Weighing Risks Against Rewards—A New Alzheimer’s Drug
The FDA approved a second Alzheimer’s drug. Leqembi (generic lecanemab) reduced the decline of cognition by 27%. This is huge for families. This means a person with dementia can continue to independently manage activities of daily living longer. Leqembi targets amyloid proteins. Despite safety concerns, particularly related to the death of two study participants, “Leqembi’s approval comes after the controversial approval in 2021 of another Alzheimer’s medication.” Aduhelm received criticism over concerns about its effectiveness, safety, and pricing.
Eating Flavonols Helps Retain Global Cognition and Cognitive Abilities
Flavonols that are found in colorful foods such as berries, grapes, lychees, strawberries, apples possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also found in black and green teas and cacao. Other flavonol-rich foods include onions, broccoli, and leafy vegetables. Like the newly approved Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi, these foods slow the decline in global cognition associated with growing older while and preserving more cognitive abilities.
Alzheimer’s Shadowing—When a Caregiver Can’t be Alone for a Minute
Caregivers need time alone; yet, loved ones grow afraid and feel stressed when their loved one disappears for a moment. So, they follow their caregivers… closely. How do caregivers steal away a few moments of alone time? Family caregiver and author, Carol Bradley Bursack offers a caregiving spouse four suggestions including providing the spouse with dementia a soothing repetitive activity.
Old Mice Grow Young Again. Can people do the same?
The fountain of youth may not be a fountain after all. The secret may lie in our cells. “Our bodies hold a backup copy of our youth that can be triggered to regenerate, said Sinclair, the senior author of a new paper showcasing the work of his lab and international scientists.” We believe it’s a loss of information—a loss in the cell’s ability to read its original DNA. It forgets how to function—in much the same way an old computer may develop corrupted software. I call it the information theory of aging.” These researchers propose that we can remind these cells of their purpose and potentially rid ourselves of disease, illness, and aging. They have been manipulating age in mice—making them youthful and also aging them. It will likely be decades human trials begin. [Perhaps billionaires, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos will be first in line to extend their lives in preparation for space travel.]
