Alzheimer's Disease, Dementias and Healthy Aging

August Newsletter

Learn About Leqembi

On July 6, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided approval for lecanemab (Leqembi) to treat early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Lecanemab is a medication developed by Eisai and Biogen that may help slow the progression of early stage Alzheimer’s disease. Many people living with dementia, families, and care professionals have questions regarding this news. Please see below frequently asked questions and some answers for a better understanding of what to expect with the FDA approval of lecanemab.

The Public Health Center of Excellence at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health has several renowned neurologists and other experts who have been closely involved with the development of new therapies. The Center created a Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet about Leqembi. The resource is updated as necessary, so will always contain up date information about this new therapy.

Promoting Inclusion of Sexual and Gender Minority Populations in Alzheimer's Disease and Aging Research

Three million or more U.S. adults aged 60 + identify as a sexual and gender minority (SGM) or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex or another identity (LGBTQIA+). Less is known about Alzheimer’s disease risk and related health challenges among SGM aging populations. Dr. Jason Flatt covers the current state of science on Alzheimer’s disease and related risk factors among SGM populations from multiple population-based and cohort studies. This webinar also highlights best practices for conducting Alzheimer’s disease and aging research with SGM populations; provides recommendations for collecting data on sex assigned at birth, gender identity, sexual orientation, and intersex traits; and discusses how to support diverse early-career scholars to launch their careers in Alzheimer’s disease and aging research with SGM populations.

Memory Connections: Helping Families Navigate Their Dementia Journey



August 29, 2023, from 3-4 p.m. ET

Memory Connections, an ACL-funded initiative in North Carolina, is a multi-faceted project that offers support, creativity, education, and engaging activities for people living with dementia and their caregivers. The project includes a specific focus on African Americans and Latine populations since these have greater risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease or other dementias. In this webinar, participants will learn how the partners in this project are working together to create a unique continuum of dementia care. Presenters will highlight the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity's Caregiver College, a week-long program that educates African Americans about Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. Caregiver College graduates apply their newly acquired knowledge by delivering presentations to their social groups, churches, family members, friends and business connections.

Delirium

Delirium is a clinical syndrome that usually develops in the elderly. It is characterized by an change in attention, consciousness, and cognition, with a reduced ability to focus, sustain or shift attention. It develops over a short period and fluctuates during the day. The clinical presentation can vary, usually with psychomotor behavioral disturbances such as hyperactivity or hypoactivity and impairment in sleep duration and architecture. By definition, delirium is caused by an underlying medical condition and is not better explained by another preexisting, evolving, or established neurocognitive disorder. The underlying cause of delirium can vary widely and involve anything that stresses the baseline health of a vulnerable patient.

Dementia & Firearm Safety

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD) is projected to increase three-fold in the coming decades. More older than younger Americans live in homes with firearms (49% versus 35%). These factors raise concerns about intentional (i.e. homicide, suicide) and unintentional firearm injuries and deaths among those with dementia and their caregivers. Healthcare systems and advocacy organizations alike recommend that individuals with ADRD not have access to firearms. Yet recent research suggests that although many caregivers support counselling about this topic – few have ever had a healthcare professional speak to them about firearm safety. The Alzheimer's Association has published a resource on Firearm Safety for individuals with dementia, their families and caregivers.

Dementia Friends USA is part of a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Anyone can be a Dementia Friend – we all have a part to play in creating dementia friendly communities!

A Dementia Friend is someone who, through viewing a series of online videos or attending a live interactive session, learns about what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends program to visiting someone who is living with dementia, every action counts.