Alzheimer's Disease, Dementias and Healthy Aging

July Newsletter

Early Midlife Pulmonary Function and Dementia Risk

Poor pulmonary function (PPF) is an in vivo indicator of reduced oxygen uptake and is associated with diminished cognitive function and possibly dementia risk. Recently a large body of evidence has demonstrated that risk factors for dementia need to be evaluated in early adulthood to midlife, long before neuropathological changes have commenced. This study evaluates the association between multiple markers of PPF in early adulthood to midlife and long-term risk of dementia.

Research Breakthrough:

A New

Biomarker for Parkinson's

In this special podcast, Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) researchers discuss a breakthrough biological test for Parkinson’s disease. The test is capable of objectively and reliably detecting the disease at the molecular level — even before the onset of symptoms. The discovery, announced on April 12, 2023 has the potential to transform every aspect of drug development and ultimately clinical care.

This podcast is an audio recording of the Foundation's Third Thursday webinar series. It features a panel of experts from MJFF discussing the landmark clinical study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, that led to the development of the new test. Researchers discuss the groundbreaking implications of the findings and answer questions from the audience.

Best Practices in Caring for Adults with Intellectual, Developmental Disability at Risk or Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or a Related Dementia.

The workshop is appropriate for any direct care staff caring for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including nurses, guardians, psychologists, behavior analysts, adult day staff, OT/PT/Speech/Activity staff, physicians, program managers, case workers, and administrative and supervisory staff. First responders, law enforcement and family members are also encouraged to attend. A certificate for 16 contact hours will be provided to every attendee; CEUs are not available. 

The NTG is an all-volunteer organization formed to advocate for services and supports for people with intellectual disability and their families who are affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementias.

Dementia Friendly America - SPOTLIGHT 

In late 2021, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has become the first dementia-friendly airport in the US. This is the next step in making Phoenix a dementia-friendly city. Designation as a dementia-friendly airport involves specific staff training, environmental and systems changes that make it easier and more comfortable for people experiencing dementia, their families and traveling companions to navigate the airport. Changes at Sky Harbor include things like the Compassion Cacti™ Lanyard Program. The special lanyard, worn around the neck, identifies a traveler as a person who experiences dementia, making it easier for airport staff to recognize them and offer assistance. The lanyard also gives travelers the ability to enter new sensory rooms - quiet areas that offer minimal distractions. This can help reduce agitation and confusion that can present when a person experiencing dementia is in unfamiliar, frenetic surroundings.

Phoenix was among the first and largest cities to commit to joining  Dementia Friendly America (DFA). DFA is a national network of communities, organizations and individuals seeking to ensure that communities across the U.S. are equipped to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Dementia friendly communities foster the ability of people living with dementia to remain in community and engage and thrive in day to day living.

Consider taking action to make your VT community dementia friendly!

There is growing evidence that suggests a link between hearing loss and dementia. Several studies have shown that individuals with hearing loss are at a higher risk of developing dementia and other cognitive impairments. This course provides strategies and resources to help health professionals to address treat hearing loss and build cognitive resilience.

Join presenter Frank R. Lin, M.D., Ph.D. founder and Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health and a Professor of Otolaryngology, Medicine, Mental Health, and Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University. He leads the ACHIEVE study which is a $20M NIH-funded randomized trial investigating if treating hearing loss can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.