×

Greetings Everyone!

We have exciting news from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2018 held in Chicago on July 25, 2018. A significant feature at the AAIC 2018 this year was the first clinical trial to show intensive blood pressure treatment reduces new cases of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. The Conference also released first ever dementia data in LGB Seniors and women’s Dementia risk related to reproductive history.

The first randomized clinical trial to demonstrate that intensive blood pressure treatment reduces new cases of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The preliminary results of the SPRINT MIND trial presented provides the strongest evidence to date about reducing risk of MCI and dementia through the treatment of high blood pressure which is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease worldwide. Researchers found a 19% lower rate of new cases of MCI in the intensive treatment group which means they targeted a systolic blood pressure goal of less than 120 mmHg. This study indicates that there are things you can do to reduce your cardiovascular disease risk factors thus reducing risk of MCI and dementia.

Link Between Pregnancy, Reproductive History and Dementia Risk in Women. Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. The report also says that 5.5 million people age 65 or older with Alzheimer’s disease, 3.4 million are women. Research reported at the AAIC 2018 indicated:

*Women in the study with three or more children had a 12 percent lower risk of dementia compared to women with one child.

*Each additional report of a miscarriage was associated with a 9 percent increased risk of dementia, compared to women who reported no miscarriages.

*Women who indicated having their first menstrual period at age 16 or older were at 31 percent greater risk than those who reported having their first period at 13 or younger. *Those women who experienced natural menopause at 45 or younger were at 28 percent greater dementia risk.

First Dementia Prevalence Data in LGB Older Adults. The first prevalence data from a large population of lesbian , gay and bisexual older adults was also reported at AAIC 2018 in Chicago. (Kaiser Permanente Research Program on Genes Environment, and Health). According to researchers, significant rates of depression, hypertension stroke and cardiovascular disease in the study population may be contributing factors to the level of dementia.

*LGB seniors in the study with depression were 2.3 times more likely to develop dementia

*Those in the study with heart disease were 69% more likely to develop dementia

*Those in the study with hypertension were 56% more likely to develop dementia.

The findings highlight the need for culturally competent health care and practice for older LGB+ individuals at risk for or currently with with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Given the concerns of social isolation and sometimes limited access to friend and family caregivers, there is a strong need to create a supportive health care environment and caregiving resources.

Clinical studies are essential to finding new treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer’s disease. TrialMatch is your opportunity to move cutting-edge research forward. Our database includes more than 225 Alzheimer’s clinical research projects conducted at over 700 sites nationwide. Consider registering with TrialMatch at alz.org/trialmatch today!

Also the MNND Alzheimer’s Association will be starting their Fall education series through the Minot Adult Learning Center at 1609 4th Ave NW. Call or checkout the website for schedule at 857-4488 or www.minotadultlearingcenter.com/ or please call the Minot Alzheimer’s Association at 837-0062.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today