April 2021 Newsletter
Considering Federal Grant Funding?
Do you have a great idea for a research project and ideas on how to structure it, but not sure how to pay for it? Funding through federal grant programing is a common first step for many organizations and Grants.gov is one of the first stops in finding supportive resources. Through grants.gov, you can determine your eligibility for federal grants, discover what funding opportunities are available, and connect with federal agency contacts.
How do you get started?
Register at grants.gov and subscribe to the newsletter for tips and notifications.
Attend one of the upcoming online events to learn more.
Connect with Recruitment Partners to design your recruitment campaign to ensure participation in your research is diverse and timely.
Race, Ethnicity, and Dementia
According to recent findings published in JAMA Neurology, minority patients have a lower chance of receiving earlier diagnosis of dementia as compared to white patients. This disadvantage contributes to low minority participation in clinical trials and leads to inequitable treatment options.
Read more here.
The Deadly Combination of Dementia and Covid-19
Data collected from over 28 million Medicare beneficiaries showed that those with dementia are more likely to contract and die from Covid-19 than the general Medicare population. Interestingly, the death rates were essentially the same for those living with dementia in the community and those living in long-term care facilities. Other than age and other underlying conditions typical for the age bracket, it is still unclear what makes people with dementia more vulnerable to Covid-19. Some theorize damage to the blood-brain barrier makes it easier for viruses like Covid-19 to get into the brain, others feel adherence to mask wearing, social distancing, and hand washing is more difficult for the population, while others believe depression, resulting from social isolation may be to blame. Read more here.
Do you have caregivers of persons with AD in your network that may benefit from participating in positive emotion research? Email us to receive a copy of the LEAF Study flyer and to discuss best ways to connect caregivers to the study, or visit the study website.
High-tech tables for simple interactions
At the geriatric unit in an Australian hospital, patients, providers and family find expanded engagement thanks to a new technology.
What’s Happening in the Alzheimer’s Field?
Healthy teeth for a healthy mind
A new correlation has been discovered between bacteria under the gumline and biomarker indicators of Alzheimer’s disease, adding one more reason to keep those pearly whites shining. While more research is needed to understand if regular deep cleaning can help ward of Alzheimer’s disease, oral health has already been connected to higher risk of many ailments. Read more about the connection here.
Identifying FTD earlier
Diagnosis of early frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is sometimes mistaken for depression. Researchers in Australia have discovered why – atrophy in the areas of the brain related to reward-seeking. Anhedonia, the clinical definition for a loss of ability to experience pleasure, is common in disorders like depression, bipolar and obsessive compulsive disorder, but is generally not seen as a significant symptom of Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. Read more about the study here.
Stumbles for Acadia
The FDA recently turned down a request to approve pimavanserin for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis. Sold as Nuplazid, the drug was previously approved for treatment of delusions associated with Parkinson’s related psychosis. While the latest study generated positive results, the Acadia may need to run one or two more studies to ultimately obtain FDA approval. Read more here.