ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT, ONE CLICK A WAY December 2016/January 2017 53 She discovered that two-thirds of those with Alzheimer’s are women. “Based on research, we think that Alzheimer’s may be in the body for up to 20 years before symptoms appear. Is it triggered possibly by menopause? There are theories about how changes in body might cause change in brain.” Because most questions about women’s susceptibility to Alzheimer’s remain unanswered, Hoag is already hard at work planning the February 2017 luncheon, which will focus on how Alzheimer’s affects the female gender. RESEARCH NICHE In general, the money raised by “Part the Cloud” goes toward a narrow yet underfunded area of Alzheimer’s research: early human trials. “A Stanford professor can get all kinds of grants for trials with mice, but that next step is really hard to fund. They call it the ‘valley of death,’ ” Hoag says ruefully. “It’s the first phase of human trials, and it’s tricky to get support for them. It used to be that drug companies would step in and take the initial research to the next phase, but now they are less interested in funding that kind of project because there are no new drugs on the horizon. So a lot of research tends to stall out at that point.” “Part the Cloud” trains its sights on an area bio-researchers refer to “Phase I and Phase II”—targeting very specific projects. To date, she says, the organization has funded 21 human trials and hopes to speed along the kind of research that will put solutions into medicine cabinets and homes sooner rather than later. The money she’s helped to raise funds a niche that is desperately needed, she says. “We cannot have a disease like this where there is not one survivor. We need to make a change. “I’ve been in this community 26 years and this is my one ask—this is my plea, this is my passion.” A passion, it’s fair to say, that brings with it more than just a ray of hope. Inspired by Mikey Hoag’s journey? Learn more about this global epidemic, the search for a cure and opportunities to get engaged and contribute to the cause. PART THE CLOUD alz.org/partthecloud/overview.asp. Learn more about the nonprofit’s activities and upcoming events including the Feb. 1, 2017 luncheon. ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION alz.org. In addition to funding research, the association is a vital resource for advocacy tools and advice on everything from financial and legal planning to daily care options. It also clarifies what life with Alzheimer’s entails. NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING nia.nih.gov/alzheimers. The NIA site offers a wealth of information and resources, including downloadable guides for families and caregivers, links to Alzheimer’s Disease Research centers and support centers, and a searchable database of clinical trials. LIVING WITH ALZHEIMERS alz.org/living_with_alzheim ers_4521.asp. This is a helpful starting place for those who have been diagnosed and their families, covering everything from tips on how to care for a loved one to financial advice and information about Medicare and Medicaid coverage. ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH CENTER alz.org/research/ overview.asp. Professional researchers and those interested in cutting-edge research news as well as ongoing clinical trials will find this site informative. ALZHEIMERS.GOV alzheimers.acl.gov/index.htm. The site, created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers information and resources for those facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. In addition to links to information for veterans and a Spanish language site, the site also provides helpful strategies for coping with common challenges and an easy to navigate list of treatment options. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE EDUCATION & REFERRAL CENTER nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/topics/research. The National Institutes of Health not only offer information about Alzheimer’s, it also lists all federally funded clinical trials by geographical region. ALZHEIMER’S FOUNDATION OF AMERICA alzfdn.org/ AFAServices/tollfreehotline.html. The Alzheimer’s Association of America offers a toll free hotline Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT). By calling the number (866-232- 8484), or contacting the foundation by Skype or chat, you can reach a licensed social worker in English or Spanish, who can provide assistance for individuals, families, or care providers. As they say on their site, no question is too small and no concern is too insignificant. THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT hbo.com/alzheimers/index. html. The Alzheimer’s Project is a four-part documentary series produced by HBO along with a supplementary website with resources about advances in Alzheimer’s research, aimed at bringing greater understanding of the disease to the general public. The films—which capture the personal side of individual struggles with Alzheimer’s, as well as interviews with scientists on the cutting edge of research—all stream free of charge on HBO as well as on YouTube. n DREW ALTIZER (3) SETH ROGEN AND HIS WIFE LAUREN
South Bay Accent - DecJan 2016
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