New research reveals promising drug for clients with early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). For decades’ scientist study protein buildup and plaque formation in the brain. Protein buildup and plaques lead to tangles, blocking the signaling of neurons and flow of nutrients into brain cells. Consequently, brain cells begin to deteriorate resulting in cognitive and behavioral changes. The PRIME study published in Nature springs hope in the treatment of AD.

More and more individuals find it challenging to retire by age 65. A survey conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) on 1,026 adults age 35 and older shows longer expectancy of employment beyond traditional retirement age. Most participants were full-time workers who simply cannot afford the cost of living if retired by 65. Financial uncertainties as well as health factors creates great stress for many adults working in later stages of life. As noted by AARP, “Indeed, 11 percent of these respondents say they expect to keep working into their 80s or beyond.” Employees and business owners are remaining in the workforce past retirement age in attempt to support health and living expenses. Consequently, retiring by age 65 is becoming less popular for older adults in today's society.

 Current research reveals how being bilingual can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Department of Experimental Psychology and Department of Neurology at Ghent University conducted a study that supports such findings. Bilingual and monolingual participants were compared for time of clinical manifestation and diagnosis of AD. Woumans et al. (2013) from Ghent University states, “Results indicated a significant delay for bilinguals of 4.6 years in manifestation and 4.8 years in diagnosis. Our study therefore strengthens the claim that bilingualism contributes to cognitive reserve and postpones the symptoms of dementia.”

With the increasing cases on Zika virus it’s crucial to remain informed, as well as introduce safety precautions for disease control and prevention. What measures can be instituted to support the control of viral transmission? Let’s first discuss the virus. Zika is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. It is in question if viral transmission can spread through bodily fluids like saliva, yet further testing is required. To date, there are no medications to treat Zika or vaccine currently available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares insights on Zika stating, “Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.” Fortunately, safety precautions can be instituted to promote health and disease prevention.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute defines sleep apnea as a chronic condition resulting in pauses or shallow breathing during sleep. If left untreated sleep apnea can result in other health concerns. Common therapies for sleep apnea included Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, anatomical surgeries, and lifestyle modifications. Adherence to CPAP can be challenging for most clients and often results in non-compliance. Fortunately, the FDA recently approved Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) – An implantable nerve stimulator that detects breathing patterns and keeps the airway open during sleep.