Let’s Talk Brain Health Spring 2024

Have you ever wondered how scientists figure out the best ways to treat disease? The first step is to understand what causes the disease and how it works. With careful investigation, scientists can often identify a protein that is not working properly and causing problems with the normal functioning of cells. By studying the biology, chemistry, and genetics of this

Summer 2024

In This Issue

1. Donated Brain Tissue Helps in Fight Against Alzheimer'
2. Dietary Supplements and Dementia Risk
3. What's Cooking?
4. Meet a Community Champion
5. Meet an ADRC Ambassador
6. Calendar of Events
7. Community Pages
8. Artful Moments

abnormal protein, scientists can understand the mechanisms underlying the changes and begin to develop ways to prevent or possibly reverse disease.
One of the most efficient ways to understand disease is to examine tissue from the organs most affected by the disease. For example, examining tumor cells from donated organs of cancer patients helps doctors learn what makes those abnormal cells grow faster and can explore ways to slow them down. This information can then be used to create and test new treatments.
For people living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, the key to new drug development is studying the abnormal build-up of proteins in the brain associated with memory loss. To do this, scientists must study the brains of people with and without disease after they have passed away. In fact, it was the gift of donated brain tissue by dementia research participants that led to the breakthrough discoveries of these abnormal proteins in the first place.

Unlocking Mysteries of the Brain

Dr. Melissa Murray is an investigator in the Mayo Clinic ADRC and an expert on changes in the brain related to specific diseases. According to Dr. Murray, donated brain tissue is examined under a powerful microscope to see how and where brain cells are affected by disease.

How Does Brain Donation Help Others?

The study of donated brain tissue provides valuable clues about the mechanisms and changes caused by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. These clues are crucial to the development of more effective treatments that can help others, including loved ones and future generations of family members. New medications that remove amyloid protein build-up from the brains of people with early Alzheimer’s disease are one example of how the gift of brain donation from those who have gone before has made a difference in t there is much more work to do, and the research team of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) is continuing to make important discoveries.
Recently, a team led by Dr. Murray examined over 1300 donated brains and identified a new, more precise way of classifying the stage and severity of Alzheimer’s disease. This new way of understanding the disease can be applied in living patients and will improve clinical trial outcomes by allowing scientists to see how well new drugs work in people with different markers of disease. Ultimately, this will allow for greater personalization of therapies and improve the efficacy of new Alzheimer medications.

Are Findings of Brain Donation Studies Equitable?

An unfortunate limitation of most studies relying on donated brain tissue is the lack of diverse representation in donor samples. For example, over 90% of the brains in the sample studied by Dr. Murray and colleagues were donated by non-Hispanic White patients.

The Mayo Clinic Brain Bank is one of the largest repositories of brain tissue in the world, but only 3% of donated brains come from Black participants; 4% of brains are donated by Hispanic/Latin American participants. The number of brains involved in a study makes a difference when researchers are attempting to prove a concept. Scientists may be able to detect potential trends from the study of just a few samples of brain tissue, but hundreds of samples are needed to ensure the trend is consistent, and many more than that are required to establish the truth of what is observed. Until a greater number of Black and Brown dementia research and consenting to brain donation after passing, the certainty of findings such as those reported here will continue to be greatest for non-Hispanic Whites and less so for others.

How Is the Mayo Clinic ADRC Addressing Disparities in Brain Donation?

The Mayo Clinic ADRC and Brain Bank are working together with community partners to renew efforts to acknowledge and address barriers to brain donation among Black community members. One such barrier is the fear and mistrust associated with mistreatment and disrespect historically suffered by Black Americans in healthcare and research settings. Another is the failure of the research community to better inform Black patients, family members, and communities of the brain donation process and the ways that brain donation can benefit family members and future generations. Representation is the only way to ensure new treatments are inclusive and effective for all.
If you would like more information about brain donation and/or our ongoing efforts to inform and empower community members regarding brain health and memory loss, please reach out to us at 904-953-6523 or contact us online using QR Code found on the back page of the newsletter.

Thanks to Drs. Erica Engleberg-Cook and Melissa Murray for their contributions to this article.

If you watch television, you’ve seen the ads. Compelling testimonials from people suggesting dietary supplements improve memory and help them stay mentally sharp as they age. But do those dietary supplements actually reduce risk of dementia and improve brain health? According to the Global Council on Brain Health, the answer is no.
The Council, which is a collaborative organization associated with AARP, notes that there are
several concerns about over-the-counter dietary supplements claiming to support brain health. One significant concern is that these supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning that the purity, effectiveness, and safety
of the supplements are unknown. According
to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are no rigorous scientific studies supporting supplement manufacturers' claims, which can often be misleading. The Alzheimer’s Association also advises that dietary supplements claiming to promote brain health can potentially have serious interactions with prescription medications.
Dr. Ronald Petersen, Director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in Rochester, MN, says that, in general, most people do not need supplemental nutrients to promote brain health and should seek guidance from their healthcare provider

if they have concerns. "Your diet is the best way to get the nutrients you need for your health," Dr. Petersen says. "If your doctor has determined that you have a deficiency, such as low vitamin B12 levels, you may need supplementation. But you should always review all supplements you take, or are considering taking, with your health care provider."
Instead of taking dietary supplements for brain health, Dr. Petersen and the Global Council on Brain Health recommend that people focus on their lifestyle to reduce the risk of dementia. Regular readers of Let’s Talk Brain Health already know that this means exercising regularly, keeping mentally active, and making brain-healthy food choices, among other strategies. Most studies show the Mediterranean diet - filled with lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, a variety of beans and nuts, and healthy fats – can be a powerful tool in promoting healthy brain aging.
As Dr. Petersen notes, "As we gain more information about how our lifestyle contributes to our general health, it's important to realize that the health of our brain and its resilience to dementia is also included in that picture."
(Parts of this article were adapted from Mayo Clinic Minute, by Vivien Williams of the Mayo Clinic News Network)

What's Cooking?

Fresh Fruit Kebobs

Summer is here and the mercury is higher than ever, so what better way to cool off a hot summer meal than a refreshing fruit dessert? These delicious, brain-healthy treats are very easy to prepare, so you can make a bunch and enjoy them throughout the day if you don’t want to wait for dinner. Perhaps best of all, you can dessert skewers without ever having to turn on the oven or stand over a hot grill!

There might not be a better person to exemplify the phrase, “If you want something done ask a busy person.”

Ms. Tina Logan has been a supporter and advocate for New Town’s Dementia Friendly Community (DFC) project since it began back in 2017! A DFC is one where people across all sectors of the community – residents, faith congregations, businesses, civic services, healthcare providers, etc. – learn about dementia, support people in the community who are living with memory loss, and make sure the families who are caring for loved ones with dementia are not forgotten.

As a member of the New Town Success Zone Vision Keepers, Ms. Logan partnered with the Mayo Clinic ADRC on a community needs assessment to better understand the dementia support programs and services most needed by New Town residents. She helped elicit and develop ideas from community members and volunteered to organize and lead a support group for caregivers. With the support of Edward Waters College and the Mayo ADRC, she continues to serve on the DFC Sustainability Committee, ensuring that programs developed back in 2017 continue to flourish today.

We caught up with Ms. Logan after one of her community programs and asked her to share her story with us.

Hi Ms. Logan, can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

I’m originally from Ocala, FL, and relocated to Jacksonville in 1979 where I worked at NAS Jacksonville for five years. After that, I enrolled at Florida Community College of Jacksonville (now known as Florida State College of Jacksonville) to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. This was indeed my calling as my career in the medical field has spanned over 30 years.

How did you become interested in dementia?

My Godfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and this was a factor when I heard that the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Center was starting a dementia friendly project in New Town. I reached out to become part of the workgroup and was happy to participate.

Can you tell us a little about what your do as part of New Town’s DFC project?

Currently I help facilitate the Memory Cafe program which provides uplifting experiences for those with memory loss and their caregivers. This has also provided me with the opportunity to learn new information and strategies to increase my knowledge and share my experiences.

I also like to speak to people about the opportunities available through Mayo

Clinic to participate in clinical research which can lead to new treatments and advances in diagnostic testing. Everyone has the same goal to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.

You do so much for others… what do you do to take care of yourself?

As a creative person I love to decorate and incorporate different designs. Dancing and travel are two of my favorite hobbies. But I am truly passionate about the New Town Community and being of service to others makes my heart happy.

Patricia (“Pat”) Hicks-Harley is a long-time community servant and health care advocate who knows the importance of family values and support, especially within the context of helping loved ones with memory loss and dementia.

Raised in Walterboro, SC and of Gullah Geechee heritage, Ms. Harley witnessed firsthand the influence of strong women - both in her grandmother and mother. The eldest of three girls, growing up in a family where the matriarch was respected and involved in all aspects of family life greatly influenced her path. She recalls many lessons from her mother and witnessed how the family revered and respected her grandmother. She also bore witness to how her childhood community cared for and supported each other.

Expectations for Pat and her sisters were high. One sister became an attorney and the other obtained a Ph.D. in microbiology. Leaving South Carolina in 1967, Pat headed to North Carolina to earn a bachelor’s degree from Johnson C. Smith University in 1971 before continuing further north to create a life in Syracuse, New York City, and New Jersey. She enjoyed a lengthy and prestigious career with the Social Security Administration before retiring to Florida in 2005. She has been married to her husband, Langston, a Jacksonville native, for over 50 years.

Growing up, Pat was aware of changes in her grandmother and the conversations among her mother, aunts, and uncles concerning her growing needs.

There was never a question that the family would care for her grandmother, and Pat fondly recalls the acts of love and compassion by extended family members to ensure that her grandmother remained engaged in all family events.

Years later, Pat recalls observing early signs of changes in her mother’s memory and behavior. Pat brought her to Mayo Clinic in Florida and learned that her mother was developing a type of dementia called Lewy Body disease (LBD), which shares some similarities with Alzheimer’s disease but also has notable differences. With her family’s support, Pat’s mother agreed to participate in a research study through the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center to better understand the changes associated with LBD. Her family, in turn, was able to obtain ongoing guidance and support in their caregiving journey.

Pat’s experience with her mother also helped her and other family members recognize changes in one of her sisters, who developed symptoms of dementia early, at age 59. Her sister, who is currently age 72, is under hospice care. Her family hopes to benefit future generations by consenting to donate her sister’s brain for dementia research once she has passed. They trust this will help scientists better understand and develop effective therapies.

Pat’s journey with dementia has been a long one. Like peeling the layers of an onion, it is important to understand the need for a proper diagnosis when symptoms first appear, as this gives everyone time to explore and set forth the best care plan.

Her experience with prior generations allowed Pat to help her sister and recognize that participation in research and brain donation programs is a gift for future generations.

Today Pat volunteers her time and effort to help the Black/Brown community better prepare for the future needs of those who might develop signs of dementia. “It is so very important for people to talk about their plans for health care, decisions for financial and legal concerns and end of life care," she says. An important part of her volunteerism is serving as a community outreach Ambassador for the Mayo Clinic ADRC. In this role, Pat has helped plan and staff many community activities, programs, presentations, and support events for people with memory loss and the family members who care for them.

She is also actively creating pathways for greater dementia awareness and resources for those in Clay County. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with her and our community partners on these efforts.

Catch Your Breath: A Caregiver Wellness Program

This spring, family caregivers had the opportunity to participate in a new wellness program called Catch Your Breath. This unique program provided a fun and interactive break to focus on the needs of those who care for someone living with dementia through the utilization of mind-body techniques like mindfulness, breathwork, and yoga. Caregivers connected through mindful breathing and laughter exercises, and left with a renewed appreciation for the role of humor and positive thinking in coping with day-to-day challenges. Planning is in the works for more Catch Your Breath caregiver program opportunities.

The Florida Black Excellence Festival

The Florida Black Excellence Festival was held at EverBank Stadium, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, on June 23. There were over 1,000 attendees this year! The Mayo Clinic ADRC Outreach Team was on hand to provide information about recognizing signs of memory loss and what to do about it. Outreach team members answered questions about Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders, and informed visitors about the different lifestyle habits and activities that promote brain health.

JAX Ready Fest

On May 9-10, the Mayo ADRC Outreach team brought a fun new way of learning about brain health to attendees of the JAX Ready Fest. Over 500 visitors to the Mayo ADRC table got to Spin the Wheel and engage in interactive brain games for a chance to win prizes. The City of Jacksonville’s Jax Ready Fest offers community members an opportunity to interact with public safety agencies and other stakeholders to get much-needed information on health, wellness, and disaster preparedness.

Other ways to reach us:

• Email: FLAMayoADRC@mayo.edu
• Phone: 904-953-6523
• Follow us on Facebook: #mayoclinicfladrc
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel