Alzheimer's Disease

In 2025, the Alzheimer’s Association says some 226,000 Missourians provided unpaid care to loved ones with dementia. But many caregivers live in rural areas where resources are scarce and could be in danger of further cuts in the state budget.

Doretta Kidd lost her husband, Johnny, to Alzheimer’s last November. She and her stepdaughter, Ashley Avery — who assisted with his care — spoke about what they learned from their years of caregiving and what they’re doing now to try and continue to make a difference.

Terri Lipe lives in Bolivar and has been caregiving for her mother for 11 years. To make ends meet, she began a take-and-bake casserole business out of her home.

Hannah Richardson lives in St. Louis and is 25, or in her words, “currently 14 years away from my age of onset “ for Alzheimer’s disease. Her family has a rare genetic form of the condition that impacts people in their late 30s and early 40s.

The full-time position would be created through a House bill introduced Thursday. However, with a state budget crisis, it's unclear if there’s money for such a job.

Researchers said limiting carbohydrates helps the body produce ketones — an alternative energy source that can fuel the brain when glucose use is impaired.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 120,000 Missourians are living with the disease. But a newly approved blood test could lead to earlier and cheaper diagnosis of the disease.

MPASS is being tested at MU Health Care facilities and in the next few months, the researchers hope to implement the device in other retirement and senior centers in mid-Missouri.

The study shows for the first time that even short periods of severe inactivity allow the buildup of proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

What better way to combat the feeling of isolation - something that hits all too close to home for those caring for persons with dementia - than by tapping into your five senses (touch, taste, sight, smell and hearing). Advocate/volunteer LOIS LONG tells us how to do just that, and also shares an original, related poem she calls 'Blown Glass'. September 1, 2023