SALUD Study

05/27/2023

Photographer Lori Grinker had a difficult relationship with her mother until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Lori became her primary caregiver and took this time to document the objects that triggered meaningful, healing conversations between her and her mom.

In this article, Lori explains the ups and downs of her experience while caring for her mother and shares pictures from her project “All the Little Things.”

Check it out: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/01/08/1146393429/as-she-nursed-her-mom-through-cancer-and-dementia-a-tense-relationship-began-to-

Photographer Lori Grinker struggled to get along with her mother all of her life. When she moved in with her to help with her failing health, old wounds melted away.

05/24/2023

A major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is increasing age. The estimated risk of developing dementia from ages 64 to 74 is 5%. For those aged 75 to 84, the risk is 13%, and for individuals aged over 85, it is 33%.

Aging is an inevitable part of life, and healthy aging is key. Some risk factors for Alzheimer's, such as hypertension and diabetes, can be reduced by leading a healthy and active lifestyle. SALUD researchers are working hard to understand the risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and accelerate the search for treatments. Visit: https://saludstudy.org/

05/22/2023

Taking some time from your daily caregiving activities and other duties to bond with your loved one is a great way to strengthen your relationship. This may also help them manage some of their symptoms.

One activity you can do is look through old photo albums together and ask them about their memories from those times. If your loved one enjoys crafts, you can take it a step further and make a scrapbook together.

Learn more about how the SALUD researchers are working to fight dementia and accelerate the search for treatments by visiting https://saludstudy.org/

05/19/2023

According to the Alzheimer’s Association report “African Americans and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Silent Epidemic”, “African-Americans have a 60% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

Doctors don’t yet understand the complex relationship between type 2 diabetes and brain health; however, we know diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. This may lead to damaged blood cells and cognitive decline, potentially increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s.

SALUD researchers are working to understand more about the causes of Alzheimer’s and dementia and accelerate the search for treatments that apply to everyone. Learn more by visiting: https://saludstudy.org/

05/17/2023

Since Alzheimer’s disease was first discovered in the 1960s, researchers, including our SALUD team, have been working hard to understand more about it, its causes, and possible treatments. This article expands on a growing discipline called neuroaesthetics, which studies how sensory experiences affect brain physiology. More specifically, researchers are trying to define if particular light and sound waves can slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s. Read the full article here:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90867531/how-simple-sound-and-light-are-treating-alzheimers-disease

In this exclusive excerpt from ‘Your Brain on Art,’ we learn how sounds and images are proving to measurably heal the brain.

05/15/2023

Did you know?👀 According to the Alzheimer’s Association, brain injury can increase your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from brain injury:

⚠️ Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride.
⚠️Wear a helmet or appropriate headgear when practicing certain sports.
⚠️Talk to your doctor to review any medicines making you sleepy or dizzy.
⚠️Practice balance exercises.

Protecting your brain from injury is a great way to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and prevent potentially fatal accidents.

05/12/2023

Mother's Day is a cherished day for everyone, and it should be no different for those whose moms have dementia. Here are some tips to celebrate your loved one on this special day:

🌷 Keep it Simple: celebrate at home or in an environment she is comfortable in. Invite a few family members and prepare food that she enjoys.
🌷 Gifts: Adapt any gifts to your loved one’s abilities and interests. Some ideas are CDs, blankets, photo albums, or puzzles.
🌷 Stay Present: Although it may differ from previous years, take time to acknowledge your relationship with her. Enjoy the day with her and keep nurturing the relationship.

05/10/2023

Here’s one thing you can do to exercise your brain🧠 💪🏾 :

Do a jigsaw puzzle!

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published a study that found that assembling jigsaw puzzles requires several cognitive skills like visual perception, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and episodic memory. These abilities involve recognizing objects and patterns, developing and switching between strategies, and making associations between visual and spatial information.

In addition to engaging the mind, this activity can also help individuals cope with daily stressors, making it another great reason to try it out. So grab a puzzle and hone those thinking skills!

SALUD researchers are working hard to speed up the search for treatments. Learn more about our study by visiting: https://saludstudy.org/

05/08/2023

Did you know? Black/African American and Hispanic adults are more likely to develop dementia than non-Hispanic White adults. This article explains more about these discrepancies and outlines what you can do about them. Read more here: https://www.verywellhealth.com/ethnic-disparities-how-your-race-impacts-your-risk-of-dementia-3986388

What are your chances of developing dementia? That depends, in part, on your ethnic background. Learn how race impacts Alzheimer's risk.

05/05/2023

Truth: Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, the disease progresses differently depending on factors like an individual’s lifestyle and medical attention received. People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may live for four, eight, or even 20 years after the diagnosis.

If you or your loved one are experiencing any symptoms, seeking medical attention is crucial for getting the proper care.

SALUD researchers are working to accelerate the search for treatments that apply to everyone. Visit https://saludstudy.org/ to learn more about our efforts.

05/04/2023

Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be physically and emotionally overwhelming at times.

Although sometimes it may seem like you are in this alone, remember that many others are going through similar situations. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 11 million friends and family members are serving as caregivers.

If you need support, here are some resources that may be helpful for you as you continue to care for your loved one:

Alzheimer's Association Help Line
Phone: 1-800-272-3900
https://www.alz.org/local_resources/find_your_local_chapter

05/01/2023

What is one symptom of Alzheimer’s disease?
Losing track of time or current location. 🕜 📍

It is normal to occasionally forget what day it is but to quickly figure it out after a glance at a calendar. Those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may become confused about what day, year, or season it is. They can also get confused about their current location or forget how they got there.

If you or your loved one is experiencing any symptoms, seeking medical attention is crucial for getting proper care.

SALUD researchers are working hard to understand more about Alzheimer's and other dementias and how to detect and treat them. Learn more about our fight at https://saludstudy.org/