Dementia News from March 2022
Could Statins Prevent Dementia?
Could statins prevent dementia? The PREVENTABLE study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, is trying to find out. To qualify for the study, volunteers must be at least 75 years old, not have dementia or heart disease, and not take a statin. Read more here: https://www.preventabletrial.org
Dementia Worsened During COVID
Researchers at the University of Sydney found that dementia symptoms became more severe during the pandemic. Worsening symptoms included depression (39%), apathy (37%), anxiety (30%), and agitation (26%). Read the study here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-05687-w
The researchers developed a valuable downloadable toolkit for caregivers. You can find it here: https://frontierftd-resources.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/FRONTIER+COVID-19+Toolkit+2021.pdf
Italy Facing a Crisis in Dementia Care
Marco Marchese at Equal Times poignantly reports the unfolding story of the 1 million people living with dementia in Italy. Citing the lack of funding for the country’s National Dementia Plan, the article notes the reliance on caregivers – disproportionately women – and calls for the creation of interdisciplinary care teams. Read it here: https://www.equaltimes.org/in-italy-rising-dementia-rates-and#.YhgULd-IbtF
Dementia News: “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey”
“The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey,” an Apple TV+ miniseries, is getting compelling reviews. Samuel L. Jackson plays the title character, who has dementia but undergoes an experimental treatment that temporarily restores memories. Jackson says his performance is based on his family’s experience with Alzheimer’s. Here’s the trailer:
Midlife Medical Conditions Associated with Dementia
A longitudinal study published in the British Medical Journal found that having three or more chronic medical conditions at age 55 was correlated with a fivefold higher risk of dementia. The conditions ranged from cardiovascular to pulmonary to mental health. This may point to a pathway of prevention in midlife. Read it here: https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj-2021-068005
Dementia Tools for the Keystone State
Pennsylvanians are set to receive more tools to detect and diagnose Alzheimer’s and dementia, thanks to a bill signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf. The new law requires the Dept. of Health to develop a toolkit to promote detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Way to go, Keystone State!
If you need dementia caregiver support, please join my dementia support group or schedule your 30-minute consultation.
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