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Start getting comfortable with the word “beta-amyloid.” It’s a short protein fragment which in recent years has been the subject of tons of research, and there’s increasing evidence that it may be a key link in the chain that leads to Alzheimer’s disease.

“Using a transgenic mouse model, researchers from the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute in Australia have uncovered compelling evidence that beta-amyloid proteins produced elsewhere in the body are smuggled into the brain via this lipid transport system.

“Our research shows that these toxic protein deposits that form in the brains of people living with Alzheimer’s disease most likely leak into the brain from fat-carrying particles in blood, called lipoproteins,” says lead investigator and physiologist John Mamo.

“This ‘blood-to-brain pathway’ is significant because if we can manage the levels in blood of lipoprotein-amyloid and prevent their leakage into the brain, this opens up potential new treatments to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and slow memory loss.”

A lot of the research now is determining whether the beta-amyloid is the cause or the consequence: does its presence cause Alzhiemer’s or is it a by-product of the disease? Those studies will continue, but it’s an interesting little molecule, and you’re going to be hearing a lot more about it in the coming decades regardless.

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When most of us think about the issues facing dementia patients, oral care generally is not one of the first things which springs to mind. But experts have found that a decline in regular oral care is one of the most common dementia symptoms, often appearing years before other symptoms.

Brushing one’s teeth is a surprisingly complex task from a neurological perspective. It requires a bunch of small actions which are otherwise rarely done, and they must be done in a fairly strict order. There’s also no particular feedback to the person when they don’t brush, unlike many other hygiene or sanitary functions. The toothbrush and toothpaste are still where they expect them to be, but since they don’t change their status doesn’t register on a neurological level. So you end up with cases where a person thinks they’ve brushed their teeth, when they really haven’t.

There are steps caregivers can take. Check toothbrushes and toothpaste regularly. Are they very dry? Have they been changed or replaced recently? Is there dust on the mouthwash bottle? All of these could be signs of diminishing oral self care, and the caregiver should start taking steps to make oral care more of a routine, even if it needs regular checking and reminders going forward. If the care recipient has arthritis or other hand issues, make sure they have ergonomic toothbrush handles, or assistive toothpaste dispensers. Put on a pair of thick, waterproof gloves and try your oral care routine. The actions you have trouble with will also likely be difficult for someone with bad hands, and you should take steps to make them easier.

As dementia progresses, the problem can shift from infrequency to one of inability. They simply no longer have the fine motor function of executive capacity to perform basic oral care, even if reminded to do so. At that point oral care becomes the responsibility of the caregiver, and they must learn how to brush, and otherwise care for, another person’s mouth.

On the other hand, this could be used as an early predictor of dementia. If your loved one seems to be having trouble with oral hygiene – even as young as their early 50s – it may be time to go see a neurologist and get an early diagnosis so preventative measures can be taken.

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It sounds almost too good to be true: Mannitol, a common sweetener used in diabetic food, may be a weapon in the fight against neuron decline in Parkinson’s Disease.

“In 2013, researcher Daniel Segal, PhD, his longtime collaborator, Ehud Gazit, PhD, and several colleagues at Tel Aviv University published preclinical research showing that mannitol could prevent the aggregation of toxic clumps of alpha-synuclein protein. In animal models of Parkinson’s, they saw that it eased certain Parkinson’s-like symptoms and stemmed the loss of the dopamine-producing (dopaminergic) neurons that are lost over the course of the disorder.”

Research into Mannitol’s effects on alpha-synuclein is still in the early stages. But since the additive is both common, inexpensive, and has decades of history on store shelves, studies into its efficacy should be able to ramp up quickly.

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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and the American Alzheimer’s Association has released its 5 tips for better brain health.

1. Recommit to Brain-Healthy Basics

Evidence suggests that healthy behaviors took a back seat for many Americans during the pandemic. Gym memberships were put on hiatus, social engagement became more challenging and many Americans swapped out healthful eating for their favorite comfort foods, take-out meals, and frequent snacking while working remotely. One study published recently found participants gained nearly 1.5 pounds per month over the past year, on average.

The Alzheimer’s Association — through its U.S. POINTER Study — is examining the role lifestyle interventions, including diet, may play in protecting cognitive function. Right now, many experts agree that people can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, preferably in combination, including:

Exercise regularly — Regular cardiovascular exercise helps increase blood flow to the body and brain, and there is strong evidence that regular physical activity is linked to better memory and thinking.

Maintain a heart-healthy diet — Stick to a meal schedule full of fruits and vegetables to ensure a well-balanced diet. Some evidence suggests a healthful diet is linked to cognitive performance. The Mediterranean and DASH diets are linked to better cognitive functioning and help reduce the risk of heart disease as well.

Get proper sleep — Maintaining a regular, uninterrupted sleep pattern benefits physical and psychological health, and helps clear waste from the brain. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to keep a routine bedtime.

Stay socially and mentally active — Meaningful social engagement may support cognitive health, so stay connected with friends and family. Engage your mind by doing activities that stump you, like completing a jigsaw puzzle or playing strategy games. Or challenge yourself further by learning a new language or musical instrument.

2. Return to Normal at Your Own Pace

Many Americans are eager for a return to normal life following the pandemic, but others are anxious. In fact, one recent survey found that nearly half of adults (49%) report feeling uncomfortable about returning to in-person interactions when the pandemic ends. For those feeling anxious, Kallmyer suggests taking small steps. It may also be important to set boundaries and communicate your preferences to others in your social circles.

“People need to be patient with themselves and with each other,” Kallmyer advises. “After a year like this one, the last thing you want to do is to create additional anxiety. COVID-19 infections are still occurring, so there is no need to rush things until the pandemic is truly behind us.”

3. Help Others

There is evidence to suggest that helping others during the pandemic may not only make you feel better, but it may be good for you as well. Research shows that helping others can be an effective way to alleviate stress and anxiety. One study published during the pandemic found that adults over age 50 who volunteer for about two hours per week have a substantially reduced risk of dying, higher levels of physical activity and an improved sense of well-being. To help others and yourself during June and throughout the year, volunteer in your community, run errands or deliver meals to a home-bound senior or donate to a favorite cause, such as supporting participants in the Alzheimer’s Association The Longest Day event on June 20.

4. Unplug and Disconnect

Technology has dominated our daily lives during the pandemic like never before. While technology has kept us connected through COVID-19, it has also created fatigue for many Americans. Experts warn that excessive stimulation coming from our phones, computers, social media sources and news reports can add to our already heightened anxiety levels. To avoid technology overload, experts advise setting limits on your screen time, avoid carrying your phone everywhere, and disconnecting from digital devices at bedtime.

5. Control Your Stress Before it Controls You

In small doses, stress teaches the brain how to respond in healthy ways to the unexpected, inconvenient or unpleasant realities of daily life. Prolonged or repeated stress, however, can wear down and damage the brain, leading to serious health problems including depression, anxiety disorders, memory loss and increased risk for dementia. Reports indicate that Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are especially vulnerable to physical and emotional stress. The Alzheimer’s Association offers tips to help manage caregiver stress. Meditation, exercise, listening to music or returning to a favorite activity you have missed during the pandemic are just some ways to manage stress. Do what works best for you.

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An elderly relative wandering off never to be seen again is the single greatest fear of most caregivers. Simply put, there is no way to completely safeguard against it, but there are some steps which can be taken to help prevent a wandering incident.

Identity jewelry or cards. The old standby of a piece of jewelry – be it a bracelet, pendant or other – with their name and contact info for a caregiver is still one of the best safeguards. It won’t prevent a wandering incident, but it will help get them home after one. If they won’t wear jewelry, make sure they have cards with your cell phone number printed on them in their wallet, purse or coat.

Door alarms. Another simple but very effective tool. An alarm which goes off whenever the door it is mounted on is opened. Our own SMPL Entry Alert is one such device. The wireless alarm receiver can be carried around the home, so you will always know when your door is opened.

Experts recommend pairing the alarm with a basic chain or slide lock from the hardware store, which will delay their exit without locking them in. That little bit of time needed to open the lock can give you the chance to intercept them.

GPS Trackers. This is a more extreme measure, but it may be an option for many. Most personal GPS trackers take the form of a watch. At any time a caregiver can access an app or web portal to quickly locate the wearer on a map. Most of these devices also allow for 2 way voice communication in the event of an emergency.

“Have You Seen Me” Cards. Another analog tool which won’t stop a wandering event, but may help get them home safely & quickly. These are simply cards you have printed up – maybe the size of a postcard – with your loved one’s picture & name, with your contact info on it. You distribute these to places within walking distance where your loved one may go to: stores, restaurants, businesses, libraries, houses of worship. If they are seen by workers in those places, they can call you or EMS to help bring them home safely.

At the end of the day, the most

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The annual CES – the Consumer Electronics Show – was held earlier this year in Las Vegas, and alongside the new electronic toys and fancy EVs, there were plenty of products aimed at easing the lives of seniors, people with disabilities and the people who care for them.

This week we highlight the Retriever robotic assistive cart, from Labrador Systems. Designed to aid people with mobility issues around the home, the robotic cart includes multiple retractable shelves, power ports, and eventually a refrigerator, all on a self-propelled smart cart. The cart can be controlled both by and app or voice commands, going from room to perform tasks like distributing food or meds, or even just helping to carry items around the home.

Labrador Systems hopes to have the Retriever in stores in the second half of 2023.

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From the Daily Beast, some needed good news in this crazy world.

Scientists have known for years that Parkinson’s Disease is caused – in whole or in part – by the body’s inability to produce the neurotransmitter Dopamine. The deficiency leads directly to the primary Parkinson’s symptoms: tremors, slowed movement, memory issues. This new treatment would trigger the body to regenerate those dopamine-producing nerve cells which have died off.

“What we then do is add a series of very specific proteins—so-called growth factors—so that the cells develop into the necessary dopamine-producing nerve cells in the petri dish,” Agnete Kirkeby, a University of Copenhagen neuroscientist who’s helped pioneer the new treatment, told The Daily Beast. “Then the cells are surgically inserted into the brain using a special type of needle, and will hopefully produce dopamine in place of the patient’s dead nerve cells.”

The fact that this treatment is in the ‘clinical trials’ stage is very encouraging. It means that – if those trials are successful – the timeframe for the approval of this drug could be years and not decades.

Brought to you by smpltec.com, Technology for Seniors News.

We recently blogged about light therapy, but this isn’t quite what we were thinking of.

A team of scientists at the UK’s University of Southampton are using UV light instead to create images of neurons without the need for huge, high-energy emitters.

“Dr. Bill Brocklesby, of the Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics, says: “The ability to take detailed images of delicate biological structures like neurons without causing damage is very exciting”

The UV emitters used by UoS are able to produce high-resolution images on par with those previously only available using much less accessible equipment. This means – potentially – that the sorts of imaging needed to really study Alzheimer’s-afflicted cells will be much more accessible to scientists and doctors around the world. As always, it’s still early, but it’s a promising study.

Brought to you by smpltec.com, Technology for Seniors News.

When caring for an elder loved one, some conversations are unpleasant but necessary. One of those conversations is often about alcohol consumption. 

To be clear right off the bat: this isn’t about alcoholism or addiction. Those are distinct conditions, which have to be addressed on their own. 

What we’re talking about here is ‘casual’ or ‘social’ drinking. A beer in the afternoon. A couple of glasses of wine at dinner. A cocktail with their friends. The sorts of activities an older person may have engaged in regularly for most of their lives. But the body of a 70-year-old is not the body of a 25-year-old or a 40-year-old. Metabolisms change, organs and systems don’t heal up as quickly as they used to, and ‘minor’ impairments are more likely to lead to significant injuries. But this doesn’t mean your senior loved one needs to become a teetotaler.  

This is one of the core messages you should convey: no one is taking away all of your drinks. Simply telling an elder loved one “you can’t drink anymore” is a fast way to ensure they drink more often and more irresponsibly, going forward. 

Try to schedule alcohol consumption in advance. Much the same way, dieting goes better when you have regular “cheat days” to look forward to, and a moderated alcohol intake regimen also works better when there are clear and frequent breaks. Bloody Marys at Mother’s Day brunch? A bit of the bubbly at their daughter’s birthday party? Those are great, so long as it’s not an everyday occurrence. 

Family members should also try – whenever possible – to make sure alcohol consumption is done in conjunction with meals and nonalcoholic beverages. Mix in some juice or iced tea in between drinks. One of the biggest dangers of alcohol consumption comes from dehydration, and the elderly are more susceptible than most to that complication. Slowing the absorption of alcohol by eating while you drink, and consuming nonalcoholic drinks will help stave off dehydration. 

Some studies show that moderate, regular alcohol consumption can have medical benefits, including improved bone density and better overall cardiovascular health. But those benefits are obliterated once the drinking moves to “excessive” levels. As a caregiver, part of your role is to find ways to allow your elder loved one to have the occasional drink while preventing overconsumption. It’s not an easy task, but a necessary one.

Brought to you by smpltec.com, Technology for Seniors News.

You love to see the younger generation helping out their elders.

Due to COVID-19, more doctors have had to use telemedicine with their patients. Older and low-income patients may not have the tools or the knowledge to have those important appointments. A group of students is working to change that.

For the past few months, Sasvi Kulasinghe and Isuru Herath have spent their free time on a mission to collect old devices.

“A lot of us have these devices just lying around at home and you don’t know what to do with it,” Kulasinghe said.

Not for themselves, but for seniors.

“There are a lot of elderly patients who are a really vulnerable population because they have underlying conditions that make them at more risk, that make them a high-risk population for getting infected with COVID-19, as well as the complications associated with it,” Kulasinghe said.

So far the organization has raised over $63,000 dollars, and distributed 1,500 devices to seniors in need.

Brought to you by smpltec.com, Technology for Seniors News.