This article was provided by MINES affiliate Dementia Coach and Trainer JJ Jordan

September is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and it occurred to me that, unfortunately, there is still stigma surrounding this topic. To demystify the subject and inject hope and optimism into the conversation, this space is dedicated to the latest facts, research, and treatment.

Some of you may know me, as I have been providing individual client dementia coaching and group client dementia Lunch and Learns for the past eleven years for Mines and Associates. Helping our clients learn about dementia caregiving and the latest breakthroughs on the topic of Alzheimer’s and dementia is my passion. In my case, three of our four parents in my immediate family were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They lived for 16, 14, and 11 years with the disease. I don’t intend to rest until we get this thing called dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, off the planet.

The client Lunch and Learn I deliver, titled Alzheimer’s/Dementia 101 – Facts, Research, Treatment, Care, and Risk Reduction, is a great way to ensure that workplace groups understand the topic, including warning signs, risk factors, and risk reducers.

So…as we observe National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this September, there is much to share regarding dementia research, treatment, and care. There is optimism that a breakthrough is on the horizon!  New approaches and treatments are coming to light every day. There is hope!

First, a quick definition. The number 1 question I am asked during my classes and lectures is, “What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?”  Great question. The word dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and/or other cognitive function. A simple way to answer this question is to say that most everyone with full-blown Alzheimer’s disease has dementia, but not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s disease. It is one type or cause of dementia. In fact, Alzheimer’s is by far the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 70% of all cases. Other common types of dementia are Vascular Dementia (block vessel blockages to the brain via strokes), Dementia with Lewy Body (in the Parkinson’s family), Parkinson related dementia (80% of Parkinson’s patients will develop dementia if they live long enough with the disease), and Fronto Temporal Dementia. This one is especially difficult for families, as it can include aggressive, apathetic, and obsessive/compulsive behaviors.

By the way, Alzheimer’s is a brain disease, it is not considered a mental illness. Not that there should be any stigma around that topic either, but this is a disease just as cancer, cardiovascular and diabetes are diseases.

Alzheimer’s Disease History:

Alzheimer’s was discovered in 1906 by a German doctor, Dr. Alois Alzheimer. He was presented with a 51-year-old woman we respectfully refer to as Frau August D. Her husband brought her to Dr. Alzheimer’s clinic complaining of irrational behavior. Back then, it was off to Belleview for you, but Dr. A wasn’t buying that common course of action and took her into his care at the clinic. At her passing three years later, he performed the first autopsy discovering the disease we still know as Alzheimer’s today. Currently, there are 55 million Alzheimer’s patients worldwide. This number, while startling, is underreported as many third-world countries do not provide data.

Why are we still dealing with this so many years later? It speaks to the complexity of our brains and the complexity of the disease itself. It was only around 1990 when the scientific community realized that younger onset Alzheimer’s (anyone diagnosed under the age of 65), and regular onset (over 65), was basically all the same thing. Research accelerated and while progress may seem slow, many breakthroughs have occurred, particularly in the past decade. No longer is an autopsy required to diagnose the disease. PET scans, lumbar punctures, and now blood tests are 92% accurate in diagnosing the disease. An emerging branch of ophthalmology is looking at blood vessels behind the eyeball for possible detection someday. How cool will it be to someday get our annual Alzheimer’s test when we go for our yearly eye exam?

The Future is Bright!

We are getting so close to figuring this out that I am detecting some intellectual banter among neurologists and neuroscientists. When should we drop the term “risk reduction” and go all the way to the word “prevention”? At what point should predictive screening begin in our lives, and when can we expect preventative drug therapies to perhaps avoid dementia altogether as we age? Exciting debate topics to say the least.

I like the term solution better than cure, as I believe the answer will lie in a combination of drug therapies and lifestyle factors. Discoveries and breakthroughs in this field are occurring frequently. Take a look at some highlights:

Dementia Breakthroughs – Hope and Optimism!

News! – We now live in the era of treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease! Lecanemab and Donanemab have both gained FDA approval, and Medicare/Medicaid will pay for the drugs and accompanying PET scans and MRIs for qualification and monitoring.

These drugs are currently for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease only and must be administered in a clinical setting.

This past year, the FDA approved the use of two existing drugs, Rexulti and Somstra, the first for dementia related agitation, and the second for dementia related insomnia. Ask your doctor if these treatments or symptom-relieving medications might be appropriate for your loved ones. In addition, keep an eye out for future developments in the world of research. A drug called trontinemab is in clinical trial and appears to result in significantly fewer side effects.

News! – Diagnostics have come a long way. There are now various ways to diagnose dementia, including a new blood test recently approved by the FDA that is 92% accurate. The test is from a Japanese company named Fujirebio and is called Lumipulse. It requires a doctor’s order and is currently only for those a doctor has identified as showing signs of cognitive decline. This is a huge breakthrough, as having a test that is easily administered by Primary Care Physicians is the key to getting more people diagnosed in time to utilize treatments and lifestyle adjustments that may slow progression.

News! – We now know that 45% of our risk for dementia is due to modifiable factors! This is great news. We can all make lifestyle adjustments to reduce our risk. Please take a look at this list of things we can all do at any age to reduce our risk for dementia.

Top Ten Dementia Risk Reducers

  • Exercise – Regular cardiovascular activity – check with doctor first
  • Diet – Mediterranean type diet – avoid sugary, salty, fatty, and fried foods
  • Sleep – Turn off electronics, check with a doctor before taking sleep aids
  • Hearing and Sight – Wear hearing aids when needed, treat age-related eye issues
  • Heart Health – Control cholesterol/blood pressure – good for heart, good for brain
  • Mental Health – Discuss depression with a doctor – manage stress
  • Brain Injury – Wear seat belts and sports helmets
  • Smoking and Alcohol – Don’t smoke – limit or cease alcohol use
  • Continual Learning – Take classes, learn a language, or musical instrument
  • Socialize – Stay connected with family, friends, and groups – volunteer!

As I wrap up, a quick word about how Mines and Associates can help you navigate through a family’s dementia journey. I give huge credit and appreciation to the Employee Assistance Plan providers I used and to the Human Resource professionals who helped me with their compassion, sensitivity, and flexibility as I managed the many options and decisions necessary along the way. Each of you has Mines and Associates standing beside you to help. Use us by requesting individual dementia coaching that I provide, or by suggesting a Lunch and Learn for your organization on this important topic.

Teaser: Watch for another of my blogs in November, which is National Family Caregiver Month.  Many tips to come for dementia family care partners!

In brain health,

JJ Jordan, Mines and Associates Dementia Coach