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Longevity Gene Also Protects Memory and Cognitive Function
(Source: AAN) - According to a recent study, a gene variation that helps people live into their 90s and beyond may also protect their memories and ability to think and learn new information.
Alzheimer's Pathology and Episodic Memory
(Source: Xagena) - Alzheimer's pathology can appear in the brains of older men and women without dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
New Federal Law: Lifespan Respite Care Act
(Source: WSJ) - Amid a flurry of last-minute activity before adjourning earlier this month, lawmakers unanimously approved the Lifespan Respite Care Act, authorizing nearly $300 million in grants over the next five years to aid families hiring temporary help to relieve primary caregivers. The money will be administered through state agencies.
Blue Light and White Sunshine Can Help Alzheimer's Patients
(Source: STL Today) - One room at the Senior Adult Services Center in Carbondale, IL, has normal fluorescent lighting and windows that admit the afternoon sun. Another room has slatted windows that block late afternoon sun, and special white lights that mimic noon sunshine.
Driving
Letter to the Editor
As someone who routinely performs evaluations for dementia, I have struggled with the "driving" question. I endorse driving evaluations as the "gold standard" for determination of driving ability. However, if someone has a degenerative dementia, we know that deficits increase over time. Therefore, if someone with a degenerative dementia can pass a driving test today, could they do so tomorrow? New week? Next month? At some point, we can assume they would become unsafe, but to identify that point would require frequent serial driving evaluations. For most people that would be impractical. Thus, I believe we must rely on our current knowledge that anyone beyond CER .5 is probably unsafe for driving. Victor Neufeld, Ph.D.
Support Groups for Caregivers of People with Dementia
Letter to the Editor
Just a suggestion for one of your Alzheimer's Daily News editions. Yahoo Group boards have many online support groups to help Caregivers of those with different forms of dementia. I just did a search and there are more than 100 support groups on Yahoo Group boards in their Health and Wellness section. From Picks Disease, to LBD, Dementia in general. Here are the top 10 that has the most members:
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