New Bay Area Alzheimer’s Study Funded
A local study focusing on Alzheimer’s received major funding support this week. The study is conducted by the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and led by UCSF Professor Deborah Barnes. The Alzheimer’s Association, through support from major research donor Vicky Patel, presented a check for $250,000 to UCSF Professor Deborah Barnes on Monday.
The donation will be used for research on improving patients’ brain function and quality of life through a unique integrative exercise program. Researchers designed the program for people who are living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers to do together, focusing on three key elements. The first element aims to build muscle memory for basic daily movements. The second part is about helping patients be more mindful or present in the moment. The third piece reels in music and the social component of getting people to interact with each other and move together.
Barnes says the study has already shown positive preliminary results with Bay Area patients, and the generous donation would help her continue her efforts: “The funding that the Alzheimer’s Association has put forward in combination with what’s happening at the federal level are going to make a huge difference.”
Helpful information related to this post:
- Alz.org research center
- Caregiver center on alz.org
- Additional caregiver blogs (tips, stories, and more)
Its the ability to express the memories that deminishes.