World-Class Scientists Available to Discuss Unprecedented Year of Advances in Alzheimer’s Research
11.02.06
TAMPA – A vaccine that may protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
Detecting early Alzheimer’s with an optical exam.
Beverages, such as coffee, red wine, and fruit juice, that reduce the risk for the disease.
The frightening link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
2006 has been one of the most incredible years for groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research – so much so that many leading scientists agree a cure is near.
Now the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute is making its world-class experts available to discuss the state of Alzheimer’s research around the globe and answer the question, “Is a cure far off?”
“We are more hopeful today than ever that discoveries made here at the Byrd Institute may bring a cure in the next decade to halt the tragic suffering of so many people with Alzheimer’s – and their loved ones,” said Institute CEO Huntington Potter, Ph.D.
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Explore the science behind the research findings, the public health implications of Alzheimer’s incidence and its eradication and the reasons researchers may be on the brink of unlocking the secrets to this disease.
In 2006, research studies showed a vaccine reverses memory loss in mice and explored the relationship between Alzheimer’s and both Down syndrome and diabetes. Studies found coffee, red wine, and fruit juices reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s, high mental activity prevents the disease, and being fit may delay the onset. Other researchers found antipsychotics are not beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s, an optical test can detect early Alzheimer’s and accelerated weight loss in seniors is an early indicator of dementia.
Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute scientists available to put these and other findings in perspective include:
Huntington Potter, Ph.D. – Expertise: Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome; nerve regeneration; mental exercises and prevention; economic and emotional impacts
Ranjan Duara, M.D. – Expertise: Early detection and diagnosis; genetic and non-genetic risk factors; cognitive treatments for early Alzheimer’s disease; diagnosis and treatment of memory disorders
Gary Arendash, Ph.D. – Expertise: Cognitive stimulation as prevention; vaccines; mouse-models of Alzheimer’s disease
Please contact Jennifer Whelihan at 813-866-1610 ext. 4115 or 813-476-9505 to arrange an interview.
Alzheimer’s disease affects 4.5 million Americans, and one out of every 10 Americans with the disease resides in Florida.
That statistic has not escaped Florida’s premier Alzheimer’s research institute. To commemorate November’s designation as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute and other groups have several innovative, interactive programs planned.
“Until we have the cure for Alzheimer’s, we will continue the public education efforts that are an integral part of the institute’s mission,” Potter said. “Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is a wonderful opportunity to increase our year-round community awareness efforts.”
During November, the public can obtain free memory screenings, and caregivers can attend informative seminars and receive a bit of well-deserved respite.
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month programs include:
“Brew for Your Brain’s Sake” Coffee and Tea Party Seminar – The Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute recently received local and national attention in September and October for its research study showing caffeine intake reduces the risk for Alzheimer’s. In celebration of these groundbreaking findings, the Institute is treating caregivers and Alzheimer’s loved ones to memory-friendly beverages, an educational seminar, and a motivational speaker. The event will take place 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11 at Arden Courts Alzheimer’s Assisted Living, 14950 Casey Road, Tampa.
National Memory Screening Day – Women know they must get mammograms and pap smears to detect cancer. Men know they must have their prostates checked. Not many bother to screen their minds for memory difficulties that may be the early signs of Alzheimer’s. In observance of National Memory Screening Day, free memory screenings are available Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ptak Orthopaedic & Neuroscience Pavilion, Conference Room #114, 430 Morton Plant St., Clearwater.
Caring for the Caregiver Seminar – Caregiving, although done with great love and compassion, can be emotionally, physically and financially draining work. That’s why caregivers must remember to care for themselves too. This event helps them do so. Join the seminar Monday, Nov. 13 at 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Ptak Orthopaedic & Neuroscience Pavilion, Conference Room #114, 430 Morton Plant St., Clearwater.
Caregiver Appreciation Night – Caregivers seldom receive credit and thanks for the daily, around-the-clock care they provide for loved ones. This event provides dinner, musical entertainment, a guest speaker and door prizes. It will take place Friday, Nov. 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Brandon Recreation Center, 502 Sadie St.
Forget Me Not Festival & Walk for Caregivers – This family event honors current, former and professional caregivers. It features a community festival and walk Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southwood neighborhood, Tallahassee.
Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, results in the loss of brain cells and their connections. Ten percent of people 65 or older and half of those 85 or older are victims of the disease. Risk factors include age, family history, and previous head trauma. The following are strategies for keeping a healthy memory:
- Eat a low-fat diet rich in antioxidants
- Keep weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check
- Maintain an active mind by reading, learning, and solving puzzles
- Stay socially active
The mission of the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute is to prevent and cure Alzheimer’s disease. Created in 2002 by the Florida Legislature, the Institute is dedicated to supporting and coordinating the tremendous research, expertise and creative vision of scientific professionals all over Florida.
The National Institutes of Health designated the Byrd Institute and the University of South Florida as the only Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in Florida, generating more than $7 million in research money. There are only 32 of these centers in the country, and Florida is one of only 21 states with centers that have earned the designation.
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