Connections: Dr. Weintraub Works to Standardize Dementia Nomenclature

January 2024

[7 Minute Read]

Sandra Weintraub, PhD and a group of researchers from around the country have spent the past few years developing the Dementia Nomenclature Initiative (DeNomI), a nationwide plan to address limitations in communicating dementia diagnoses and increase the general public’s understanding of related diseases. This first-of-its-kind framework aims to tackle stigma, naming inconsistencies, and a lack of education surrounding cognitive diseases. DeNomI separates clinical symptoms from biological changes, paving the way for improved research, therapy development, and enhanced healthcare communication.

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[5 Minute Read]

A new Northwestern Medicine study published in Nature Communications has shown that RNA interference may play a key role in Alzheimer’s. For the first time, scientists have identified short strands of toxic RNAs that contribute to brain cell death and DNA damage in Alzheimer’s and aged brains. Short strands of protective RNAs are decreased during aging, the scientists report, which may allow Alzheimer’s to develop.

The study also found that older individuals with a superior memory capacity (known as SuperAgers) have higher amounts of protective short RNA strands in their brain cells.

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Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a major cause of dementia before age 65, often showing up as unusual behavior or language problems. How FTD appears can vary due to cultural and social factors, but most studies have historically focused on North America and Western Europe. To better understand FTD globally, we may need new ways of diagnosing and testing that consider different cultures. This publication examines these factors and provides recommendations to improve how we research and treat FTD worldwide.

Authors: Sanne Franzen, Karen Nuytemans, Renelle Bourdage, Paulo Caramelli, Ratnavalli Ellajosyula, Darby Morhardt, et al.

Published: Alzheimer's & Dementia, December 19, 2023

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Want to learn more about this and other recent publications from the Mesulam Center? Click here to view all recent publication.

Upcoming Community Events

South Loop Memory Cafés: Be My Valentine

The South Loop Village Memory Cafés are free in-person and virtual monthly social gathering for persons living with dementia and their family, friends, and care partners. View upcoming virtual and in-person meeting dates.

In-Person: Thursday, February 8, 1–2 PM

Virtual: Tuesday, February 27, 2–3 PM

Musical Museum: The Many Faces of Love

Tuesday, January 30, 2:00 PM

This program is a musical and social engagement program for individuals with Alzheimer disease and related conditions to provide a safe and enriching environment. Click here to learn more.

To RSVP, email nmmp@northwester.edu.

Music Movement & Community

1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month,

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Lorenzo's House presents Music Movement & Community, a free, in-person interactive experience where music and expression ignite joy. This is an inclusive and stimulating learning environment of personal connection and fun for families living with younger-onset dementia.

February Sessions:

Wednesday, February 7 and Wednesday, February 21 at Bright Star Church Sanctuary

Click here to register. Questions can be sent to mmc@lorenzoshouse.org.

News & Announcements

Experts On Aging Reveal The 5 Major Habits That Will Improve Your Longevity

[4 Minute Read]

Remaining healthy and sharp are goals for most people as they age. But one group of people — known as “SuperAgers” — is said to have this all down as they go through life, even into their later years. Tamar Gefen, PhD shares some key behaviors that can improve your life expectancy.

Alzheimer Monoclonal Antibody Registries: How Will They Work Together and What Data Will Be Collected?

[10 Minute Read]

Patients planning to receive anti-amyloid treatments such as lecanemab first must enroll in a registry to help clinicians draw conclusions on the drugs' safety and efficacy. But multiple registries have been established and are now asking for different data and using varied scales, raising questions about the integrity of the data collected and how it could be shared among the registries.

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