most admired puzzle masters.
For the National Brain Game Challenge, Merl Reagle, whose popular Sunday crossword is syndicated across the country, will be crafting a challenging and creative puzzle. Professional crossword players and the public will be competing for dozens of prizes, including a $2,500 grand prize in each category (pros and public).
The educational and fundraising event is aimed at boosting awareness of lifestyle choices that promote brain health, and raising funds for AFA's programs and services nationwide.
Registration is now open; the contest starts September 30, 2012 at 3 p.m. (ET) and ends October 1, 2012 at 3 p.m. (ET). To learn more about this event and to sign up, click here. |
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Scientists Present Latest Strides in Alzheimer's Disease Research
 A handful of research news for Alzheimer's disease emerging from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia has been making headlines this week, including the anticipation of results for three drugs currently in late-stage trials that aim to slow the course of the progressive brain disorder.
These potential treatments - the furthest along in the Alzheimer's drug development pipeline - target the sticky clumps of plaque known as beta amyloid that build up in the brain, and could be the first treatments to effectively address the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease.
Drug developers Pfizer Inc., and Johnson & Johnson and their partner, Elan Corp. are expected to report the trial results on bapineuzumab next month; and Eli Lilly will unveil its results on solanezumab in the fall.
The third drug, Gammagard, is being tested in a small study by Baxter International. The company reported that the drug, which is government-approved to treat immune disorders, showed promise in the group of people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease; their cognitive function and behavior stabilized during three years on the medication.
Other noteworthy research findings include a study suggesting that changes in an older person's gait - slower walk and irregular steps - could indicate a decline in cognitive ability and function. Also, persons 65 and older who undertook binge drinking - four or more drinks per occasion - at least twice a month were more prone to cognitive decline compared to adults without that pattern of behavior.
For more research news, scroll down to News Updates. |
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Prescribing Antipsychotics for People with Dementia Falls Sharply in England
 The number of people with dementia being prescribed antipsychotic drugs at general practice clinics in England fell overall by more than 50 percent between 2008 and 2011, according to a new report by the country's Health and Social Care Information Center.
While the decline is encouraging, the report's author noted that some regions of the country were still reporting prescription rates six times higher than other areas.
Efforts to curb the use of antipsychotic drugs are also underway in the United States. The first National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease, released in May, calls for curbing inappropriate use of antipsychotics. Subsequently, a partnership of federal and state agencies, nursing homes and advocacy groups has set a national goal of reducing use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes by 15 percent by year-end.
Read more... |
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Ten Questions to Ask Before Hiring Caregivers
 If you are thinking of hiring a paid caregiver from an agency to care for an elderly loved one with dementia, make sure you do extensive due diligence, cautions researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago.
In a survey of 180 agencies around the country, the researchers found that only 55 percent did a federal background check; one-third did drug testing; one-third tested for caregiver skill competency; and 30 percent supervised caregivers.
In a press release, the report's lead author, Lee Lindquist, M.D., cautioned consumers to be aware since "there are good agencies out there, but there are plenty of bad ones."
In light of these findings, he suggests families ask agencies 10 questions before moving forward, including their hiring requirements, background checks, procedures and supervision.
Read more... |
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Internet Is Integral Connection for Family Caregivers
 An overwhelming amount of family caregivers rely on the Internet for health information and to connect and share information with peers, according to a new report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project of the Pew Research Institute, Washington, DC.
About eight out of 10 caregivers surveyed have access to the Internet, and 88 percent of them go online for help with health information. Compared to non-caregivers, they are more likely to seek knowledge on behalf of someone else; investigate reviews of medications, healthcare professionals and medical facilities; and utilize social media, including sites like Facebook, to read other personal health stories, receive health updates or connect with someone with similar health concerns.
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News to Use
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, is advising consumers not to reveal personal or financial information in response to unsolicited phone calls, e-mails, or visits from scam artists pretending to be from the government. It noted that scam artists are using the recent Supreme Court ruling on healthcare reform as a means to obtain information that can ultimately lead to identity theft or access to accounts. Consumers can file complaints at 877-FTC-HELP.
- In light of the extreme weather conditions around the nation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is offering tips on how to help older adults protect themselves from heat-related illnesses this summer. Individuals with a chronic medical condition, including Alzheimer's disease, are less likely to notice and react to temperature changes and may also be taking medications that can worsen the impact of excessive heat.
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News Updates
- Gene Mutation Found to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease...The amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene, implicated in causing Alzheimer's disease especially of the early-onset type, can also carry a very rare mutation that prevents cognitive decline in the elderly, a new study has found. The study of 1,700 Icelanders showed that the protective mutation slowed the production of beta amyloid plaques and found that those 85 years and older with the rare gene mutation are 81 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than others in that age group. Read more...
- Brain Activity Changes Can Be Detected Decades Before Cognitive Decline...In a study of medical histories of families genetically predisposed to develop Alzheimer's disease, scientists discovered that the earliest changes in the brain, marked by a drop in spinal fluid of a protein associated with the brain disorder, can be detected 25 years before symptoms of Alzheimer's disease appear. Scientists say the timeline will be important in conducting clinical trials to help develop biomarkers to track the natural course of the disease. Read more...
- Brain Scans Using a New Dye Can Help Detect Early Evidence of Alzheimer's Disease...Positron Emission Tomography, or PET imaging, that uses a new radioactive dye, florbetapir, may help scientists find earlier evidence of Alzheimer's disease and predict future mental decline, a new study shows. Although not a diagnostic tool for dementia, the dye was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to gauge density of plaques in the brain; it works by binding to amyloid plaques that characterize Alzheimer's disease. In a three-year study, the imaging showed that participants with normal mental function or mild cognitive impairment and evidence of brain plaques at onset showed more mental decline after 18 months than those without plaques. Read more...
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July 19, 2012
Volume 5 Issue 15
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July 23, 2012
Advisory Council Meeting to Discuss the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease
November 9-11, 2012
November 13, 2012
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The Legacy Society
AFA's Legacy Society offers special recognition to individuals who have included AFA in their wills or estate plans.
Support AFA Monthly
Donors can now make recurring monthly donations to AFA, which will be automatically deducted from your credit card each month. You may cancel at any time. |
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Join us on Inspire
AFA's Support Community connects individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and their families, friends and caregivers to provide support and improve quality of life.
 
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