Last call to support research from the comfort of your internet-enabled device!
We need 10 more responses to hit our target!
Do you have a family caregiver or person living with dementia in your network who would spare 5 minutes to share their thoughts on research participation during the COVID-19 crisis? If so, please forward this newsletter or the link below to them.
Our survey is completely anonymous, and results will be posted to our website.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XC8JDS7 for English;
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GLKDFSK for Spanish
Get your flu vaccine – Your brain may thank you
Three separate studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in July provided evidence that flu and certain bacterial pneumonia vaccines reduce the risk of AD. According to these studies, depending on an individual’s genetic makeup, getting at least one flu vaccination drops the risk of Alzheimer’s by 17%. Additional, frequent vaccinations drop the risk by another 13%. Also, being vaccinated for pneumonia when you are between ages 65 and 75 lowers Alzheimer’s risk by up to 40%.
More importantly, these vaccinations also can protect people who already have dementia, because those with dementia have a six-fold higher risk of dying after contracting an infection such as influenza or pneumonia. Read more here.
Care communities in the United Kingdom face a new challenge from COVID-19
Itv News documents a growing reality for care communities and their residents – fear of closure. COVID-19 has caused many families to keep their loved ones at home, resulting in large numbers of open beds at many care communities in the UK. Faced with so many vacancies, and no government funding to help, some care communities are faced with consolidation and/or closure.
What’s Happening in the Alzheimer’s Field?
Growing and aging Hispanic population at risk for dementia
Latinos over the age of 65 are expected to nearly quadruple in the next 40 years and are at a 50% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. University of California, Davis led a study that suggested that Latinos are more likely to suffer from cerebrovascular disease than their white and African counterparts. This increased risk may be related to the higher prevalence of major risk factors that are detrimental to cardiovascular health. Read more here.
Volunteering may be good for body and mind
Volunteering is known to help individuals feel more connected socially, while warding off mental health conditions like depression. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence indicates that the act of donating your time promotes physical health, stress reduction, and cognition which are all associated to health outcomes. Read more here.
Link Between AD and Sleep Apnea Discovered in Brain Tissue
Alzheimer’s amyloid plaques have been discovered in brain tissue samples of individuals identified with obstructive sleep apnea. Current research indicates that people with this condition can experience deficiencies in memory, a common hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, and have greater risk for onset of dementia. Read more here.