Many elderly adults are increasingly isolated and grapple with depression, loneliness and declines in physical health. The UAB Department of Sociology and Social Work will use a five-year, $1.9 million National Institute on Aging (NIA) grant to study the ability of computer use and social media networking to enhance the quality of life of elderly adults through online social connections and easier access to health information. Read full article.
Very interesting news out yesterday about a proposed National Alzheimer’s Office in the White House to coordinate Alzheimer’s research, clinical care, and service. U.S. Senators Mel Martinez (R-FL) and Evan Bayh (D-IN) are leading the charge. Their release can be found here.
Alzheimer’s directly impacts the lives of over 5.3 million Americans and is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Recent studies have shown that among Americans age 85 and older half will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s.
Any steps to improve care, both for patients and their loved ones, is a step in the right direction.