Alzheimer’s News & Happenings in RI
Here in Rhode Island, we’re fortunate to be home to some of the leading research on Alzheimer’s Disease–there is so much promising work being done in our state. We also have an active support and advocacy community. Here’s a look at some of the latest news and happenings related to Alzheimer’s in the Ocean State.
Presentations from the Virtual Caregiver’s Journey Conference
If you missed the 10th annual Caregiver’s Journey Conference in December, you can now watch recordings of many of the sessions! Here’s a sampling of some that are available:
- Clinical Trials: 101 Hope in Alzheimer’s Research
- Can Lifestyle Impact Health of the Mind as We Age?
- Can Major Surgery Trigger Dementia?
- My Family Member has Dementia: Helping Kids Maintain Relationships with their Loved Ones
The War on Alzheimer’s
Did you catch The War on Alzheimer’s, the 12 on 12 Digital Original from WPRI?
It’s an intimate and inspiring look at “the warriors” in the fight against Alzheimers. You’ll meet people living with or caring for someone with the disease, the organizations supporting families, and the researchers looking for a cure. The episode ends with an interview with world-renowned researcher Dr. Stephen Salloway, who describes the latest breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment (the program website also includes an extended interview with Dr. Salloway). He says he’s more hopeful now than ever: “We’re really on the verge of breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s, so we’ve come a long way.”
2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Rhode Island Chapter
This annual event is a powerful way to build community and raise funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. While the pandemic has made it challenging to know exactly what this year’s walk will look like, folks are being encouraged to register today to signal their intention to participate and to be notified when plans are finalized for their area.
Latest Alzheimer’s Statistics for Rhode Island
The latest stats on Alzheimer’s in Rhode Island are sobering, but they show that families coping with dementia in a loved one are not alone.
Research & Trials at Butler Hospital
The RI Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry matches people interested in participating in research with studies they may qualify for. Here are some of the research projects and trials happening right now:
- The AHEAD study is a clinical research trial that tests drug treatments to help prevent Alzheimer’s in people at risk of developing the disease
- The ARIAS study seeks to understand whether changes to the retina can detect Alzheimer’s risk 10-20 years before symptoms occur
- The US POINTER Study looks at whether lifestyle changes can protect memory and thinking in people as they age
- The DigiCog AD Study will test new digital methods to assess subtle memory and thinking changes that may occur before major symptoms of Alzheimer’s begin.
You can also learn about more research happening at the Alzheimer’s Disease & Memory Disorders Center at Brown.