Alzheimer’s disease is not strictly a condition that is prevalent in the U.S., it’s now being considered a worldwide epidemic by many medical experts. But, in some countries, people are coming up with innovative ideas about how society and communities can cope with the situation. In the U.S., senior living facilities are designed just for older adults, many of which have Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  But, in the Netherlands, there is a new approach the ever-increasing number of seniors needing housing; college students are living with seniors. The cohabitation idea is ..read more

With all the advanced research in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it’s difficult to believe that the cause of the disease could come down to something really simple, like treating Herpes. But, according a recent study, published in October of 2018 in Frontiers of Aging, it’s possible that this may just be the case.  There has been evidence for decades of a link between the risk of AD, and infection with Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV1) in those who have a specific genetic predisposition.  This could indicate that a very simple treatment could be all that is required for on ..read more

Marijuana is the most used illicit substance in the country; experts anticipate that its use will continue to increase, as the substance becomes legalized in more and more states. Interestingly, marijuana is also the most commonly used illegal substance by women who are pregnant—regardless of the fact that marijuana has been found to cause long-term effects to a person who is exposed to the drug before birth. Those who start using marijuana during the teenage years may be exposing their brain to damaging effects that last a lifetime.  The brain is vulnerable and still developing during a ..read more

Memories are basically what shapes a person’s life, and most certainly comprises the history of each personal story.  Alzheimer’s disease (AD), robs its victims of these treasured memories, leaving people void of the knowledge of their past. But, recently, a group of high school students, in Michigan, used modern technology to enable people with Alzheimer’s dementia (the late stage of Alzheimer’s) to connect with their memories.  The project, “Creating a Real-Life Video Experience for Individuals Facing Memory Loss,” is said to help people with dementia, as well as the students who ..read more

Studies have shown that heavy smoking during the senior years can raise one’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Other research studies indicate that smoking in middle-age can lead to a higher chance of getting AD.  But, when you think about it logically, it usually all starts during the high school or college years. Statistics on Students Who Smoke It’s common for young people to take up smoking.  In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA, 13% of those who are between the ages of 18 and 24, smoke cigarettes. The CDC reports that 19% of smokers graduated fr ..read more

When a person is affected by a debilitating disease or condition, it seems as though there is always some type of stigma attached.  This is most likely the result of misunderstanding, or perhaps even fear surrounding the illness or affliction.  What is a Stigma? Historically, a stigma was a word meaning a mark that branded a person—such as a slave—indicating the person was inferior.  In the Oxford Dictionary a stigma is a mark of disgrace, linked with a certain person, or circumstance.  A common modern-day definition of stigma, according to the journal Alzheimer’s & De ..read more

Colleges and Universities around the country are working to raise awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.  One such college is Iowa State University (ISU),  Students at ISU formed 2 clubs to help students learn about the disease. According to Heather Kruger, an academic adviser in the School of Education. “Having clubs on campus is a great way for our students to educate others about the disease. It is unbelievable how many students are affected by the disease. Our hope is to continue to educate and raise funds to help researchers find a cure.” Founder of AFA On Campus F ..read more

A new study, conducted at the University of Sao Paulo (in collaboration with the Brazilian Biobank for Aging Studies) has discovered a link between the pathology of early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the brain, and psychiatric symptoms.  Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and other psychiatric symptoms may be linked with symptoms of Alzheimer’s that begin in the brain, early in the disease process. The study was published in an October 2018 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.  Researchers are hopeful that evidence gathered in the study could lead to the ability to diagn ..read more

A recent Chicago Tribune article reported on the largest survey, ever, involving American teenagers—440,000 to be exact.  The survey was administered back in 1960 and it took 2 and a half days to complete.  The students who were given the survey attended 1,353 public schools across the country. The test results would later turn out to be an invaluable tool for predicting the likeliness of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). One student who took the test was Joan Levin, age 15.  She attended Parkville Senior High School in Maryland.  Levin told the Chicago Tribune, “We knew at the ti ..read more

“Bringing Art to Life” is an inter-generational program aimed at helping people with Alzheimer’s disease and college students, in Alabama. The program, now in its 5th year, founded by Daniel Potts, M.D., is now offered as an elective Undergraduate Honors course for Art Therapists at the University of Alabama, (UA)—Tuscaloosa.  Bringing Art to Life offers students an opportunity to learn about Alzheimer’s disease (and other types of dementia as well as traumatic brain injury), as students spend time on and off campus.  Carrie Ezell facilitates the off-campus art therapy sessions. Stu ..read more