Action Alz

The Alzheimer's Association Blog Has Moved!

2010-10-27T16:21:00.003-05:00

In an effort to provide higher quality content and serve our readers better, we're moving our blog to a newer system. Please take the time to see our new and improved blog at:

http:///blog.alz.org

Thanks much, and keep reading!

World Alzheimer's Day 2010

2010-09-21T18:15:00.002-05:00

Today, World Alzheimer’s Day 2010, we have seen new levels of attention around the reality of Alzheimer’s disease, including the millions affected in the United States and across the globe.

More than 40 research riders in the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride^SMarrived in Washington, D.C. to deliver the signatures of over 100,000 Americans who want Congress to make Alzheimer’s a national priority.

Alzheimer’s Disease International released the new World Alzheimer Report 2010, highlighting the growing costs of dementia care.

All week long, Alzheimer’s Association Celebrity Champions are appearing on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support. Throughout the next few months, thousands of people across the country will duplicate their efforts by participating in local Memory Walk^® events.

Despite these small victories, Alzheimer’s disease looms in a state of deepening crisis. More than five million Americans are affected by this devastating disease, a number that will only grow faster as the baby boomer generation ages. Left unchecked, the costs for Alzheimer care and services will continue to rise, straining our overwhelmed healthcare system and threatening to bankrupt Medicare and Medicaid.

Bearing these things in mind, we must remain vigilant in bringing more support to our cause:

Use your voice and ask your representatives to support the National Alzheimer’s Project Act to provide more funding for research into Alzheimer’s treatment and an eventual cure.
Share the message of the Alzheimer’s Association with your friends and family. Sign up to be an advocate (link) for the cause, and use your online social networks like Facebook and Twitter to generate awareness and support.
Donate to the cause, or use Alzheimer’s Association tools to create your own fundraiser.

It is the support at of people exactly like you who have helped to make World Alzheimer’s Day 2010 such a success. And it will be people exactly like you who drive the change necessary to bring an end to Alzheimer’s disease in the future.

Thank you,

Angela Geiger, Chief Strategy Officer, Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Indianapolis to Ann Arbor

2010-09-20T11:15:00.001-05:00

In light of what those who rode before us have endured, I wish I had a tale of woe to tell, but alas, this particular segment of the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride was nothing shy of epic riding. We had trained for all conditions…except perfection. By the mid-afternoons, it was mostly sunny and in the low 80s. The few clouds that were present had that distinct late summer softness to their contours. If it can be imagined, it was as though Ann Huston took her paintbrush to the Midwestern sky. As a cyclist though, your eyes should be on the road, and the roads we traveled were oddly smooth - a particularly lucky happenstance given that back roads in the Midwest are often abused by winter and neglected by man. Then there was the greatest gift of all - an unceasing tail wind that nudged us along 215 out of the 289 miles. The three of us shattered our previous records, reaching speeds in excess of 35 mph on the flats. We didn’t maintain this speed; we just wanted to see what was possible, so on a perfectly smooth country road about 30 miles out of Indianapolis, we let loose for just short of a ½ mile.

As if the weather and roads weren’t gift enough, we were also graced with the company of Evan, Melanie, and Glenn – the greatest Pony Express crew ever assembled. As much pain as I may experience after 290 miles of riding, I was sad to leave them and would happily have pedaled on through the next segment just to share their company for a few more days. They have been on the road for eight weeks with at best a day or two off, and yet they managed to keep us warm, keep us fed, keep us hydrated, and to keep us laughing for four days. Perhaps needless to say, they also managed to find their way into our hearts.

It isn’t of great surprise that the people associated with this ride - such as Melanie, Evan, and Glenn - would be people of exceptional spirit. It isn’t of great surprise that those of you reading this would be people of exceptional compassion. For most of us, we are all too familiar with the pain that this disease brings. But bore of this pain, is an incredible beauty and testament to the human spirit: We now stand together in hope, in faith, and in action that we will bring an end to the heartbreak that is Alzheimer’s disease.
I am honored to stand amongst you in this effort and I wish us all an epic success.

- Angela Bruno is a neuroscience doctoral candidate at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS).

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Cleveland to Pittsburgh Day 2

2010-09-19T09:00:00.001-05:00

First of all, I am not an Alzheimer’s Researcher. I am what was often referred to as an “other,” meaning I have a personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease. My wife is a genetics researcher and a colleague of Dr. Bruce Lamb. Bruce sent a fundraising email to my wife, she forwarded it to me thinking I would “sign the petition and donate $50.” Instead I emailed Bruce, explained my story and asked to join the team Cleveland Rocks. Boy was she surprised that evening!

On day 2, our team consisted of me, Dr. Bruce Lamb and Dr. William Lynch. Both Bruce and Bill were more experienced riders than I; I actually bought my road bike the last week of July. Not that I wasn’t active before joining the team, but I was training for a sprint triathlon, not a long distance ride. Needless to say, I began hill and endurance training immediately.

I am riding in honor of my Grandpa Darrah, who died with Alzheimer’s disease. I found that my training rides and my ride from Cleveland to Pittsburgh were spent thinking of my grandpa and grandparents in general. All of my grandparents have passed but I feel very lucky to have known them well. My grandpa Darrah was more than just a grandpa; he was also a friend and roommate. I lived with him for almost seven years, and ended up being one of his primary caregivers.

Our day 2 from Boardman, Ohio to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was rather uneventful, except for the constant rolling hills. In some ways I am glad that Bruce and Bill were often a little ahead of me, because I was often talking or chanting to myself. I found myself saying “this is not suffering.” I remembered my grandpa’s anger and frustration as he would try to communicate his needs and wants but couldn’t. I often whispered on the toughest hills “this is only one hill” thinking grandpa and others with Alzheimer’s had years of “tough hills.” I remembered coming home one day to find my grandma’s silver flatware in the garbage, when I removed it he said “but I have a lot of that” referring to the normal silverware. It was these memories and occasional chanting that got me through the constant hills.

All of these memories and the hills made the ride a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, in addition to a physical one. Bruce and Bill were wonderful to ride with; they were supportive and helped to keep things light. The road crew of Melanie and Glen were awesome; they seemed to anticipate our every need and I always felt safe even with semis and dump trucks barreling down on me. I am a little disappointed that I never got to try the famous Peanut Butter Fold Overs…oh well, maybe in D.C. I think my favorite part was the people we met along the way either at the hotel, a rest stop or at the signing event. Their appreciation, stories and personal dedication truly made this a special experience that I will never forget.

- Michael Darrah

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Ann Arbor to Cleveland Day 2

2010-09-17T08:58:00.004-05:00

The second day of the ride from Ann Arbor to Cleveland started similar to the first. It was a crisp, cool (52 degrees) morning as we headed out of Perrysburg towards Sandusky at 7 AM (a total of a little more than 60 miles). Although a bit warmer than the first morning, Charlie and I still had on our tights, gloves and windbreakers for the first few hours of the morning. There was also a forecast of rain for later in the day. I was feeling a bit stiff from the first days ride, but slowly loosened up over the first few miles. We had several railroad crossings that both Charlie and I had a much greater respect and appreciation for after the previous days ride.

A bit after the first rest stop, we had our first excitement of the day. As we passed a small farmhouse, a medium to large size dog, bee-lined towards my bike with teeth bared and a ferocious snarl. I instinctively sped up and swerved onto the opposite side of the road (thankfully few cars were on these roads this early on a Saturday morning). With the dog at my heels and my heart pounding, I thought about trying to kick the dog, although my shoes were firmly clipped into my pedals. Instead, I sped up even further and after an equal burst of speed from the dog, he finally retreated to the side of the road. I turned around to see if the dog had any designs on Charlie, who was only 50-100 yards behind me. Thankfully, the effort required in chasing my bike seemed to have exhausted the dog who remained on the side of the road panting. For the rest of the day I relived this episode and jumped off my bike at the sound of every barking dog…

The next 20 miles or so were into a strong head wind that both Charlie and I felt like we were slogging through even though the terrain was quite flat. After an excellent lunch on the Pony, we completed the day uneventfully and arrived into Sandusky just as the first rain drops started to fall. That night we enjoyed hamburgers at a local restaurant/bar, which was filled with Ohio State buckeye fans rooting on their team. Later that evening, we were joined by my son (Raza Lamb) and Dr. Sanjay Pimplikar, who would ride the final day from Sandusky to Cleveland with us.

The three days riding with Charlie were wonderful. We had cool days and dry, flat roads through wonderful farm country (albeit with a few too many railroad crossings and dogs!). In addition, it was inspirational to ride with a 75-year-old man who was so committed to bringing awareness to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. We talked at length about how as Americans we need to do much more to effectively integrate individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers into our families, communities and society.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Ann Arbor to Cleveland

2010-09-17T08:57:00.000-05:00

I started my adventure at the signing event in Ann Arbor on Thursday afternoon where I was deeply moved by the story told by a young lady about her life with a 31 year old husband who had early onset Alzheimer's disease.

We started our trip early the next morning on a sunny day. Thankfully it was cool, which prompted me to wear several layers of clothing. This served me well shortly after breakfast when I had a small altercation with a rail road crossing. The result was only some mild "roads rash" and injured pride. The remainder of the day went well and I was able to enjoy the rest of the trip.

I road the 200 miles to Cleveland to find my wife Carolyn who is slipping into the fog of dementia. Her talents as a mother, wife, scientist, and doll artist are being shrouded by a thick haze, but SHE IS STILL THERE. It is up to me as her primary care giver with the help of our family, friends, and our entire community to shine some light through the haze and highlight her unique talents and thus to preserve her intrinsic value and worth, which is her humanity.

It is incumbent on all of us to seek out those who are being drawn into the murky world of dementia and to continue to highlight their uniqueness and preserve their humanity.

-Charlie Farrell, M.D., is a retired vascular surgeon with a life-long interest in participating in and promoting running and multi-sport training.

100,000 Americans Demand an Alzheimer's Breakthrough

2010-09-15T20:55:00.003-05:00

Thank you and congratulations! With your help, the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride^SM has collected 100,000 signatures for a petition asking Congress to make Alzheimer's disease a national priority. We deeply appreciate your efforts to make this goal a reality.

On Sept. 21, World Alzheimer's Day, the Ride will culminate in our nation's capital as researchers who collectively cycled more than 4,500 miles cross-country deliver signatures to Congress. These riders are sending a critical message on our behalf: Alzheimer's disease can no longer be ignored. We must have additional resources for research, care and support.

But this isn't the finish line in the fight against Alzheimer's. Take further action today:

Collect additional petition signatures. We need even more support when we get to Capitol Hill! Forward this e-mail to three friends and ask them to sign the petition. More signatures will create a bigger impression on World Alzheimer's Day.
Go purple on Sept. 21, World Alzheimer's Day. To recognize the global fight against Alzheimer's disease, wear purple — the color of Alzheimer's awareness.
Donate to the cause. Make a gift that fuels additional resources for Alzheimer care, support and research efforts.

Thank you for helping to make Alzheimer's disease a national priority. We're proud to share your voice with Congress on World Alzheimer's Day.

With gratitude,

Bruce Lamb, Ph.D.
Associate Staff Scientist
Lerner Research Institute
Cleveland Clinic

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Madison to Chicago and Points Beyond

2010-09-10T13:25:00.001-05:00

My journey on the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride would consist of three days of riding. Two days to complete the Madison-Chicago segment and an additional day to ride the first leg of the Chicago to Indy segment. Each day brought something new: meeting great new friends, inspiration in the fight against Alzheimer’s, and great riding through America’s heartland.

I finished up our lab work on Tuesday and headed to Madison, where the weather looked rather daunting for the following day’s ride. Bright and early, I met the other riders in the lobby of our hotel. Well not so bright due to the ominous clouds, but certainly early. The brightest parts of the morning were actually the team of riders - Barb Bendlin, Michele Riese, and Michael Walters as well as the incredible support staff, Evan, Glen and Melanie. We got to know each other over a hearty breakfast, and then it was time to ride! Miraculously, the heavy weather stayed ahead and behind us as we made our way through the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin toward the flat prairies of Illinois spurred on by cool temperatures and a slight tailwind. As others have noted, Glen and Melanie in the follow and lead cars did a great job of keeping the traffic at bay. The rain also kept mostly at bay, but we occasionally found ourselves pedaling through a chilly spritzing. Our spirits could not be dampened, however. After each stop, we began pedaling again with a rousing cry of “Breakthrough!” Barb and Michele had seemingly boundless energy while Michael, who had some reservations about the distance initially, began to realize his cycling potential with every passing mile. Things were going great until a set of slick train tracks in Edgerton, WI sent Barb and Michael to the pavement. When a police officer came by to offer help, Barb’s only request was that he sign the petition! Way to stay on message, Barb! After some patching and bandaging, we were on our way again. Breakthrough! The rain cleared out and we finally arrived at Woodstock, IL 90 miles, and 2000 kiloJoules later. We averaged a little over 100 watts of power output while riding - 4 bright light bulbs riding to abolish Alzheimer’s disease. Woodstock was a gracious host.

Thursday was an eventful ride into Chicago. In the “+” column: We were joined by Alzheimer’s Association CEO Harry Johns, who would ride with us all the way into Chicago. In the “-” column was the rain and a flat tire just a few miles from our destination in downtown Chicago. We knew there was a crowd waiting to meet us, and the rain had already pushed us behind schedule, even forcing an unplanned shuttling of bikes and riders for part of the segment, so a quick tube change and we were on our way again. At about 1PM, we arrived at the Thompson Center to the cheers of the assembled crowd - an amazing and inspiring moment. The energy was high as some heartfelt speeches were made and more signatures were collected. Chicago’s my home town, so I couldn’t resist a quick trip into the lab to check on an experiment. Then it was back to the hotel to say goodbye to the Chicago-to-Madison team (see you in DC!) and to get some rest for Friday’s ride into Indiana.

On Friday morning, Kevin Laxton and I set off in the chilly morning air with the sun rising over Lake Michigan as our backdrop. On the lakefront path, I saw some friends who wished us luck on our journey. We had about 90 miles to ride, but the open roads and beautiful prairie fields of Indiana made it go by in a flash. We happened to ride by Fair Oak farms in Indiana, so I convinced the crew to stop and try some cheese curds which squeaked with freshness. The woman at the checkout counter told us her grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and wished us luck on our ride. From there, it was a short ride to Rensselaer, IN where we’d stop for the night. Marc Prevot came in that evening to continue the ride with Kevin, and I headed back to Chicago full of inspiration and gratitude to have been part of this excellent endeavor.
These three days were certainly some of the most meaningful miles I’ve ever pedaled my bike through. I’m looking forward to continuing the effort in DC. It’s time we made Alzheimer’s disease a national priority.

-Eric Norstrom, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral scholar in the department of neurobiology at the University of Chicago.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Madison to Chicago Part 2

2010-09-09T09:02:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday morning I met my fellow riders (Eric - who I believe is still on the road) and Michael. My friend and colleague Barb was there also, and Mel, Glenn, and Evan - the most fabulous, helpful road crew a bicyclist could ever hope for!! (Thanks you guys!) The organization of this event and the people I got to meet made this a fantastic experience. Day 1 was spent riding through country roads of Wisconsin - enjoying the beautiful hills, foliage that must have been 8 shades of green, rows of fully-grown corn and soybean plants, and the interplay of high gray clouds and misty low-lying clouds moving across the sky. At that point, we bikers owned the road and were able to chat and get to know each other. The afternoon in Illinois found us on busier thoroughfares, and we were funneled into a single-line formation - braving tractor trailers and tiny road shoulders with potholes. Rain was sporadic through the afternoon, but really was mostly refreshing as the day wore on. On Day 2 there was quite a bit of rain. But like the brave soldiers we were, we headed out en force! We made our way along some busy roads in Illinois. After some lessons in defensive driving on a bike, we moved through some pleasant neighborhoods, and then onto a lovely, lovely and oh-so-peaceful bikepath. I'll admit (I'm probably not supposed to say this), we did get washed out for a bit - the rain necessitated some travel-by-van. Riding through Chicago was probably my favorite part - and the reception downtown was just marvelous.

The total experience on this Madison-to-Chicago leg was one that I would unhesitatingly want to do again! Not only did I get to assist in raising awareness for the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act, meet fabulous people, and undoubtedly improve my BMI, but I learned a few tips about bicycling that I'm happy to pass onto readers of this blog. These may sound obvious, but even I (a self-proclaimed master-of-the-obvious) found that these tips would be good to have in mind once mounted on a bike.

Don't ride with a flat tire. (I have no idea of how long I did this... but when riding with a flat and trying to keep up with my teammates, the thought occurred to me that I must be riding with Olympians.)
Ride perpendicular to railroad tracks. The emphasis on this should be multiplied by 3 if it has rained. Emphasis should be multiplied by 10 if it has rained AND there is corn on the road. (2 of my teammates learned this the hard way - and they have the battle wounds to prove it. Both looked pretty dazed and confused immediately after the fall. I haven't told them personally yet, but they're my heros.)
Be a courteous cyclist. By this, I mean - point out to your fellow cyclists upcoming potholes, cyclists, cars, etc. that one would want to avoid coming in contact with while on a bike. (FYI: Eric Nostrom is the most courteous cyclist I have ever met - not that I've actually met that many cyclists - but I do think it would be hard to beat him in this category.)
Eat something! Almost everyone on the trip said this to me in an assertive - but certainly-not-chastising tone at some point over the course of 2 days. And you know what? They were right! So for God's sake - Eat something!
Wear a helmet. (For an example of why this is important, see point 2)
Cycle for a good cause!!! I'll say no more. Everyone on this site knows this is important.

I'm glad to have been a part of this event! Alzheimer's research is certainly in need of more funding. Although I won't be in D.C., my heart will be there. Thank you Bruce Lamb for generating the idea for this ride, and best of luck to the leadership of the Alzheimer's Association while in D.C. and beyond!! And I send my love to those folks out there who are personally touched by Alzheimer's disease. This ride is a sign of our (i.e., researchers, clinicians, and everyone involved in this endeavor) commitment to you.

- Michele Ries, Ph.D., is an assistant scientist in the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Madison to Chicago Part 1

2010-09-09T08:59:00.001-05:00

I recently rode in the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride, a cross-country relay to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. I rode in the leg from Madison to Chicago on September 1-2. What follows are the notes I recently posted on the blog associated with the ride.

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride Journal: Madison to Chicago

My Breakthrough Ride experience began in mid-April when the winter snows unexpectedly receded from the Minneapolis landscape and I could start training on the bike trails around Lakes Harriet and Calhoun. I was quite anxious about the ride, given that I hadn’t ridden over about 20 miles at one time in many years. And I knew that we would be riding 90 miles on the first day out of Madison and about 65 miles on the second day to get to Chicago. I rode the trails in high winds, in sleet, in winds that pushed my bike from the path as angry spring storms blew in off the Canadian plains. Why did I do this? Apart from the obvious challenge the ride itself presented, I was inspired in my training by Dr. Karen Ashe, an Alzheimer’s researcher at the University of Minnesota, and Director of the N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care. Her passion for discovering a means to prevent Alzheimer’s disease instilled in me a desire to do something that could help make an impact on the course of Alzheimer’s research in the United States, and could help change the course of how we prevent and treat the disease in a global sense. I view my participation in the Breakthrough Ride as one tiny part of a collective effort to make the dream of a world without this scourge of a disease a reality.

So I pedaled through April, May, June, July and August. In the heat and wind, past roller-bladers, low-riders, and Burley’s. In these pages, I read with trepidation of the heat, the winds, the spills as the relay moved across the desert and on into the Midwest. But more than being impressed by the challenge of the elements alone, the depth of emotion and passion of the researcher-riders fascinated and inspired me to continue on to my appointment in Madison.

As it turned out, the ride was certainly not as hellacious as the premonitions my tired mind had conjured up. The weather on the first day (Madison, WI to Woodstock, IL) was overcast and cool, relative to the 100+-degree days that previous legs of the relay had to endure. The rolling hills and cornfields of southern Wisconsin were beautiful. Sure, a 90-mile ride is never easy, but the care given to us riders by the relay-support staff (Glenn, Melanie, and Evan) transformed miles into rides-around-the-block and hours into minutes. There were the trucks and harried auto drivers to deal with and the rough shoulders and the cracked pavement, too, but the smiles and the jokes and the sharing and the PBFO’s (peanut-butter fold-overs) took away the “mental” part of the ride. And the training I had done over the proceeding weeks turned out to be sufficient enough to smooth out the physical challenges of the long ride.

The second day turned out to be a bit more of a challenge. Our second-day leg was interrupted by heavy rains that always seemed to be on the verge of letting up, but never really doing so. Since we had to be Chicago for the noontime rally, we were “airlifted” to an advance drop-site on the Lake Michigan shoreline. The rain stopped and we were led into Chicago by Harry Johns, the CEO and President of the Alzheimer's Association. (Of course, we had a flat tire in the last four miles of the ride!) Actually, Harry insisted that Barb, Michele, Eric and I lead the group of us into the Chicago rally. But there is no question that Harry led us into Chicago since there is no way anyone else could have described and followed the route he led us on through the maze of paths, into a parking garage, and down a grass covered embankment to the streets of the Windy City. We finally entered the chaos of Chicago noontime traffic when we made it to Randolph Street and could sense that the completion of our ride was only a few blocks ahead. I remember turning to Eric Norstrom (a native of Chicago) and asking him if there were any rules for driving in Chicago traffic. I think I heard him say “try to miss the cars!” It was an exciting last few blocks to the Thompson Center where we were cheered into the Plaza by an enthusiastic, cheering crowd of well-wishers and volunteers. (Shades of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” but without the music or Mia Sara.) What a great way to end a trip I will never forget!

Did I forget to mention the incident at the Edgerton Crossing? Suffice it to say that I now know that it is critically important to traverse railroad crossings at a vector perpendicular to the tracks and at slow speed. Despite admonitions to this effect that I had received seemingly only hours before, I attempted the impossible and lost to gravity and lack of friction. Luckily nothing was broken, though I suspect I might have bent a rail. (Stacy, my wife, and I visited the infamous site on our way home to the Twin Cities and some damage to the rails appeared evident.) The fall was scary and painful and embarrassing and bruising. It was a challenge for me to pick myself up and keep going, fearing another fall or another set of railroad tracks. But I knew that I would heal, the bruises would fade, and the scrapes and scratches would eventually stop bleeding, scar over, and disappear.

And this made me think of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and their care-givers and families and friends for which there is pain, and fear, and embarrassment and scrapes and scratches with no hope of recovery. And that is what helped get me back on my bike and continue the ride, filled with the hope that our riding and the signatures we are gathering, and the enhanced funding we seek might lead to a future where the healing of those with Alzheimer’s disease could start, and their fear and bruising and trauma and anxiety could be made to fade away.

Good luck to the riders and I will see you in Washington!

-Dr. Michael A. Walters is a member of the faculty of the Medicinal Chemistry Department at the University of Minnesota, a Director in the Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, and a collaborating member of the N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Saint Louis to Madison

2010-09-08T13:56:00.001-05:00

Before I begin to explain my journey from St. Louis, Missouri to Madison, Wisconsin, I would like to tell you a little about myself. I am a graduate student at Boston University School of Medicine in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology (finishing up this year – fingers crossed!), and I am conducting my thesis work in the laboratory of Dr. Rudy Tanzi in the Genetics and Aging Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. On a personal note, my mother started showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 56, when I was 21 years old. In November 2006, she was officially diagnosed with the disease at the age of 60, and at that point I became an Alzheimer’s caregiver in addition to Alzheimer’s researcher. Over the past few years I have witnessed my mother’s gradual mental decline, to a point where she is unable to recognize me anymore. Moreover, the effect my mother’s decline has had on my father, her primary caregiver, is utterly devastating. I return home to Rhode Island frequently to relieve my father of his caregiving duties, and these trips are generally filled with exhaustion, frustration, and sorrow.

I rode a total of 350 miles with my parents in mind the entire time. Many people commented that I must be so brave to commit to so many miles. In my mind there is nothing more terrifying than Alzheimer’s disease, and I could only hope to be as brave as my mother and father, who have the courage to face it every single day.

8-29-10
After filling up on Mexican food and saying farewell to Team Boston Bikers who rode with me from St. Louis to Springfield, I met Dr. Rong Wong of Mount Sinai School of Medicine, who would be biking with me for the next 3 days all the way to Madison, WI. The following morning at breakfast my second meeting with Rong was quite interesting. I was complaining to the support crew (Evan, Kyle and Glen) about how the softness of hotel pillows generally leaves me feeling restless and sore. Rong’s response was “Oh what a baby, she needs her own pillow.” I could tell right off the bat it was going to be a fun 3 days, in all seriousness.

I have to admit, I was nervous about having to ride 96 miles that day following a slightly tortuous 103 miles the day before. But when Glen checked my tires he immediately realized I was riding at 60psi the entire first day as opposed to the 120psi my tires could handle. Woops. And let me tell you – a little bit of air makes a huge difference! Due to the fact I was scheduled to ride 350 miles total through 3 states (MO, IL, and WI), many people asked me if I was an avid rider. My response? I bought my first road bike when I signed up for the ride in May. Relatively speaking I was close to knowing nothing about my bike, and for this (among other reasons) the Breakthrough Ride support crew was a Godsend.

That first day Rong and I began our 96-mile trek from Springfield, IL towards Peru, IL. It was cool and nice until around 11:30 or so, when the hot sun and little hills kicked in. I was under the impression Illinois was flat! After a lunch break in front of a cute little church with a very friendly congregation (it was Sunday afterall), Rong and I convinced ourselves that the worst of our hills were behind us, only to be faced with a monster of a hill a half-mile down the road. I admit, it must have been harder for Rong with his crazy folding bike to climb that hill than it was for me with my road bike. Best advice for future riders: don’t bother studying the elevation map. It’s best to keep it a surprise.

I met my other mortal enemy at the end of Day 1 for the last 3 miles or so: WIND! Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to be done for the day, and the feeling of accomplishment when I reached the end could not be topped. It felt good to temporarily trade in my pipette for a bike. I treated myself to some fried pickles and a chicken salad stuffed tomato at a local restaurant called Cabin Fever and headed to the hotel Jacuzzi to prepare my muscles for the next day.

8-30-10
Today Rong and I rode from Peru, IL to Freeport, IL (home of the Freeport Pretzels) – a total of 83 miles. After completing nearly 200 miles in the past 2 days this seemed like nothing! When I was training for the ride I imagined I would experience more and more muscle fatigue with each passing day. But strangely I could feel myself riding stronger with time. Luckily, Rong rode behind me the entire time and gave me tips on my form. I will also be forever indebted to Rong for all the beautiful photos he took on the road to capture our journey. He literally attached his camera to his helmet strap and snapped pictures along the way! Melanie joined us with her support van at this point to give Evan a break, and she found Rong’s camera setup to be hilarious.

On this day I opted for a different riding jersey – one that all my wonderful friends/supporters signed before I left for the ride. Their words of inspiration carried me through the day. I also began to view the RV (or the “Pony”) as some sort of drug. It was such a wonderful feeling to see the Pony after a rough 20-mile stretch, and I began to depend on that feeling to break up the monotony of the ride. I mean, corn and soybeans are great and all, but exactly how many fields are there? We did meet a body of water for the first time on our journey this day, and this excited Rong to no end, so we stopped and took plenty of pictures (although we never figured out what body of water it was exactly). Our average speed increased by at least 3mph on this day and we were in Freeport by 2:15. This is when things began to get interesting.

We checked into the Freeport Super 8 Motel (which, by the way, was supposed to be a Holiday Inn Express) and I was assigned to room 115. We all agreed to meet in the lobby for dinner at 5:00. Lucky for me, Footloose was on TV in the meantime. I was slightly annoyed by the footsteps stomping back and forth in the room above me, but I managed to drown them out with the TV. I was ready and in the lobby by 5:05, and because I’m chronically 5-10 minutes late, I didn’t regard this as a big deal. There was no one, however, in the lobby so after waiting for 5 minutes I figured we were meeting later and I simply got the time wrong. When I walked back out at 5:30 both Kyle and Rong were waiting patiently. Apparently they were waiting there since 5:00, so they say. Weird.

After a lovely Italian dinner at Mama Cimino’s Pizza, we returned back to the hotel. The footsteps continued to be bothersome and I was beginning to think something strange was going on. I fell asleep feeling a tad apprehensive about my environment yet excited for the final day of my journey. I began to dream about something coming through my window at me, and I woke up gasping, in a cold sweat, trembling from head to toe, and standing up alongside my bed. And then I saw it – the bedside lamp (on the opposite side of the bed) had been smashed in the middle of the bed! I am not generally a superstitious person, but I firmly believe a ghost wanted me out of room 115. I promptly packed up my things and complied by switching rooms. As I was leaving I could still hear the footsteps moving back and forth above me.

8-31-10
We met downstairs for breakfast the next day and I animatedly told everyone about the last night’s adventure. Amidst my excitement I was hit by bad news. Melanie informed us we had to get to the signing event by 12:30 that day – covering nearly 70 miles plus breaks. It seemed like a tough feat to take on, yet quite doable considering the average speed Rong and I had gotten up to on our bikes. Shortly after departing the haunted Super 8 Motel, we crossed the border to Wisconsin and were instantly met with the real hills. They were beautiful large rolling hills that made the hills previously encountered look like small bumps in the road. The humidity was ridiculously intense too! Rong actually shorted out his camera that was attached to his helmet (don’t tell his wife). SO unfortunate because the scenery in the southwest corner of Wisconsin is absolutely breathtaking. As we rolled along, I began to think we wouldn’t make it in time.

After the first rest stop where Melanie filled my tires and I posed for a picture next to a sign advertising “Wisconsin Fresh Cheese,” I began to see an end in sight. I thought about my whole journey and how much the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act means to my family and tears began to well up in my eyes as I rode up and down the hills (not exactly safe, I know). A sense of adenine began to take over like none I’ve felt before and I actually felt lifted up the hills with strength that was not exactly mine. Rong managed to keep up with his folding bike and only complained a little. We were making great time!

We reached the last rest stop 12 miles away from the Capital Building in Madison, where the signing event was to be held. We stopped at a nursery that was apparently the home-sweet-home to thousands of evil mosquitoes. Adequate rest was not possible while being eaten alive, and as Rong commented, “She is obviously not a country girl,” we were on our way towards the capital. We were a few miles away and I was thoroughly exhausted. And then I saw it. Quite possibly the most beautiful sight ever: The Golden Arches. I decided then and there that if Melanie pulled into the McDonald’s, I would be forever indebted to her. Well she not only pulled into the lot and parked the van, she also bought me a large fry and a caramel frappé. Now I am not the biggest fan of fast food chains, but the caramel frappé has changed my life, and the one I drank that day 3 miles away from the finish line was like no other. After convincing Rong to try a french fry dipped in sweet-n-sour sauce (he was a fan!), we were back on the road.

We biked the final 3 miles on the bike lanes of Madison, WI and reached the Capital Building in no time. We rode up the sidewalk amidst the cheering onlookers and TV cameras and I prayed I wouldn’t fall off my bike. There we met riders Michele Ries and Barbara Bendlin who would be heading towards Chicago the following day. After posing for photos and listening to some rousing speeches concerning the great need for Alzheimer’s research funding, there was suddenly an interruption in the program. A woman from the crowd began to adamantly thank the riders with much enthusiasm. With everyone’s attention on her, she went to the microphone and explained with tears in her eyes that she was just diagnosed with a form of dementia, and her husband counted down the days for her so she could come to the signing event and thank us in person. Trying to control my own tears, I hugged her. It was the ultimate reminder of why we researchers are participating in the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride. Please Congress consider the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act as an upmost priority, it is absolutely critical to the future of our society.

I would like to send a huge thanks to my wonderful parents, Nancy and Anthony Soscia, who have provided so much love and support over the years, and were the principal motivation for this endeavor. I will never stop fighting for you. Big thanks to my amazing friends and family whose support I appreciated with every single pedal stroke. Much thanks also Cindy Lemere, Sarah Matousek, Oliver Holmes, and Rong Wong for being such fun riding buddies! And especial thanks to my lovely boyfriend Mark, who gave me a pair of custom-made Oakley sunglasses for the ride, with “Breakthrough AD” etched on the lens.

-Stephanie Soscia, Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology
Boston University School of Medicine

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Saint Louis to Springfield

2010-09-02T09:07:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to add to Buck’s blog….. What a wonderful, fantastic, invigorating experience! Thanks, Bruce Lamb for organizing this important event. Sarah Matousek, Oliver Holmes, Stephanie Soscia and I (Team: Boston Bikers) flew to St. Louis on Friday, August 27th in time to meet the Wash U team as they ended their ride at the signing event there. It was great to see familiar faces (Dave and Tracy Holtzman, John Morris, John Cirrito, etc.) and meet The Ride crew (Eric, Evan, Kyle, and Glenn) and numerous volunteers. After re-assembling our bikes (thank you, Eric!), we went sightseeing at the famous arch, also known as the “Gateway to the West”. It was a lot of fun getting to the top by elevator and seeing the city and Mississippi River. The next morning, we had the pleasure of meeting Buck Stinson, of Genworth Financial who, in part, deals with longterm healthcare insurance issues and is an avid cyclist. He kindly treated us to breakfast at the hotel. [Thanks Buck and thanks to the Courtyard Marriott staff for opening for us at 6 am instead of 7 am!]

We headed onto the road north to Springfield just after sunrise. For most of us, this 100+ mile ride (also known as a “century ride”) was the longest bike ride we had ever attempted. We were so excited to get started! We were told it was going to be a flat ride, but the map we were given showed a steady, if small, incline over the first 80 miles. After a small gulp, I decided what the heck. Might as well go as far as possible. After all, we did not have to ride through the desert or across mountains like some of the riders before us! Along the way, we stopped for photo ops such as the one shown here in front of the sign for historic Route 66. The 2 support vans (drivers Kyle and Glenn) kept us safe as we navigated along the route and provided much-needed humor, music and encouragement along the way. The RV (driven by Evan) met us at rest stops where we were pampered with ice water, Gatorade, snacks, bananas, cold wet towels, and a bathroom. Perfect. After lunch, Buck rode ahead while Boston Bikers took our time, resting every 15-20 miles. As we rode through many small towns and rural areas, we got a few cheers and thumbs up. One gas station even posted a special sign welcoming us – Thank You!

Our team stuck together but I will admit I was not sure I could make the whole 103 miles. Kyle was very good at showing up in the van when I would fall behind and blast some funky music to keep me going -- thank you. Thanks to you, too, Oliver, for getting me through that last patch before the final segment! It was everything.

The last 20 miles of the ride was very flat with tall cornfields on either side of the road. The late afternoon sunlight cast a beautiful golden glow on the fields. We rode together into the final meeting place where Evan greeted us by hopping up and down and cheering for us. It was great!

I want to thank my team members: Sarah Matousek and Oliver Holmes (postdocs, BWH) and Stephanie Soscia (graduate student, MGH) for their hard work raising funds, training, and doing the ride. It was truly a pleasure! Stephanie went on to ride for 3 more days and an additional 261 miles to Madison, WI. You are amazing! Great to meet you, Buck – hope to see you in DC. And lastly, a shout-out to all of the friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers who supported us on this adventure and in the quest to find a way to conquer Alzheimer’s disease – THANK YOU!!

-Cynthia (“Cindy”) Lemere, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Kansas City to Jefferson City

2010-09-02T08:32:00.002-05:00

On the eve of the big Alzheimer’s Breakthrough bike ride, I was sequestered with my fellow riders, John Cirrito and Jess Resvito from Washington University, and Ben Timson, from Missouri State University, at the Comfort Inn in Sedalia. Since I hang out at the University of Missouri (in Columbia), we had most of the state covered. I think all of us were excited and a bit nervous, at least I was. Adding to my anxiety was watching Howard Palmer (Washington University) ride in from Kanas City, 110 miles away! While alive, he looked exhausted, and arriving before him was Tim West, also from St. Louis, who had been on the trail for four consecutive days (from Wichita, Kansas to Sedalia, Missouri), over 300 miles! I began to think that maybe I was over my head here.

Passing time by checking my messages I found one from Linda Fisher who lives in Sedalia and who is the author of an edited book of personal stories of persons personally affected by the disease, including one from me. She wanted to come and take pictures, get some quotes, see us off in the morning. I replied, “Sure,” and just in case it was too early for her, I gave her the quotes listed below:

“Linda, you ask why am I doing this? Many reasons:

I believe in the cause -- research funding levels for Alzheimer's Disease is dismal given the tragic toll it is taking on individual lives, families, and others. And the cost of care is simply staggering. We are riding to encourage Congress to push funding to $2 Billion and make AD a major priority like other devastating diseases.
We must and can find a treatment and cure; science has come a long way and we are on the cusp of major discoveries but need research funding and commitment of the U.S. government to follow-through with groundbreaking research.
I am the current President of the Board of the Mid-Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, and I want to make a statement to all those who support what we do that we are very serious about finding a cure for this disease and that we are dedicated to helping caregivers who truly live 36-hour days with those who suffer from this cunning, baffling disease.
I am 68 years old, have a stent, poor knees, and lousy hearing, but I am functional and I know I can ride this bike 71-miles for this worthwhile cause. I'm looking forward to it.”

Absolutely, these are indeed the reasons why I volunteered to ride one of the segments in this coast-to-coast marathon. I should add that my great aunt that helped raise me died of Alzheimer’s, and I dedicated this ride to her.

Linda did show up the next morning, ate breakfast with us, and followed “The Pony,” our huge RV-like support vehicle and two support vans. In a slight foggy mist in a beautiful park, she took pictures as we prepared for and began pedaling away. It was about 58 degrees and never climbed above 80 the rest of the day, we were so lucky to avoid 100+ degree heat indexes that had characterized our respective training runs during the previous several weeks.

I promised my donors and others that I would keep them posted on this adventure upon which I had embarked, and this is the story. I should first add, however, that I am very grateful for all the generous support. Collectively nearly $2,500 was raised on my behalf, and many signed the online petition in support of the cause. Just in case anyone reading this has not signed the petition, go to http://alz.org/breakthroughride and follow the instructions. It will take you less than 30 seconds.

Most likely the oldest and least experienced breakthrough rider, I wondered if my amateurish training had been sufficient to see me through the day. My longest attempts had been 42 and 35 mile outings on the KATY trail, a scenic but flat abandoned railroad path converted to one of the most magnificent Missouri State Parks stretching across the state for more than 200 miles from Clinton to St. Charles, Missouri. Little did I know that riding on the asphalt and concrete back roads of Missouri would in no way be similar to the hardened chat and rock floor of the KATY. Nevertheless, short rides on this and extended street routes to work and back constituted my preparation. My trusty TREK bike with hybrid wheels was going to be another factor that I had not put into the mix. Perhaps I should have trained with more experienced riders; no one this day had tires the size of mine. These were my thoughts as we were taken to the start point on the northern fringe of Sedalia on county road HH.

Within the first two miles, and for the rest of the day, John, Jess, and Ben, easily outdistanced me. Mel’s van became their support vehicle, and Glen’s mine. I caught up at all the rest stops and lunch so we did bond and I felt very much connected to them, but Glen was my companion and life line; having him following along with a yellow light circling atop his van was a buffer from traffic and allowed me to take in the countryside and enjoy the peaceful sojourn beside and along endless soybean and cornfields. Adrenaline must have been pumping because the first three hours passed quickly. Cool temperatures and only occasional hills tested my legs and strength, and I felt great by the time we reached our first rest stop with “The Pony.” We were at the 28-mile mark and all feeling chipper and more confident than at the beginning that we could accomplish our goal. We stopped in Bunceton, a small ghost-like wild-west town, but with loud construction work trying to save one of the dying buildings. Bananas and Gatorade helped fortify us along with peanut butter; chips, high-energy chocolate bars, some oily-looking goo that mimicked hot fudge, and water. Gatorade and water were, however, the most important items on the picnic table. Mel, Evan, and Glen made sure we each drank plenty of it. Returning to my bike I fell off a high step and rolled along the ground drawing a bit of blood below my knee. No one laughed; I guess age has its advantages. We pushed on; I was beginning to feel very much attached to my bike and begin to think of it as my friendly horse. The route was HH to 135 to E and then J followed by 87 to 179; sounds like directions across Los Angeles.

I was particularly good at “calling cows.” I think my mooing imitation tuned them on as they raised their heads in anticipation that I might stop. Dogs were less predictable. Some would wag their tails, others would charge toward me until they felt thwarted by Glen’s “caboose” close behind me. I enjoyed speaking with farmers along the way, one who urged me to stop and help him with fence repair, and another who wanted to know our cause giving a thumb’s up when I yelled, “All for Alzheimer’s research!” In Prairie Home we pedaled by a perfect replica of the “Field of Dreams” baseball field surrounded by corn stalks on all sides. At lunch we all talked about it, but none of us had stopped for a photo opportunity, a real loss. My first of two flat tires occurred soon after. Glen was outstanding repairing both in less than ten minutes, what a gift to know these cycling machines so well. I must admit that repairing the first flat gave me some needed rest as well as the strength to carry on to lunch in Jamestown, Missouri.

“The Pony” was becoming one of the most welcome sights along the route. Equipped with a comfortable dining area, comfortable sofas, refrigerator, toilet, and basically all the comforts of home, it was indeed a highlight of the adventure. At lunch we shared stories. Melanie and Evan were particularly fun to listen to as they shared stories of other riders and experiences since leaving San Francisco more than a month ago. While enjoying the beauty of the mountains and plains, it was the riders about whom they talked the most. It was obvious to us that they too had become consumed with the cause and felt a close chemistry with all of us. Glen had stories too, but this stop he spent repairing my second flat, what a guy. I urged Mel to produce a documentary from all the blogs, their personal journals, and thousands
of photos. She is giving it some serious thought. I am looking forward to seeing all of them in Washington D.C. in September. It will be a great reunion as we make the last 14 miles to the steps of the Capitol to deliver our petitions.

Following our lunch respite, the longest and most welcome of all our stops, we continued down the road, Highway 179 to Jefferson City only 21 miles distant. At this point I knew I would make it, what an exhilarating feeling! And the first 10 miles were fantastic, the first five downhill, and the next relatively easy as we reached Marian Bottoms in close juxtaposition to the Missouri River. Evan was waiting at a river access point with The Pony, and we all celebrated a fun stop skipping rocks across the mile-wide expanse of the “Big Muddy.” Glen remarked that he never realized how big it was, Evan took pictures, and Mel watched as the rest of us feeling full of ourselves, laughed and joked about the journey.

The last five miles, were however, grueling. Hill, hills, and more hills! One of my knees began to throb and I begin to worry about a blown knee, torn ligaments, and an emergency room. Glen and I had dropped pretty far behind at this point, and spent a good five minutes deciding which way to turn at Hwy 179 and County Road Z. The debate allowed my knee to sufficiently recover, but I asked Glen to drive me up three of the remaining four giant hills. I felt no guilt as I coasted down the other side of them and ultimately joined the others just short of reaching our destination. So while I didn’t complete the full 71-72 miles, I did go 68-69 of them; ironically numbers that match my age. Within view of the Fairfield Inn in Jefferson City, all four of us entered the parking lot side-by-side; the Four Musketeers. Like at the end of the three New York City marathons that I have run, I felt a few tears slide down my face. No one saw me, but I was not ashamed.

A shower never felt better, and dinner with Ben Timson who was able to stay the evening, was wonderful. The next morning, the two of us joined a ceremony in the shadow of the Missouri Capitol as a proclamation was read on behalf of Jean Carnahan, Secretary of State. Staff of the Mid-Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association had organized the event. All of them were present as well as several Board Members. The event also served as a send-off for the next segment of breakthrough riders, David Holtzman and Varad Hacharya of Washington University. David moved the group as he dedicated his ride to the one-week-ago death of his father from Alzheimer’s Disease. We were all reminded what this is all about.

Thank you all who contributed to and followed this story. It is just one of thousands of stories that have been collected along the ride to Washington. I truly hope it ends in a significant breakthrough in research funding to find a cure for this devastating disease.

-David B. Oliver, PhD
Department of Family and Community Medicine
University of Missouri Interdisciplinary Center on Aging

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride: Kansas City to St. Louis

2010-08-30T14:33:00.002-05:00

Thursday morning, August 26th, 2010, started off in a wonderful way. Unlike the last 8 weeks in St. Louis and the rest of Missouri where the high temperatures were averaging 95-100 with similar humidity, it was an absolutely perfect day for riding. After a nice breakfast with our wonderful crew of Evan, Melanie, and Glen, we started with a signing event in the state capital of Missouri, Jefferson City. It was well attended by staff from the local Alzheimer’s Association as well as some press.

Our secretary of state, Robin Carnahan, made August 26th, “Breakthrough for Alzheimer’s disease day” in the State of Missouri and encouraged all Missourians to support Alzheimer’s disease research. We were presented with a nice plaque from her office and the proclamation was read out loud. This moment was particularly poignant for me, as I have been doing research on Alzheimer’s disease now for 20 years as well as diagnosing and treating patients and their families.

I was very motivated by Bruce Lamb’s idea to raise awareness with Congress, but also to honor my father who has suffered with Alzheimer’s disease for the last 10 years and passed away exactly 2 weeks to the day before my ride. Brad Racette, a Professor of Neurology at Washington University and a Parkinson’s disease researcher, and I then began our ride along the Missouri river in Jefferson City. It was an amazing scene as there was fog coating the river and yet you could see the dome of the Missouri capital sticking out over the fog at our start. While Brad is well known for his epidemiological research on Parkinson’s, he is better known in Missouri as one of the best bikers in the state. So, having biked with Brad the weekend before, we teamed up for the first 20 miles of completely flat road by “drafting”. Brad, being a stronger rider, mostly led but we switched a few times. By doing this, we did the first 20 miles in one hour. While that felt great, the next 60 miles were predominantly hills.

While Missouri isn’t known for “mountains,” the southern half is known as the Ozarks, a word derived from the French, “aux arcs,” meaning “in the hills.” While the hills were challenging, it was really fun and we both finished feeling great. We had wonderful rest stops to keep hydrated and fueled up with the help of Evan, Melanie, and Glen. My wife Tracy and our dog Chai joined us at the rest stops and offered great moral support (Evan wanted to take Chai along for the rest of the Breakthrough ride). The scenery was beautiful as we crossed to the south side of the Missouri river into Hermann, Missouri.

Set on bluffs overlooking the river, this area was settled by Germans in the early to mid 1800’s and they started making wine. It is a very popular spot to go on an autumn afternoon and enjoy the Hermann wineries and listen to music. Look out Napa Valley!

The second 40 miles from Hermann to Washington Missouri remained challenging with rolling hills and a little more traffic, but with our crew shielding us from behind with their cars, we were in good hands. I want to personally thank all the riders representing team “Mo-Kan throwdown” from Washington University and its ADRC (John Cirrito, Howard Palmer, Jessica Restivo, Brad Racette, Tim Miller, Arun Varadhachary), Tim West (C2N Diagnostics), the University of Kansas (Jeff Burns), Missouri State (Ben Timson), the Alzheimer’s Association (David Oliver), and last but not least, our rider organizer (Krista Moulder from Wash U/ADRC).

-David Holtzman, MD, Professor and Chair of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Wichita to Kansas City

2010-08-30T14:09:00.001-05:00

My Breakthrough ride started in Saint Louis Airport where I rented the car that would take me and my bike to Kansas City to Pick up Jeff Burns and then take the two of us to Wichita, KS. Driving to Kansas City, I went through two big storm systems and as I pulled in, the rain started pouring there also. I was hoping this would not be a sign of things to come. After picking up Jeff, we made it into Wichita before 5 and were lucky enough to meet up with Tom and Jerrah (the previous riders) and Evan, Melanie and Glen (the road crew). We all went for dinner and we got to listen to some of the road stories and get an idea of the logistics of breakthrough riding and learned the most important rule: go to bed early.

Wichita - Emporia (84 miles)

After breakfast, which was kindly served early by the nice people at the hotel, we rolled out of Wichita. There were a couple of other early bird cyclists out enjoying the Saturday morning. The great thing about starting early is that the temperature is not scorching yet and the wind had not had a chance to pick up. Unusual for Kansas, the wind was not coming from the west so as the day progressed we did end up with a good head wind, especially after mile 40 when we started going north. This is my first experience riding VIP style. Having an attentive road crew made riding on 55 mph roads much safer and it was great to have ice cold drinks and great company at the rest stops. In the afternoon we rode through the flint hills of Kansas - a very scenic area with wild prairie and rolling hills. The cicadas were as loud as lawn mowers and the streets mostly deserted. Around noon we stopped at the Hitching Post - a small burger joint in Matfield Green - a town of about 50 people. We stocked up on drinks and I had my first PBFO (peanut butter fold over) which was shared with a stray cat. In the afternoon the hills and the wind slowed us down and it was great to have Jeff to pull in the strong winds. We got into Emporia, and after showering (yay!), had sandwiches in the Pony followed by napping and an early dinner. No problems falling asleep at 9 PM.

Emporia-Lawrence (71 miles)

We got up early and the nice people at the hotel had once again prepared early breakfast for us so we were able to start early. We were driven out of Emporia in the support cars to get to the starting point of today's ride. As we got out of Emporia we were cloaked in heavy fog. When Melanie (driving front support car) got 40 feet out, her car would almost disappear in the fog. It was a beautiful and very wet ride with the sun coming through the fog and eventually dispersing it around the time of the first rest stop. The stop was at an old Skelly gas station which we thought was abandoned - but as we chugged gatorade the niece of the owner came by in her PJs to see what was going on. Turns out that one of her friends wrote a memory book about her mom's Alzheimers disease. Also turned out that the gas station was still fully functioning so Glen was able to get some gas. The ride continued uneventfully until we hit some construction that had popped up overnight so we loaded the bikes up on the cars and were dropped back on course. Today ended in Lawrence and although I had already eaten lunch I was not able to make it until dinner - Lawrence is a college town so I figured that they must have a Chipotle - and I was right. Jeff's wife came down from KC and we all had a great dinner.

Lawrence-Kansas City (44 miles)

Since we had a shorter distance today we started a little later than usual. The media frenzy was set to start in Kansas City at around 1 pm so we had to pace ourselves so we could ride in around that time. Leaving a little later put us in the morning rush hour of Lawrence but the pace cars did a great job of keeping us safe. We stopped around 12 miles outside KC in the parking lot of a country club and had lunch on their lawn where we were greeted by the club marshal and several other interested people in golf carts - it turned out that they were having a senior golf tournament that day so they were happy to meet us and had many encouraging words. After lunch we rode the last 10 miles to KC and found that KC is on top of a hill. The road into KC goes up a bridge that is usually 4 lanes but there was construction on two lanes so we took up a full lane as we struggled up the hill. We got lots of cheers from the people working on the other two lanes, which was a small taste of what waited on top of the hill. As we rode into the plaza, the local Alzheimer's Association had gathered and cheered us on. This was a great way to end a short day of riding! It was great to meet the local chapter and there were even people who had driven from Des Moines, Iowa to come cheer us on. It was amazing!

Thank you to the Alzheimer's Association for wonderful days of riding. The support along the road from random people, local chapters, and from the amazing road crew has made this a truly once in a life time experience. I would do this again in a heartbeat.

- Tim West, Ph.D., is Director of Laboratory Operations at C2N Diagnostics, a biotechnology service company located at the Center for Emerging Technology in St. Louis.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: St. Louis to Springfield

2010-08-30T13:55:00.005-05:00

This past weekend, I began my segment of the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride, a one-day journey from St. Louis, Miss. to Springfield, Ill. As the president of U.S. financial products at Genworth Financial, I can say that we are proud to be a Champion of the Alzheimer’s Early Detection Alliance, helping to increase awareness of the impact of Alzheimer’s disease. As an avid cyclist, the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride was a wonderful opportunity to combine my interests: I could simultaneously raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and enjoy a few days in the saddle.

What an awesome experience! 103 miles of nice flat blacktop through the cornfields of my home state - starting with a morning sunrise looking back at the arch in St. Louis as we crossed the "Mighty Mississippi". Met a great team from Boston - (hey guys, hope the wind was at your back the last 60 miles), the support team was terrific, the weather was spectacular...and we got plenty of attention from folks along the way. I would like to share what an honor it is to be riding alongside these researchers, who commit themselves so tirelessly to unlocking the mysteries of Alzheimer’s on a daily basis: Cindy Lemere, Sarah Matousek, Oliver Holmes and Stephanie Soscia. Thanks for your positive attitude and camaraderie along the road!

If you read this and you haven’t already, please visit alz.org/breakthroughride to sign the petition. It’s a small act that has the potential to make a very large impact. Thanks for the opportunity to participate, I look forward to this ride making a difference in Washington!

-Buck Stinson President of Insurance Products and Retirement and Protection Genworth Financial, a Memory Walk National Team

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 10, Day 1

2010-08-26T15:01:00.002-05:00

Oklahoma City to Tonkawa

5:45 AM on August 18th marked the beginning of my long anticipated ride from Oklahoma City to Wichita, Kansas and also the midpoint of the Breakthrough Ride. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the signing event in Oklahoma City the previous day, where I was further inspired for my ride by the volunteers and the many people willing to sign the petition and recognize the importance of Alzheimer’s disease at a national level. Here I also met my riding partner, Tom Kukars, and we were passed the baton brain that would ride on my handlebars for the next 2 days.

After our briefing and a wonderful breakfast with the support crew, who were to be our heroes for the next two days, we headed out to the starting point. The ride along Oklahoma’s sunny back highways was beautiful; we wound around rivers and through the hills. Throughout the day we passed fields of red tilled earth, grassy rolling hills, and cattle, who often seemed very concerned by our presence and occasionally would run away as fast as they could to hide in the trees. This was my first trip to Oklahoma and I admit I was surprised by the number of hills, some quite steep, that Tom and I climbed on our way to the Kansas border. With the rolling hills and the heat, which topped out at 108 degrees, our support crew became our saving grace. As each rest stop drew near we could see the pony waiting and Evan always with a smile, encouragement, cold water, and towels. When we needed to cool down between scheduled stops, Melanie in our lead car would scope out some shade, and she and Glen, our caboose, made sure our water and Gatorade was full and as cold as possible. We were very spoiled to have such wonderful support throughout the ride, both in planning and execution, who also made it impossible not to have a great time. During the final leg of our journey into Tonkawa the hills receded and we were lucky to have a little tailwind at times. I could feel my body tiring, but knew I would not stop. The millions of people suffering from and caring for people with AD can never stop, so neither would I. We completed our day in Tonkawa and had a lovely dinner at a local home-style diner near our comfy hotel in Blackwell. It was here that Tom and I received our official nicknames from the pony support staff: pickles and puddin’. Previously in the day I was dubbed Ripley, and if the bugs I fought off riding that afternoon were aliens the name might have stuck, however it was pickles that I would answer to for the rest of the ride.

That evening when I recalled the events from the day, I felt that I had accomplished something much more than this single day on my bike or a day in the laboratory. I am honored to be part of the Breakthrough Ride, an event that can actually change the way this nation addresses Alzheimer’s disease. I was unable to help my grandmother and grandfather as Alzheimer’s disease slowly took them from my family, but on this day I felt that together with all the riders, researchers, volunteers, and people signing our petition, I was helping to defeat this disease. I dedicate this day, the longest day of my ride, to my family, those we lost and those who worked tirelessly as caretakers for so many years.

-Jerrah Holth is a molecular and human genetics doctoral candidate at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.Holth’s segment of the ride began on August 19 in Oklahoma City and ended on August 20 in Wichita, Kansas.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 9

2010-08-23T16:10:00.003-05:00

Joachim Herz, M.D., is a professor at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Dr. Herz’s research has identified several fundamental molecular mechanisms that are common to both Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis.

This summer, he is participating in the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride to raise awareness and make Alzheimer’s disease a national priority. Dr. Herz’s segment of the ride began on August 16 in Dallas and ended on August 18 in Oklahoma City.

You can follow Dr. Herz's Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride exploits from Dallas to Oklahoma City by clicking here.

Click here to sign the petition to make Alzheimer's disease a national priority.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 9, Day 1

2010-08-18T14:55:00.003-05:00

Dallas to Whitesboro, TX

As my plane was about to land in Dallas on Sunday, the pilot announced that the temperature was 102. On Sunday evening the meteorologist on a local TV station described Monday as a cooler day, his forecast: temperature 101, heat index 110.

Monday morning, at 5:45 I met Joachim Herz, the researcher-rider on this segment, and Melanie Katz, the “ride mother”, in the lobby of the Courtyard on I-35. After a quick breakfast and ride briefing at Denny’s, we headed for the petition signing event at Pegasus Plaza in downtown Dallas. Just before the event, I stepped into a car to do an interview with Rick Hadley from WBAP radio. Gerry Sampson, Vice-Chairman of our National Board, who attended the event with his Dallas Chapter volunteer and staff colleagues, tells me that the interview ran all day. Thanks to Rick and WBAP for helping us to advance our mission.

The Breakthrough Ride, of course, is aimed at advancing our mission by moving our federal leaders to take action on Alzheimer’s the way they have on cancer, heart disease and HIV/AIDS. Those investments have worked and many, many lives have been saved. The research investments in Alzheimer’s are very low by comparison. We have no treatment that slows or stops the progress of the disease and no national plan to address the burgeoning crisis. Our job is to change all of that.

As Joachim and I rode through the early morning on shaded bike paths, along the tree lined streets of some very nice Dallas neighborhoods and under the Live Oak canopy on the campus of SMU, we knew we faced the meteorologist’s forecast later in the day. In the metaphor that is this ride, we were experiencing the enjoyable years of life that too many of us too often take for granted.

By the second scheduled rest stop the heat had increased, but we enjoyed a picnic-style lunch in the welcome shadow of a homeowner’s tall wooden privacy fence. After that stop, little shade graced our path to the end of the day’s ride.

The collaboration that the Alzheimer’s Association and the research community have demonstrated in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and in so many other ways, served as a model for us as riders. We took turns leading into the headwind that faced us almost continuously, and we alternatively rode side by side on the lane-width shoulders of Texas rural highways to break the effects of the oppressive heat, the unrelenting headwind and the paved but sometimes bone-shaking roads.

At rest stops we’d douse ourselves in water as our last act before departing and within minutes in the intense sun and steady wind, after covering only a mile or two, we were dry. As we rode on, I thought about the very real day-to-day challenges faced by individuals who have Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. My mother had it. Right now, as many as 5.3 million mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses and friends have it. Ten million baby boomers will have it. We have to stop it.

The courage and endurance demonstrated by those who are facing this disease and by those who are speaking out about facing it inspire me daily. So, even at my most over-heated and fatigued moments, for the small contribution it might add, I had to finish the 80 plus miles of today’s route from Dallas to Whitesboro to advance our cause in a different way than I have the chance to do in my daily role. I am proud of the work of the Alzheimer’s Association. I am proud to be a Breakthrough Rider.

-Harry Johns is the President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 8, Day 3

2010-08-13T14:41:00.002-05:00

Aspermont, TX to Abilene, TX – 68 miles

Today was the last leg of my Texas journey. After a decent sleep in the Bates Motel of Aspermont (really it was called the Hickman Motel and wasn’t all that bad), we were up at 5:00. After a morning gear check, filling up my bottles, and a quick breakfast in the Pony with Evan and Melanie, I was off at 6:30 AM to complete my ride. At that hour it is still pretty dark with some light on the eastern horizon. The good thing about getting out that early is that it was relatively comfortable without the sun beating down. I was racing the clock a bit here as my flight was out of Abilene at 1:30. So I pedaled away with Melanie behind me again to ward off all the semis doing 80 mph.

The ride was pretty uneventful with, unfortunately, the same nondescript scenery along the empty roads. I did see my first armadillo, although the poor bugger was lying along the side the road expired after succumbing to a bad outcome with traffic. Just cruised along with quick stops to fill my drink bottles. The roads were largely the “Texas rattle roads” again, although our course took us off the main strip for the last 25 miles onto what was the worst road surface of the trek. I think the idea was to stay on less traveled roads but it was horrible. It was like riding bad cobblestones, and I thought the “rattle roads” were bad! Finally this stretch ended when I descended onto the outskirts of Abilene. It was so weird pedaling into Abilene in that you felt like you were coming back to civilization. There were now typical shopping and food stores we are accustomed to. It was only two days earlier that I left Amarillo but it seemed much longer. We were all joking that one day out in the back roads and tiny towns feels like a week. It is kind of like the “Inception” thing for those of you who saw the movie. Anyway got to the hotel, quickly broke down and packed up my bike and a fast shower. After a heartfelt goodbye to Evan and Melanie, my wonderful support crew, it was off the airport and on my way back to New York.

I owe much thanks to Evan and Melanie for providing their very much appreciated support. Every stop, Evan was there quickly to bring me ice and water for me to mix my drinks and fill my bottles. Without Evan I would have surely melted away into the pavement. Melanie was my guardian angel, protecting my rear from generally courteous, but some obnoxious, 18 wheelers. Thanks for keeping me safe on those very hot and sometimes too narrow roadways and so that I did not become a statistic.

I truly hope this ride does some good and Congress acts to pass this pending bill to increase Alzheimer’s disease research funding. Every stop we made, people came up to us to say they had a grandfather, a mother, an aunt, or someone that was affected with this disease. Every family is affected at some level. Having my own father succumb to this horrible disease last year without any effective treatments is a difficult thing to accept. During my ride, I would check in online and people would post comments wishing me and the other riders’ safety while biking and success with getting this bill passed and our research. I found one comment last night that really struck home for me. The person wrote in “Hundreds of thousands of people have survived cancer, heart disease, and strokes. Yet not one person has survived Alzheimer’s disease”. What else needs to be said. The continuous efforts by our labs and, importantly, the workers in our labs keep us moving towards this goal.

Lastly, I want to applaud my fellow grunts, before me and after me, that have or will toil on the narrow, hot, humid, and dusty back roads. While out on the road melting away in the middle of nowhere, with not a person to be seen for miles and miles, I was thinking it would be so cool to pedal into a big city with a big signing event. But that is not what my leg from Amarillo to Abilene was about. Our role as grunts is to keep this show moving on its way to Washington. I hope that I, and the rest of you, have the opportunity to go down to Washington for that last leg of the ride to pedal in with the rest of the group to deliver these signatures to Congress. You have all earned it! Safety and perseverance to the continuing riders and our dedicated support crew. CU in DC!

-Dr. William Van Nostrand

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 8, Day 2

2010-08-13T14:34:00.002-05:00

Matador, TX to Aspermont, TX – 94 miles

I had a good night’s sleep at the B&B in Matador, although another hour or two would have been nice. The owner of the B&B got up in the dark to prepare us our breakfast to start the day. After this meal with my support crew Evan, Melanie and I hit the road at 7:30 for the day’s ride. The first couple of hours were tolerable with the heat, but the humidity was definitely up from yesterday. After one hour I was dripping already! Then at about 9:30, with the sun higher, the mercury shot up. It was 102 today, and with the higher humidity it felt wonderful (extreme sarcasm). Even after our dinner that night at 6 PM, it was still 100 out. At least the winds were calmer this day. When out on the road, be grateful for any small gift from Mother Nature.

The first 25-30 miles were to the small town of Paducah. This was the most interesting part of the ride as the terrain changed from largely flat to steady rolling hills. Despite the increase in climbing, the abatement of the wind allowed me to pedal several miles per hour faster. That was some steady wind yesterday. There were lots of cows again and interesting looking ravines and vegetation. As with yesterday, after I passed any cows they would look and just start running after me. Maybe they have never seen someone form New York before! It again was so fun to watch and nearly the only thing that broke up the grind. Once I hit Paducah it was a right turn (only turn of the day) then heading due south to Aspermont. Besides Paducah, the only other town (if you call it that) I passed through was Gutherie before coming into Aspermont. At this point it became extremely tedious again with not much to look at. Even the cows must have known better and disappeared. I had one 8 mile stretch of smooth road. After chattering all morning on the pavement it was equivalent to skating on freshly groomed ice. Of course this treat was short lived and I was back on what I affectionately called “Texas rattle road”. One particular section the stones were not quite pushed in that deep and it was really bumpy. This 60+ mile stretch of the ride was quite intense, the sun was scorching and humidity was up. These conditions really take it out of you. I went through 15 bottles of water and my electrolyte drinks and was taking one electrolyte pill every 20-30 minutes. The fluids just kept sweating out of me. Hours later I was still trying to replace the fluids I lost during the day.

With the boredom of the ride and intense heat, I tried to find ways to keep my sanity and mind busy. I would ride the painted white line in the road as long as I could since this was the smoothest part I could find. I would look for a cloud on the horizon and imagined rain would be coming. Never happened, although we did see a big thunderstorm off in the distance. Then I would try to avoid all the very large grasshoppers sitting in the road. I know insects aren’t the smartest creatures but grasshoppers are sure stupid. First, why are they sitting on black asphalt in the middle of the day under scorching sun? Second, they see me coming, they get up their legs like they are ready to spring, and then just sit there. I had to swerve constantly to avoid them. It was like pedaling the gauntlet. Some weren’t so lucky….crunch….as my tires engaged them. Anyway it was very tough outside and I was glad to finish my 94 miles today and get in my air conditioned hotel room. Charming like the B&B of last night in Matador it was not, but it was cool and out of the sun. Remember, small gifts on the road are cherished.

Highlights of this day were again my silly cow friends along the way in the morning, Evan waiting with ice, water, lunch and the air conditioning on in the Pony, and learning about the 6666 ranch at breakfast in Matador. Apparently the 6666 ranch is the, or one of the, largest ranches in Texas. The heiress of the ranch is one of the wealthiest people in Texas we were told. It is ENORMOUS. I cycled around just one corner of it and it goes on and on and on for miles. The interesting story about the ranch is that it was won in a poker game several generations ago. The winning hand, as you may guess was four of a kind…6666….hence the name. Pretty cool story.

-Dr. William Van Nostrand

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 8, Day 1

2010-08-13T14:31:00.002-05:00

Amarillo, TX to Matador, TX – 120 miles

After a good nights sleep in Amarillo I was up at 5 AM to get ready and meet the support crew (Evan, Melanie, and Celeste) for breakfast and to go over the day ahead. The first thing that struck me was how dark it was at 6 AM here. It did not start getting light until well after 6:30. So much for trying to get out early to beat the heat! The support crew is great. Evan driving the Pony and Melanie driving the small SUV following me most of the time. It was very good having her following me with her flashing light and blinkers on as I was out in the right lane most of the time pedaling and this avoided me getting squashed by some big semi barreling by. We started off with a bang (literally). Two miles into the ride I blew a flat. Changed out the tube and then that one blew as well. Turns out I had a bad tire I put on before leaving home and it would not sit properly on the rim. After replacing the tube for the third time and a new tire I was finally on my way.

I found this first day of the ride very challenging both physically and mentally. Although I have done rides similar to this length in my training and racing this just seemed tough today. The terrain was pretty flat but I had to face a very stiff headwind for almost the entire day. That constant fight with the wind, the soaring temperatures, and being alone in the middle of nowhere most of the day started to take its toll. I was very overheated and my legs were tightening up so miles 80-100 were brutal. Although I found the roads in Texas to be very clean with no trash or debris, the surface of them leaves more to be desired. It was pressed gravel leading to my bike chattering almost the entire ride. Even with a carbon frame, that constant rattling takes its toll on your body. I had to check the fillings in my teeth when I finished. At mile 100, we changed directions just a bit and wind went from head on to a bit of a crosswind. Although still not great, I found this a relished treat for the final twenty miles and I had my best stretch of pace at the end. In any case it was good to be finished at 120 miles with Evan waiting in the Pony.

We came into the very small town of Matador, which is literally a half a block long. We all looked at each other like “where are we sleeping?” However, we stayed in a very nice B&B called the Matador Hotel. It was quite charming and comfortable. Dinner was another story. There was only one little place to eat in town serving only fried foods with no veggies to be found! Not exactly what I was looking for or needed in my body, but you got to do what you got to do. I had chicken fried chicken (isn’t that redundant?) for dinner. It didn’t matter that much, as I was ready for sleep.

The highlights of the first day were the ranch animals. The horses and cows were so funny. They must have never seen anyone on a bike before. Whenever I passed them they all stopped doing what they were doing and ran up to fence where I was. One set of three horses was out in a pasture and they galloped up to see me and ran along the fence following me. All these animals had expressions that were unique, really (or maybe it was sunstroke). Melanie and I got such a laugh to see them react. They all did it every time I would pass them. I must have indeed been a rare sight, because a road crew guy saw me coming up the road. I had to stop a minute to wait for some construction to clear. He came up to me and said he thought he was seeing a mirage and then realized it was some guy on a bike. He couldn’t believe I was out there in the middle of nowhere in the heat. So I guess the horses and cows weren’t the only ones!

-Dr. William Van Nostrand

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 7, Day 1

2010-08-13T13:58:00.002-05:00

Followers of the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride may have noticed that segment seven's journal has thus far recorded only days two through four. It is with great pleasure that we now provide the much-anticipated lost scroll of Captain Blowout, detailing Dr. Steven Barger's epic account of his exodus from Albuquerque.

Call me Captain Blowout-- Kyle does. Seriously, I can't believe that two flat tires is any sort of record or anything. Even for the Albuquerque-to-Amarillo leg that I will be riding singlehandedly (but, for the most part, doublewheeledly). So, I would prefer to be known by the name my parents gave me: Steve Barger. I'm a researcher at the Reynold Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Yes, Arkansas does indeed have a med school, believe it or not. And internal combustion engines. So riding a bicycle is a choice for me.

Riding a bicycle on this trip has turned out to be a very GOOD choice already! Among other things, the weather has been delightful! I remember when I first communicated with Bruce Lamb about participating. Because the planned route did not pass through my home state, I told him I'd be willing to ride any leg of the journey. He said that there was a paucity of riders signing up for the desert states, "understandably." I told him I would jump at the chance to get out of Arkansas's heat and humidity! One at a time is fair fight-- divide and conquer, right? But together, the ol' H-n-H is a brutal combination. It's funny to me that so many people have a fear of the weather in the desert southwest. When I told the folks back home what I was doing, the response was almost invariably, "Goodness-- New Mexico? In AUGUST? Won't that be HOT?!" They continued to say this during the week preceding my departure while Arkansas was suffering repeated days that exceeded 105 degrees F! With 80-90% humidity! For those of you who haven't experienced this particular form of anguish, it may surprise you to learn that it's easier to dehydrate in such a clime. In such humidity, perspiration doesn't evaporate. It just soaks your clothes and pours down on your bike components to corrode them like acid rain. And because it's not cooling you, your body responds in the only way it can: sweating MORE! It's not uncommon for me to finish a ride 8 lbs. lighter than I started. This after drinking almost 8 lbs. of liquids during the trip! The biggest nuisance about riding through The Land of Enchantment that I've encountered is that I have to stop for bathroom breaks. It's hard to adjust to the fact that I have so much spare liquid that it can be simply cast off as waste. So, 300 some-odd miles from Albuquerque to Amarillo...? Quite the luxury.

Bruce was at the hotel in Albuquerque this morning, along with the other riders from the preceding leg, to see me off. What with my briefing on road rules and the route by Melanie and Kyle, the company made for quite a gregarious breakfast to a guy who's accustomed to morning conversation that rarely gets beyond "snap, crackle, and pop." There was even a bleary-eyed appearance by Evan, who had the day off but nevertheless got up early out of homage to the passing of the torch. (Or the BRAIN, rather. One rider on each leg is carring a little foam brain talisman zip-tied to his/her handlebar stem. Just wouldn't be a relay without that, ya know.) It was fun to hear my predecessors tell stories from the road embellished with metaphors from the lab-- this is indeed quite a unique event. Melanie wondered aloud whether cyclists are over-represented among researchers. Conventional wisdom says that scientists are geeks, not jocks, right? Tell that to Bill Van Nostrand, Ironman triathlete and (I'm told) a top finisher in a recent open-water ocean swim off of Long Island. Bill's so hardcore that he requested that his 4-day Breakthrough leg from Amarillo to Abilene be shortened to 3 days so that he could "get a good workout"! Maybe he'll get lucky and have a 15-20 mph headwind too. I had such joy for much of today. That, combined with the 1000-ft climb to traverse the Sandia range and the inevitable delays of urban riding, made the first 15 miles out of Albuquerque a bit sluggish. But I managed to catch up with another cyclist who was out for a morning ride. When I told him about the purpose of my trip, he replied that his mother is currently suffering from Alzheimer's. We rode along together for four or five miles, talking about the progression of the disease, risk factors, and the state of current research. It was gratifying to have, so early in my leg, a personal demonstration of how our mission could affect the lives of others.

I can't close this entry without expressing my thanks to everyone involved: to Bruce for having the idea, to the Alzheimer's Association for committing to it, to the other riders for their dedication both in their labs and on their bikes, AND... to our wonderful support crew! Eric was very helpful and informative on the eve of my embarkment. And along with the nice weather, Melanie and Kyle have made the miles on the road some of the most enjoyable I've had in a long time. They are always quick with an uplifting joke for the weary, a tire pump for the flat-prone, and water-- even for a guy who thinks he needs none. (ESPECIALLY, for that guy!)

-Steven Barger, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Geriatrics, Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, and Internal Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. He is also a Research Health Scientist in the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 7, Day 4

2010-08-09T14:43:00.002-05:00

Vega to Amarillo

New day, new nickname: “Prairie Dog.” Pretty obvious—we are on the Great Plains, doggin’ it through stiff winds and tall grass. (The shoulders are quite nonexistent on many of these rural highways.) No need for sunscreen or food today. The trip would be just 48 miles that began at the first little crack of dawn. It was difficult to drag Evan away from the remarkable oil paintings at the Day’s Inn in Vega, but we all wanted breakfast, and what they were serving at the point of origin hardly qualified. So off we set for Amarillo and… civilization! (cough)

Celeste had mapped out a bit of loop that had us heading south, then east, then north, then east again along the access road for I-40. Though there was good light, I played it safe with a headlamp and activated my taillight. At the nine-mile mark, these were no longer necessary, and I summoned Evan up beside me to take the headlamp and its weighty battery pack in a handoff on-the-fly (thus satisfying one of his stated goals for the trip). Knowing that I would be stopping only under extraordinary circumstances, Kyle remained stationed at The Pony’s steering wheel as he waited at the appointed rest stops. At each, my “thumbs up” was answered with a jaunty salute from the Irish Cap’n, and we rolled on unimpeded by tumbleweeds, armadillos, or real prairie dogs. I suppose they either stayed out too late on Saturday night or were busy readying themselves for church on this pretty Sunday morning. I did catch a glimpse of the iconic installation of half-buried Cadillacs a few miles from the Amarillo city limits, but it seemed rather unremarkable at 24 mph.

Arriving at the Amarillo Marriott Courtyard, I finally had an opportunity to meet the mythical Celeste. She had kept herself a day ahead of us, scouting out the route and making last-minute revisions for the namby-pampy rider who was afraid to ride on I-40 per se. Evan, Kyle and I had breakfast at the hotel that included some hearty omelets. Then I retired to shower and wash my Breakthrough Ride jersey in anticipation of a small petition-signing event organized by Tracy Sommers of the Amarillo chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, who singlehandedly serves as president, v.p., secretary/treasurer...but she did a bang-up job of setting up awnings, brochures, refreshments, local TV coverage, and-- of course-- the petition. It was difficult to attract interest from passersby at 2:00 in the afternoon, but we did get a few curious parties, all of whom signed and wished us luck in our endeavor.

It’s been an absolutely wonderful experience participating in this momentous event! I bequeath the brain “baton” to Bill Van Nostrand in absentia-- he will not arrive until after I’ve left tomorrow. But I’m sure he will carry on valiantly. As will Celeste, Melanie, and Evan, doubtlessly. (Kyle is leaving the tour, at least for the time being.) They have been the funnest, most capable crew anyone could ask for. Thanks again to everyone involved, and… SEE YA IN D.C.!!!

-Steven Barger, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Geriatrics, Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, and Internal Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. He is also a Research Health Scientist in the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 7, Day 3

2010-08-09T14:36:00.004-05:00

Tucumcari to Vega

Got a new nickname today: “Petite Rack.” (Don’t ask-- you’d be disappointed by the answer.) Made it to a new state, as well. The day was otherwise uneventful. Decent roads and a paucity of anything resembling a hill translated into a 20-mph average for this 58-mile ride. So the biggest challenge for Kyle, Melanie, and me was finding something to do for the two hours till lunch. By unanimous decision, we opted to double back (by car) to Adrian, Texas. Here rests a charming café that marks the precise midpoint of the old Route 66. Because we hadn’t yet had a chance to check in at the hotel, I hadn’t had a chance to shower and change. I tried to imagine what was going through the minds of the staff and patrons when two normal-looking tourists walked in with a guy who was dressed like he’d just challenged Contador on the ride into Paris. (That’d be Guss Contador and Paris, Texas, of course). I did have the common courtesy to remove my hat, however; something that can’t be said for the drug-store cowboy who sat right through his lunch under a souvenir Stetson.

If the day was relatively uneventful, the evening was anything but! We stumbled upon what may be the best-kept secret in the Texas panhandle. Just a few hundred yards from I-40, tucked in the sleepy burg of Vega, is a restaurant that the road crew all agreed was the best of the entire trip yet. The story is that a woman from “off” (either L.A. or New Jersey; the data were ambiguous) was sentenced to several weeks in Vega for the amusement of reality-TV audiences. “Please don’t throw me in that there br'er patch!” she might have pleaded, because herein lay her bliss. She fell in love with a local rancher and opened up a restaurant. A couple of years and several culinary accolades later, “Boot Hill Saloon and Grill” stands as a monument to right turns on the wrong side of town. Melanie and Kyle entered with some trepidation, justified, I suppose, by the “dualie” farm trucks sitting in the parking lot with their diesel engines idling. While this made me feel right at home, I must confess I didn’t have high hopes that the menu would deviate from the TexMex/spaghetti/steak/stir-fry amalgam we’d encountered in a half-dozen diners along the route. We were all in for a surprise.

Once inside, the décor was New York bistro de-minimalized by velvet drapery and swinging doors. We were assigned Miss Terri Lynette, and as the evening wore on, we became more and more pleased with our fate. Without so much as a smirk, Terri insisted that the “Bucket o’ Crap” was the most unique appetizer we’d find in the entire panhandle. And I think I can speak for all of us when I say that it did not disappoint! The three of us had delectable entrées that were well on their way to hitting the spot when Evan (trailing behind on this, his second day off in this segment) finally made it to town and sniffed us out. Not wishing to deny this noble road warrior the same treat we had enjoyed, we all stayed to watch him scarf down his “Billy the Kid,” an open-faced barbeque sandwich topped with pickles and onions. Through it all, we seemed to enjoy the experience more than any of the other customers. Perhaps they take it for granted that every town with a population as high as 968 has a four-star restaurant run by a master chef from the coast (whichever coast that may be). Terri remained as bubbly as the beer and as sweet as the bread pudding that capped off the evening. When Evan asked if we could take a picture with her, she said, “Well shore, honey-britches. Let’s go in the back room.” The rest of us traded anxious glances, concerned that she might have gotten the wrong idea. But an enthusiastic, “C’mon, y’all!” signalled that Terri intended this to be a family photo. And family is what we felt like when she walked us out and gave us each a heartfelt hug.

-Steven Barger, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Geriatrics, Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, and Internal Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. He is also a Research Health Scientist in the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 7, Day 2 Santa Rosa to Tucumcari

2010-08-09T14:00:00.003-05:00

Santa Rosa to Tucumcari

I came out of yesterday with a brand-new plan. I’d forgotten till then how rotten it makes me feel to get off the bike for more than ten minutes and then try to ride again. Something in one’s physiology changes during rest; your body decides it’s time to stop working and start recovering, I suppose. So today’s plan was to shoot for Tucumcari before lunch.

There was some skepticism about this plan, arising primarily from the fact that this leg would be 84 miles. The good news is that a stretch of about five miles of gravel road was inserted into the first third of the route, making it difficult to meet the pony anywhere shy of the 30-mile mark. No water stops, faster progress. The BAD news is that a stretch of about five miles of gravel road was inserted into the first third of the route! It made for some slow going, to be sure…especially once we hit the mud.

Summer thunderstorms are not unheard of in eastern New Mexico, but the gully-washer that came through last night was something special. Just ask Evan; he remained back in Albuquerque long enough to see the flash floods that plagued that town. The same system gave a thorough soaking to a few spots on the ranch road that Evan followed me down today. The first one took me by surprise, as the ground had started to dry out on top. When I felt the tires sink in, I felt my stomach sink farther. Muddy clay and pea gravel coated the tires and rims, then accumulated in the brake housings of both wheels. I had an unpleasant flashback to an hour of misery that visited me during an adventure race in the Arkansas delta, when the mud became thick enough to halt the progress of a durable and tenacious mountain bike. I wasn’t on a mountain bike today; all I could do was stop, remove a critical mass of the concrete-in-progress, and hope this would be the last of the mud. It wasn’t.

The second soft spot came just past a cattle guard (the third of six we would cross in this stretch). But I spotted this one in time to dismount and engage in a little “hike-a-bike.” It just so happened that this occurred at the peak of rush hour on the ranch. The guy driving the truck we met must have thought I was loco, carrying on my shoulder a vehicle clearly built for carrying ME-- with a companion following in a perfectly good SUV! The cattle I passed on the ranch seemed less amused. Most bolted when they saw me, whether on the bike or off. This came as a considerable disappointment; I was hoping to solicit a few hoofprints on the petition. There are more cattle than people in this region of the country, making them an important constituency for our Congressional audience. My dream of extending the meaning of the term “polled hereford” was not to be realized today, however.

The road dried out thereafter, and we came to a fairly long downhill. If you’ve never ridden 27 mph on a road bike on gravel, let me tell you: it’s quite a trip! We encountered pavement, or a rough facsimile thereof, at the bottom of this grade; not a moment too soon. A few miles of solid asphalt were eaten up quickly as I hurried to meet The Pony (once again piloted ably by Kyle) and replenish my water bottle; it had been emptied on the front brake housing in an attempt to dislodge the petra-pea soup that was hardening mere millimeters from my tire. We cleaned out considerably more mud at the 30-mile stop, and progress was steady as we arced north/northeast toward the Conchas Dam. The lake it forms must be a popular recreation spot for Tucumcarians, because the car traffic picked up considerably after we passed the dam and turned east for the last 30 miles into town. Several motorists gave demonstratively vigorous waves as they passed, and I wondered if they were “in the know”; folks who had seen our press and were lending encouragement to our mission, perhaps. I wished for a bumper sticker that read “Honk if you hate Alzheimer’s disease!”, but then I realized I didn’t have a bumper. There were a few annoying climbs on this stretch, however, so my butt was out of the saddle often enough that it might have made a good spot for signage.

One more water stop at The Pony, and then it was just nine more miles into “The Lookout Place.” We made it to the hotel just a shade past noon. And in New Mexico in August, I’ll take all the shade I can get.

-Steven Barger, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Geriatrics, Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, and Internal Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. He is also a Research Health Scientist in the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.

Make August Count for Alzheimer’s!

2010-08-06T14:47:00.001-05:00

Alzheimer’s champions in Congress are close to pushing the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) through in the remaining months of this year, and now they need your help. They have the momentum, but they will only finish the job if their colleagues – your Senators and your Representatives – hear from you, your family and your friends.

Some members of Congress have told us they haven’t heard from constituents about why the passage of NAPA is a national priority. We have to stop the excuses for inaction and leave no doubt on Capitol Hill where the Alzheimer’s community stands. Congress is back at home throughout August we’re asking Alzheimer advocates to meet with every member of Congress over the next month to send a clear message - ignoring the Alzheimer’s crisis is simply unacceptable to the millions of Americans determined to overcome this disease. We can’t wait. Alzheimer’s disease is the public health crisis of the 21st century and we need a national strategic plan this year.

What can you do right now? Join us as an Alzheimer’s advocate today, and tell Congress it’s time to act. Then, to participate with us this August in your hometown, contact your local chapter and find out how you can join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Just a few hours of your time this month can help our country change the course of this disease.

Thanks for joining us,
Robert Egge
Vice President of Public Policy
Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 6, Day 4

2010-08-06T14:43:00.003-05:00

Grants, NM to Albuquerque, NM

Today was the last day of segment 6. We left at about 7 in the morning, aiming to arrive in Albuquerque at around 1. The different thing about today than the other three days was that the Pony was not with us. It had gone ahead to the signing event at the Civic Plaza in Albuquerque. Also Celeste was driving the caboose instead of Kyle. The first 20 miles of the ride was mostly downhill, so we quickly reached the first rest stop. It was a Mustang gas station where we were met by two large, cautious long-haired dogs. My dad and I quickly left the gas station hoping to reach the next rest stop by 9 AM. We wanted to listen to a program about Alzheimer's disease on National Public Radio. We ended up calling into the show and my Dad (Bruce Lamb) was able to talk a little about the Breakthrough Ride! At thirty miles, we had to travel in the cars for a while as the only way to travel was on the Interstate (I-40), which was not safe for us to bike on.

After the car ride, we were dropped at the bottom of a very large hill. Unfortunately, Lee had stiffened up during the rest stop and car and decided that the stopping and starting was too much for her, so she rode in the car for a little while. The hill was very difficult (5% grade), but Cathy, my Dad and I finally made it to the top (I thought it was never going to end...)! After that, it was all downhill into Albuquerque. But, right at the top of the hill my front tire went flat and I had to repair it. As it was only a couple of miles to the next rest stop, we decided to put my bike on the back of Melanie's car and ride into town. We stopped in a parking lot outside a K-Mart to eat lunch and rest a bit, as we were ahead of schedule. We also put our bikes on the cars for a short transport, as the next mile of road was very busy and had no bike lanes.

When we were driving to the drop point, we saw a photographer from the Albuquerque Journal, who was waiting to take our picture as we biked by. Sadly he was disappointed because we were in the cars and we had a good laugh that the photographer would see us riding in the cars after traveling over 225 miles on our bikes. Finally, we reached the Civic Plaza where the Signing Event was taking place and everybody was cheering and clapping as we arrived. I almost felt like a celebrity! Water bottles were rushed to us, our bikes were hustled away and we began talking to the volunteers, supporters and reporters (particularly my Dad and Lee). I felt like everyone knew me, even though I had never met them. A number of people with Alzheimer's disease attended the event as well and participated in the Signing Event. We met them and spent some time talking to them and we all found it very inspiring. We also took a picture with all of them. Overall, I thought it was a very successful day and segment of the ride.

-Raza Lamb is Bruce Lamb's son, and rode segment six of the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 6, Day 3

2010-08-04T11:00:00.002-05:00

Ramah, NM to Grants, NM.

Day three of our ride started out with a shocking time change, so instead of our regular wake-up time of 5am it was actually 4am. We crawled out of the hotel and onto our bikes, but not until we had met with a group of 20 elementary school children in Ramah, NM. We talked about the brain, and Alzheimer's disease, and why we're riding. The children had made a big sign saying "YOU CAN DO IT" to send us on our way. I must admit they had more enthusiasm for today's ride than I did. The first two hours were brutal -- sleep deprived, upset stomach, tired legs -- and another 1,000 ft elevation gain. But the reward was the summit at the Continental Divide, elevation 8,000, which is the highest point on the entire ride. We all took pictures and acted silly, and then started our long descent. Bliss is descending on a 5% grade after two full days of uphill at speeds reaching 35 miles per hour. We're now in Grants, New Mexico, and feeling great. Such beautiful sweeping countryside, this is truly heaven on earth. Ready and excited for the final 75 miles tomorrow into Albuquerque.

I just visited the Breakthrough Ride website and posted a note there, and read through the many comments that have been added over the past few days. It is so moving to read the comments from people all over the country who have shared their stories about family and friends dealing with this terrible disease. They are stories of sorrow, but also of courage and fortitude, shout-outs of hope and encouragement in this fight. I am honored to be a part of this adventure. To those of you who have written in, thank you. I study Alzheimer's in the laboratory, I teach undergraduates and graduate students (the researchers of tomorrow) about Alzheimer's disease, and I have many opportunities to speak to community groups about aging, memory, and AD. But I know that the real experts out there are you -- the people dealing every day with this disease, either yourself, or by caring for someone with AD. You know this disease as no one else ever will. And make no mistake -- we're doing this for you.

On to a cure!

Lee Ryan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Psychology, University of Arizona

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 6, Day 2

2010-08-04T10:54:00.002-05:00

Holbrook, AZ to Ramah, NM

Today's ride was long (close to 80 miles) at altitudes up to 7,000 feet, and all uphill -- at least it seemed that way to me. Nothing very steep, but nothing downhill either. That definitely got old. We were all tired from yesterday's 58 mile ride, and it wasn't pretty at times but everyone did great in the end. The long slog was made worthwhile by the incredible scenery along the way. We rode across the Colorado Plateau leaving Arizona for New Mexico, winding our way through pinon pine forests (with antelope and hawks checking us out), then through the red mesas and cliffs of the Zuni tribal lands. There is water everywhere here right now. All the arroyos are flowing which gets us Arizonans very excited, but we had to explain the significance of this to Bruce and Raza who are from Ohio. A few running streams didn't have much meaning for them.

Bruce undoubtedly had the worst day -- two flat tires, he and Raza got slammed with a huge spray of rainwater from a passing car, and Bruce's bike was almost STOLEN at a gas station while he used the facilities! (I'm probably not supposed to tell you that last part.)

At our finish line today, we were greeted by cheers from a group of teachers and school children from the local elementary school. It was such a great ending to a long and beautiful ride. Some of the teachers talked to us about their own experiences with family members who have struggled with Alzheimer's disease. Every story is different, but every one of them is inspiring, and I am always amazed at the strength of families who deal with this terrible illness on a daily basis.

Tomorrow we head further east, more uphill for the first 20 miles until we cross the Continental Divide at our peak altitude of 7,950 feet where we will begin the long, long descent towards Cubero, New Mexico. Then another day's ride to Albuquerque. It's been a blast so far. I can't say that my butt thinks the same thing, and we'll see how well it does after another 5 hours in the saddle tomorrow. But this ride has been more than worth it.

Lee Ryan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Psychology, University of Arizona

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 6, Day 1

2010-08-04T10:28:00.003-05:00

Holbrook, AZ to St. Johns, AZ

It was a cloudy morning in Holbrook as myself (Bruce Lamb), Raza Lamb (my 15 year old son), Lee Ryan (an Alzheimer's disease researcher from the University of Arizona) and Cathy Wasmann (a friend of Lee's and cycling buddy) met to receive our daily briefing for our upcoming ride. It was going to be a 58 mile ride to St. Johns, with a total of about 550 feet elevation gain. After introductions (including a new crew member, Kyle McLaughlin, who was to be the "caboose", a driver who would follow the riders), breakfast and packing our stuff on the Pony, we were ready to start our day. However, we quickly realized that a new ritual had been initiated as part of the bike ride thanks to Michael Sierks. Not the passing of a baton or a torch, but rather the passing of the brain (a foam, squishy brain) that we received from the rider of the previous segment, Matt Huentleman.

The first few miles were spent becoming acquainted with one another, and getting a feel for our legs. Suddenly both Lee and Cathy exclaimed in joy! Raza and I looked around trying to figure out what was the object of their attention. After some time we realized that it was water in a stream bed. While for us Ohioans this was not a striking sight, the sight of a storm swollen river bed was all together different in the desert Southwest! A bit further into the ride, both Cathy and Raza got their bikes trapped in some mud that had been strewn onto the road, but both escaped unharmed. At the first rest stop, Lee decided to connect the squishy brain baton onto her bike, so after some quick brain surgery by Kyle and Lee, the brain now occupied front and center of Lee's bike.

The ride continued past fairly flat, desolate, yet beautiful scenery, skirting the edge of the National Petrified Forest, which appeared almost other worldly. Through the next section of ride, however, we climbed through part of the Zuni Reservation, which had more bushes, trees and small mesas. As we descended from the top of the climb, a light rain began to fall. Thankfully, however, we did not encounter the heavy rains and lightning associated with the monsoon storms that frequent the Southwest this time of year. Finally, we arrived somewhat soggy in the tiny, desolate ranching town of St. Johns. After cleaning ourselves and our bikes, we welcomed dinner at Iggy's (at which we were also joined by two stray dogs that wandered in from the street), the only restaurant in town, and settled in for a well deserved rest at the only hotel in town.

-Bruce T. Lamb, Ph.D., is an Associate Staff Scientist in the Department of Neurosciences at the Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, as well as Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and in the Departments of Neurosciences and Genetics at Case Western Reserve University.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 5, Phoenix, AZ to Holbrook, AZ

2010-08-03T09:08:00.002-05:00

July 29 (DAY 1) – Phoenix, AZ to Payson, AZ

I arrived at the hotel the night before with a bit of anxiety for the day ahead of me. On paper it looked like a pretty tough day on the bike, but sometimes the paper is wrong. The next morning at breakfast, I met Melanie and Evan in the lobby of the hotel. These two would be my guardian angels for the next three days – a combination of companion, cheerleader, and chef. The ultimate “road warriors,” and with all due respect and by their own admission, “road moms.” Steve Yozwiak, TGen’s Senior Science Writer, was there to help send me off, as were Ernie Otto and Cathy Griner from the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Ernie and Cathy helped me kick off my fundraising efforts on my rider donation page. Thanks again for the support!

Before I knew it, we were off. Day one started at the beginning of the Beeline Highway. At the first brief rest stop, Mike Sierks was there to help provide some additional motivation and to share some wisdom as to how to keep sane when riding solo on the desert roads. Back-to-back solo riders… actually, I can’t believe Melanie and Evan are still sane. The next several hours were absolutely beautiful. Nicer than expected weather, amazing scenery, and some tough back-to-back-to-back climbs. To make things more interesting, the last couple of climbs had a thin layer of sand in the shoulder – it felt like I was trying to go uphill…on the beach. In the end, the day proved to be truly epic as predicted on paper. The statistics: approximately 6.5 hours on the bike making for around a 9 hour day in total, 74 miles, 6,500 feet of climbing (!), and an estimated 5,250 calories burned. One of my toughest, and yet most inspirational, days on the bike.

After an hour or so of resting in Payson we were off to a great dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. About halfway through dinner my efforts from the day caught up to me and it took my total concentration just to stay conscious and upright at the dinner table. Melanie faked some ill effects of the elevation as well to make me feel better (totally busted). It was a pretty weird sensation. For the rest of the night it was all about sleeping and, when awake, eating as much as possible to help replenish those spent calories. What would tomorrow hold? Especially if I can’t recover from my efforts today. Finally, how many lives did Melanie save today? We may never know. She stopped to help at least three stranded motorists who had broken down on the uphill sections. Me, I didn’t want to stop for fear of not getting started again so I just tried to encourage them to get on-line and sign the petition once they were home safely.

My ride today is dedicated to my wife and son. Luke, I am doing this to help ensure that you don’t have to “lose” your grandparents to this devastating disease. Heather, I look forward to growing old with you and I don’t want to worry that our time together might be cut short by Alzheimer’s disease. I hope that others reading this blog can relate to these feelings. If so, please sign the petition for the Breakthrough Act and tell your friends and family members to do the same. This is an important step in our fight against this devastating disease.

July 30 (DAY 2) – Payson, AZ to Heber, AZ

Up early for a great breakfast at the Beehive. Still overcast outside but looking a little more threatening this morning. I am still not feeling like myself – still in calorie debt I assume. But, once I am back on the bike I feel fine, in fact I feel a lot stronger than I expected to feel on day two. Unfortunately, I spend a lot of time in and out of the follow car during the first part of the day – a combination of weather, hairy looking shoulders, and heavy traffic. All is clear for the Mogollon Rim climb though, and what a climb it was (~1,300 foot elevation gain in under 5 miles). About halfway up I was rewarded with a brief rest break as I had to change a flat tire. From there the rest of the climb was great and at the top we all jumped in the “Pony” for some re-fueling and celebration that most of my climbing for my entire leg was pretty much complete. Just as we are about to hit the road again, we were absolutely inundated with over an hour of classic Arizona monsoon rain accompanied by a nice double digit drop in temperature. It was impressive, refreshing, and “boot worthy”.

We pulled into Heber much earlier than expected which left us all some additional relaxing recovery time. At 5:30 we were meeting for dinner and we were met by my wife and son as a surprise. They drove up from Phoenix to join me for the final leg of my segment – it was a great surprise and such a wonderful gift.

Today I would like to dedicate my ride to the research teams out there working tirelessly to fight this disease. Earlier in the day I rode by Christopher Creek. Just last year, our entire Neurogenomics Division spent two nights there at our scientific retreat. I am honored to work with such a dedicated group of scientists who are not only awesome at what they do, but are really a lot of fun just to hang out with. It brought a smile to my face, as I was slowly riding by, to think that just off the road here our entire research team had been sitting around a fire ring discussing our scientific aspirations for the coming year and specifically addressing what we would like to accomplish regarding Alzheimer’s disease.

July 31 (DAY 3) – Heber, AZ to Holbrook, AZ

Day three started with a hearty breakfast. Awesome food and even better hairdos – well, at least Evan and I enjoyed the hairdo display. I was ready to roll – finally feeling like myself again and looking forward to a fast day on the bike. It was an absolutely perfect day. Most of the time was spent in the big ring just flying down the road as quickly as my legs would take me. Overcast again for most of the day. It seemed like we were in Holbrook in no time at all. Along the way we met Stan at one of our rest stops – in the middle of nowhere living the good life, it seemed. Three miles from the hotel I broke a spoke on my rear wheel. Thankfully I could just nurse the bike home to the hotel from there.

What an amazing feeling it was to finish up my segment of this ride. Those short three days seemed like an eternity – Melanie and Evan must feel as if they have been on the road for several years at this point (don’t tell them, but they are really just getting started). I was also greeted by my wife and son at the hotel with our little one carrying a congratulatory sign for his dad. Dinner that night was with Celeste – my other guardian angel who is typically one day ahead of us scouting out the route and noting any hazards. Just as we were finishing, in the door walked Lee and Bruce – the two riders who will be taking up the reins tomorrow (along with some special guests).

I would like to dedicate my ride today to all of the caregivers out there. You guys are an amazing bunch. Thank you for all that you do. The statue in front of our hotel for the evening was titled “Winged Messenger”. I thought that was rather fitting for what we are trying to do with this ride. So, even as I was ending my time on the road, I was inspired to keep battling on against this disease. I look forward to seeing everyone again in D.C. Thanks for reading.

- Matthew Huentelman, Ph.D., is an Investigator in the Neurogenomics Division at the non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute in Phoenix. Dr. Huentelman’s research is primarily focused on the molecular profiling of neurological traits and disease. Specifically, his laboratory focuses on the study of Alzheimer’s disease, aging and autism.

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 4: Palm Springs, CA to Phoenix, AZ

2010-07-30T13:51:00.003-05:00

Day 1: Palm Springs to some point 91 miles into the CA desert.
The first day of my four day ride is dedicated to my Dad and everyone else who has had the terrible experience of Alzheimer's disease. I had a great start to the ride as a group of the previous day’s riders saw me off from the Palm Springs hotel. Quite a scenic ride, skirting just north of Joshua tree National Park, by 29 palms, then into the desert, no houses, very few cars, very quiet and starkly beautiful. The only detraction was the 110 degree heat and some nasty hot headwinds. Water bottles warmed up to very hot tea temp in about 10 minutes, my fingers felt like they were burning from the reflected heat from the pavement, which is possibly why no one lives there…perhaps not the best day to ride 90+ miles. As exhausting and hot as this day was, I kept thinking (as much as it is possible to think in the heat) that anyone suffering from AD would trade places in an instant. Certainly I could make it through 90 miles if they can make it through one day with AD. I had a great support crew (Melanie and Evan) and had cold water, caring people and good company whenever i needed it, and at the end of the day, a drive back to 29 Palms with a nice dinner and cold hotel room.

Day 2: Middle of the CA desert to Parker, AZ (70 something miles)
The second day is dedicated to my Mom and everyone else who has served as the primary caretaker for someone with AD. The second day we drove back to where we stopped the previous evening, and started off in slightly cooler morning temps. Another long, hot day, some wicked cross winds along a two lane road without any shoulder and a fair number of trucks heading toward Parker/Lake Havasu. Certainly gave Melanie (my car escort) and I a fair number of grey hairs. But again i kept thinking that any primary caretaker would trade places with me in a heartbeat, at least there was an end to the skinny highway (a beautiful end at the Colorado river which was a gorgeous, clear turqouise), another good dinner, a cool hotel room and the hope for a cooler day tomorrow.

Day 3: Parker, AZ to WIckenburg, AZ (80 something miles)
Today is semi-selfishly dedicated to all the Alzheimer's researchers who have dedicated their lives to trying to find an answer to this awful disease. A treat in the morning cloud cover: no wind and relatively cool temps. Actually drove out to Bouse, AZ to start riding there. We paid for the dirty trick; strong wind picked up from the south east, which of course was directly where we were heading, so what I was hoping was finally going to be an easy day started out as a struggle. We rode past a Hollywood movie set in the middle of nowhere, apparently filming Fast and Furious 5. They were just cleaning up the site, apparently a train wreck, and were loading 5 or 6 very expensive sports cars onto a trailer. I was struck by the thought that the single trailer could fund several Alzheimer’s disease research labs for many years, but instead was just a scene in a movie. By afternoon, the wind and us both changed directions, so it was a relatively pleasant afternoon, even with the sun. Went by a flea market of sorts that came up out of seemingly nowhere and disappeared quickly into nothing—we all wondered if it was a mirage. Last 10 miles was a wonderful downhill coast into Wickenburg which is really a pretty quaint town. The cooler day overall was a very welcome and needed change.

Day 4: Wickenburg, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
Our last day, relatively short, and dedicated to everyone who has helped contribute to Alzheimer research. The ride out of Wickenburg was cloudy, cool (by previous standards), beautiful, downhill with big shoulders. This is what bike touring should be like! It was a bit of a shock to hit the outskirts of Phoenix, (appropriately called Surprise), back to malls, gas stations, road construction. But it was good to be done and heading home for a good rest. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this effort, but especially thanks to Mel and Evan for making what could have been an unbearably hot long four days into an almost too short very fun tour. Good luck to Matt who will have a long, long climb tomorrow!

-Michael Sierks, Ph.D.
Dr. Sierks is a Full Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at Arizona State University in Tempe. Dr. Sierks became interested in Alzheimer’s after his father and aunt were diagnosed with the disease. His research focuses on developing better tools to help study the complexities involved in protein misfolding diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 2, Day 3

2010-07-29T10:25:00.002-05:00

The miles traveled over our first two days seemed to create a special type of gravity which pulls one farther under covers, and into a bed. Luckily this was easy enough to overcome by the thought of this being our final leg towards Los Angeles, and easier still because we would have a fresh pair of legs joining us: those of Harry Johns, the CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. I looked forward to conversing with him about the state of AD research, care and public policy, and I was not disappointed.

After we found a stretch of quiet roads a few miles out of Ventura, we got to talk about my research and recent progress in the field. Harry followed along with the ease of a scientist, though he is not one. He shared with me that at the helm of the association, one gets to interact with the best of the best researchers and doctors, and with this immersive exposure he has picked up what seems to be enough knowledge to qualify for an advanced degree. Harry gets such a birds-eye view of the field that it was refreshing to hear his outlook. From the previous two segments I had learned for the first time about the research my fellow riders were working on back at UCLA, I had not yet had any interaction with their research group. That speaks to the breadth of neuroscience research at UCLA even within the Alzheimer's field, as well as to the narrow focus that each of us falls into in our own work. More than once it struck us that the Breakthrough Ride was benefiting the researchers participating: in addition to driving our message to the public, the ride is helping to create bridges between research groups working toward a common goal.

The ocean breeze and vistas reminded us that we were fortunate to ride along the CA coast into LA, and eventually we came upon familiar territory, reaching sections of the Pacific Coast Highway that we had cycled on during our training rides. Our route took us east at Santa Monica towards Brentwood and Westwood, literally passing in front of my apartment, but onwards we rode towards the signing event we knew was waiting for us in front of the Kodak Theater. We were treated to a scenic ride through Beverly Hills, though we noticed the traffic becoming more congested, and drivers sometimes irritated to have cyclists in their lanes. Though I have been living in LA for almost a year (from the time I began a postdoc at UCLA), we rode through areas I've never seen and we had to keep a very close eye on our cue sheet, leading us left and right, left and right, weaving our way to Hollywood and Highland; we needed direction in our own city. Looking back, I'm realizing its not unlike the Alzheimer's community: we need a map, a route, a plan, as to how we can best attack this disease. A plan for research looking at the disease from many angles, a plan for funding and public policy, and a plan for patient care until we can actually treat this disease. With the passage of the Breakthrough Act, the Alzheimer's field can have the overarching plan it desperately needs.

We wouldn't have had such an easy time reaching the Kodak Theater without our directions laid out, and it was all worth it when we did. The crowd who had gathered burst into cheers the moment they saw us turn the corner, and gave us an amazing welcome. I wondered if they really understood what it was like to have been on the bicycle for a total of about 18 hours over the past three days, but each one was so appreciative of our efforts, it didn't matter. They thanked us for participating in the ride, for bringing attention to the cause, and for the research we do each and every day. For me that was special, because in the lab with our instruments and experiments, it's easy to lose sight of why we do this. I see proteins not patients in my work, so their "thank you" meant a lot.

-Eric Y. Hayden, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar, Neurology
David Geffen School of Medicine
University of California at Los Angeles

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 2, Day 2

2010-07-26T17:54:00.004-05:00

Day 2, we rode from Lompoc to Ventura-94 miles, total.

Lompoc California is home to Vanderburg Air Force Base, where some of the great achievements of American science are shot into space or return from it. For our 7:00 AM takeoff, it was a cold misty morning and this time we had two new riders in Greg Cole and Ed Teng. The beginning was a long, 19-mile stretch of climbing, although not too steep. While riding, Greg and Ed swapped insights from their experience at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (AAICAD) in Hawaii earlier this July. They also learned about Eric’s line of research in the Teplow lab, purifying and characterizing unique species of beta-amyloid oligomers, and the different types of Alzheimer’s toxins. After taking a short stretch off to nurse an injury, Karen joined us at the top of the hill and was pleased to find out that with a little ibuprofen and a lot more pedaling, she was able to work out the pain in her joints. At the end we were trying to figure how much exercise is good for your brain and might reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s, and how much is too much.

We took a few wrong turns and went up some additional hills, much to everyone’s chagrin, since the rest of the trip was supposed to be relatively flat. With few other options, we toughed out a few stretches on the 101 freeway breathing the fumes of cars and trucks, but off on the right we could see the Pacific Ocean dotted with oil platforms, reminding us of trouble in the Gulf. We then were delighted to turn off on to a long series of isolated, scenic and safe bike paths either wooded or right along the water, until we got to the hotel. Half way through Ed Teng lost his energy and almost gave up. Somehow though, he found a second wind and led the pack at the end, perhaps because Greg Cole took a series of phone calls about troubleshooting Western blots for Alzheimer’s biomarkers from the lab.

We are so glad to have the ride down the coast of California with its marine layer and fog, and wish the future riders riding across the country and the deserts and heartland, a safe journey, drinking their electrolytes before they are thirsty. We launched this morning where rockets took off and ended up on America’s edge. Now American Science needs to conquer one of the biggest problems on earth, Alzheimer’s disease. We are proud to be part of the team taking on this challenge.

Sally Frautschy , Eric Hayden, Karen Gylys, Ed Teng and Greg Cole are the UCLA Mindsavers

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Riders Cycled into Los Angeles

2010-07-26T08:07:00.001-05:00

It's Not Too Late To Sign The Petition To Make Alzheimer's A National Priority...When? "Now!" said our President and CEO of the California Southland Chapter, Bettina Kurowski, in her speech on Thursday, July 22 as we applauded 5 riders that came riding into town from San Luis Obispo to join us in Los Angeles at Hollywood Blvd. and Highland while we rallied a crowd of people from all walks of life to sign our petition.

Congratulations to the riders from UCLA Research Team who traded their lab coats in for bicycle shorts and jumped on bikes to ride for the cause: Sally, Greg, Edmund, Karyn, and Eric. Joining this remarkable team of UCLA cycling researchers, was our very own President/CEO of the National Alzheimer's Association, Mr. Harry Johns who cycled his way into Los Angeles. As Mr. Johns addressed the crowd, he warned us that if we don't change the course of Alzheimer's, "it will cost Americans trillions of dollars, yes a trillion with a T," in care, treatment, and services. Congress has failed to act over the years; therefore we must ACT, and NOW, to change the course of Alzheimer's by signing the petition to make Alzheimer's a national priority.

Let's also wish all the riders well as they travel the country, visiting more than 65 congressional districts and countless towns and cities.

The time to ACT is NOW...as many as 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. In addition, we were reminded about those living with Early Onset Alzheimer's, as the dynamic duo Susan Franklin and her husband Serge (members of our Early Stage Memory Club) shared their personal story about Susan's early onset diagnosis and their challenges.

We need your help as these dedicated cyclists make this historic cross-country journey to Capitol Hill to gather 50,000 signatures, arriving at Capitol Hill on World Azheimer's Day, September 21, 2010. Sign the petition today and become a part of tomorrow's solution. I am excited and proud to be a part of the Alzheimer's Association Ambassador Team fighting for A world without Alzheimer's disease.

In Health,
Bryan F. Gaines
Education and Outreach Coordinator, Alzheimer's Association California Southland Chapter
Alzheimer's Ambassador 35th District, Congresswoman Maxine Waters

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 2, Day 1

2010-07-24T13:18:00.002-05:00

For the first day of our ride it would be myself (Sally Frautschy), associate professor Karen Gylys, and postdoctoral fellow Eric Hayden, all of us from UCLA. At 6:00 a.m., we were debriefed on our mystery route, as if we were in the CIA. When we started out at 7:00 a.m., it was drizzling and cold and the Alzheimer Breakthrough RV “Pony” support vehicle extraordinaire was out of commission. We found out later in the day that the repair shop staff stayed up all night to fix the RV for us so we could have it for the 2nd day of our journey. Originally the riding was fast and flat and without wind, making us feel extremely guilty since our breakfast with the Stanford group completing the previous leg (Tony Wyss-Coray and Phillip Jaegger) revealed that they rode 70-90 miles a day fit and fast with temperature fluctuations from 55 degrees to 110 degrees.

Thus we were slightly relieved to see a steep hill, but then we each had a bicycle incident. First two semi-trucks going opposite directions on a fairly narrow road with no shoulder were passing at the same time when my water bottle cage lost a screw and fell into my leg causing me to fall toward the middle of the road. The trucker yelled at me because he had to stop, but miraculously no one got hurt. Then Karen’s chain fell off, which was easy enough to fix, and shortly thereafter Eric Hayden, worrying about Karen and I, looked ahead toward us and away from the road and his tire slipped over the narrow paved road onto the abruptly lower dirt shoulder at 20 MPH, and he scraped up his knee. Luckily, it wasn't serious and he recovered without a problem.

In addition to the huge fields of crops that we were cycling through, we got to see lots of wildlife. I almost ran over a diamond back rattlesnake sunning itself on the pavement. We saw an egret pass the road, a red-tailed hawk, and a mouse running across the road in the midst of broccoli stems that had fallen off the produce trucks.

Passing through Vandenburg Air Force base, a nice elderly lady stopped her car and asked, "Am I lost?" She was looking for the entrance to the base. She was very concerned, and we didn't know the area all that well since we were just passing through. We helped her find the directions to the base by asking the nearby workers in the field. She introduced us to her sweet Yorkshire terrier named “baby” whom she was clutching tightly to keep her calm. She reminds us why we are on this ride.

It felt good for all of us to wear the Breakthrough Ride jersey, it really seemed like we were a team working towards something bigger than any of us. We are excited to be joined tomorrow by Greg Cole and Ed Teng, whom we work with at UCLA. Especially because we hear that from Lompoc to Ventura it will be a 90 mile ride!

-Sally Frautschy and the UCLA Mindsavers

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal Day 3: King City to San Luis Obispo

2010-07-23T13:26:00.003-05:00

The third segment of our relay leg was leading Tony, Eric, and I from the small agricultural town of King City to San Luis Obispo, a ride of around 72 miles.

Third days are special days: Everyone gets out of bed a little slower than before; every bone aches a little more than yesterday; and that persistent morning fog feels just a little cooler than the damp starts we had on the days one and two. I guess the cumulative effects of around 15hrs saddle-time started to show and it seemed that we all had gotten some lead weights tied to our feet when we wobbled over to Denny's for our early morning eggs, coffee, and ibuprofen.
Despite the initial lack of momentum we decided to quickly get moving after Melanie and Evan revealed our route for the day and - more importantly - the accompanying route profile. Some 20 miles into the ride the profile quickly climbed from 200ft to a 1500ft pass in less than 3 miles. Ouch! That would be a spot you really want to hit before the sun comes out and bakes you. So off we went at 6.50am to make our way out of the Salinas Valley and up into the hills of Fort Hunter Liggett. Luckily most of the pain in our legs and rear-ends subsided after the first 10 miles, or maybe our bodies just got used to it ...

The vegetable fields that were so prevalent yesterday slowly turned into rolling California grassland and then into oak-covered hills as we approached the Santa Lucia Range. The golden grasslands were covered with early morning mist and the blue sky just started to peek through the banks of fog hovering over our heads as we hit the foothills. What a pristine country! We had to stop for a moment to inhale the beauty of this place.

Just as we were settling into a good cruising speed we realized that Melanie, our support van driver, had not passed us since breakfast, and we got a little worried about having taken a wrong turn somewhere in the carrot fields. After getting to a spot with cell phone coverage we got the shocking message: The Pony was hurt! But how bad was it? Were there any injuries to the crew? Would this be the end of the ride for all of us? To our great relief we soon found out that the Pony was only lame, did not have to be put down, and could possibly even recover in a day or two. And the crew was unharmed, too. As it turns out, the hydraulic pumps that operate the loading dock of the Pony had tucked themselves behind some silly pole at a gas station and decided to stay behind while Evan rode off into the morning fog. Thankfully we were blessed with incredible tour operators, and Mel and Evan quickly redistributed food, water, and supplies from the Pony into the support van. While Evan stayed behind to get the Pony's wounds welded, Melanie caught up with us and the rest of the day would progress without any further incidents.

We approached that dreadfully steep climbing section at around 9am as the sun had just burnt its way through the fog and the temperature quickly rose to the 80s with a strong upwards trend. We had to push on if we wanted to make it up and over that pass without a heat stroke. We filled our water bottles and attacked the incline one by one spaced out over a few minutes. Tony led the pack and made it to the top first. There he would stand and cheer at us, waiting to spray us with his water bottle as we approached. Then we flew down from the pass through 20 miles of rolling but slightly downhill grassland into the heart of Fort Hunter Liggett. Soon the only other vehicles on the road were Humvees roaring by and automatic rifle fire in the distance would occasionally interrupt the hum of our tires on the dead straight roads. Eric decided to do some office work in the supply van and so Tony and I set out to pass through the grassy hot-pot of the Hunter Liggett high basin by ourselves. We were approaching noon and the heat was quickly picking up. Staying hydrated was everyone's biggest concern and we went through two bike bottles every 30 min or so. Just before lunch break the temperature on my bike computer showed 109F and the hot air was blowing up from the asphalt, drying layers of salt onto our faces. Ice packs cooled our heads as we munched away on our sandwiches under a shady tree. The afternoon included a final climb out of the Hunter Liggett basin and then a long and hot decent back down to the Salinas River and Paso Robles. There our ride ended and we travelled the last few miles to San Luis Obispo in the comfort of the air-conditioned supply van along US-101.

After a long shower and some relaxation in the hot tub, we met up with the riders for the next segment: Sally Frautschy and Eric Hayden. We had many great stories to share with them over dinner and made sure that the spirit of the ride got passed on. What a remarkable three days!

Thank you to the organizers, the Alzheimer's Association, the petitioners, the donors, and everyone involved who made this event possible. And special thanks to our fantastic road crew: Melanie, Eric, Evan, Joey, and Celest. Go Breakthrough Riders, Go!

- Philipp Jaeger, MSc.

Philipp Jaeger is a graduate student in Tony Wyss-Coray's lab at Stanford University.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal Day 2: Santa Cruz to King City

2010-07-21T08:30:00.003-05:00

Tony Wyss-Coray, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Stanford University and a Research Career Scientist at the Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System.

The second day of the Breakthrough Ride was going to lead us from Santa Cruz to King City in the heart of Salinas Valley.

It was 5:25 am when the alarm went off and I had to pull my sore body out of bed. A hot shower helped a bit and I definitely felt better after a good breakfast at a Diner in Santa Cruz. My stack of pancakes was topped with a mountain of fresh strawberries and whipped cream and everybody seemed surprised that I managed to eat it all. But to be fair, we were just briefed that our ride today would be 99 miles!

The streets were still empty when we rolled out on this young Sunday morning and we were surprised to see the warm and sunny skies from yesterday afternoon replaced by coastal fog once again. Phil Jaeger came back from the wedding he attended last night for the ride ahead but Kurt and Bruce had left. Luckily, we were joined by our project manager Eric Goodwin, who, as we found out, coaches a cycling team in Chicago.

Off we went for day two, along the coast through Aptos, past Pajaro Dunes, and Watsonville. The scent of freshly turned soil merged into that of fresh cut cabbage and ripened strawberries – a tour de smell. At an intersection somewhere past Watsonville, we merged with a group of cyclers from the Monterey Velo Club and Eric was quick to advertise our ride. They were kind enough to let us ride in their draft to save some energy for the next five miles or so.

It had gotten warmer but there was still a layer of fog as we entered Salinas Valley, the birthplace of John Steinbeck. Around 10:30 the sun finally came out warming our muscles and producing an ever stronger tail wind up valley. There was no shade in this flat farming valley so we took refuge in the “Pony Cafe” for lunch. Ride staffers Melanie and Evan treated us with sandwiches and fruit and we even had iced coffees.

The wind was picking up and we were cruising behind Eric at an average speed of almost 20 mph over the next 40 miles on long agricultural roads. As we rode our steel horses (or carbon fiber…) into King City, tired from the strong wind and dusty roads, a huge tumble weed blew across the street just in front of us – what an amazing country. After a shower followed by a big steak, we were ready for bed.

Thank you to the whole Breakthrough Ride team for organizing such a breathtaking (pun intended) journey through the countryside. We are so privileged to be able to participate and I know this Ride will continue to inspire and sustain our dedication to research on Alzheimer’s disease.

-Tony Wyss-Coray, Ph.D.

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride Journal: Segment 1, San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA, 80 miles

2010-07-19T09:28:00.003-05:00

Day 1: July 17, 2010

And so it began...It was a cool (55 degrees) and foggy morning in San Francisco as myself (Bruce Lamb), Tony Wyss-Coray, Phillipp Jaeger and Kurt Lucin (all researchers at Stanford University) as well as Eric Goodwin (Manager of the Breakthrough Ride) gathered at 5:45 AM for our pre-ride breakfast. We were all nervous, excited and ready to get this ride going!

Upon arrival at the Marina Green Park Triangle, we saw the striking purple RV (nicknamed "The Pony") that will serve as our support vehicle for the entire ride across the country. Behind The Pony was the faint outline of the Golden Gate bridge that was shrouded in thick fog. We next met the Breakthrough Ride road crew, including manger, Joey, and staff Celeste, Evan and Melanie, the group that will support the ride all the way from Coast to Capital. In addition, we were joined by Harry Johns, the CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, who would be riding with us on this first day of the Breakthrough Ride. Upon receiving our daily briefing, we were ready to finally get underway!

After a brief ceremony, the countdown was on: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...GO! We jumped on our bikes and cautiously proceeded across the soft grassy knoll towards the road, as none of us wanted to fall in the first 50 yards of this trans-continental ride with cameras trained on our every move. It felt good to finally be riding and working towards our goal! I had attached the map of our route to my bike and was attempting to help direct us through the streets of San Francisco to get to Route 1, The Pacific Coast Highway. Despite my efforts we still had to back track from one wrong turn, but we were finally closing in on Route 1.

We reached the first major climb of the day. As we climbed, the fog became thicker and thicker, until finally visibility was reduced to less than a couple hundred feet. Our breathing became more labored and our hearts were now pounding. I called out to the other four team members, "Break!", and they answered "Through!", "Break!...Through!" "Break!...Through!" as we finally reached the top. It was a fun ride to the bottom, as Harry led the way, "pulling" the team along to the intersection with Route 1.

Soon after turning onto Route 1 (mile 15), we spotted The Pony sitting in a parking lot marking the first rest stop of the day. As we pulled in to the cheers of the road crew and support staff, we were all grateful to get some Gatorade, a snack, and a trip to the restroom. However, we were concerned about stopping too long, as the cool, damp weather was rapidly chilling our body temperatures. At this point, Harry Johns had to leave us for another engagement, but we continued on with the remaining four team members down Route 1 towards Half Moon Bay.

As we approached Half Moon Bay, the route took us to an all purpose trail that followed the shore. There were several creaky wooden bridges and beautiful blue and yellow wild flowers. While the fog by this point had partially lifted, we could still only imagine what the famous Northern California coastline looked like along the route. After a quick stop in Half Moon Bay and the departure of Phillip Jaeger, who was attending a wedding, Kurt, Tony and I continued on to our lunch stop at mile 45, which was at a beautiful beach along the shore. After a wonderful lunch of sandwiches, carrots, fruit and all the Gatorade you could drink we decided to continue on to the final push to Santa Cruz.

The last 35 miles of the day seemed a lot longer than the first 45, as our legs began to tire and our rear ends became increasingly sore. However, several events over this last stretch served as an inspiration and kept us working towards our goal. First, the fog finally cleared and we could now fully appreciate the breathtaking views as we passed along the jagged California coastline, although one had to be careful to keep your eyes on the road ahead! Second, a bicyclist approached us as we neared the top of a ridge and slowed to talk with us. "Hey," he said, "you are the guys riding for Alzheimer's disease, you're awesome. I read about you on Facebook!" Third, as we neared the final scheduled rest stop, we could see the purple Pony in the distance, but noticed a great commotion around the RV. As we got closer, we realized that the commotion was in fact the entire road crew dancing around the Pony in synchrony to their own silent soundtrack. We couldn't help but start to "hear" the same soundtrack and bounced along on our bikes for the last few miles of the day. Finally, we reflected on all of the incredible messages of support on the Breakthrough website, from individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, which gave us great inspiration to complete the day's ride. We finally arrived in Santa Cruz at 3:15 PM and gave each other high fives as we celebrated the completion of the first day of the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride!

What an amazing day and beginning to the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride! I can't wait to follow this Blog as riders move across this great country!

-Bruce Lamb, Ph.D.

See the Photo Slide Show:

The Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride

2010-07-15T09:21:00.007-05:00

Bruce T. Lamb, Ph.D., is an Associate Staff Scientist in the Department of Neurosciences at the Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, as well as Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and in the Departments of Neurosciences and Genetics at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Lamb also is the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride^SM Chair and is cycling to raise awareness and make Alzheimer’s disease a national priority. Beginning on July 17, Dr. Lamb and other Alzheimer’s disease researchers participating in the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride will cycle cross-country segments, starting in San Francisco and ending in Washington, D.C. on World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21).

It was a warm, humid, Sunday morning last summer in Cleveland and I decided to go on my usual 30 mile bike ride through the Chagrin River valley. I had just returned from reviewing Alzheimer’s disease research grants for the National Institute on Health and felt increasingly perplexed and concerned regarding the declining funding for Alzheimer’s disease research through the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The percentile of Alzheimer’s disease grants funded through the NIA had dramatically dropped from 2008 to 2009, with further declines anticipated in 2010. Because of this, many Alzheimer’s disease research laboratories were forced to contract in size and some research labs were forced to close all together. Even worse, this meant that critical research that could provide new insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapies for the disease would not be conducted. Given the dramatically increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s disease from the 5.3 million people currently afflicted with the disease to the projected 13.5 million people with Alzheimer’s in 2050, certainly more research is required, not less.

As I started up the first major hill of the ride, my legs burned, my heart pounded and my head ached with indecision about what could be done to bring attention to this critical and unmet need. About half way up the hill, I wasn’t sure I would make it to the top. I finally stood up, slowed down, weaved my way from side to side and inched my way upwards through the steepest grades of the hill. As I reached the top, I realized that a different approach was needed to bring attention and funds to Alzheimer’s disease research, something that involved researchers from across the country united in their commitment to fighting the disease. While researchers frequently complain about funding rates, grant and manuscript reviews and bureaucratic roadblocks to conducting research, rarely do we make the time and effort to raise public awareness of research and advocate for increases in funding. Now is the time, I realized through my heavy, labored breathing, to step up and ride the extra mile and climb the next hill. What if Alzheimer’s researchers from across the country could unite and ride their bikes, from the west coast to the east coast through small towns and big cities, along the oceans and over mountains, reaching out to as many people as possible and finally arriving at the Capitol. Along the way, researchers could convince Americans of the vital role research must play in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, researchers would get signatures of individuals from across the country in support of increasing funds for Alzheimer’s disease research as proposed in the Alzheimer’s Breatkthrough Act that is currently before congress. It was something that had to be done.

Now, thanks to the involvement of some of the top researchers in the United States and strong organizational support form the Alzheimer’s Association, the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride is a reality. The ride will be starting in July 17th in San Francisco, CA and continuing over 4,000 miles across the country and arriving in Washington, D.C. on September 21st, World Alzheimer’s Day. Today I ask for your support of this important initiative. Get involved, come out to greet and talk with the riders as they come through your community, sign the petition, contact your congressmen and senators and together let’s fight this disease! We have one hardest hill yet to climb and that is Capitol hill.

Please visit alz.org/breakthroughride to learn more and sign the petition.

-Bruce Lamb, Ph.D.

New Research Advances from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010

2010-07-14T12:42:00.002-05:00

This week, nearly 4,000 scientists from around the world gathered to report and discuss the latest advances in research on treatments, risk factors, and diagnosis for the health epidemic of the 21st century – Alzheimer's disease – at the Alzheimer's Association's 2010 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu.

"With an aging baby boomer generation, the Alzheimer's disease crisis will continue to touch more lives and create an unsustainable fiscal toll on the nation's healthcare system – particularly Medicare and Medicaid," said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer's Association.

"This week we saw promising investigations being pursued on a variety of fronts – avenues that could very well lead to significant changes in Alzheimer diagnosis and treatment. However, the chronic underinvestment in Alzheimer research continues to be the greatest obstacle to bringing new, more effective therapies to people," Thies said.

"Every day, researchers go to work with the sole purpose of advancing our understanding and knowledge about Alzheimer's, which is the defining disease of the baby boomer generation. We need a government response that shows equal commitment by providing the level of funding for research that will get us better diagnostic tests, treatments, and a cure," Thies added.

Highlights from the AAICAD 2010 included:

The Alzheimer's Association announced the launch of Alzheimer's Association TrialMatchTM, a confidential, free, and interactive tool that provides comprehensive clinical trial information and an individualized trial matching service for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Internet (www.alz.org/trialmatch) and phone-based (800-272-3900) program provides a first-of-its-kind service in Alzheimer's by delivering individualized matches to clinical trials for people with Alzheimer's, their healthcare professionals, caregivers, and healthy volunteers.
The Dementia Demonstration Project (DDP), an interdisciplinary effort led by the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinic Center at the Minneapolis Veterans (VA) Medical Center, found that early detection, diagnosis and care management for people newly diagnosed with cognitive impairment and dementia can reduce outpatient costs by almost 30 percent. Veterans in the study who were diagnosed in the DDP clinics saw their average outpatient healthcare costs decline by an average of $1,991 in the year after diagnosis of cognitive impairment compared with the year before diagnosis. In the DDP clinics, following evaluation, the dementia care team met with the patient and family to review the results, discuss the diagnosis, and outline treatment recommendations. Informational material, assistance in identifying needed services, and direct support and training from team members was provided, as needed.
Evidence from three long-term, large-scale studies (Framingham Study, Cardiovascular Health Study, NHANES III) supports the association of physical activity and certain dietary elements (tea, vitamin D) with possibly maintaining cognitive ability and reducing dementia risk in older adults. Plus, a new study in an animal model of Alzheimer's reported today at AAICAD 2010 suggests that an antioxidant-rich diet with walnuts may benefit brain function. Research has pointed towards a number of factors that may impact our risk of Alzheimer's and cognitive decline, the strongest being reducing cardiovascular risk factors. The Alzheimer's Association and others have repeatedly called for longer-term, larger-scale research studies to clarify the roles that these factors play in the health of the aging brain. These studies from AAICAD 2010 are some of the first reports of this type in Alzheimer's, and that is encouraging, but it is not yet definitive evidence.
Scientists at AAICAD 2010 presented the first draft reports from three workgroups – covering Alzheimer's disease dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease, and preclinical Alzheimer's disease – convened by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer's Association to update the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease for the first time in 25 years. The proposals would change the existing criteria by better reflecting the various stages of the disease and the inclusion of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers. While the role of biomarkers differs in each of the three stages, much remains to be understood concerning their reliability and validity in diagnosis. This makes it critical that any new recommendations be thoroughly tested. Further input will be solicited by the NIA and the Association through a website launched immediately after the AAICAD presentations at www.alz.org/research/diagnostic_criteria.
The primary therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease has been the beta amyloid peptide, which clusters outside cells in the brain to form sticky clumps known as plaques. Recently, more attention has been given to the tau protein, which aggregates inside the brain cells of people with Alzheimer's, forming neurofibrillary tangles. Four new, though very preliminary, research studies reported at AAICAD 2010 described experimental immunotherapies for Alzheimer's – two of which target tau directly and two of which may reduce tau even though their primary target was beta amyloid. Importantly, these studies teach us more not only about tau-targeted therapies but also about the progression of Alzheimer's disease. It may be that amyloid changes in the brain happen early in Alzheimer's, and tau-related changes happen "downstream" where they have a more direct effect on cognitive function. Thus, immunotherapy treatments targeting amyloid may also alter neurodegenerative processes that occur later in the disease. However, this is still to be determined.
In an early finding reported at AAICAD 2010, a gene known as FTO, which appears to be correlated with obesity in humans, may also increase risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. When a person has certain variants of both FTO and a recognized Alzheimer's risk gene known as APOE, the risk of Alzheimer's could be doubled. FTO has previously been shown to affect body mass index (BMI) and the risk for diabetes. These vascular risk factors have also been associated with risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, the researchers found that the increased risk was independent of these traits, suggesting that there is a different mechanism by which FTO is associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's. We need to see these results confirmed by other researchers. In fact, we need to know more, in general, about the genetics and other causes of Alzheimer's so that we have additional targets for therapies and preventions.
Last minute scientific submissions to AAICAD 2010, known as "hot topics," suggested that (1) a newly-discovered risk gene for Alzheimer's may have early impact on memory skills and brain volume, (2) intranasal insulin may be beneficial in Alzheimer's, and (3) beta amyloid deposits in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease may take different shapes based on a known Alzheimer's risk gene.

Two studies reported at AAICAD 2010 give us more information about the TOMM40 gene – a newly identified risk gene for Alzheimer's. They found that healthy, middle aged people who have the high risk version of TOMM40 (a) did worse on memory tests and (b) had reduced brain volume in two regions affected early in Alzheimer's.
A short-term (4 months) clinical trial of intranasal insulin in Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) showed statistically significant benefits on certain tests of memory and functioning, but no changes on others. In those who showed benefits on memory tests, there were also positive changes in Alzheimer's biomarkers in spinal fluid. Larger, longer-term studies are planned.
Researchers using a new imaging tool suggest that there are different shapes of beta amyloid deposits in the Alzheimer brain based on which version a person has of a well-established Alzheimer's risk gene, known as APOE. This may be especially important because in some recent drug trials the therapy provided benefits in people who had certain types of APOE but were less effective or not effective in others.

Two new studies from AAICAD 2010 suggest that having Alzheimer's disease may increase the risk of getting other potentially disabling health conditions, including seizures and anemia. Researchers in one study found that that the rate of seizures, per 1,000 people per year, in a study population that included 14,838 people with Alzheimer's aged 50 years or older and 14,838 randomly-selected, age- and sex-matched people without Alzheimer's, was 9.1 among patients with Alzheimer's compared with 1.4 for those without Alzheimer's – an incidence rate that was 6.4 times higher. In a second study of 1,112 older adults (768 healthy controls, 133 MCI, 211 Alzheimer's), people with anemia were found to have an increased risk of Alzheimer's (odds ratio: 2.56). And people with Alzheimer's in the study were found to have an increased risk of being anemic (odds ratio: 2.61). If Alzheimer's also increases risk of other disabling conditions, then its impact may be more devastating than we've envisioned as the global population ages and as more countries become westernized in their habits and lifest
Racially and ethnically diverse older adults are one of the fastest growing population segments in the United States. New research presented AAICAD 2010 revealed that older African-Americans and Latinos with significant cognitive impairment have a lower likelihood of nursing home placement and longer survival than White older adults in the study. These results have significant implications for caregiver burden and community resources. There is a greater than anticipated need for culturally-appropriate dementia care resources and home and community- based services for these populations.

These findings are particularly compelling since African-Americans are about two times more likely and Latinos about one and one-half times more likely to develop Alzheimer's and dementia than Whites, according to the Alzheimer's Association's 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report.
Another study reported at AAICAD 2010 suggests that the bereavement process and mourning experience for Alzheimer caregivers after the death of their loved one varies greatly among different racial and ethnic groups.
A third research report suggested that cultural and spiritual beliefs of African-Americans, American Indians and Whites greatly influence how long it takes for a family to seek a medical diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

Please visit alz.org for more information.

Early Detection, Diagnosis & Care Management for People with Dementia May Reduce Healthcare Costs

2010-07-14T12:38:00.002-05:00

Early detection, diagnosis and care management for people newly diagnosed with cognitive impairment and dementia reduces outpatient costs by almost 30 percent, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu.

Dementia is loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. According to the Alzheimer's Association, dementia is a common, costly, and often unrecognized problem in older adults. In order to provide better medical care and outcomes for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, the conditions must first be detected and diagnosed, and needed care management must be provided.

"Research suggests that when the family of someone who is officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's becomes educated about the disease, and they work together with medical professionals on a care plan, it can reduce the patient's difficult behavioral and psychiatric symptoms," said Maria Carrillo, PhD, Senior Director of Medical and Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer's Association. "It can also lower the family caregiver's anxiety, depression and stress."

Generally, care management in Alzheimer's provides assistance for people with the disease and their families in finding resources, making decisions, and managing stress. For example, a care manager can help families with decisions about in-home health services, or long-term care whether at home or in a nursing facility.

"We see in this study's findings that early diagnosis and case management in dementia may also significantly lower healthcare costs. This could have a reverberating positive impact throughout the entire healthcare system," Carrillo said.

Demonstration Project Shows Early Diagnosis and Care Management Can Lower Costs

The Dementia Demonstration Project (DDP) was an interdisciplinary effort led by the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinic Center at the Minneapolis Veterans (VA) Medical Center. Seven VA Medical Centers took part in the project, which was created to increase detection and diagnosis of dementia in primary care and provide information, support, and care coordination for veterans with newly diagnosed dementia. An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse trained in dementia – the Dementia Care Coordinator – led a dementia care team that became part of a primary care clinic in each of the seven VA Medical Centers participating in the project.

The DDP added a brief, three-item memory test to regularly scheduled primary care visits for veterans age 70 and older without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another dementia. Among the 8,278 veterans who received the memory test, 26 percent failed. Thirty-four percent of those who failed the test returned for a comprehensive evaluation; 95 percent of that group were diagnosed with cognitive impairment, including 76 percent with dementia.

In the DDP clinics, following evaluation, the dementia care team met with the patient and family to review the results, discuss the diagnosis, and outline treatment recommendations. Interventions were targeted to the severity of dementia and the specific needs of the patient and their caregivers. Informational material, assistance in identifying needed services, and direct support and training from team members was provided, as needed.

Healthcare costs data for one year before and after diagnosis were available for 347 DDP patients and 1,260 patients from non-DDP clinics in the same VA Medical Centers.

Veterans diagnosed in the DDP clinics saw their average outpatient healthcare costs decline by about 29 percent (-$1,991) in the year after diagnosis of cognitive impairment compared with the year before diagnosis.
Veterans diagnosed in the non-DDP clinics also saw declines in average outpatient healthcare costs, but not as much (-$406).

"In our study, the cost decreases were more dramatic in patients who were identified through cognitive evaluation and who subsequently had case management available by a dementia care team," said J. Riley McCarten, MD, the project's lead physician. He added that the cost of the DDP intervention to the VA was captured in the patient care costs reported.

"The most important goals of the program were making sure that all family members understood the disease and were on the same page, that patients remained physically active and socially engaged, and that caregivers had the support they needed," McCarten said.

Please visit alz.org for more information.

"Hot Topics" from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010

2010-07-14T12:31:00.003-05:00

-New Alzheimer's Risk Gene May Affect Memory Scores and Brain Atrophy in Middle Age
-Clinical Trial of Intranasal Insulin Shows Benefits in Alzheimer's and MCI
-Known Alzheimer's Risk Gene May Change Shape of Brain Deposits

Last minute scientific submissions to the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu, HI, known as "hot topics," suggest that (1) a newly-discovered risk gene for Alzheimer's may have early impact on memory skills and brain volume, (2) intranasal insulin may be beneficial in Alzheimer's, and (3) beta amyloid deposits in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease may take different shapes based on a known Alzheimer's risk gene.

Two studies reported at AAICAD 2010 give us more information about the TOMM40 gene – a newly identified risk gene for Alzheimer's. They found that healthy, middle aged people who have the high risk version of TOMM40 (a) did worse on memory tests and (b) had reduced brain volume in two regions affected early in Alzheimer's.
A short-term trial of intranasal insulin in Alzheimer's and MCI showed statistically significant benefits on certain tests of memory and functioning, but no changes on some others. In those who showed benefits on memory tests, there were also positive changes in Alzheimer's biomarkers in spinal fluid.
Researchers using a new imaging tool suggest that there are different shapes of beta amyloid deposits in the Alzheimer brain based on which version a person has of a well-established Alzheimer's risk gene, known as APOE. This may be especially important because in some recent drug trials the therapy provided benefits in people who had certain types of APOE but were less effective or not effective in others.

"These are some of the fantastic findings from this year's AAICAD, full of potential to move the field forward," said William Thies, PhD, Alzheimer's Association Chief Medical and Scientific Officer. "But there is too little happening in the field, and no plan in place from the federal government to stem the massive wave of Alzheimer's coming with the aging of the Baby Boomers."

"Alzheimer's is clearly the #1 public health challenge of the 21st century and research is the only way to solve this problem," Thies added. "There are more than 5 million Americans with the disease and about 11 million caregivers supporting them. Reliable estimates say that by 2050 those numbers could triple. Government must make an investment in Alzheimer research that proves they understand what's at stake – for individuals, families, the healthcare system, and the nation as a whole."

New Risk Gene for Alzheimer's is Associated with Poorer Memory Function and Grey Matter Loss in Middle Aged Persons Without Dementia

The TOMM40 gene has very recently been shown to influence age of onset in Alzheimer's disease. Two studies reported at AAICAD 2010 give us more information about this newly identified risk gene for Alzheimer's; they found that middle aged people without dementia who have the high risk version of the TOMM40 gene did worse on tests of memory and learning and had reduced brain volume in two regions that are often affected early in the course of Alzheimer's.

"These are exciting, initial results, but the exact role that TOMM40 plays in Alzheimer's remains to be determined," said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "The story of TOMM40 is evolving and may give us new insights into Alzheimer's disease."

"We desperately need to know more about the causes of Alzheimer's, and the factors that affect our risk of getting or not getting the disease. This kind of research will provide more targets for therapies and prevention strategies," Thies said.

In one study, Mark Sager, MD, of the University of Wisconsin Medical School, and colleagues studied a total of 726 people in middle-age with a family history of Alzheimer's from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention who were genotyped for TOMM40 and APOE, the latter of which is a well-established risk gene for Alzheimer's. Of these, 129 had the low risk version of TOMM40 and 229 had the high risk version. The average age of the study population was 54.

The researchers found that the group with the high risk version of the TOMM40 gene performed significantly worse on the tests of learning and memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) than the group with the low risk version. These results remained significant regardless of APOE gene type.

"The deficits shown by the high risk group are similar to the kinds of changes in memory and learning that are seen in very early Alzheimer's," Sager said. "In this study population, TOMM40 genotyping is allowing us to find evidence of very early Alzheimer's disease at least 20 years before people begin to show the outward symptoms. This is a step forward in Alzheimer's prevention research."

In a second study, Sterling Johnson, PhD, also of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and colleagues found that among healthy, middle aged adults (mean age 57) who have the APOE e3/e3 gene type, those with the high risk version of the TOMM40 gene had significantly less gray matter volume in two brain regions affected early in Alzheimer's disease than those with the low risk version of the gene.

According to the researchers, the study suggests that there is a connection between TOMM40 and brain cell loss in people who are relatively young and currently not symptomatic.

"This is the first study to associate TOMM40 to brain imaging in people at risk for Alzheimer's disease," Johnson said. "The brain differences between TOMM40 groups were very similar but less severe that what is observed in full-blown Alzheimer's. It may be that the TOMM40 gene will be a useful measure of Alzheimer's risk in middle-age, but additional research with longitudinal follow-up is needed."

Allen Roses, MD, and colleagues at Duke University first discovered that the TOMM40 gene helped explain differences in age of onset among people with sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

Clinical Trial of Intranasal Insulin Shows Some Benefits in Alzheimer's and MCI

Previous research has strongly suggested that Alzheimer's and diabetes/insulin resistance are closely related. For example, Alzheimer's is associated with reduced brain insulin signaling and low levels of insulin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

"These deficiencies may reduce or eliminate insulin's beneficial roles in the brain," said Suzanne Craft, PhD, of VA Puget Sound Health Care System/University of Washington in Seattle. "We believe that restoring normal insulin function in the brain may provide therapeutic benefits to adults with Alzheimer's. Intranasal administration enables insulin to access brain regions that are compromised in Alzheimer's."

Craft and colleagues had previously shown enhanced cognition and daily functioning in adults with MCI and early Alzheimer's using intranasal insulin treatment for 21 days. This new study expanded the time frame to four months, during which 109 participants with MCI or Alzheimer's received either placebo, or 20 or 40 IU daily intranasal insulin treatment.

The researchers found that in the 20 IU dose group (10 IU twice daily) results on a test of delayed story recall significantly improved compared with those who received placebo, as did functional status measured by the Dementia Severity Rating Scale. Improvements in delayed memory recall persisted for two months after the insulin treatment ended. However, memory and learning on the ADAS-Cog and ability to do activities of daily living measured by the ADCS-ADL scores were unchanged.

For 15 of the insulin-treated participants who agreed to have a spinal tap, improved memory and functional status were associated with an improved Alzheimer's biomarker profile as reflected by a lowered CSF tau/Aβ42 ratio.

"These results provide encouraging support for further study of intranasal insulin as a therapy for Alzheimer's," Craft said. "We are currently planning a large, multi-center clinical trial."

New Imaging Compounds for Alzheimer's Protein Deposits in the Brain Show that Different Forms of the APOE Risk Gene Create Different Shapes of Beta Amyloid

A new class of biomarkers has been discovered that can stick to protein structures in the body and emit colors reflecting the different shapes or forms of the proteins. They are called luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (LCOs) or luminescent conjugated polymers (LCPs). Among other uses, they are currently being employed in test tubes, animal models and autopsied Alzheimer's brains to study the structure of proteins deposits caused by the disease. The new markers bind to the two well-established hallmarks of Alzheimer's – beta amyloid plaques and tau tangles – and glow different colors depending on which forms of the deposits they "stick" to (e.g., plaques often "glow" orange, while tangles "glow" yellowish green).

In this study reported at AAICAD 2010, Sam Gandy, MD, PhD, of Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, and colleagues used LCOs/LCPs to investigate the possibility that the shape of brain protein deposits in people with Alzheimer's who have the APOE ε4/ε4 gene type (highest risk) is different from those having APOE ε3/ε3 (neutral risk).

Frozen brain sections from people who died with Alzheimer's were stained using two LCPs/LCOs: pentamer formyl thiophene acetic acid (pFTAA) and polythiophene acetic acid (PTAA). Using PTAA, the researchers observed that Alzheimer patients with APOE ε4/ε4 had core and cerebrovascular amyloid of different shapes, while in people with APOE ε3/ε3 the two amyloid structures had the same shape. Using pFTAA revealed that tau tangle densities in ε4/ε4 Alzheimer patients that were apparently greater than those with ε3/ε3.

"The findings support our hypothesis that APOE genotype changes amyloid structure," Gandy said. "This is important because the different shapes might respond differently to treatments that attempt to clear amyloid deposits from the brain."

In some recent drug trials, the experimental therapy provided benefits in people who had a certain type of the APOE gene (known as ε3) but were less or not effective in another type (ε4).

LCOs/LCPs were pioneered by Peter Nilsson of the Department of Chemistry, Linköping University, Sweden. The study also involved collaborating teams from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany (led by Frank Heppner), Washington University, St Louis (led by David Holtzman), and other labs at Mount Sinai (led by Patrick Hof and Dara Dickstein).

Please visit alz.org for more information.

National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association Lead Effort to Update Diagnostic Criteria for Alzheimer's Disease

2010-07-13T16:38:00.003-05:00

Scientists at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) today presented the first draft reports from three workgroups convened by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer's Association to update the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease for the first time in 25 years.

The current criteria for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's were established by a National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (ADRDA) workgroup in 1984. These criteria were almost universally adopted and have been useful; they have survived intact without modification for more than 25 years. However, experts note, the field has evolved to a great extent since then.

"Important scientific discoveries have been made in Alzheimer's, and there have been significant changes in our knowledge and conception of the disease," said Creighton H. Phelps, Ph.D., Director of the Alzheimer's Disease Centers Program, Division of Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health. "The NIA and the Alzheimer's Association, after consultation with the Alzheimer's scientific and medical community, concluded that the diagnostic criteria may need to be revised to incorporate scientific advances. We decided to convene workgroups to examine the literature and make recommendations."

At AAICAD 2010, leaders of the three workgroups – which covered Alzheimer's disease dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease, and preclinical Alzheimer's disease – presented preliminary reports at a special session for initial comment by the Alzheimer's community.

"The proposals would change the 1984 criteria by better reflecting the various stages of the disease and the inclusion of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers," said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "While the role of biomarkers differs in each of the three stages, much remains to be understood concerning their reliability and validity in diagnosis. This makes it critical that we thoroughly test any new recommendations."

Further input will be solicited by the NIA and the Association through a website launched immediately after the AAICAD presentations at www.alz.org/research/diagnostic_criteria. After that input is incorporated, next steps are publication in a peer-reviewed journal followed by systematic validation through incorporation of the criteria into clinical trials.

"The proposed criteria for Alzheimer's disease dementia must be flexible enough to eventually be used – once they are validated – by both general health care providers without access to neuropsychological testing, advanced imaging, and CSF measures, as well as specialized investigators involved in research or clinical trial studies with access to these measures," said Guy McKhann, MD, of John Hopkins University School of Medicine, who chaired this workgroup.

The Importance of Moving to Earlier Diagnosis

Alzheimer's is thought to begin years, perhaps even decades, before symptoms are noticeable. But there is no single, generally accepted way to identify the disease in its earliest stages – before symptoms are evident.

According to Phelps, earlier detection of people at highest risk for Alzheimer's and those who have the earliest forms of the disease will facilitate finding the right individuals to participate in risk reduction and prevention research studies.

"The NIA and the Alzheimer's Association hope this process of updating and revising the Alzheimer's diagnostic criteria with modern technologies and the latest advances will provide standards that move the field further in the direction of early detection and treatment," Thies said.

Significant Advances in Alzheimer Research Since 1984

Among the most important advances in the Alzheimer's field since the publication of the 1984 NINDS/ADRDA diagnostic criteria are:

Alzheimer's-driven changes in the brain, as well as the accompanying cognitive deficits, develop slowly over many years with dementia representing the end stage of years of pathology accumulation. At the same time, we know that some people have the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's and yet don't show symptoms of dementia.
Predictive genes in early onset Alzheimer's indicate that the initial events ultimately leading to both clinical symptoms and pathological brain changes begin with disordered beta amyloid metabolism.
The e4 allele of the APOE gene is well accepted as a major genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer's disease, which is defined as onset at 65 or older.
Biomarkers for Alzheimer's have been developed and are being validated. These fall into several categories:

Biomarkers of beta amyloid pathology, including amyloid PET imaging and levels of beta amyloid in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Biomarkers of neuronal injury, including levels of CSF tau and phospho-tau.
Biomarkers of neuronal dysfunction, including decreased uptake of FDG on PET scans.
Biomarkers of neurodegeneration, including brain atrophy on structural MRI scans.

In addition, it has been only in the past decade that a better understanding of the distinctions and overlaps of Alzheimer's with non-Alzheimer's dementias has begun to emerge. Knowledge of the non-Alzheimer's dementias was rudimentary in 1984, and the current diagnostic criteria are vague in defining distinctions between Alzheimer's and the major alternatives. The common co-existence of Alzheimer's and cerebrovascular disease is now appreciated. Much more is known about dementia resulting from Lewy Body disease, and also about Pick's disease and other frontotemporal dementias.

Three Work Group Reports Present New Ideas for Research Criteria and Better Define Early Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

The NIA/Alzheimer's Association working groups were organized around the three stages of Alzheimer's disease that are commonly thought to exist today – pre-clinical Alzheimer's, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's, and Alzheimer's dementia.

Pre-clinical – The group is laying out a research agenda to identify methods of assessment that may help predict risk for developing the disease. Biomarkers and other clinical assessment tools to identify early cognitive decline are being investigated to establish the presence of Alzheimer's brain changes in people with no overt symptoms and to identify those who may eventually develop the disease.
Mild cognitive impairment – The group is refining the MCI criteria, which will help to indicate cognitive change before dementia and better differentiate MCI from Alzheimer's. Research is underway to better understand the cognitive changes taking place, how they may relate to biomarkers, and which of these methods best indicate the likelihood of imminent progression to Alzheimer's dementia.
Alzheimer's dementia – The group is revising the existing criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer's to include possible biomarkers and other assessments that may aid in diagnosis.

Please visit alz.org for more information.

Alzheimer's Disease may Increase Risk of Anemia and Seizures

2010-07-13T16:34:00.002-05:00

Global Impact Could Multiply As The Population Continues to Age

Having Alzheimer's disease may increase the risk of getting other potentially disabling health conditions, including seizures and anemia, according to new research presented today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu, HI.

"Alzheimer's disease is a global health crisis with devastating effects on individuals, families, and national healthcare systems," said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "If, in fact, Alzheimer's also increases risk of other disabling conditions, then its impact may be more devastating than we've envisioned as the global population ages and as more countries become westernized in their habits and lifestyles."

According to the 2009 World Alzheimer Report from Alzheimer's Disease International, a London-based nonprofit, international federation of 71 national Alzheimer organizations including the Alzheimer's Association, the number of people with Alzheimer's or another dementia, currently 35 million, is expected to nearly double every 20 years, to 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050.

Worldwide, the economic cost of dementia has been estimated as $315 billion annually. (Wimo, et al. "An Estimate of the Total Worldwide Societal Costs of Dementia in 2005." Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. Vol. 3, Issue 2, April 2007.)

Alzheimer's is Associated with Increased Incidence of Seizures

Some small studies have shown Alzheimer's to be a risk factor for seizures. H. Michael Arrighi, PhD, of Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy Research & Development; Nicole Baker, MPH, Pfizer; and colleagues conducted an observational study to estimate the incidence rate of seizures among a large cohort of people with Alzheimer's. The researchers used anonymized electronic medical records from nearly 400 primary medical practices in the United Kingdom. The study population included 14,838 people with Alzheimer's aged 50 years or older and a comparison cohort of 14,838 randomly-selected, age- and sex-matched patients without Alzheimer's. People with Alzheimer's were followed for an average of 2.3 years; non-Alzheimer's patients were followed for an average of 3.4 years.

Over that time period, the researchers found that the rate of seizures, per 1,000 people per year, was 9.1 among patients with Alzheimer's disease compared with 1.4 for those without Alzheimer's – an incidence rate that was 6.4 times higher. In addition, they found that the incidence rate of seizures was highest among the youngest Alzheimer's patients, and that it decreased with age. Incidence among non-Alzheimer's patients increased slightly with age.

"The increased risk of seizures among patients with Alzheimer's disease was seen in all age groups, but there was a substantial increase among the youngest patients. It is especially important for these patients and their caregivers to be aware of this risk," Baker said.

"The connection between Alzheimer's and seizures provides additional avenues for research into the basic biology of both diseases, and possibly interventions and therapies to respond to the overall impact of Alzheimer's disease" Arrighi said.

Alzheimer's is Associated with Lower Hemoglobin Levels and Anemia

Studies suggest that iron accumulates in the tau tangles in the brains of people with Alzheimer's, and that overall levels of iron are elevated in both Alzheimer's and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) brains. However, it is not clear from the scientific literature if this altered brain iron profile is reflected in plasma iron levels.

Noel Faux, PhD, of the Mental Health Research Institute, Parkville, Australia, and colleagues examined hemoglobin, iron and other blood-based measurements in the 1,112 participants (768 healthy controls, 133 MCI, 211 Alzheimer's) of the Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study of Ageing. Participants also completed questionnaires on diet and medication intake (including supplements). Results were then correlated with measures of short-term, long-term and total memory, and global cognition.

The researchers found that people with Alzheimer's in the study had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and packed cell volume compared with healthy controls, after adjustment for age and gender. Consistent with these data, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was significantly higher in Alzheimer's compared to healthy controls.

Participants with anemia in the study were found to have an increased risk of Alzheimer's (odds ratio: 2.56). And people with Alzheimer's in the study were found to have an increased risk of being anemic (odds ratio: 2.61). Self reported iron intake was not different in the two groups.

"In our population, we found that people with Alzheimer's disease were more likely to be anemic, and this was not explained by dietary iron deficiency," Faux said. "This suggests that hemoglobin production is deficient in Alzheimer's patients."

"Alzheimer's had not previously been recognized as a risk factor for anemia, which is a common clinical problem for the elderly and can contribute to problems such as heart failure and renal failure," Faux continued. "The cause of anemia in Alzheimer's is still uncertain, but we speculate that Alzheimer's is a disease that affects both brain and blood. We are currently investigating this intriguing possibility."

Please visit alz.org for more information.

Four New Research Studies Describe Experimental Immunotherapies for Alzheimer's

2010-07-13T12:30:00.001-05:00

Two Target Tau; Two May Reduce Tau Though Their Target Was Amyloid

The primary therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease has been the beta amyloid peptide, which clusters outside cells in the brain to form sticky clumps known as plaques. Recently, more attention has been given to the tau protein, which aggregates inside the brain cells of people with Alzheimer's, forming neurofibrillary tangles. Precisely how these proteins interact in causing the disease is unclear.

Four new research studies reported today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu, HI describe experimental immunotherapies for Alzheimer's two of which target tau directly and two of which may reduce tau even though their primary target was beta amyloid.

"It is very important that we have a variety of therapeutic targets in the fight against Alzheimer's disease," said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "The more opportunities that we investigate to intervene and change the relentless and progressive course of Alzheimer's, the better chance that we will find something that works."

"Importantly, these studies teach us more not only about tau-targeted therapies but also about the progression of Alzheimer's disease," Thies added. "It may be that amyloid changes in the brain happen early in the disease and tau-related changes happen ‘downstream' where they have a more direct effect on cognitive function. However, this is still to be determined."

"We need more basic research about what causes Alzheimer's, as well as therapy-related studies, to fill the front end of the drug pipeline and get us the better treatments and prevention strategies that we so desperately need to head off the epidemic of Alzheimer's," Thies said.

Beta Amyloid Immunotherapy with Bapineuzumab in Alzheimer's May Also Reduce Tau

Bapineuzumab (Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy and Pfizer) is an antibody to the beta amyloid plaques that are associated with Alzheimer's disease, and is currently in Phase 3 testing as a treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer's. An abnormal form of the tau protein known as phospho-tau (P-tau) forms into tangles which are the other established lesions in the brain of people with Alzheimer's. The amount of P-tau in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is believed to be a marker of active loss of brain cells in people with Alzheimer's; prior studies have shown increases in P-tau in people with mild cognitive impairment who later develop Alzheimer's. P-tau was studied as a therapeutic biomarker in the Phase 2 clinical trials of bapineuzumab.

The pooled exploratory analysis reported at AAICAD 2010 by Kaj Blennow, MD, PhD, of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and colleagues included a subgroup of participants from two randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-ascending-dose studies conducted in the United States (Study 201) or in the United Kingdom and Finland (Study 202). Study 201 enrolled 35 patients (20 bapineuzumab, 15 placebo) in the CSF substudy, and Study 202 enrolled 11 patients (7 bapineuzumab, 4 placebo) in the CSF substudy. CSF was collected at baseline and 2 weeks after the week 52 infusion.

The researchers found that Study 201 showed a trend (p=0.0564) towards a decrease in CSF P-tau in bapineuzumab-treated compared with placebo-treated cases. In Study 202, no significant treatment effects were seen. When they combined data from both studies, they found a statistically significant decrease (p=0.0270) in P-tau in bapineuzumab-treated compared with placebo-treated patients.

"These observations suggest that immunotherapy treatment targeting amyloid may also alter neurodegenerative processes that occur later in the disease process and that are more directly associated with loss of function," Blennow said. "However, this was a small study and these findings need to be confirmed."

Another Immunization Therapy for Alzheimer's with Beta Amyloid Also Reduces Tau

AN1792 (Elan) showed early promise as a beta amyloid immunotherapy for Alzheimer's. In 2002, a Phase 2 trial reported that about 6 percent of participants developed serious brain inflammation symptoms resembling meningoencephalitis. The trial was stopped as was further clinical development. However, participants in the first AN1792 trial continue to be observed.

Delphine Boche, PhD, of the University of Southampton's School of Medicine, UK, and colleagues studied the levels of beta amyloid and phospho-tau in six regions of cerebral grey matter that are affected by Alzheimer's pathology in the brains of 10 people with Alzheimer's who were immunized with AN1792 and compared the findings with 28 unimmunized Alzheimer cases. They had previously shown a reduction of beta amyloid in people treated with AN1792 and now looked to see if it had any effect on tau.

The researchers found statistically significant reductions in tau and beta amyloid in the immunized patients compared with untreated Alzheimer's. The reduction in tau appeared to be specifically in the dendrites, which are the branched projections of a neuron that conduct the electrochemical stimulation received from other nerve cells to the cell body. In contrast, tau in the bodies of the nerve cells, where the tangles form, seemed unaffected.

"The findings show that treatment aimed at beta amyloid may also modify tau changes in Alzheimer's," Boche said. "The lack of change in tau in the bodies of nerve cells might explain why the people in the original AN1792 trial didn't experience an improvement in cognitive functioning even though we saw amyloid clearance."

"This study demonstrates a link between these two Alzheimer's-related proteins, which has been suspected but not clearly demonstrated in the human brain. The findings give us more basic information about the interaction between beta amyloid and tau in Alzheimer's and may clarify how the disease progresses in the brain," Boche said.

Tau Antibodies Reduce Brain Tangles in Alzheimer-Model Mice

Allal Boutajangout, PhD, of the New York University School of Medicine, and colleagues previously reported that active tau immunization clears tau tangles from the brain and reduces or prevents functional impairments in two different tangle-model mice. In a study reported at AAICAD 2010, they assessed the efficacy of passive immunization for 13 weeks with the PHF1 antibody to tau in a mouse model of Alzheimer's tangles.

The researchers found that weekly injections of PHF1 in the tangle mice reduced the amount of tau aggregates in the brain and decreased functional impairment. The treated mice performed better than controls on the traverse beam task (p<0.03), and had 58 percent less tau pathology in the hippocampus (p=0.02). Plasma levels of PHF1 were inversely related to levels of tau pathology in two brain sections – the brain stem (p<0.01) and motor cortex (p=0.06) – indicating that higher dose of antibodies may have a greater therapeutic effect.

"Targeting hyperphosphorylated tau by immunotherapy is emerging as a promising approach to treat tau-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia," Boutajangout said. "Further studies are needed to determine the feasibility of this approach with other tau antibodies and in different tangle models that more closely resemble Alzheimer's."

Alzheimer's Tau Vaccine Shows Promise in a New Rat Model of the Disease

Scientists led by Prof. Michal Novak, MDV, PhD, DSc, of the Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia and Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of the Axon Neuroscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria, have developed a new transgenic rat model of Alzheimer's that, according to Novak, for the first time expresses non-mutated tau and generates Alzheimer's neurofibrillary tangles. Axon is using the rat for early, preclinical development of an Alzheimer's tau vaccine.

In a study reported at AAICAD 2010, Axon transgenic rats were immunized with phospho-tau. The scientists measured changes in functions related to behavior and learning, levels of phosphorylated tau in cerebrospinal fluid, and level of tangle pathology in the rat brains. They found that tau immunization significantly reduced the amount of insoluble tau, prevented development of neurofibrillary tangles, and produced a statistically significant delay of progressive impairment in learning behaviors.

"The Axon Alzheimer Rat may offer new avenues in developing the next generation of therapies and diagnostics for Alzheimer's," Novak said.

Please visit alz.org for more information.

Older African-Americans and Latinos with Cognitive Impairment Live Longer than Whites; Less Likely to be in Nursing Homes

2010-07-13T07:58:00.003-05:00

- Great need for culturally-appropriate Alzheimer care resources & home-based services -

Racially and ethnically diverse older adults are one of the fastest growing population segments in the United States and new research presented today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu reveals that older African-Americans and Latinos with significant cognitive impairment have a lower likelihood of nursing home placement and longer survival than White older adults in the study.

"These results have significant implications for caregiver burden and community resources," said Maria Carrillo, Ph.D., Alzheimer's Association's Senior Director of Medical and Scientific Relations. "If, as the study suggests, more African-American and Latino families are taking care of their loved ones with significant cognitive impairment in their homes for longer periods of time, there is a greater than anticipated need for culturally-appropriate dementia care resources and home and community- based services for these populations."

"These findings are particularly compelling since we found that African-Americans are about two times more likely and Latinos about one and one-half times more likely to develop Alzheimer's and dementia," Carrillo said. This was reported in March in the Alzheimer's Association's 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report, a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Another study reported today at AAICAD 2010 suggests that the bereavement process and mourning experience for Alzheimer caregivers after the death of their loved one varies greatly among different racial and ethnic groups. A third research report suggested that cultural and spiritual beliefs of African-Americans, American Indians and Whites greatly influence how long it takes for a family to seek a medical diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

"Alzheimer's leads so many families through unfamiliar territory. The need for education, information, supportive services is paramount," Carrillo said. "The more we learn about the similarities and differences that exist in how various groups perceive and experience Alzheimer's, the more effective we can be in developing culturally-appropriate information, services, and tools that are respectful of these perceptions and closely held values, and that contain authentic relevance that empowers families."

Racial Differences in Nursing Home Placement and Mortality

Few studies have examined how significant cognitive decline impacts minority older adults in the United States. Kala M. Mehta, DSc, MPH, at the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues examined the relationship between significant cognitive decline and two health consequences – nursing home placement and mortality – in a representative sample of U.S. older adults participating in the Health and Retirement Study. More than 7,500 older people, 10 percent African-American and six percent Latino, were assessed over an 8-year period.

During the study, 23 percent of participants died and 14 percent experienced significant cognitive decline. The researchers found that the proportion of persons with significant decline did not vary by race. However, of those with significant cognitive decline, older African Americans and Latinos had statistically significantly less placement in nursing homes compared to older Whites, and were statistically significantly less likely than similar Whites to die during the follow up period.

"Our results may indicate that African-American and Latino adults have a higher burden from significant cognitive decline than White older adults," Mehta said. "This may impact the adults themselves, their caregivers and their communities. Thus, our findings support the need for culturally-appropriate dementia care, support services and home care resources for African-American and Latino communities in the U.S."

Ethnic Variations in the Bereavement and Mourning Experience

Little is known about the caregiver's bereavement and mourning experience after a family member with Alzheimer's dies. REACH, the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health project led by Richard Schulz, PhD of the University of Pittsburgh's Institute on Aging, provides some of the most comprehensive and systematic information available to date about Alzheimer caregivers.

The Bereavement Component of REACH studied caregivers in three distinct racial/ethnic groups: Hispanics, African-Americans and Whites. James McNally, PhD, of the University of Michigan examined the variations among these groups, including differences in expressions of relief, anger and emotional acceptance.

Study results showed that Whites and Hispanics are three to five times more likely to report a sense of emotional relief at the death of the care recipient, compared to African-Americans. The study also found that Hispanics were only half as likely as African-Americans to report feelings of anger towards the deceased caregivers while White caregivers were considerably more likely to report feelings of anger than both the other groups. Factors such as relationship to the person with Alzheimer's, the emotional and physical health of the caregiver and their sociodemographic characteristics moderated these effects to some degree, but significant differences in the bereavement process remained among the ethnic populations examined.

"For those caring for a family member with Alzheimer's, the process of bereavement often begins long before the family member's physical death," McNally said. "These results bring into sharper focus some distinct social and cultural responses to the bereavement process, and help increase our understanding of the emotional costs of Alzheimer's. This understanding can help to inform and improve culturally competent resources to help caregivers not only throughout all stages of their loved one's illness, but also in finding a healthy resolution to grieving."

Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis in a Cultural Context

Increasing evidence suggests that early diagnosis of Alzheimer's and timely intervention is beneficial, both for people with the disease and their caregivers. Earlier Alzheimer and dementia diagnosis could allow for earlier use of medications and other interventions that could help to maintain the person's independence longer. Delays in diagnosis also mean that many miss the opportunity to make legal, financial and care plans while they are still capable.

One study of 22 families, including Whites (seven), Blacks (10) and American Indians (five), examined the Alzheimer diagnostic process in a cultural context and found that ethnic minority groups often seek a diagnosis much later than their White counterparts. Led by Peggye Dilworth-Anderson, PhD, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the study found that while all groups recognized the value of having a diagnosis, long delays often occurred between family members' recognition of symptoms of dementia and the scheduling of a medical evaluation. The study found that, on average, African-Americans sought a diagnosis six years after dementia symptoms emerged, American Indians sought one after five years, and Whites after two years. Study results also indicated that Whites were more likely to seek support through formal services, while Blacks and American Indians turned more often to their faith and spiritual beliefs for support.

"Many caregivers did not recognize the early signs of dementia because they thought it was a part of their loved one's normal behavior," said Dilworth-Anderson. "Most caregivers mistakenly believed that having dementia is normal and accepted it as a part of growing old. A medical diagnosis of dementia is often only sought after a cultural understanding is developed by the cultural group."

In another quantitative study on dementia care led by Dilworth-Anderson, which involved telephone surveys with 200 Black and White caregivers, about 48 percent of caregivers in the study reported that the care recipient had received a diagnosis of dementia. Among those diagnosed, racial differences in access to care services were observed. Whites reported higher care recipient and caregiver service availability than Blacks, particularly direct care services (such as respite care and caregiving facilities). Blacks reported the use of home health care services for the care recipient more than Whites, and also reported having a greater availability of church resources. Additionally, Blacks reported no services being available at all at a higher percentage than Whites.

Please visit alz.org for more information.

New Study: A gene known as FTO, which appears to be correlated with obesity in humans, may also increase risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia

2010-07-13T07:50:00.001-05:00

- When Combined with a Known Alzheimer's Gene, Your Alzheimer's Risk may be Doubled -

A gene known as FTO, which appears to be correlated with obesity in humans, may also increase risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, according to new research presented today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu, HI. And when a person has certain variants of both FTO and a recognized Alzheimer's risk gene known as APOE, the risk of Alzheimer's could be doubled.

"While scientists know Alzheimer's involves progressive brain cell failure, they have not yet identified any single reason why cells fail," said Maria Carrillo, PhD, senior director of Medical and Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer's Association. "However, there is evidence about certain factors that may increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's."

"Some of these factors we can't control, such as age, family history, and genetics," Carrillo said. "Others we may be able to influence, including heart health, tobacco and alcohol use, and head injury."

FTO has previously been shown to affect body mass index (BMI), leptin levels (a protein hormone that plays a key role in appetite and metabolism), and the risk for diabetes. These vascular risk factors have also been associated with risk of Alzheimer's disease.

In the study reported at AAICAD 2010, Caroline Graff, MD, PhD, and colleagues at the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, explored the direct role of the FTO gene on Alzheimer's and dementia risk in old age. In addition, a possible interaction of FTO with the APOE gene, a well-established genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's, was assessed. The researchers followed 1,003 people aged 75 years and older without dementia from the Kungsholmen project, Sweden, for nine years to detect new cases of Alzheimer's and dementia. All participants had been genotyped for FTO and APOE on DNA sampled at the beginning of the study.

They found that people in the study population who carried the AA gene-variant in the FTO gene had a 58 percent increased risk for developing Alzheimer's and a 48 percent increased risk for developing dementia compared with those who did not have this genetic variant, after adjustment for age, gender, education, and APOE genotype.

The findings also suggest that the risk-effect of FTO-AA on dementia is further elevated to 100 percent increased risk in the presence of APOE ε4, which is the highest risk variant of the APOE gene. The effect of the FTO-AA genotype on Alzheimer's and dementia risk remained after additional adjustment for diabetes, BMI, cardiovascular disease and physical inactivity.

"One of the intriguing aspects of the results is that the increased risk was independent of the traits previously associated with FTO, such as obesity and diabetes measured at baseline," Graff said. "Our results suggest that the mechanism by which FTO is associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's and dementia may be different from how it increases the risk for obesity."

"This is a fascinating early finding, which fits with the known connections between heart health and brain health," Carrillo said. "However we do need to see these results confirmed by other researchers. In fact, we desperately need to know more, in general, about the genetics and other causes of Alzheimer's so that we have additional targets for therapies and preventions. One major positive step in that direction would be for the federal government to address its chronic underfunding of Alzheimer's disease research."

Please visit alz.org for more information.

Alzheimer's Association Launches TrialMatch™ – First-of-its-Kind Clinical Trials Matching Service in Alzheimer's

2010-07-12T10:27:00.003-05:00

The Alzheimer's Association announced today the launch of Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch™, a confidential and free interactive tool that provides comprehensive clinical trial information and an individualized trial matching service for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Internet (www.alz.org/trialmatch) and phone-based (800-272-3900) service debuted during the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu, HI.

There are as many as 5.3 million Americans living with the Alzheimer's and every 70 seconds someone in America develops the disease, according to the Association's 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. This year, there will be one half million new cases of Alzheimer's; in 2050, there will be nearly a million new cases annually.

"Alzheimer's disease is clearly the #1 public health challenge of the 21st century and research is the only way to solve this problem," said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer's Association.

Recruiting and retaining trial participants is one of the greatest obstacles to developing the next generation of Alzheimer's treatments, perhaps second only to lack of funding.

"If patients are not enrolling in trials, there can be no advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention, making the lack of study participants a significant public health issue," Thies said. "Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch provides a first-of-its-kind service in Alzheimer's by delivering a user-friendly and individualized guide to clinical trials for people with Alzheimer's, their healthcare professionals, caregivers and healthy volunteers."

More than 100 clinical studies in Alzheimer's and dementia are currently taking place and dozens more experimental compounds are moving from the laboratory to clinical testing. For people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, clinical trials present an opportunity to play a more active role in their own treatment – ultimately contributing to scientific discovery and benefiting future generations.

About Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch
Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch is designed to be easy to use for people with Alzheimer's, with web and phone support, specially trained staff, and tools developed with input from people with Alzheimer's.

The strength of this Web- and national 800 line-based service is that Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch contains a comprehensive, constantly updated database of institutional review board-approved Alzheimer's, mild cognitive impairment and other dementia trials taking place across the U.S. Specialists at the Alzheimer's Association's national Helpline – available 24-hours a day – assist in the process of matching individuals to clinical trials for which they are eligible based on study inclusion/exclusion criteria, diagnosis, treatment history and location.

By Association policy, telephone specialists will not recommend any particular clinical trial, but will describe all studies for which the person is eligible. They will answer questions about the trial process and connect individuals with trial sites based on their unique profile. Patients and caregivers will be encouraged to share their trial matches with their healthcare professionals to help decide whether a clinical trial is appropriate.

"We're looking to physicians to play a leadership role in referring their patients to Alzheimer's clinical trials and to Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch," said Marilyn Albert, PhD, Professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins and Director of their Division of Cognitive Neuroscience. "As healthcare professionals, there is more we can do to help our Alzheimer's patients post-diagnosis by offering access to potential cutting-edge research and treatments being tested."

Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch can be accessed at www.alz.org/trialmatch or by calling toll-free, (800) 272-3900.

The technology and platform for Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch is provided by EmergingMed.

Alzheimer's Association Launches New "Research Center" Website to Expand Public's Knowledge About Alzheimer Research

2010-07-12T10:24:00.000-05:00

A new website showcasing the latest in Alzheimer's disease research and science - www.alz.org/research - is being unveiled at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu.

The website, called the Alzheimer's Association "Research Center," presents an extensive portfolio of information designed for a public searching for more knowledge about the current state of Alzheimer research, including both the latest news from the global research effort and how to volunteer for local Alzheimer's clinical trials.

Equally attractive to scientists and medical researchers, the site will also host valuable information that they can use, including highlights from Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, and information about scientific grants available from the Association.

"As I travel the country and talk to people whose families are affected by Alzheimer's disease, and as I read my daily e-mails, it is strikingly apparent that a wide range of people are genuinely interested in learning about what's happening in Alzheimer's science and when the next breakthroughs are going to come," said Angela Geiger, Chief Strategy Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "The Alzheimer's Association is exploring innovative ways to advance research and also to engage and educate all kinds of people. This new website is an extension of this ever-expanding effort."

The innovative website seamlessly combines rich visuals with easy-to-understand content on a broad array of topics including:

* What Alzheimer's is, and how the disease progresses.
* Advances in treatments, diagnosis and prevention.
* How to volunteer for Alzheimer's clinical trials.
* Updates on key local, national and global research initiatives.

Important concepts about Alzheimer's the disease are explained and illustrated. Leading scientists are profiled. All of this and more is found at the "Research Center" in an easy-to-navigate presentation that enables users to quickly discover and connect with the information that matters most to them. Regular updates will include new information, interviews, graphics, and videos.

"Research is the most critical aspect of solving the Alzheimer crisis. This is why it is vital to have a place where people can go to find out about the latest Alzheimer research," Geiger said. "We listened to our constituents who said they wanted to know, learn and understand more. We hope this site serves as a catalyst for deeper understanding about Alzheimer research and a long-term dialogue with the public that encourages hope and engages them in the Alzheimer's cause."

To learn more, visit www.alz.org/research.

Large-Scale, Long-Term Studies Support Roles of Physical Activity and Diet in Dementia and Cognitive Decline

2010-07-11T15:47:00.002-05:00

- Also, Antioxidant–Rich Diet Improves Memory and Learning in Alzheimer's Mice -

Honolulu, Hawaii, July 11, 2010 – Evidence from three long-term, large-scale studies supports the association of physical activity and certain dietary elements (tea, vitamin D) with possibly maintaining cognitive ability and reducing dementia risk in older adults, according to new research presented today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu, HI.

Plus, a new study in an animal model of Alzheimer's reported today at AAICAD 2010 suggests that an antioxidant-rich diet with walnuts may benefit brain function.

"Research has pointed us towards a number of factors that may impact our risk of Alzheimer's and cognitive decline, the strongest being reducing cardiovascular risk factors," said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "The Alzheimer's Association and others have repeatedly called for longer-term, larger-scale research studies to clarify the roles that these factors play in the health of the aging brain."

"These are some of the first reports of this type in Alzheimer's, and that is encouraging, but it is not yet definitive evidence," Thies continued. "Longitudinal studies and clinical trials are expensive, and I'm deeply concerned that the trials we need will not happen because of the chronic underfunding of Alzheimer research by the federal government."

Framingham Study Shows Physical Activity Lowers Risk of Dementia, Especially in Men

Several long-term epidemiological studies have related physical activity and cognitive decline, dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease, although the results of published research studies thus far are not entirely consistent and several large studies failed to show an association. Most of these studies followed participants for less than six years or had significant loss to follow-up. Still needed are studies including long-term follow-up in older persons in age brackets at higher risk of incident Alzheimer's to elucidate the true relationship.

One such long-term trial is the Framingham Study, a population-based study that has followed participants residing in the town of Framingham, Massachusetts since 1948 for cardiovascular risk factors, and is now also tracking cognitive performance. Framingham is widely acknowledged as a premier longitudinal study; it has continued to yield valuable information for more than 40 years.

Zaldy Tan, MD, MPH, of Brigham and Women's Hospital, GRECC, VA Boston, and Harvard Medical School, and colleagues estimated the levels of 24-hour physical activity of more than 1,200 elderly participants from the Framingham Study (742 female; age 76 +\-5) during the study's 20th examination cycle (1986-87) and followed them for the development of dementia. They divided the participants into five groups based on level of physical activity, from lowest (Q1) to highest (Q5).

Over two decades of follow-up (mean 9.9 +/-5 years), 242 participants developed dementia (of which 193 were Alzheimer's). The researchers found that participants who performed moderate to heavy levels of physical activity had about a 40 percent lower risk of developing any type of dementia. Further, people who reported the lowest levels of physical activity were 45 percent more likely to develop any type of dementia compared to those who reported higher levels of activity. Similar results were seen when analyses were limited to Alzheimer's alone. Analyses showed that the observed associations were largely evident in men in the study.

"This is the first study to follow a large group of individuals for this long a period of time," Tan said. "It suggests that lowering the risk for dementia may be one additional benefit of maintaining at least moderate physical activity, even into the eighth decade of life."

Tea Consumption Slows Cognitive Decline in the Cardiovascular Health Study

Observational studies have shown associations between consumption of either tea or coffee and cognitive function in older adults, but data including long-term follow-up and rate of change in cognitive function are lacking.

Lenore Arab, PhD, of UCLA, and colleagues used data on more than 4,800 men and women aged 65 and older from the Cardiovascular Health Study to examine the relationship between consumption of tea, coffee, and change in cognitive function over time. Study participants were followed up for up to 14 years for naturally-occurring cognitive decline using the Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE) administered at baseline and annually up to 8 times. People scored on the average 1.17 points less per year. Tea and coffee drinking were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.

The researchers found that people who consumed tea at a variety of levels had significantly less cognitive decline (17-37 percent) than non-tea drinkers. More specifically, study participants who drank tea 5-10 times/year, 1-3 times/month, 1-4 times/week, and 5+ times/week had average annual rates of decline 17 percent, 32 percent, 37 percent, and 26 percent lower, respectively, than non-tea drinkers.

According to the scientists, coffee consumption did not show any effect except at the very highest level of consumption – where it was associated with significantly decreased decline of 20 percent.

"The suggestion of a positive effect of tea consumption in slowing cognitive decline requires further investigation," Arab said. "Interestingly, the observed associations are unlikely to be related to caffeine, which is present in coffee at levels 2-3 times higher than in tea."

Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Risk of Cognitive Impairment

Recent European studies suggest vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased odds of cognitive impairment and dementia in later life, although previous findings from the U.S. have been mixed. Interest in vitamin D has intensified recently as research has suggested that it may play a role in a variety of age-associated diseases.

David Llewellyn, PhD, of the University of Exeter Peninsula Medical School (UK), and colleagues examined information from 3,325 adults aged 65 years and older from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), a study that was carefully designed to accurately represent the U.S. non-institutionalized population. Vitamin D levels were measured from blood samples and compared with performance on a measure of general cognitive function that incorporated tests of memory, orientation in time and space, and ability to maintain attention.

The researchers classified participants as being cognitively impaired if they scored in the worst 10 percent of older adults in the study. They found that the odds of cognitive impairment were about 42 percent higher in those people who were deficient in vitamin D, and 394 percent higher in people who were severely deficient.

"It appears that the odds of cognitive impairment increase as vitamin D levels go down, which is consistent with the findings of previous European studies," Llewellyn said. "Given that both vitamin D deficiency and dementia are common throughout the world, this is a major public health concern."

According to Llewellyn, the majority of older U.S. adults have insufficient vitamin D levels because skin becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D with age and sunlight (UVB radiation) levels are limited for much of the year.

"Vitamin D supplements have proven to be a safe, inexpensive and effective way to treat deficiency. However, few foods contain vitamin D and levels of supplementation in the U.S. are currently inadequate. More research is urgently needed to establish whether vitamin D supplementation has therapeutic potential for dementia," Llewellyn said.

Antioxidant–Rich Diet with Walnuts Improves Memory and Learning in Alzheimer's Mice

It has been suggested that oxidative stress may have a key role in Alzheimer's disease. Oxidative stress occurs when the production of free radicals exceeds the antioxidant capacity of a cell. Reports have suggested that beta amyloid can increase oxidative stress leading to brain cell death.

Walnuts are source of -linolenic acid (a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid) and have high content of antioxidants. In March 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that "Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low-cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease."

Abha Chauhan, PhD, and colleagues at the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, examined the effect of diet containing 6 percent or 9 percent walnuts (equivalent to 1 oz. and 1.5 oz. daily intake of walnuts in people) on the cognitive, emotional and motor functions in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's. The mice were fed custom-mix diets from the age of four months for nine to 15 months. Control mice were fed diet without walnuts. The experimental and control mice were examined at the age of 13 to 14 months and 18 to 19 months for spatial memory and learning ability, position discrimination learning ability, motor coordination, and anxiety-related behavior.

The researchers found that Alzheimer's transgenic mice on the diet without walnuts at both testing periods showed memory deficits, anxiety-related behavior, and severe impairment in spatial learning ability, position discrimination learning ability and motor coordination. The Alzheimer's transgenic mice on 6 percent walnuts diet and 9 percent walnuts diet showed significant improvement in learning, memory, emotional regulation and motor coordination compared to transgenic mice that did not eat walnuts. The effects of 6 percent and 9 percent walnuts diets were similar.

"Our results suggest protective effects of walnuts in the Alzheimer's mice," Chauhan said. "Dietary supplementation of walnuts may have beneficial effect on brain function, and deserves further study."

Four Researchers Given Lifetime Achievement Awards by the Alzheimer's Association

2010-07-11T15:38:00.002-05:00

Honolulu, Hawaii; July 11, 2010 – The Alzheimer's Association recognized four scientists for their extraordinary achievements in advancing Alzheimer research at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Honorees for their professional and scientific contributions to Alzheimer research are:

•Takeshi Iwatsubo, MD, Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Tokyo.
•Karen H. Ashe, MD, PhD, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Director at the University of Minnesota.
•Marsel Mesulam, MD, Dunbar Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry and Director of the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center at Northwestern University.
•Marilyn Albert, PhD, Director of the Division of Cognitive Neuroscience in the Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

"We are beginning to reap the benefits of Alzheimer's scientific advancements made in the last two decades, including a robust pipeline of anti-dementia drug therapies and advances in early detection," said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "These leading researchers, who have been in the vanguard of scientific advancements in Alzheimer's disease, have devoted their professional careers to greater understanding of this disease. Their dedication and commitment will help us defeat Alzheimer's – the public health threat of the 21st century – and create a world where future generations will not have to experience this progressive and fatal disease."

Lifetime Achievement Awards in Alzheimer's Disease Research
Henry Wisniewski, MD, PhD; Khalid Iqbal, PhD; and Bengt Winblad, MD, PhD, founded AAICAD in 1988. Lifetime Achievement Awards named in their honor are given to three outstanding scientists who have dedicated their careers to helping millions around the world through their research.

At AAICAD 2010, the 2010 Henry Wisniewski Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Takehsi Iwatsubo, whose significant research with the Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (J-ADNI) is creating a longitudinal workup of standardized neuroimaging, biomarker and clinico-psychological surveys. Designed to maximize compatibility with US-ADNI, it is hoped that this work along with other global ADNI efforts will establish rigorous, quantitative descriptions of the natural course of Alzheimer's in its very early stages.

The 2010 Khalid Iqbal Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Karen Ashe, whose research focuses on animal and cellular models of Alzheimer's. These transgenic animal models enhance understanding of how amyloid and tau proteins – thought to be the keys to the cause and progression of Alzheimer's – impact memory and cognition. Transgenic mice have been a mainstay in the preclinical investigation of new treatments for Alzheimer's.

The 2010 Bengt Winblad Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Marsel Mesulam. His research addresses the connectivity of the monkey brain, the organization of human cholinergic pathways, the representation of cognitive functions by large-scale neurocognitive networks, and the neurobiology of dementias. Dr. Mesulam's work on cholinergic pathways has been groundbreaking in understanding Alzheimer's. He is a world expert in Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Zaven Khachaturian Award
In addition to these three awards, Dr. Marilyn Albert was recipient of the 2010 Zaven Khachaturian Award at AAICAD. Named in honor of noted scientist, administrator, consultant, lecturer and author, Zaven Khachaturian, PhD, this award recognizes an individual whose compelling vision, selfless dedication, and extraordinary achievement has significantly advanced the field of Alzheimer science.

Dr. Albert's distinguished career includes more than two decades as a faculty member at Harvard University Medical School. Her research has primarily focused on the cognitive and brain changes associated with aging and Alzheimer's. The scope has also encompassed investigating potential methods of early identification of Alzheimer's and lifestyle factors that may maintain mental abilities with advancing age.

About AAICAD
The Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (AAICAD) is the world's largest conference of it's kind, bringing together researchers from around the world to report and discuss groundbreaking research and information on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. As a part of the Alzheimer's Association's research program, AAICAD serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.

About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

Changing the Trajectory of Alzheimer’s Disease

2010-05-18T16:28:00.003-05:00

We’ve always known that Alzheimer’s disease is expensive. It costs families precious time with their loved ones. It costs people their lives.

But the costs to Medicare and Medicaid are also devastating. This morning, we released Changing the Trajectory of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias: A National Imperative. a report that examines how in the absence of disease-modifying treatments, the cumulative costs of care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias from 2010 to 2050 will exceed $20 trillion. ($20 trillion dollars is enough to pay off the entire U.S. federal debt and send a check to every man, woman and child in America with additional money left over .)

The report also reveals that the number of Americans age 65 and older who have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia will increase from 5.1 million to 13.5 million by mid-century. Our nation is woefully unprepared for this accelerating epidemic.

That’s why we continue to call on Congress to pass the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (S.3036/H.R. 4689). A coordinated, strategic, national approach is the only way to confront this problem. Go to http://www.alz.org/trajectory to get involved.

While many other countries have already developed plans, the United States is lagging behind. Australia, Canada, Cyprus, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea and Sweden all have national plans. It’s time for us to catch up.

- Robert Egge

Update on the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA)

2010-04-15T19:52:00.003-05:00

Congress is now back at work on Capitol Hill after a few weeks in the district. We’ve heard stories from many advocates who met with their elected officials back home, and we know you are making a difference. We wanted to give you a brief update on where we are with the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA)(S. 3036/H.R. 4689).

Thanks to the efforts of Alzheimer’s Association advocates, NAPA continues to gain momentum in Congress. In only a few short weeks, we have secured nearly 50 bill cosponsors! Most of the cosponsors on the bill are a direct result of the highly successful 2010 Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer’s Action Summit Congressional meetings, thousands of emails sent in support of the Summit activities, and your strong follow-up efforts. Keep up with the latest information about NAPA, including updated cosponsor lists, by visiting http://www.alz.org/NAPA.

As you know, NAPA calls for a National Alzheimer’s Project Office and an inter-agency Advisory Council responsible for creating a national plan to overcome Alzheimer’s. The bill will coordinate and enhance the federal government’s efforts on Alzheimer’s research, care, institutional services, and home- and community-based programs.

Tell us more about your advocacy efforts in support of NAPA and the Alzheimer’s Association Federal Priorities! If you met with your Senators or Representative and haven’t told us how it went, please share your story with us by posting here. Are you struggling to get a ‘yes’ from one of your members of Congress? Did a particular message work for you? Start a dialogue and learn from your community. Please share your advocacy stories -- we want to hear from you.

Mary Richards
Managing Director, Federal Affairs

NAPA introduced in the House and Senate

2010-03-30T14:31:00.001-05:00

What do Australia, South Korea and the Netherlands have in common? They are among the growing number of countries that have realized Alzheimer’s disease will overwhelm their healthcare systems if left unchecked – and they are all preparing to do something about it. Each of these countries is developing a national plan to fight the disease. So far, the United States has not; it’s time to change that.

Three weeks ago, our congressional allies introduced the National Alzheimer’s Project Act in the House and Senate. Already we have 21 cosponsors in the House and 14 in the Senate. Support for this bill is the first step towards creating a national plan to solve the Alzheimer’s crisis.

The Alzheimer's Association will be working hard over the coming months to pass this important measure before the 111th Congress adjourns. We’ll be posting the latest news and information as we get it. Are your Members of Congress cosponsors? You can check here: http://bit.ly/a6fKZy.

-Robert Egge

Our VOICE in Washington, D.C.

2010-03-08T13:20:00.004-06:00

Last night’s Candlelight Tribute Rally was incredible – it was a beautiful night and a powerful way to remember why we’re all here and get invigorated for what lies ahead. We heard personal stories from advocates Leslie Walker and Steve Hume and then a call to action by David Hyde Pierce. He truly brought out the VOICE of the crowd.

This morning we heard from veteran political strategist, author and educator Donna Brazile, who gave an overview of the political landscape in Washington right now. She also shared with us her own family's experience of caring for her grandmother after her Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.

This afternoon is filled with training sessions on the legislation Alzheimer's Association advocates will be lobbying for on Capitol Hill this week as well as tips and tools for year-round advocacy. Everyone is pumped up to hit Capitol Hill tomorrow.

More than 11,000 people have lit a virtual candle to honor someone they love who has battles Alzheimer's. Please take a moment to join them online at http://alz.org/virtualrally.

-Robert Egge

Alzheimer's Action Summit off to a Great Start

2010-03-07T16:52:00.002-06:00

Excitement started to build as advocates rolled into Washington, D.C. today for the Alzheimer's Association Action Summit. Advocates have come from as far away as Alaska, others from nearby Maryland. They all have one thing in common: they’re all passionate about making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

While working at registration today we heard story after story about the devastating affects of this disease.

We have also heard amazing stories of hope and determination.

A woman from California told me of her mother’s misdiagnosis and subsequent denial of Medicare coverage. This is her third trip to Washington for the Summit and she’ll keep coming back until Alzheimer's is eliminated.

Right now we’re all getting ready to head to the Lincoln Memorial for the Candlelight Tribute Rally. We have passed the 10,000 mark for our “Virtual Candlelight Rally” as well – if you haven’t, please go to http://www.alz.org/virtualrally and light your candle. If you’re in the D.C. area, please meet us at the Lincoln Memorial!

-Robert Egge

African Americans Leading The Way

2010-02-25T09:23:00.002-06:00

In honor of Black History Month, the Alzheimer's Association recognizes African-Americans who have helped lead the fight against Alzheimer's. These Champions have furthered research for prevention and a cure; made strides in care and support; and raised awareness of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Goldie Byrd, Ph.D.

Dr. Goldie Byrd is the Nathan F. Simms Endowed professor of biology at North Carolina A&T State University, where she served as chair of biology for six years. She is also an adjunct professor of genetics at Duke. Dr. Byrd partners with colleagues at the University of Miami, Vanderbilt and Columbia to understand the genetic epidemiology of Alzheimer’s disease in African-Americans. Dr. Byrd has also been published extensively and presented her findings on African-American incentives and barriers to research participation at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease 2009 (ICAD) in Vienna, Austria.

African-Americans leading the way

2010-02-18T10:22:00.003-06:00

In honor of Black History Month, the Alzheimer's Association recognizes African-Americans who have helped lead the fight against Alzheimer's. These Champions have furthered research for prevention and a cure; made strides in care and support; and raised awareness of Alzheimer's disease.

Warachal Faison, M.D.

Warachal Faison, M.D., is a geriatric psychiatrist currently serving as a medical director in Neuroscience Primary Care at Pfizer Inc. For more than 15 years, she has studied the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the African-American community, including minority recruitment for clinical trials. Dr. Faison, a proponent of community education and active discussion, is participating in the upcoming Alzheimer’s Association Diversity Dialogue during the Alzheimer’s Action Summit in Washington, D.C. March 7-9.

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease now covered under Social Security

2010-02-11T08:01:00.001-06:00

On February 11, 2010, the Social Security Administration announced it will now include early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in its Compassionate Allowances initiative to help the number of early-onset or younger-onset individuals who are no longer able to maintain gainful employment because of their cognitive impairment.

While applicants would still have to meet other SSDI criteria and/or SSI criteria, under this initiative they are considered eligible by virtue of the disease and fast-tracked for a favorable decision about their eligibility for Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI) benefits. The inclusion of early-onset (or younger-onset) Alzheimer’s disease, streamlines the SSDI/SSI application process allowing individuals to receive faster payment of their Social Security benefits.

Since 2003, The Alzheimer’s Association has advocated on behalf of individuals with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s as they navigate the Social Security disability process. This decision is a major step forward for their families.

Please visit http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_social_security_disability.asp for more information.

African Americans Leading The Way

2010-02-10T20:52:00.002-06:00

In honor of Black History Month, the Alzheimer's Association recognizes African-Americans who have helped lead the fight against Alzheimer's. These Champions have furthered research for prevention and a cure; made strides in care and support; and raised awareness of Alzheimer's disease.

Patrick A. Griffith, M.D., F.A.A.N.

Patrick A. Griffith, M.D. is a professor of clinical medicine and the chief of the Division of Neurology at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. For nearly 40 years, Dr. Griffith has worked to understand and improve diagnosis, management and treatment of Alzheimer's within the African-American community. He has studied the benefits of cardiovascular health on cognitive function and the effects of therapies on this population and co-authored a commentary entitled "Perspective on race and ethnicity in Alzheimer's disease."

African Americans Leading The Way

2010-02-02T14:45:00.003-06:00

In honor of Black History Month, the Alzheimer's Association recognizes African-Americans who have helped lead the fight against Alzheimer's. These Champions have furthered research for prevention and a cure; made strides in care and support; and raised awareness of Alzheimer's disease.

Solomon Carter Fuller, MD

Solomon Carter Fuller, M.D., was among the first known black psychiatrists and a pioneer among Alzheimer's Champions. The grandson of a slave, Dr. Fuller worked along side Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who discovered the traits of the disease in 1901. Dr. Fuller is responsible for countless contributions to the field as a researcher and educator. The Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center in Boston is named in his honor.

Thoughts after the State of the Union

2010-01-29T09:45:00.001-06:00

This week President Obama delivered his first State of the Union to Congress, which highlighted the ongoing health care reform debate on Capitol Hill.

As this debate carries on, the Alzheimer's Association will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that, as Alzheimer’s advocates, your voice is heard in Washington. Now is not the time to rest, but to continue our commitment to passing reform that works for families affected by Alzheimer’s.

Please take a moment to find out more about our healthcare reform priorities here.

Then please take a moment to let Congress hear your voice – ask your members of Congress to sign on to the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act (S.1492/H.R. 3286). This bill will help fund Alzheimer's disease research and provide much needed support for caregivers.

We encourage you to share your thoughts in our comment section below.

-Robert Egge

Donna Brazile at The Alzheimer's Action Summit

2010-01-07T11:37:00.003-06:00

Each year, hundreds of Alzheimer advocates – people with the disease, caregivers, and family members – from across the nation come to Washington, DC to hone their advocacy skills and then share their perspectives, experiences, and recommendations in meetings with their elected representatives. A unique platform of information sharing and learning, the Alzheimer Action Summit truly represents the best of civic engagement in the American political process.

We are pleased to announce our agenda for 2010 includes remarks from veteran political strategist, author and educator Donna Brazile. In addition to gracing several national publications’ “most powerful lists,” Brazile is also the recipient of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s highest award for political achievement. A syndicated columnist and political analyst, Brazile was the first African American woman to manage a presidential campaign in 2000 for then Vice President Al Gore. This seasoned politico, best-selling author and regular CNN and NPR contributor will offer attendees invaluable insights about grassroots advocacy from her extensive experience in local, state and national politics.

Please visit alz.org/summit for more information, and to register today.

Advocacy in India

2009-12-16T10:48:00.004-06:00

Mike Splaine, Director of State Policy and Advocacy Programs, recently traveled to India to meet with the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India. Mike shares some of his experiences about the trip below.

It is hard to imagine meeting the challenge of Alzheimer’s disease in a developing country with limited infrastructure. Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) is doing just that. I had the privilege of joining our colleagues from ARDSI as guest faculty for their annual conference in Kolkata and then in Delhi for the final consultation meeting to design a national Alzheimer strategy for India.

The theme of the meetings was building dementia “solidarity”:

* Solidarity within the Alzheimer community that has slowly developed in India in the past 17 years of scattered local organizations across a sub continent.

* Solidarity between sectors of the community such as researchers, caregivers and hospitals.

* Solidarity to work together with other non-governmental organizations and government to craft a real strategic approach to the challenge of dementia.

India is huge—1.5 billion people (and 500 million cell phones), and diverse culturally, medically, and socially. It is the epicenter of the rapidly growing challenges of Alzheimer’s disease – by 2020 an estimated doubling of persons affected, to over 6 million. This reflects global trends. We estimate that 60% of persons with AD worldwide will live in a developing country by 2020.

I shared some of our U.S. story with state Alzheimer plans and also our tools and experience in building an approach to advocacy and public policy. Though India is a democratic nation like ours, political traditions and conventions are surprisingly different.

The local leaders were hospitable to a fault, friendly and – like Alzheimer advocates I have met all over this country – passionate and committed. That said, every time I got comfortable I was reminded of just how a different a place India is. For example only 2% of persons of 60 have any health insurance – and almost all of these have just hospital coverage and it is derived from their children putting them on a work based family plan!

The final product of these deliberations will be an India AD report to be released next fall, with facts, faces, promising practices and action recommendations. This will be a first from a developing nation. You can read more about ARDSI at http://ardsi.org.

Mike Splaine with P.G. Datta Ray of the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India – Calcutta Chapter.

Alzheimer's Advocacy Forum

2009-12-11T12:57:00.003-06:00

Our thanks to Kate Mulgrew, an outstanding Alzheimer’s advocate who effectively makes the case that we must act now to overcome Alzheimer’s disease.

Check out Kate’s opinion piece that was posted on CNN.com.

All of us can do what Kate has done. Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers. Write to your local papers and tell them why Alzheimer’s needs to be a national priority. Call the district office of your congressman and explain the impact this disease has had on your loved ones. It’s the many voices that together that will make the difference. Each conversation, each call, each letter matters.

Best of all, register to join us in Washington, DC for the Advocacy Forum. We’ll train together as advocates, discuss what needs to be done and how to make the case, and then we’ll do it. On the last of the three days, we’ll head to the Hill and make our case directly to our Senators and Representatives in Congress. Our advocates consistently tell us what a rewarding time they have meeting new friends and advancing a cause that means so much to them.

Learn more about the Advocacy Forum or sign up today! Together we can take action and change the course of this disease.

-Robert Egge

Big news about the Breakthrough Act

2009-11-13T11:22:00.002-06:00

When the Breakthrough Act was introduced in 2007, it took 19 months to gain 92 cosponsors and the bill was never brought to a vote.

The Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act (S.1492/H.R.3286) was reintroduced in July. Over the last five months, efforts by Alzheimer advocates have helped bring 101 cosponsors to support this bill.

Although we still have a long way to go in the process of the Breakthrough Act becoming law, we need to keep up the momentum to add more cosponsors to this bipartisan bill.

Check out the list of current cosponsors here. If your members of Congress are not on the listed, ask them to sign on today!

- Robert Egge

Ask Congress to secure Alzheimer’s funding

2009-10-26T10:32:00.001-05:00

It’s a busy time in Washington. In addition to health care reform, Congress is busy finishing the Appropriations bills in both the House and the Senate.

We want to make sure the bills include funding for Alzheimer’s disease research at the National Institutes of Heath (NIH) and funding for the Healthy Brain Initiative at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Write your members of Congress and urge them to support Alzheimer’s research.

Check out our Federal Update for more details on Alzheimer’s-related provisions in health care reform.

-Robert Egge

Annual Reagan Run

2009-10-15T14:59:00.006-05:00

We had the privilege this week of visiting with some outstanding Alzheimer’s advocates from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania – the Beta Mu Chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

On Columbus Day, these students completed their annual Reagan Run, in honor of Ronald Reagan, one of their more famous brothers. The run took them from the steps of their campus to the front lawn of the White House. For more information on the Ronald Reagan Run for Alzheimer's click here.

They brought with them not only $20,000 for Alzheimer’s research, and the promise of more on the way, but also a commitment to advocacy. They are gathering signatures from their fraternity at this moment in support of the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act (S. 1492/H.R. 3286), which we will present to the four Tau Kappa Epsilon brothers who are currently members of Congress.

Thanks to Tau Kappa Epsilon for an outstanding example of the vision, enthusiasm and commitment that provide the foundation for every successfully advocacy campaign.

Please take a moment to add your own voice to the campaign for passage of the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act by asking your member of Congress to sign on as a cosponsor if you have not done so already.

- Robert Egge

HBO "The Alzheimer's Project" Emmy Awards

2009-09-24T15:51:00.004-05:00

Reposted from The Huffington Post.

As 78 million American baby boomers age, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease will skyrocket. Economically, it has the potential to bankrupt an already fragile health care system. Socially, we have yet to overcome much of the stigma associated with it. In terms of basic knowledge and research, Alzheimer's is progressive, it is fatal, and there is currently no cure for it.

Despite these sobering facts, great progress is being made in the discovery of Alzheimer's causes and treatments. This progress must continue. To ensure that critical research funding becomes and remains a priority, we must all raise awareness about this disease. We must hear from even more Alzheimer advocates, including people living with the disease, their friends and family, public servants, celebrities and the entertainment industry.

This year, HBO Documentary Films and First Lady of California Maria Shriver were on the forefront of this awareness effort with "The Alzheimer's Project." The Alzheimer's Association would like to applaud and congratulate all those involved in the creation of these films on winning two Creative Arts Emmy awards. "The Memory Loss Tapes," which shadows seven individuals living in various stages of Alzheimer's, won for Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking; and "Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? with Maria Shriver," which captures what it means to be a child or grandchild of someone with Alzheimer's, won for Outstanding Children's Nonfiction Program. Both of these films revealed the realities of Alzheimer's disease, sparking conversations in living rooms nationwide and at more than 110 Alzheimer's Association community screenings.

Shriver, who served as an executive producer on the series and is a passionate voice for her own father and all those living with the disease, deserves special recognition. In addition to "The Alzheimer's Project" and numerous other advocacy activities, Shriver has testified before Congress as a compelling witness of the physical, emotional and financial devastation of this disease. Shriver's presence at Alzheimer's Association events from candlelight vigils to galas is felt and appreciated by the 5.3 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and their 10 million caregivers.

Yesterday, September 21, 2009, was World Alzheimer's Day and the Alzheimer's Association would like to thank all Alzheimer's Champions committed to the fight against Alzheimer's. An American develops Alzheimer's every 70 seconds. Now is the time to follow the lead of Shriver and all of the partners in the HBO documentary by joining the cause at www.alz.org.

-Harry Johns

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day.

2009-09-21T11:23:00.004-05:00

One way the Alzheimer’s Association is marking this day is through the release of the 2009 World Alzheimer Report. The report shows that the number of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is rising substantially worldwide. The impact on families, governments, and national healthcare systems will be immense, and it is essential that governments respond to this significant global public health threat now.

The Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2009 (S. 1492/H.R. 3286), introduced in the Senate by Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-MO) and in the House by Representatives Edward Markey (D-MA) and Christopher Smith (R-NJ), seeks to increase funding for Alzheimer’s at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to $2 billion which would be a significant step in restoring momentum in the pursuit of better diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

The legislation also creates a National Summit on Alzheimer's, which would bring together researchers, policymakers and public health professionals to discuss the latest promising research avenues in Alzheimer's disease.

Watch this clip from the TODAY Show interview with Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Harry Johns and actor and Alzheimer Champion David Hyde Pierce:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and

Help fund breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research while providing more support to caregivers. Tell your members of Congress to sign on to the Breakthrough Act.

-Robert Egge

World Alzheimer's Day Celebrity Champions

2009-09-16T16:06:00.002-05:00

What do Seth Rogen, Bradley Cooper, and Elizabeth Hasselbeck all have in common? Watch and see:

Tailgate to Tackle Alzheimer's

2009-09-09T10:49:00.006-05:00

The following is the story of an actual Tailgate to Tackle Alzheimer's event, which raised money to support the Alzheimer's Association.

Wow, what a game. I knew that watching my favorite college football team was going to be a blast but luckily we were able to also turn it into something good. This past fall we hosted a Tailgate to Tackle Alzheimer’s event before and after our game. We combined our usual gathering of friends and family with a chance to take action against Alzheimer’s. We were able to collect donations, register advocates and share the importance of bringing awareness about this devastating disease. It was easy. We received the supplies needed from the association, combined it with our own purple party favors and created an environment for having fun all while benefiting a great cause. So step up, take action and join me again this fall as we Tailgate to Tackle Alzheimer’s. I look forward to seeing your event at your local parking lot this fall.

Visit http://actionalz.org/act_tailgate_landing.asp to Tailgate to Tackle Alzheimer's!

-Matt Popovich

Local Health Reform Action Wraps Up

2009-09-04T14:15:00.003-05:00

This weekend wraps up a month of in-district action where advocates asked our federal officials to pass health care reform this year that includes long-term services and supports for people with Alzheimer’s and to co-sponsor the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act.

I want to personally thank the thousands of advocates who carried our messages into town hall meetings and district offices. Our Washington, DC staff will follow up on all of your efforts.

Congress returns to Capitol Hill after Labor Day to move forward with health care reform legislation in September with a goal of finishing the process by the end of October. Keep an eye out for more on the progress of our priority issues in the weeks to come.

One final point – Advocacy in August wasn’t just about Congress. In this account, Liz McConnell reflects on her advocacy on behalf of Alzheimer’s with the President.

“Since attending the Obama Town Hall Meeting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire I continue to have hope. I saw hope in the faces of most of the general public who attended, the Obama staff, volunteers and the President himself. Those attending are hoping for reform of the healthcare system, and my hope is that reform will include changes in attitudes and policy regarding long-term care and increases in research funding for Alzheimer's Disease.

I came to the event as a volunteer, but also as an advocate. I want people to think broadly about healthcare reform, and include Alzheimer’s disease in that equation. I spent the first hour before my volunteer duties began distributing purple ‘Stop Alzheimer’s Now’ stickers to the waiting crowd. Inevitably, people tell me their stories of loved ones diagnosed or lost to Alzheimer’s. When they tell me their stories, they make connections with changes that must occur, and often talk about their fears of the increase in numbers of people who will be diagnosed. Without a change in the system, their fear is that they might one day be a part of those greater numbers of people diagnosed in a broken healthcare system.

During the event, there was one question relating to Medicare and the savings the administration is hoping to gain through greater efficiencies within the system to help pay for part of the cost of healthcare reform. There was concern expressed that the savings would be gained through taking away currently offered services. President Obama made assurances that the cost savings will come from efficiencies and not cuts in service.

As an advocate, I want to make sure the President keeps that promise. Alzheimer’s disease should be foremost in his mind when it comes to reform. My opportunity to remind the President of that came at the end of the event. When the President shook my hand I held onto his right hand and placed a purple ‘Stop Alzheimer’s Now’ sticker in his left hand. He put the sticker in his pants pocket.”
Who knows what he thought when he pulled that sticker out later? I like to think he spent at least a couple moments thinking about what can be done to do just that: “Stop Alzheimer’s Now”.

So, advocacy is critical to our success. But it’s also often fun, and surprisingly straightforward. If we all engage in Advocacy, we will much sooner get to our vision of “A World Without Alzheimer’s”.

Keep up the good work!
- Robert Egge

Long-term Care Services and Supports

2009-08-31T14:59:00.002-05:00

The message -- that Advocacy is both rewarding and straightforward -- comes through in the following dispatch from Gabrielle Corey in West Virginia:

“Justin Knabb and I (decorated in purple “STOP Alzheimer’s NOW” stickers!) headed to a town hall meeting in the beautiful Erma Byrd Gallery of the University of Charleston where WV Senator Jay Rockefeller was scheduled to talk about health care reform. After Sen. Rockefeller discussed his health care reform initiatives, he opened the floor up for questions.

“Justin got to ask the Senator if he was in support of (and would co-sponsor) the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) Act. Senator Rockefeller adamantly announced his personal support for the bill but said that the Finance Committee had declined support of it and he would therefore not become a co-sponsor.

“Unfortunately, Justin and I had to peace out for a Memory Walk meeting, but we were told by one of our advocates that Senator Rockefeller closed the meeting by mentioning his mom’s struggle with Alzheimer’s. Although Senator Rockefeller declined support for the bill, Justin and I were pleased that we got to ask the question so Senator Rockefeller knew that WV cared about including long-term care in health care reform efforts.”

Our thanks to Justin and Gabrielle. Their story makes another important point about advocacy. Just the act of asking a question often prompts our Congressmen to talk about Alzheimer’s. And when that happens, it often stays on their minds.

Senator Rockefeller is a Congressional Alzheimer champion. He is a long-time advocate of accessible and quality healthcare and is recognized as one of the Senate's strongest champions for health care reform. Senator Jay Rockefeller and Sharon Percy Rockefeller were the recipients of the sixth annual Alzheimer’s Association Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award.

He is also a co-sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act (S.1452/HR 3286).

Act Now!
Tell your member(s) of Congress to sign on to the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act: http://www.alz.kintera.org/breakthroughact_actionalz

Thanks,
Robert Egge

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act

2009-08-27T08:28:00.002-05:00

In my last entry, I described how the work of an Alzheimer’s advocate was continuing to have an impact years later. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing recent reports from advocates around the country who are having an exciting, positive influence during the August recess when their elected officials are back home in district.

The first example comes from Massachusetts at an event hosted by one of Alzheimer’s strongest and most steadfast Congressional champions, Congressman Ed Markey. Here’s the story as related by Jennifer Carter:

“Congressman Ed Markey held a healthcare reform forum at the newly-opened Markey Senior Center (named after his parents) in his hometown of Malden, MA on July 12th. It was an event to both ask questions of the Congressman about healthcare reform as well as to express specific concerns about the different bills and issues being discussed in Congress.

“There were about 40 different civic groups, community organizations and agencies present that evening and I was fortunate enough to have ample opportunity to talk about the importance of Alzheimer’s disease and protecting those with the disease.

“I asked about research funding as well as ending the Medicare two year waiting period and was well received, with support from the other agencies and organizations present! The Congressman also talked about his experience with his mother who had Alzheimer’s disease and his frustration with a healthcare system that would not allow more community-based care and home care. He also spoke about what he referred to as the need for CPR in healthcare- Coverage, Prevention and Research- in order to make the US health system really work for all residents in the US. Over all, the experience was wonderful – Congressman Markey, a long time supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association, is a true supporter of all the Association stands for – research, early diagnosis, quality care and dignity!”

Jennifer makes a great point that we often overlook – advocacy is fun. It’s also more straightforward than we often realize.

But don’t wait to take action!

Congressman Ed Markey is leading the fight against Alzheimer’s. He introduced the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act (S.1452/HR 3286) earlier this year, tell your member(s) of Congress to sign on!

Act Now: http://www.alz.kintera.org/breakthroughact_actionalz

Thanks,
Robert Egge

Your VOICE Makes a Difference

2009-08-12T10:44:00.004-05:00

I had the privilege of joining the Alzheimer’s Association this past April to help push forward our public policy agenda with Congress, the Administration, and state governments across the country. I couldn’t have joined at a more interesting time. But, like you, we don’t do this work because it’s interesting. We do it because it’s a mission. We’re advocates because we recognize how important it is for our country to move off the mark, and respond to this disease with energy, focus, and determination that’s equal to Alzheimer’s devastating impact.

To be candid, so far our federal government hasn’t done so. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of Alzheimer’s volunteer advocates and committed champions in Congress, we are starting to see encouraging signs that momentum is building in this direction.

One recent conversation with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid indicates how volunteer advocate efforts and Congressional champions work hand in hand. In this meeting to discuss how we can secure more Alzheimer research funding, Senator Reid mentioned how his views on Alzheimer’s were shaped several years ago, well before he was leader of the Senate. Senator Reid was told by a Nevada doctor about his first hand experiences caring for Alzheimer patients. The doctor also made a prediction the Senator never forgot – if we don’t find a way to treat this disease, it will bankrupt the nation. The doctor was right, of course, and his conversation set the stage many years later for us to have a very productive meeting with one the most powerful elected officials in the nation.

What’s the point? Well, one point is that the work of our grassroots advocates, like the Nevada doctor, is extremely important. More than you may know. You might not see the impact the day of a visit, a phone call, or an email, but it can last for years to come and add critical momentum to all our efforts.

Have a moment to take an action right now? Please urge your Members of Congress to co-sponsor the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act (S.1492/H.R. 3286). Then, call your local Alzheimer’s chapter to let them know that you want to participate in visits to your local congressional offices. Every visit, every conversation, matters.

I hope you’ll keep visiting this blog, and share it with your friends. We’ll be using it to keep you up to speed on our efforts. We also hope you’ll leave a comment and let us know how your efforts are going as well.

- Robert Egge
Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy
National Alzheimer's Association

A PHASE III ALZHEIMER’S DRUG INCREASES LEVELS OF BETA AMYLOID IN THE BRAIN – BUT STILL PROVIDES BENEFITS

2009-07-15T15:00:00.005-05:00

- Immunotherapy Targets Alzheimer’s Tau Tangles -
- More Doctors Diagnosing and Treating Mild Cognitive Impairment -

Vienna, July 15, 2009 – Surprising new insights into how a Phase III Alzheimer’s drug might work were among the advances in potential therapies targeting two abnormal brain proteins – beta amyloid and phosphorylated tau – that were reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

Scientists also reported on how clinicians view and treat mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a research category used to define the state between normal aging and Alzheimer’s, that is now being used widely in clinical practice.

“There are now more than 26 million people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia around the world. The cost of caring for these people, and those who will get it in the next few years, will bankrupt the world’s healthcare systems,” said Ralph Nixon, PhD, MD, vice chair of the Alzheimer’s Association Medical & Scientific Advisory Council.

“But, as these studies and many hundreds more reported at ICAD 2009 show, there is hope. There are currently dozens of drugs in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s. This, combined with advancements in diagnostic tools, has the potential to change the landscape of Alzheimer’s in our lifetime. How fast we get there depends completely on the investment in research. We need more government and private dollars for Alzheimer’s research now to capitalize on the progress we’ve made in the last decade,” Nixon added.

The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were:
-- Sam Gandy, et al -- Dimebon®, A Clinically Promising Drug For Alzheimer Disease, Regulates Amyloid-Beta Metabolism In Cultured Cells, In Isolated Nerve Terminals, And In The Interstitial Fluid Of The Living Rodent Brain.
-- Moran Boimel, et al -- Immunotherapy Targeting Pathologically Phosphorylated Tau In A Tauopathy Mouse Model.
-- Scott Roberts, et al -- Clinical Practices Regarding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Among Neurology Service Providers.

For more information, visit: http://www.alz.org

ICAD Summary Video | Day 3

2009-07-14T15:20:00.001-05:00

Maria Carillo discusses research presented during the third day of ICAD 2009.

BRAIN IMAGING (MRI/PET) AND MEASUREMENTS OF PROTEINS IN SPINAL FLUID MAY IMPROVE ALZHEIMER’S PREDICTION AND DIAGNOSIS

2009-07-14T15:00:00.008-05:00

Vienna, July 14, 2009 – Changes in the brain measured with MRI and PET scans, combined with memory tests and detection of risk proteins in body fluids, may lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

The National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), data from which forms the basis of these three studies, is a $60 million, 5-year, public-private partnership to test whether imaging technologies (such as MRI and PET), other biomarkers, and clinical and neuropsychological assessment can be combined to measure progression toward Alzheimer’s.

A biomarker is a substance or characteristic that can be objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal body processes, disease processes, or the body’s response(s) to therapy. For example, blood pressure is a biomarker that indicates risk of cardiovascular disease.

“With the continued aging of the population and the growing epidemic of Alzheimer’s, early detection of the disease is crucial for risk assessment, testing new therapies, and eventual early intervention with better drugs, once they are developed,” said Ronald Petersen, PhD, MD, chair or the Alzheimer’s Association Medical & Scientific Advisory Council.

The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were:
-- Michael Ewers, et al - Biomarker Based Diagnosis Of Very Mild Alzheimer’s Disease: A Multicenter Study.
-- Susan Landau, et al - Comparing predictors of conversion: Data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.
-- Dawn C. Matthews, et al - Hippocampal glucose metabolism predicts cognitive decline and correlates to disease progression in the ADNI population.

For more information, please visit: http://www.alz.org

A “HEART HEALTHY” DIET AND ONGOING, MODERATE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MAY PROTECT AGAINST COGNITIVE DECLINE AS WE AGE

2009-07-14T15:00:00.007-05:00

Vienna, July 14, 2009 – Eating a “heart healthy” diet meant to lower blood pressure, and maintaining or increasing participation in moderate physical activity, may help preserve our memory and thinking abilities as we age, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

“We can’t do anything about aging or family history, but research continues to show us that there are lifestyle decisions we all can make to keep our brains healthier, and that also may lower our risk of memory decline as we age,” said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association.

The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were:
-- Heidi Wengreen, et al -- DASH diet adherence scores and cognitive decline and dementia among aging men and women: Cache County study of Memory Health and Aging.
-- Deborah Barnes, et al – The impact of changes in physical activity levels on rate of cognitive decline in a biracial cohort of non-demented elders.
-- Mary Tierney, et al – Intensity of long-term physical activity and later life cognition in postmenopausal women.
-- Thomas Obisesan, et al – Aerobic-related physical activity interacting with apolipoprotein E genotypes, is associated with better cognitive function in a nationally representative sample: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).

The 2009 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2009) brings together more than 3,000 researchers from 70 countries to share groundbreaking research and information on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. ICAD 2009 will be held in Vienna, Austria at Messe Wien Exhibition and Congress Center from July 11–16.

For more information, visit: http://www.alz.org

ICAD Summary Video | Day 2

2009-07-13T15:20:00.001-05:00

Dr. Ronald Petersen, MD, Ph.D, discusses studies released during the second day of ICAD.

PTSD ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA RISK; MODERATE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION MAY LOWER IT

2009-07-13T15:00:00.010-05:00

PTSD ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA RISK; MODERATE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION MAY LOWER IT

Also, Survey Shows Adults Don’t Know Heart Risk & Alzheimer’s Risk Are Related

Vienna, July 13, 2009 – Though discoveries about Alzheimer’s disease risk factors are often in the news, adults do not know about the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease risk and heart health, nor that physical activity can be protective against dementia, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

Two additional studies reported at ICAD 2009 show higher Alzheimer’s risk in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and lower Alzheimer’s risk among adults who consume moderate amounts of alcohol.

“Your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, and playing – even sleeping,” said Maria Carrillo, PhD, Director of Medical & Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer’s Association. “The good news is that we now know there’s a lot you can do to help keep your brain healthier as you age. These steps might also reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.”

“There’s a strong and credible association between heart health and brain health. If people learn about and do some simple lifestyle modifications, such as being more physically active and eating a brain healthy diet, it could have an enormous impact on our nation's public health and the cost of healthcare,” Carrillo added.

The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were:
-- Colleen Jackson, et al – Dementia literacy: Public understanding of known risk factors.
-- Kristine Yaffe, et al -- Post-traumatic stress disorder and risk of dementia among U.S. veterans.
-- Kaycee M Sink, et al - Moderate alcohol intake is associated with lower dementia incidence: results from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study (GEMS).

For more information, visit: http://www.alz.org

NEW CASES OF ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CONTINUE TO RISE, EVEN IN THE “OLDEST OLD”

2009-07-13T15:00:00.009-05:00

Vienna, July 13, 2009 – The number of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia – both new cases and total numbers with the disease – continues to rise among the very oldest segments of the population in contradiction of the conventional wisdom, according to research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

Previous epidemiological studies have suggested that the number of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia begins to level off and perhaps even go down a bit in people age 90 and above, known as the “oldest old.” This is the fastest growing segment of the population in western countries.

“The number of people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia is growing at an epidemic pace, and the skyrocketing financial and personal costs will devastate the world’s economies and healthcare systems, and far too many families,” said William Thies, Ph.D., Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. “We must make the fight against Alzheimer’s a priority before it’s too late.”

“However there is hope. There are many drugs in late stage clinical trials for Alzheimer’s that show promise to slow or stop the progression of the disease. This, combined with advancements in early detection, has the potential to change the landscape of Alzheimer’s in our lifetimes. But we need more funding for research to see these possibilities through to completion,” Thies said.

The research reported at ICAD 2009 includes a study of more than 2,100 individuals age 80 years or older in eight municipalities of Varese province, Italy, and a systematic review and collaborative analysis of studies reporting the prevalence of dementia in Europe.
-- Ugo Lucca, et al – Risk of dementia continues to rise in the oldest old: The Monzino 80-plus Study.
-- Emma Reynish, et al – Systematic Review and Collaborative Analysis of the Prevalence of Dementia in Europe.

For more information, visit: http://www.alz.org

ICAD Summary Video | Day 1

2009-07-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

Dr. William Thies discusses studies presented during the first day of the 2009 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease.

DOCTORS TALK FRANKLY ABOUT WHAT ENCOURAGES AND IMPEDES EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF ALZHEIMER’S

2009-07-12T15:00:00.008-05:00

Vienna, July 12, 2009 – A doctor’s positive attitude to Alzheimer’s diagnosis and their trusting, personal relationships with local dementia support service providers are powerful enablers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

Current data suggest that less than 35 percent of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias have a diagnosis in their medical record. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, early detection is critical to ensuring that people have the power to plan their own healthcare and future, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Being diagnosed early is vital to receiving the best help and care possible, living one’s life to the fullest, and capitalizing on opportunities such as participating in clinical studies,” said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dr. Nerida Paterson, Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of General Practice at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and colleagues are interviewing more than 100 general practitioners (GPs) from four Australian research sites. At ICAD 2009, Paterson reported an interim analysis including interviews with 25 GPs.

The most cited enabler to early Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a doctor’s positive attitude to the diagnosis and treatment of dementia. Most of the GPs reported that referral to local services for planning, education, and support is an important part of disease management. Additional factors that encourage early Alzheimer’s diagnosis include: support from relatives and caregivers, belief in the patient’s right to know, and the desire of GPs to be honest and open with their patients.

The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were:
-- Nerida E. Paterson, et al - Early diagnosis of dementia in primary care in Australia: A qualitative study into the barriers and enablers.
-- Nerida E. Paterson, et al - The barriers to the early diagnosis of dementia and diagnostic disclosure in primary care.

The 2009 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2009) brings together more than 3,000 researchers from 70 countries to share groundbreaking research and information on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. ICAD 2009 will be held in Vienna, Austria at Messe Wien Exhibition and Congress Center from July 11–16.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit alz.org.

RESULTS FROM TRIALS OF DHA IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND AGE-RELATED COGNITIVE DECLINE

2009-07-12T15:00:00.007-05:00

Vienna, July 12, 2009 – Results from two large studies using DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, were reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

One of the trials was conducted by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) supported by the U.S. National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the second by Martek Biosciences Corporation. The NIA trial lasted 18 months and was conducted in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Martek’s trial was six months, and was conducted in healthy people to see its effect on “age related cognitive decline” Both studies used Martek’s algal DHA.

The results of the ADCS trial show no evidence for benefit in the studied population. The Martek trial showed a positive result on one test of memory and learning, but that study was in healthy older adults with mild memory complaint, not people with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The results need confirmation.

“These two studies – and other recent Alzheimer’s therapy trials – raise the possibility that treatments for Alzheimer’s must be given very early in the disease for them to be truly effective,” said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. “For that to happen, we need to get much better at early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.”

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is the most abundant omega 3 fatty acid in the brain. Previous animal studies and epidemiology in humans suggested that DHA may be beneficial in people with Alzheimer's.

The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were:
-- Joseph Quinn, et al – A clinical trial of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
-- Karin Yurko-Mauro, et al – Results of the MIDAS Trial: Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Physiological and Safety Parameters in Age-Related Cognitive Decline.

For more information, visit: http://www.alz.org

THREE NEW STUDIES GIVE CLEAR GUIDANCE ON HOW TO BETTER RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS FOR ALZHEIMER’S CLINICAL STUDIES

2009-07-12T15:00:00.005-05:00

- Overcoming the Biggest Obstacle to Improving Alzheimer’s Treatments -

Vienna, July 12, 2009 – Partnering with local physicians, working with local clinics, and conducting educational seminars and health fairs were found to be the most effective tools in recruiting people for Alzheimer’s clinical studies, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

Surprisingly, patient registries and Internet recruiting were found to be much less successful recruitment strategies, according to staff at the U.S. Alzheimer’s Disease Centers (ADCs). The National Institute on Aging (NIA) funds 30 ADCs at major medical institutions across the nation.

“Second only to inadequate funding, recruiting participants for clinical studies is the single greatest barrier to developing better treatments for Alzheimer's disease,” according to William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. “These studies give us clear information – from people who are conducting large scale clinical trials now – on how we may recruit participants better and faster in the future.”

In another study looking specifically at recruiting African Americans for Alzheimer’s genetics studies, researchers found that having a relative with the disease, use of minority study personnel, and monetary compensation were the most powerful incentives for participation in research.

The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were:
-- Tamara S. Markgraf, et al - Recruiting for Alzheimer’s disease Research: A systematic review of recruitment techniques and challenges among NIH funded ADRCs.
-- Goldie S. Byrd, et al - Ascertaining Older African Americans for Genetic Studies in Alzheimer’s Disease.
-- Ulrika Akenine, et al - Why AD patients and caregivers participate in randomized clinical trials.

For more information, visit: http://www.alz.org

Know the 10 Signs

2009-05-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

#10 Changes in Mood and Personality

"My boyfriend would tell me I was forgetting conversations we had. I was forgetting certain things yet retaining others, so he accused me of "remembering only what I wanted to remember." He also told me I wasn't the same person. I wasn't acting like my "old self." I often became irritated and aggravated with many things which was unlike my normal personality.

With the help of Early Diagnosis and Intervention with medication and treatment, I found out I wasn't going crazy. I found medications to slow down the AD process and therapy to help me cope with my disease. I am still an active member of society, do volunteer work, help take care of my mom who, also has Alzheimer's disease, and am still able to take care of myself. I am able to live alone and function pretty well. I have been able to put all my affairs in order so that my daughter won't have to face that when I can no longer make those decisions. I am able to participate in clinical trials of new medications which may be disease modifying.

Early Diagnosis and treatment has helped me and my loved ones make the best of the situation."

-Lisa Carbo

Know the 10 Signs

2009-05-21T09:00:00.002-05:00

#5 Trouble with Visual or Spatial Relationships

"I felt my wife was nagging me about my driving; in my view, there was nothing wrong with it. I agreed to a meeting with my doctor to discuss her complaints. He agreed with her; he told me not to drive.

To foil their view and show them how wrong they were, I took a simulated driving test at Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis. I failed it miserably.

After a Neuropsychometric test, I was diagnosed as having Alzheimer’s disease.

The test told them I had substantial visual peripheral perception deficiency. This meant that I would see things but they had no meaning. This explained why I was screwing up driving, why I was falling after tripping over things in plain sight. It explained why I bumped into closed windows and was clumsy as could be.

My tripping and falling shattered a 12- year-old hip replacement that required surgery that had me on my back homebound, unable to walk, for 2 months. The recovery was rough. That was price enough! I am now on my feet ready to live again.

Knowing about the source of my clumsiness has helped me and my family create a safer environment. It has also given me the opportunity to pursue creative, social and fun activities as much as I want, which is very important to me. I just let my wife drive!"

-Mike Donohue