Two Cramer Bills Addressing Alzheimer’s Disease Signed into Law

BISMARCK, N.D. – Two critical pieces of legislation in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease were signed into law this week. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) cosponsored both pieces of legislation, the National Alzheimer’s Project (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act. These bills are meaningful advancements in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Accountability…

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Alzheimer’s disease may damage the brain in two phases

Alzheimer’s disease may damage the brain in two distinct phases, based on new research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) using sophisticated brain mapping tools. According to researchers who discovered this new view, the first, early phase happens slowly and silently — before people experience memory problems — harming just a few vulnerable…

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Flu and Older Adults

Each year, millions of people suffer from seasonal influenza, which is often called the flu. Flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Flu is a mild illness for some people. But for others, including older adults and those with chronic (long-lasting) health conditions, the flu…

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How much physical activity do I need?

Exercise and physical activity are good for just about everyone including older adults. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity — working hard enough to raise your heart rate and break a sweat — each week. You don’t have to accomplish this all at once, rather, you can break up your activity over the…

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6 Tips to Help Manage Behavior Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and often changes a person’s behavior. This video covers common types of challenging behaviors in Alzheimer’s and provides tips to help caregivers manage these behaviors. For more information, visit https://go.nia.nih.gov/4b9p6EK.

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Planning after a Dementia Diagnosis

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, it may be difficult to think beyond the day to day. However, taking steps now can help prepare for a smoother tomorrow with your geriatric care manager. Over time, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and related dementias will make it…

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A Sudden Wealth Loss May Lead to Cognitive Decline

Experiencing a negative wealth shock, defined as a sudden loss of 75% or more in total wealth, was linked to cognitive decline among older adults in the United States and China, but not in England or Mexico, according to an NIA-funded study. The results, published in Lancet Healthy Longevity, suggest that factors such as government policies…

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Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Fact Sheet

Many people wonder if Alzheimer’s disease runs in their family. Is it in your genes? This question isn’t easy to answer. Researchers have identified several genetic variants that are associated with Alzheimer’s and may increase or decrease a person’s risk of developing the disease. What does that mean? Let’s first learn about the role of…

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Online Conversations show potential cognitive benefit for socially isolated older adults

An NIA-funded study found that regular online conversations show potential for helping prevent cognitive decline in socially isolated older adults. The Internet-Based Conversational Engagement Clinical Trial (I-CONECT) connected socially isolated older adults with trained conversationalists for regular 30-minute video chats. During these chats, team members guided participants through conversations designed to stimulate brain regions associated…

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