Let’s Talk Brain Health
A Community Newsletter of the Mayo Clinic Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC)
From the Director
Welcome to the first issue of Let's Talk Brain Health, a community newsletter of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) that seeks to promote healthy brain aging and share information we have learned about memory loss, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related disorders (ADRD). We hope to empower community members to recognize and address warning signs of memory loss, support caregivers of loved ones with AD/ADRD, and inspire hope for the
future through equitable and inclusive research discovery.
AD is the most common cause of memory loss in older people, gradually robbing them of memory, judgment, and ability to care for themselves. Although mostly seen in people over 65, AD can also strike people in their 40s-50s. The disease affects Black Americans at twice the rate of other groups, and takes a toll on the patient, their family, and the community.
Although there is no cure for AD, this is an exciting time in the search for new therapies. We can now identify brain-signs of AD up to 20 years before memory problems begin, offering a window of opportunity to delay or possibly prevent memory loss. Jacksonville community volunteers are working with ADRC investigators to get the word out and help people improve brain health.
Community members are also partnering with us to participate in studies to detect, track, and treat AD. We understand there are many reasons why Black Americans may be reluctant to participate in research, and we are grateful to those who have placed their trust in us. We invite everyone to become informed about research methods and goals, and to learn how new discoveries might benefit you, your family, the community, and future generations
In this issue of our newsletter, we are pleased to share information about our Center, current projects, some of the people spreading the word about brain health, tips on healthy brain aging, and a calendar of upcoming activities. In future issues, we will also share discoveries made possible by community volunteers.
We hope you enjoy the newsletter, and we look forward to seeing you out at one of our community brain health events!
Sincerely,
Neill R. Graff-Radford, M.D
Director, Mayo Clinic ADRC
What is the ADRC?
The Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) at Mayo Clinic Florida seeks to provide education, resources, and research opportunities for community members who wish to maintain brain health or help discover effective treatments to delay or prevent memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related disorders (ADRD).
WHAT DOES THE ADRC DO?
In collaboration with community partners, we offer educational programs, memory screenings, wellness events, and brain health activities to share the latest information about healthy aging, memory loss, and AD/ADRD with community residents.
We also help people with memory loss and their families find the right diagnosis, obtain a better understanding of what is happening, and identify local support services and resources that may help ease the journey.
As one of 33 centers nationwide funded by the National Institute on Aging, the Mayo Clinic ADRC also offers opportunities for community members to participate in research exploring new and better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent memory loss due to AD and ADRD.
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
The Mayo Clinic ADRC engages in several "Core" activities, where memory experts from different specialties work together to achieve common goals. Clinical Core staff include Neurologists and Memory specialists who gather information about symptoms, medical history, and social factors that impact brain health. Memory testing is completed and a blood sample will be taken to rule out medical conditions that may cause memory loss. Imaging studies, such as MRI scans, may be ordered to look for changes in brain structure and function. All evaluations are free of charge to those who participate in ADRC research.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY INFORMATION?
Your study evaluations provide information that investigators can use to measure and track medical signs that reflect or predict memory and brain health status. For example, blood samples may be examined for biological or genetic markers of disease by experts in the Biomarker and Genomics Cores. Similarly, brain scans may be reviewed by experts in the Neuroimaging Core for signs of brain health and disease.
When someone joins a study, they choose what information they are willing to share and how they wish it to be used. Participants are free to change their mind at any time.
All information collected by ADRC investigators is stored by the Data Management and Biostatistics Core in a secure system that protects the identity and safeguards the confidentiality of participants. Information important to your healthcare can be provided to share with your family doctor.
HOW DOES THE ADRC HELP THE COMMUNITY?
New discoveries about brain health, memory loss, AD, and ADRD are shared with the community through activities of the Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement (ORE) Core. Together with community partners, ORE Core collaborates on brain health and wellness programs, raising awareness about memory loss and support resources. ORE Core also plays an important role in mentoring young scientists who train in the ADRC Research Education Component, ensuring that the next generation of investigators learn how to address health disparities through equitable and inclusive community-based research partnership.
Meet the ADRC Outreach Team
The outreach team of the Mayo Clinic ADRC seeks to inform communities about pathways to brain health, raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related disorders (ADRD), support people with memory loss, and answer questions about studies that aim to better understand and prevent AD and ADRD.
ADRC ORE Core Team. from Left:
Evanie Gulledge; John Lucas, PhD (ORE Core Leader); Bernice (Kim) Bryant; Victor Cora; Francine Parfitt; Missing from photo: Maisha Robinson, MD; Paula Aduen, PhD
To meet these goals, we partner with community organizations, churches, senior centers, and others throughout the year to offer educational programs, skill building workshops, caregiver support resources, and special events.
We rely on our Community Advisory Board (known as Ambassadors) and the dedicated volunteers of the New Town Success Zone Dementia Friendly Community Sustainability Committee to help inform, develop, and deliver community education, awareness, and support programs, spreading the word about aging, memory loss, AD, and ADRD.
ADRC Ambassadors and Sustainability partners have personal stories that motivate them to get involved in the fight against AD and ADRD. Many are/were caregivers themselves. All would like community members to know how to maintain brain health and how to find resources to evaluate and manage symptoms of memory loss. They seek to support current caregivers in their journey, and to do the work needed to eliminate health disparities for this and future generations.
New Town Dementia Friendly Community Sustainability Members visit the Mayo Clinic ADRC, from Left: Tina Logan, Verona Mitchell, Mayo Clinic staff, Mia Hobdy, Marcia Williams, Chiquita Rivers. Missing from photo: Rosalind Rawls, Shirley Brown.
We are thankful for the service and dedication of our volunteers, and we invite you to reach out to them (or us) if you have questions about memory loss or caring for a loved one with AD or ADRD. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you!
The outreach team of the Mayo Clinic ADRC seeks to inform communities about pathways to brain health, raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related disorders (ADRD), support people with memory loss, and answer questions about studies that aim to better understand and prevent AD and ADRD.
To meet these goals, we partner with community organizations, churches, senior centers, and others throughout the year to offer educational programs, skill building workshops, caregiver support resources, and special events.
We rely on our Community Advisory Board (known as Ambassadors) and the dedicated volunteers of the New Town Success Zone Dementia Friendly Community Sustainability Committee to help inform, develop, and deliver community education, awareness, and support programs, spreading the word about aging, memory loss, AD, and ADRD.
ADRC Ambassadors and Sustainability partners have personal stories that motivate them to get involved in the fight against AD and ADRD. Many are/were caregivers themselves. All would like community members to know how to maintain brain health and how to find resources to evaluate and manage symptoms of memory loss. They seek to support current caregivers in their journey, and to do the work needed to eliminate health disparities for this and future generations.
Meet Victor Cora
Victor Cora is the Program Coordinator for Outreach, Recruitment and Engagement (ORE) in the Mayo Clinic Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). A native of New York City with family roots in Puerto Rico, Mr. Cora moved to Jacksonville nearly four decades ago. He earned a master’s degree in education from Jacksonville University and followed his passion for organizational leadership, community outreach, business development, and event management/ production. He has been recognized by the Florida Times-Union as an up-and-coming community leader and by Jacksonville Magazine as a leader in the local arts community. Below, we asked Mr.
Cora to share a little of his story.
Would You Tell us a Little About Yourself? Sure! I served in the US Navy for more than two decades and then owned and operated a local radio station here in Jacksonville. I combined the Internet and other media sources to inform and serve the local Hispanic community. I developed and produced community events, including a cultural beach celebration named Fiesta Playera, which was ranked among the city's top cultural events 8 years in a row. I worked for the 2020 Census to make sure all communities were represented fairly. I've also served on the Board of Directors for the African American Chamber of Commerce and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
Why Did You Join the ADRC Outreach Team? Getting involved in ADRC outreach gives me an opportunity to combine my passion for community service with the ability to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of memory loss where it’s needed the most. Giving back to the community is important to me because education and opportunity are empowering.
What About Outside of Work?
I enjoy traveling with my wife, JoAnn, and taking in the occasional live dinner show. I try to walk 2-4 miles every day and I’m passionate about golf.
Unfortunately, golf isn’t too crazy about me! During football season I spend my Sundays providing color commentary for the Spanish Language Broadcast of NFL Jacksonville Jaguars.
One Last Tidbit…
Mr. Cora was the recipient of the 2018 NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award for the Jacksonville Jaguars franchise. The award was bestowed for his outstanding contributions in the areas of civil and human rights, diversity, equal opportunity resources, and public services, most notably for leading local efforts to support victims of Hurricane Maria. We are proud he is part of the ADRC outreach team!
Meet Sherri Walker
Ms. Sherri Walker is a strong advocate for people with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and their care partners. She became involved over 20 years ago when her grandmother was diagnosed with AD. Although Ms. Walker’s mother was the primary caregiver, Sherri was always there to support her grandmother’s needs and to help ease her mother’s caregiving journey.
Years later, when she first noticed her uncle developing memory problems, Ms. Walker stepped in to help him get a memory evaluation at Mayo Clinic. Her uncle agreed because he wanted to take the necessary steps to slow down memory loss and remain independent as long as possible. He even joined a research study for people with mild memory loss.
Heeding advice from Mayo experts, Ms. Walker helped her uncle develop a structured, daily routine, made sure he ate a brain-healthy diet, and encouraged him to engage in appropriate exercise. Happily, he has been able to fulfill his wish of living independently in his home.
Ms. Walker wants to help others as well. She serves as a Community Advocate and Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association and for the Mayo Clinic ADRC. She is a member of the Woodlawn Presbyterian Caregivers Support group, which is facilitated by her mother. She learned from experience the importance of being evaluated for memory loss early and participating in brain health programs.
She hopes to help more people learn about AD, seek early evaluation when there are signs, and become involved in clinical research. “Our experience was great. The research program was exceptional. The information they provided was very beneficial and helped me to better understand memory loss and Alzheimer’s. I am so happy we participated. The staff and doctors were amazing, and my uncle is doing great!”
Healthy Brain Aging
7 Tips to Keep Your Brain Healthy
It is normal for the body and brain to change as you age. Unfortunately, most age-related changes are in the negative direction - feeling less strong, steady, or quick as we used to be. When it comes to thinking abilities, we tend to feel less efficient and more forgetful as we age.
Luckily, research studies have shown that there are things you can do to slow memory changes and lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Below are seven things anyone can do to maximize their brain health as they age:
Exercise. Studies show that physically active people are less likely to lose mental functions as they age and have lower risk of developing AD compared to those who do not exercise. Benefits result from increased blood flow to your brain during exercise. If you are not already exercising, work with your doctor to find the right exercise plan for you. You can walk, swim, or do moderate aerobic activity that increases your heart rate. Studies also show that stretching exercises (e.g., yoga) can have the same positive impact on brain health as aerobic exercise, so there are many options for you and your doctor to choose from.
Eat a brain healthy diet. Your diet plays a role in your brain health. Studies show that people who follow a Mediterranean diet (which emphasizes plant-based foods, whole grains, fish and healthy fats, such as olive oil) are less likely to have AD than people who don’t follow the diet. Omega fatty acids, such as those found in extra- virgin olive oil and fish, are known to be vital for your brain and body cells to function well. They appear to decrease risk of heart disease, increase mental focus, and slow cognitive decline in older adults.
Happy heart, happy brain. The health of your arteries and veins is important for heart health but also critical for brain health, so “know your numbers”! Get your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checked regularly and work with your doctor to keep your "numbers" in a normal range. In addition to exercising and following a Mediterranean diet, other ways to maintain heart/brain health are to decrease salt consumption, cut out tobacco (if you currently use it), and consume alcohol only in moderation or as otherwise advised by your doctor.
Rest up! Sleep is important to brain health and may play a role in clearing toxic proteins from the brain. Seven to eight consecutive hours of sleep per night is a good goal. When we sleep long hours without waking, the brain strengthens and stores memories from the day more effectively than if you wake several times during the night. If you have trouble staying asleep, consult your doctor. Sleep disorders such as apnea (breath-holding/gasping) can harm brain health, so alert your health care team if you suspect you or a loved one have this problem.
Stay mentally active. There are many things you can do to keep your brain in shape, such as crossword puzzles, Sudoku, reading, playing cards or putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Your brain cells process and retain information by building connections with other brain cells. Engaging in mentally stimulating tasks creates and strengthens these connections. Paid “brain-training” programs are available online but your brain can often get just as good of a workout through reading or mentally challenging yourself with a variety of freely available puzzles and games.
Remain socially engaged. Connecting with other people through social activities and community programs can keep your brain active and help you feel less isolated and more engaged with the world around you. Participating in social activities may lower the risk of some health problems and improve well-being. Look for opportunities to connect with loved ones, friends and others, especially if you live alone. Volunteer at local organizations or church, or join a club that focuses on hobbies or activities you enjoy to stay active. You can also visit a neighborhood Senior Center to learn more about opportunities in your local area.
Reduce stress. Stress is a natural part of life. At times it can help motivate us to take action, but chronic stress can change the brain, affect memory, and raise the risk of AD. To manage stress and bounce back from stressful situations, there are many things you can do. Meditative activities like nature walks, prayer, or tai chi can be relaxing. Writing in a journal can help you let go of issues that bother you or help you see new solutions. Learning mindfulness or breathing techniques can keep you focused on the present moment, help your body relax, and lower blood pressure. Practicing gratitude can help you pause and enjoy simple things like the comfort of a cup of tea or the beauty of a sunset.
Portions of this article were modified from "6 tips to keep you brain healthy by Kelsey Kidd, ARNP, Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, MN and "Cognitive health for older adults" by the National Institute on Health.
What's new in Alzheimer's disease?
Can we get AHEAD of Alzheimer's Disease?
An exciting new study is underway to delay memory loss and possibly prevent Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
One of the earliest changes in the brains of people who go on to develop AD is the accumulation of a protein called beta amyloid (a’-muh-loid). This is a waste product of brain cell function which, in healthy brains, is broken down and removed. But in AD, for some unknown reason, the brain stops removing the amyloid and it starts to build up into clumps called plaques (Fig 1). Scientists believe that this buildup eventually triggers other changes that cause memory problems associated with AD.
ENGAGING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
The National Institutes of Health and Eisai Pharmaceuticals have funded a nationwide program – called the AHEAD Study - to learn if an FDA-approved drug called lecanemab (leh-can’ uh-mab) can delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. In prior studies, lecanemab successfully removed amyloid in people with early AD (Fig 2) and, on average, yielded moderately less memory decline. The drug works by convincing the immune system that amyloid is like a virus, causing the immune system to remove it.
Before
After
Fig. 1. Amyloid (brown) that is not removed from spaces around brain cells (blue) builds up and forms plaques.
GETTING AHEAD OF AD
The AHEAD study will learn how well lecanemab works in people with no signs of memory loss but higher-than-normal levels of amyloid. A simple blood test will screen for amyloid, and a special brain scan will confirm if levels are high enough to join the study.
Unfortunately, less than 5% of people who have volunteered for the AHEAD Study identify as Black. Dr. Floyd Willis, a Mayo Clinic Family Medicine physician and ADRC investigator finds this troubling, noting that “the best way to ensure new treatments work equally well for all people is for all communities to be represented in studies that develop those treatments”.
Community members who are age 55-80 who do not have AD or other major health issues (e.g., strokes) may be eligible to join the AHEAD Study.
To learn more, contact the Mayo Clinic ADRC at 904-953-6523.
The Right Treatment For the Right Person at the Right Time
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) afflicts Black Americans at a rate twice as high as that in white populations. For Hispanic/Latino Americans, the risk is 1.5 times greater than that in whites. According to Dr. Nilufer Ertekin-Taner (pictured below), “These populations have traditionally been understudied in Alzheimer’s disease, leading to a major knowledge gap.”
Dr. Ertekin-Taner, a Mayo Clinic Professor of Neuroscience and Neurology, hopes to bridge that gap and create opportunities for people with memory loss or AD
from all groups to benefit from receiving the right treatment for their symptoms at the right time. The National Institute on Aging supports this goal and has awarded Dr. Ertekin-Taner and Neurology, hopes to bridge that gap and create opportunities for people with memory loss or AD from all groups to benefit from receiving the right treatment for their symptoms at the right time. The National Institute on Aging supports this goal and has awarded Dr. Ertekin-Taner and her colleagues (co-principal investigators Drs. Minerva Carrasquillo, Andrew Saykin, and Kwangsik Nho) a $41M grant to bring together over 40 experts from 13 centers to collect and examine medical data, brain tissue, and blood samples from Black, Hispanic/Latino, and White participants across the U.S. who pass (or have passed) away with AD.
The goal of this effort is to identify all the biological signs (biomarkers) that predict or contribute to AD and to understand how the many different risk and environmental factors that vary from one person (and one group) to the next contribute to when and how AD develops and progresses.
"Understanding whether a person will get Alzheimer’s, when they will get it, and how the disease will progress, is extremely important to finding the right treatment for the right person at the right time. I am full of hope,” said Dr. Ertekin-Taner. This is a 5-year study and we look forward to sharing the findings with our readers as they become available. If you have questions, please contact us at 904-953-6523.
Community Pages
Welcome to the "Community Pages" section of Let's Talk Brain Health, where we will share with readers the amazing work being done in the community, with or by, our community partners.
New Town Community Newsletter
Many of you are familiar with Dementia Connection, the community newsletter of the New Town Success Zone. We are proud to partner with Editor-in-Chief, Ms. Shirley Brown, in the production of Dementia Connection.
You may be wondering, Why another newsletter? The answer is that each publication has a different aim. The purpose of Let's Talk Brain Health is to share new discoveries on aging, memory loss, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) whereas the heart and focus of Dementia Connection is with caregivers and caregiving.
Each issue of Dementia Connection features caregiver stories, testimonials, and tips, along with educational articles to better understand the symptoms and challenges of AD. There is also a community calendar of neighborhood events.
We will share the New Town calendar in the Community Pages section of Let's Talk Brain Health, but if you would like to receive Dementia Connection directly, please refer to the back page of this newsletter for instructions.
break-out session on medical conditions that impact brain health.
On May 6, the Mayo Clinic ADRC and Bethel Baptist Institutional Church partnered to deliver "Pathways 2 Brain Health", a half-day brain health and wellness event featuring a panel of Mayo Clinic experts and breakout sessions where attendees could learn more about medical issues that raise the risk of memory loss, new approaches to treating AD, and caregiving. You can view a recording of the event at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=duXr5OiFoUc. Check our calendar for the next "Pathways" event!
Calendar of Events
We invite you to join us and our community partners to talk brain health at one of our upcoming community events. We hope to see you there!
Help Spread the Word About Brain Health!
If you or someone you know would like to receive this newsletter, contact us through any of the methods described below to be added to our distribution list. If you have received this newsletter in error, or otherwise do not wish to receive future issues, please let us know.
For those who wish to receive the newsletter, we are happy to deliver it by mail or electronically via web link sent to your email address or smartphone (depending on your plan, texting and/or data charges may be applied by your carrier).
If you would also like to receive the New Town Dementia Connection newsletter (see p. 10), please let us know and we will share your contact information with our New Town partner.
•Point your Smartphone camera at the QR code and touch the link on your screen to visit our online registry. You can select your choice of newsletter delivery options and will have an opportunity to request other information as well.
•Other ways to reach us:
Email: FLAMayoADRC@mayo.edu
Phone: 904-953-6523
NOTE: Be sure to leave your name, address, and how you would like the newsletter to be delivered to you.
Interested in ADRC Resources or Research?
Use the QR Code or Call/Email us as noted above. Visit our website www.dementiaoutreach.mayo.edu Follow us on Facebook | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
