While most people in a recent survey said they would encourage a loved one to seek early diagnosis if they suspected Alzheimer’s disease, when faced with the reality, only a small number sought out early diagnosis.
I recently came across this news. Automaker Nissan has created a suit that simulates the affects of aging. This suit, worn by auto designers, mimics a bulging stomach, slow reflexes, physical weakness, and even vision problems. The designers’ goal is to make vehicles that are very friendly and drivable for an ever growing aging population thanks to the baby boom generation.
Silver Alerts for Missing Seniors
One frightening reality Alzheimer's caregivers face is the potential for a loved one to wander and not be able to find their way home. A new idea has emerged--an Amber Alert system for the elderly, appropriately called Silver Alert.
Voters for the American Express Members Project recently chose the Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Detection Matters campaign as the project they would most like to see funded. Close to 90,000 card members cast a vote—choosing from more than 1,000 potential projects. In the end, the winner was a campaign that will educate people about the importance of early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s—receiving $1.5 million in funding.
Chronic Disease and Depression
Two studies have been published recently that talk about depression—but not as a stand-alone diagnosis. They discuss both heart disease and diabetes and the high comorbidity of depression.
Misconceptions about aortic stenosis can be deadly. About 4% of older Americans have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, and in a recent Alliance survey, relatively few general practice physicians reported feeling confident when diagnosing and recommending treatment for the disease. Most general practitioners and geriatricians choose to refer their patients to a cardiologist instead of diagnosing or treating patients themselves.
Standing up to Cancer
A couple weeks ago, NBC, ABC, and CBS aired a special entitled Stand Up To Cancer. Stand Up To Cancer is a charitable services fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, and its purpose is to raise funds for what the campaign founders call “dream teams” of interdisciplinary and multi-institutional researchers. The founders believe that the scientific knowledge to beat cancer is there, but funding is preventing advancement from occurring.
Test Your Techno Tolerance
How do you feel about genetic engineering? What’s your position on stem cell research? Is it ok for us to invest technology that could make us immortal? What kind of restrictions should be placed on our use of technology? Are you a neo-luddite? Transhumanist?
