Alzheimer’s Association International Conference Research Updates

Alzheimer’s Association International Conference Research Updates

I was so inspired by the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2016 (AAIC®). We heard from members of the dementia research community about exciting breakthroughs that will drive the field forward. While we are thrilled about the news from the last seven days, we urgently need your continued support to keep up this incredible momentum.
Please allow me to share just a few examples of important research breakthroughs presented this week:

  • Smell and eye tests could provide simple, early, low-cost tool(s) for detection of memory decline and dementia. Using newly-validated biomarkers to create tests that are non-invasive and less expensive than current methods (such as PET scans) could lead to dramatic improvements in early detection and treatment of the disease.
  • While nearly two-thirds of the 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s are women, new data suggests that men may receive a dementia-related misdiagnosis more often than women. The study highlights the need for better tools to provide accurate and timely diagnosis to offer the best care possible, as early as possible, to both women and men.
  • People whose work requires complex thinking and/or activities — particularly working with people, rather than data or physical things — may be better able to withstand the onset of Alzheimer’s — more proof of how “cognitive reserve” may protect the brain from disease.

Your generosity helped make this and other research possible. Today, we need your support more than ever to continue the progress announced this week. Together, we can accomplish even more.
Please give generously today.

Sign up for August’s educational program by phone

Sign up for August’s educational program by phone

Join us on August 9, from noon to 1 p.m., on Reducing the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease. Today, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Can anything be done to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, or to delay its onset? Dr. Demetrius Maraganore, a board-certified neurologist, will share the latest research on the management of risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Are you too busy to attend an in-person education program? Our Educational Program by Phone are designed for busy people who aren’t able to attend a program outside of their home or office. Registration is easy–call or click (see below) and you will receive a toll free number to call, and materials to follow along during the program. Call from your home, office, or car. You can listen in, or if you’d like, you can even ask questions of our expert speakers.

Reducing the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease
Demetrius Maraganore, MD
Medical Director, NorthShore Neurological Institute and Director of NorthShore’s Center for Brain Health
Today, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Can anything be done to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, or to delay its onset? Dr. Demetrius Maraganore, a board-certified neurologist, will share the latest research on the management of risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Medications for Alzheimer’s and other Dementias: Benefits and Side Effects
Dr. Stephanie van Ulft, MD
Geriatric Psychiatrist, SIU School of Medicine
What medications are currently available to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias? Are the benefits worth the side effects? Dr. van Ulft, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, will discuss how these medications are prescribed, how they work, and what you can expect from them.

Coping with Alzheimer’s Behaviors: Skills that Can Help You Today
Melanie Adams
Director of Education & Outreach, Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the person’s ability to communicate becomes impaired. This leads to increasing levels of confusion, anxiety and frustration that can result in behavioral challenges. This program will examine common communication changes in dementia, and will present strategies to improve communication between you and the person with dementia.

Amazing Ways That Music Can Help People With Memory Loss
Kelly Willenborg, Founder
The Healing Jukebox
Music can bring about amazing results for people in various stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This program will look at the evidence base for music, how to choose the right music, and what benefits you might expect from incorporating music into the daily routine of a person with dementia.

Caregiver’s School of Hard Knocks: One Man’s Journey
Brent Worthington
Author, “Pull Down My Pants! And Other Things You Never Want to Hear Your Grandmother Say”
Caring for someone with dementia can take everything you have, and then some. Author Brent Worthington recalls the lessons learned while caring for his grandmother as she lived with dementia for 6 ½ years. Brent’s stories are poignant, sad, humorous and instructional, and sure to provide lessons for fellow caregivers.

 

Longtime Alzheimer’s advocates honored with Jerome H. Stone Philanthropy Award

Longtime Alzheimer’s advocates honored with Jerome H. Stone Philanthropy Award

The Alzheimer’s Association presented its Jerome H. Stone Philanthropy Award for Alzheimer’s Research to Jerre and Mary Joy Stead, chairs of the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation in Phoenix, during AAIC 2016’s opening session. The annual award honors individuals and organizations that have had significant impact on the global Alzheimer’s research field through their philanthropy. The Steads have been instrumental in raising $40 million to support groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research, including the first-ever prevention drug trials.

TORONTO, July 24, 2016 — The Alzheimer’s Association presented its Jerome H. Stone Philanthropy Award for Alzheimer’s Research on Sunday to Jerre and Mary Joy Stead during the opening session of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2016 in Toronto, Canada.

The annual award honors individuals and organizations that have had significant impact on the global Alzheimer’s research field through their philanthropy.

“The Steads are deserving recipients of one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s highest honors,” said Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. “The promising advances being made in Alzheimer’s research simply would not be possible without the support of philanthropists like them. The Alzheimer’s Association commends Jerre and Mary Joy for their passion and commitment to changing the future of Alzheimer’s disease.”

The Steads are recognized for their numerous philanthropic contributions in support of Alzheimer’s research, including current scientific studies aimed at prevention research and enhancing care for families already suffering from the disease.

“The Steads are deserving recipients of one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s highest honors,” said Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. “The promising advances being made in Alzheimer’s research simply would not be possible without the support of philanthropists like them. The Alzheimer’s Association commends Jerre and Mary Joy for their passion and commitment to changing the future of Alzheimer’s disease.”

As chairs of the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation in Phoenix, Arizona, the Steads were instrumental in raising $40 million to support ground-breaking Alzheimer’s research, including the first-ever prevention drug trials. Funding support is also being used to improve care models for people living with the disease by offering a more comprehensive approach that addresses their physical, emotional, behavioral, educational and practical needs. In recognition of the Stead’s contributions, the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in 2012 named its outpatient facility the Stead Family Memory Center.

“Our commitment to investing in prevention efforts for Alzheimer’s started from a very personal standpoint. Our family experienced first-hand the suffering Alzheimer’s brings not just to the individual, but to their loved ones as well,” said Jerre and Mary Joy Stead. “We are honored and humbled to receive the Jerome H. Stone award and look forward to the day when awards like this are no longer needed because we have found a prevention for Alzheimer’s.”

Established in 2013, the Stone Award is named in honor of Jerome Stone, primary founder of the Alzheimer’s Association. Stone was one of the first private citizens to advocate for investment in Alzheimer’s research. The award underscores the Alzheimer’s Association commitment to accelerating the global effort to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease and to recognizing the efforts of researchers who advance understanding of it. The Association is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. It currently supports more than 350 ongoing research projects in 21 countries, totaling more than $80 million. Since 1982, it has awarded more than $350 million to almost 2,300 scientific investigations.

About AAIC
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the largest gathering of leading researchers from around the world focused on Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As a part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.
AAIC 2016 home page: www.alz.org/aaic/
AAIC 2016 newsroom: www.alz.org/aaic/press.asp

About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

Media Contacts:
Alzheimer’s Association AAIC newsroom, 416-585- 3701, media@alz.org
Mike Lynch, Alzheimer’s Association, 312-543-7589, mlynch@alz.org

Free live webinars in August

Free live webinars in August

We know you are busy and may not always be able to attend education programs in a classroom setting, so we are now offering webinars – live interactive programs conducted through the internet. These convenient programs are designed to meet the needs of the busy caregiver.

Cost: None

The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to announce its schedule of live webinars. Offered at various times throughout the day, the topics range from general awareness to specific caregiving strategies. Webinars are recorded and available to those who are unable to attend. Join us for one, or all!

? Register for an Upcoming Webinar

Program

Day

Time
Register

How You Can Use Music to Help a Person with Alzheimer’s
Wednesday,
August 10, 2016
10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
?

How You Can Use Music to Help a Person with Alzheimer’s
Wednesday,
August 10, 2016
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
?

Caregivers Speak: I wish I knew then what I know now
Thursday,
August 25, 2016
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
?

Caregivers Speak: I wish I knew then what I know now
Thursday,
August 25, 2016
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
?

How To Use Simple Physical Activities To Benefit People With Dementia
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
?

How To Use Simple Physical Activities To Benefit People With Dementia
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
?

Improving Cognition: How to Use the Senses for People with Dementia
Wednesday,
September 21, 2016
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
?

Improving Cognition: How to Use the Senses for People with Dementia
Wednesday,
September 21, 2016
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
?

Why are Evenings So Difficult? Sundowning & Alzheimer’s disease
Thursday,
October 13, 2016
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
?

Why are Evenings So Difficult? Sundowning & Alzheimer’s disease
Thursday,
October 13, 2016
7:00 – 7:45 p.m
?

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s: How To Prepare for the Appointment
Tuesday,
October 25, 2016
10:00 – 10:30 a.m
?

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s: How To Prepare for the Appointment
Tuesday,
October 25, 2016
2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
?

Red Wine, Vitamins and Alzheimer’s: Do They Work?
Wednesday,
November 16, 2016
10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
?

Dementia Vs. Alzheimer’s: What’s the Difference & Why it Matters
Thursday,
December 15, 2016
10:00 – 11:00 a.m
?

Dementia Vs. Alzheimer’s: What’s the Difference & Why it Matters
Thursday,
December 15, 2016
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
?

? Webinar Descriptions

How You Can Use Music to Help a Person with Alzheimer’s
Music has been shown to improve mood and cognition for people at all stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Call in to learn how to choose the right music, what equipment you will need, how to use it, and what to expect from a personalized music program.

Caregivers Speak: I wish I knew then what I know now
If you care for a person with dementia, you know there is always something new to learn. Whether your concern is how to best interact with the person, managing medical decisions, or learning how to take better care of yourself, you could probably use a coach! Join us to listen to experienced caregivers share their stories and wisdom.

How To Use Simple Physical Activities To Benefit People With Dementia
Learn about simple activities that yield great benefit for people with dementia, regardless of the stage of the disease. Some involve concentrated effort while others are as simple as doing tasks a bit differently – understanding how physical activity benefits our brain makes all the difference.

Improving Cognition: How to Use the Senses for People with Dementia
All memories are created in the brain with the help of the five senses, and some senses are more powerful in the memory-making process than others. Understanding the role the senses play in cognition and memory can equip us to help those with memory loss live fuller lives. Join us to learn some creative ways to harness all the senses throughout the day in order to help loved ones with dementia.

Why are Evenings So Difficult? Sundowning & Alzheimer’s disease
Though individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can have a tough time during the day, the nights can be especially challenging. Day and night can become confused, and late afternoons can be difficult due to a variety of contributing factors. We will look at those factors and discuss effective strategies for dealing with late day confusion, lethargy and sleeplessness.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s: How To Prepare for the Appointment
Visiting a physician’s office can be an intimidating experience for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Whether seeking a diagnosis or going for a follow-up visit, it can be hard to think of what questions to ask or what information to share. Join us to learn what to expect from the appointment when dementia is suspected and what you can do to prepare for the visit.

Red Wine, Vitamins and Alzheimer’s: Do They Work?
While Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented or delayed, we do know that we can manage certain risk factors. Learn what we know about risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, the importance of cognitive reserve, and what common-sense steps we can start taking today to keep our brains healthy.

Dementia Vs. Alzheimer’s: What’s the Difference & Why it Matters
All people with memory loss do not have dementia, and all people with dementia do not have Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding the difference between memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is important in getting the right treatment and follow-up care. Learn what to do when your doctor suspects Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

? Watch Past Webinars


Alzheimer’s in The African-American Community: What You Need to Know


Alzheimer’s Medications: What They Are and What They Do


Brain Workout


Caregiver Burnout: What to Do When You Have Nothing Left to Give


Gadgets, Gizmos and Technology to Make Alzheimer’s Care Safer and Less Stressful


How Anyone Can Use Art to Help a Person with Alzheimer’s


Learning to Connect Relating to the Person with Alzheimer’s


Paying for Alzheimer’s Care: Resources to Provide Relief


Veterans – Your Service, Your Health, Our Focus

New concept, checklist could support earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis

New concept, checklist could support earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Researchers at AAIC 2016 introduced a new condition or patient status called mild behavioral impairment (MBI) that may be a forerunner of neurodegeneration and progression to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. They also proposed a new MBI checklist (MBI-C) designed to be administered by physicians that looks at five categories of behavioral symptoms and may eventually help clinicians capture behavioral changes that signal the beginnings of neurodegeneration.