African American Alzheimer s Disease Research Study

Transcription

1 African American Alzheimer s Disease Research Study Department of Biology Newsletter Issue 1 Spring 2011 In This Issue Keeping Memories Alive Meet the AAAD Research Team Many Thanks to You Do you know? Alzheimer s facts and information AAAD in the community Remember the 10 warning Signs Triad Area Resources Easy Fit Tips Mrs. Sandra Hughes Keeping Memories Alive Alzheimer s Project & Gala The African American Alzheimer s Disease (AAAD) research study continues making progress by recruiting African Americans to participate in a genetic research study. This year the AAAD staff has exhibited at Women s Empowerment where over 18,000 people were in attendance. We collaborated with the Alzheimer s Association Western Carolina Chapter on the 2010 Memory Walk in Greensboro, presented at the Sebastian Health Museum, and played an integral role in several other Triad events. In addition, we have welcomed new staff members, Dr. Rosalyn Lang- Walker, Mr. Devon Lofter and Dr. Michelle Matthews to help us meet the objectives of the study. Recently, the AAAD research team developed a new initiative the Keeping Memories Alive Project (KMAP) to raise awareness about Alzheimer s disease (AD). The new project was successfully launched during a kickoff gala at North Carolina A & T s Alumni Event Center on November 19 th. There were over 280 guests in attendance. North Carolina A & T was proud to sponsor the event along with AARP of North Carolina, the Alzheimer s Association and Pfizer, Inc. The gala also had the support of several local community sponsors that included faith based organizations to elected officials. Mrs. Sandra Hughes, local anchor with WFMY, in Greensboro, was the mistress of ceremonies. Evening entertainment included songstress Barbara Weathers and NC A&T s jazz ensemble and E. Gwynn dancers; however, the main goal of the gala was to increase awareness of Alzheimer s disease which has devastating effects on those suffering with the disease, their caregivers and their families. Dr. Goldie Byrd, along with collaborators at the University of Miami, Vanderbilt, Duke University and Columbia, are conducting the African Americans Alzheimer s disease research study at North Carolina A & T State University. The next stops for the KMA project include Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Philadelphia, Norfolk and Nashville.

2 Meet the AAAD Research Team Alzheimer s Research Team AAAD Research Team: From Left to Right: Denise Dawkins, Takiyah Starks, Dr. Goldie Byrd, Anne Beamon, Dana Taylor, Dr. Rosalyn Lang, Dr. Sharon Cook, Sharon Wellman, Sherrie Mills and Dr. Ruth Phillips Thank You Thank you for taking the time to read our Alzheimer's Disease newsletter. Researchers in the Department of Biology at NC A&T State University are dedicated to protecting memories for generations to come. You, too, can help. We hope that you will serve as a participant in our genetic study. Please contact our researchers or staff at NC A&T to become and advocate or ambassador for Alzheimer s disease. According to the Alzheimer s Association, African Americans are twice as likely to have Alzheimer's disease than whites. Please share this newsletter with your family and friends. You can also receive more information from our website at It is important that we work together to increase awareness about this disease that affects so many. Thank you, in advance, for your time and your help! Goldie S. Byrd, Ph.D. Principal Investigator NC A&T State University

3 Do You Know: Alzheimer s Awareness Do you know Facts and Figures about Alzheimer s? According to the National Alzheimer s Association, AD is the most common cause of dementia among older people, but it is not a normal part of aging. Dementia refers to a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life and activities. Despite what our youth-oriented culture tells us, mental decline after 50 is not a given. In some ways, the healthy brain gets stronger with age. Studies show that accumulated knowledge and expert skills (a.k.a. wisdom) increase as you get older. Also, emotional savvy, such as not dwelling on negative thoughts, also appear to grow with age. As we age, we become more prone to distractions due to some of the brain changes that slow thinking speed. A split-second loss of focus can prevent a memory from being properly stored. So, when you put down that book or pair of glasses, focus on where you put them. They will be much easier to find. Scientists suspect that certain lifestyle habits increase the growth of brain cells. The more physical and mental exercise you get, the more brain cells you grow, the longer they survive, and the better they communicate with other nerve cells. Exercise such as brisk walking increases blood flow to the brain. Studies show that smoking cigarettes is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer s disease (AD). Based on studies conducted without tobacco industry affiliation, smoking nearly doubles the risk of AD. AAAD in the Community On May 19th, 2010, the AAAD research team at NC A&T played a major role in making the Alzheimer s Memory Walk in Greensboro a great success. Left: overhead shot of the memory walk events at City Center Park in Greensboro, North Carolina. With the help of partners like N C A&T State University, the 2010 Memory Walk was the most successful walk in the history of Alzheimer s Memory Walks in Greensboro. According to the Alzheimer s Association over 1,000+ walkers participated and over $100,000 in donations were given for the Greensboro Memory Walk 2010.

4 AAAD in the Community Left: Guests enjoying the 2010 Alzheimer s Awareness Gala that was held at the Alumni-Foundation Event Center on November 19th, Sponsors included Alzheimer s Association, Pfizer, Inc. and several community organizations. Right: Student Volunteers preparing gift bags for each of the guests at the Alzheimer s Awareness Gala. The bags were distributed to each guest and included trinkets along with educational materials and resources. Left: The AAAD research team and students preparing for the 2010 Alzheimer s memory walk at Central Park in downtown Greensboro, NC. The research team and students were joined by family, students and friends. Alzheimer s. It runs in OUR families. NC A&T State University Department of Biology 1601 E. Market Street, Greensboro, NC Toll Free

5 The AAAD research team is on the MOVE and has been involved with several wonderful events in the Triad area. In September 2010, the AAAD research team sponsored a Caregivers Workshop entitled Caregiving & You: A Caregiver s Workshop at NC A&T in Greensboro, NC. More than 120 people attended from the surrounding areas. Over 65% of those surveyed had never attended an AD conference. Among the topics discussed were the connection between Alzheimer s and vascular disease, as well as non-alzheimer s type dementia. Each participant left with resources, tools and information for being a more balanced and efficient caregiver. Ms. Takiyah Starks and Dr. Goldie Byrd discuss the AAAD research study at the 2010 Caregivers Conference. Participants at the NC A&T caregivers conference are actively engaged in a discussion on effective care giving for persons with AD. Remember the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer s 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer s disease According to the Alzheimer s Association, there are 10 warning signs for Alzheimer s disease. Getting treatment advice from your physician and knowing these 10 signs are critical for getting the help that you and your loved ones may need. Early detection gives you the opportunity to seek help, plan for the future and get involved in clinical research studies. You and your family can visit to learn more about Alzheimer s disease. Memory changes that disrupt daily life Challenges in planning or solving problems Difficulty completing familiar tasks Confusion with time or place Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships New problems with words in speaking or writing Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps Decreased or poor judgment Withdrawal from work or social activities Changes in mood and personality

6 Triad Area Resources. Piedmont Senior Care 1309 N. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC Phone: (336) Guilford Neurologic Associates 1126 N. Church Street, Suite 200, Greensboro, NC Phone: (336) The Bland Clinic 1317 N. Elm Street, Suite 7, Greensboro, NC Phone: (336) Association - Western Carolina Chapter 24/7 help line Eastern North Carolina Alzheimer s Association Contact : Lisa Roberts, Executive Director Phone: (919) Website: North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services Phone: (919) Website: Piedmont Health Senior Care Resources Phone: Toll free: Website: Physicians Home Visits Phone: (336) Website:

7 Easy Fit Tips According to the National Institute on Aging, emerging evidence suggests that physical activity and good nutrition might be good for our brains as well as our hearts and waistlines. Some studies in older people have shown that higher levels of physical activity or exercise are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer s disease. Below are 3 super easy steps to help you stay healthy throughout the year. Get a partner and walk** Your partner can be any one from the family pet to a dear neighbor, friend or family member. Schedule a time with your partner and stick to it. Walking is a simple way to help keep your mind and body fit. ** You should consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.** Eat more fruits and vegetables The USDA recommends eating 3-5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to put water in your body. Along with a healthy diet, it is one of the first steps to dropping pounds, lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol. Give your brain a workout - According the Alzheimer s Association, keeping your brain active by reading, writing or solving word puzzles, for example, may support brain health and reduce the chances of mental decline. Information to Share Upcoming Events: Walk to end Alzheimer s Greensboro, NC 6/11/2011 Gastonia, NC 9/17/2011 Burlington, NC 9/24/2011 Charlotte, NC 11/12/2011 We need your participation If you are interested in participating in the African American and Alzheimer s Disease research study please call Please share this information with everyone you know. Visit our new website! Please be sure to visit our new website at or for more information on Alzheimer s disease.

8 North Carolina A & T State University Department of Biology African American Alzheimer s Disease Research Study Hines Hall Room 122 Greensboro, NC 27411