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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Winter 2024

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, Happy New Year! We hope that 2024 is off to a positive start for you. As we embark upon a new year, UCI MIND and the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) research are abuzz with excitement about progress made and opportunities to further advance our field.  At the end of 2023, we held our annual signature fundraising event, the December to Remember Gala. We honored Lauren Miller Rogen and Seth Rogen, the founders of Hilarity for Charity (HFC) and our partners in a program to mentor and inspire…
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Winter 2023

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, Advances in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research and the contributions of UCI MIND investigators remain tremendously exciting. Two new drugs have been approved by the FDA (page 3). These approvals are believed by many to represent the dawn of a new age in AD research and treatment. Both drugs received accelerated approval and we await a decision from the FDA about “full approval” for lecanemab. If received, full approval could cause the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to revisit their previous coverage decision about anti-amyloid antibody therapies. These…
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Fall 2022

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, As the fall MIND Matters newsletter goes to print, many of us are preparing to travel to San Francisco for the annual Clinical Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) meeting, where we will hear important results from recently completed Phase 3 clinical trials of potential new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This includes trials of lecanemab (page 1) as well as other treatments. The topline results for lecanemab announced by the trial sponsors are exciting and suggest that lecanemab may slow the progression of AD. The availability of treatments to slow the…
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Summer 2022

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, We hope that you had a summer full of sun, fun, and good health. As you can see in this issue of MIND Matters, it has been a busy summer here at UCI MIND. Our investigators played a prominent role at the annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), a focus of this issue (p 1, 3, 6, and 7). We’re very proud of our own Maria Corrada, ScD, who played a role in planning this important meeting (p 1 and 7), as well as the many researchers who presented their work.…
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Spring 2022

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, Welcome to the new normal. COVID case numbers have surged again, but our research continues to push forward and our researchers have enthusiastically resumed in-person activities that have been few and far between over the last two years. This includes attending and holding scientific conferences, generally through hybrid formats, allowing those comfortable and ready to reconvene in-person to present new data, exchange ideas and forge new collaborations. Some UCI MIND investigators recently traveled to Barcelona, Spain to attend the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease and related neurological disorders…
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Winter 2022

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, The COVID-19 surge caused by the Omicron variant has produced unwanted challenges for our research. Yet, our investigators remain unrelenting and highly successful in their work. Dr. Ira Lott received the international Trisomy 21 Research Society Montserrat Trueta Award (page 1). Dr. Claudia Kawas received the UCI Senate Better World Award (page 5). We honored Bob and Virginia Naeve with our UCI MIND Award, though we were unable to hold our A December to Remember Gala, to deliver it with the pomp and circumstance they deserve (page 7). Cherry Justice has…
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Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS. Here’s what you need to know about your order: Limit of one order per residential address One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests Orders will ship free starting in late January Fill in this form with your contact and shipping information to order your tests: https://special.usps.com/testkits
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Fall 2021

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, Fall is here and the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Though we are seeing signs of improvement, life is not yet back to normal. This fall, the pandemic once again forced us to move several of our major annual activities to a virtual format (page 7) or to cancel them entirely (page 5). But it has not slowed the important work happening at UCI MIND. In this issue, you will learn about funded work from Dr. Liz Chrastil (page 4). She studies the hippocampus, a part of the brain affected…
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Summer 2021

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, The summer of 2021 brought the Tokyo Olympics of 2020. Our UCI MIND researchers continue to earn gold medals for their work in fighting Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (page 1). Gold medals also go to Virginia Naeve and Steve O’Leary for establishing a remarkable resource for caregivers, Spotlight on Care (page 4), available through UCI MINDCast. Spotlight on Care is made possible by the generous support of Stephen Hamill and his family (page 5). And our REMIND trainees were also shining stars this summer—launching a new program to inspire local…
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UCI MIND and AlzOC present free online conference on Alzheimer’s disease

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News
Panel of experts from around the nation to give updates on what is the third leading cause of death in Orange County. UCI MIND and Alzheimer’s Orange County will host a free, virtual conference featuring experts discussing the latest developments in research around Alzheimer’s disease, which is Orange County’s third leading cause of death and afflicts more than 84,000 residents. The 32nd annual conference, “Alzheimer’s From All Angles,” will stream live on YouTube and Facebook on Sept. 10 from 8 a.m. to noon. One particularly timely topic will be what effect a viral disease like COVID-19 can have on brain…
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Spring 2021

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, Spring has sprung and there is much to look forward to. COVID-19 infections remain low in Orange County. We are grateful to our colleagues from UCI Health who have done an incredible job of caring for people during the pandemic and navigating us toward an end through well-organized vaccination programs. We are planning resumption of our pre-pandemic research activities. The campus has reduced restrictions on in-person research while maintaining essential safety parameters. There is a collective sense of eagerness to “catch-up” on work delayed by the pandemic. This will include UCI…
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Anti-Asian American Hate Crimes Bill

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
Contributed by Hye-Won (Grace) Shin, PhD UCI MIND stands against racism, hate and violence. We laud the US Senate overwhelmingly passing the anti-Asian American hate crime bill Thursday, April 22, 2021. We stand with our Asian American researchers, physician scientists, research participants, patients and their caregivers and our broader Asian community members. As we painfully witnessed, hate crimes, physical attacks and deplorable rhetoric against Asians across the United States have escalated. According to the research report by the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, hate crimes targeting Asians in the first quarter…
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UCI MIND Annual Report 2020: Excellence through Adversity

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
UCI MIND Annual Report 2020: Excellence through Adversity Dear Friend of UCI MIND, The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every facet of life, especially for families enduring Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In 2020 alone, deaths due to Alzheimer’s increased 16% in the United States. Caregivers were forced to adapt how they manage care and cope with burden, while many endured painful separation from loved ones. Researchers faced delays and challenges in continuing our work. Yet, the past year has further ignited in us an urgency to discover solutions for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and improve the lives of those…
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Additional Vaccination Information

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
Contributed by Orange County Aging Services Collaborative It is important that our most vulnerable community members have access to COVID-19 vaccination appointments.  The Abrazar team can assist clients with scheduling an appointment.  If needed, transportation can also be scheduled.  Please note that the age eligibility is now 50+ (see below for other eligible community members).   VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Call Abrazar’s COVID-19 Vaccination Call Center at (714) 278-4670. All questions can be sent to covidinfo@abrazarinc.com Call Center Team Members are bilingual and speak English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Referrals for other languages can be made. Case managers and family members can call…
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Winter 2021

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director Happy New Year, Friends of UCI MIND! For many of us, a New Year brings the promise of fresh starts and new beginnings. In 2021, it also means a welcomed good-bye to a very long 2020. Despite the challenges that 2020 brought, it also brought progress that must now continue in 2021. This includes progress in social justice, progress in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and progress in research to rid the world of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. UCI MIND is committed to contributing to further progress in each of these areas. Though the COVID-19 pandemic…
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New Study Finds People with Dementia are Twice as Likely to Get COVID-19

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
Thomas Peipert/Associated Press A new study led by researchers at Case Western Reserve University who analyzed millions of medical records in the U.S. found that people with dementia had significantly greater risk of contracting the coronavirus, and they were much more likely to be hospitalized and die from it, compared to people without dementia. The findings highlight the need to prioritize and protect people with dementia as part of the strategy to control the pandemic.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Community Information Panel

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News
Join UCI School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on Thursday, February 11th for a community information session with their Scientists & Pharmacists to learn the basics about COVID-19 Vaccines and what to expect as they become more widely available. Registration links below! Can't make it on February 11th? Join them on March 1st for an encore presentation. February 11th Registration: https://bit.ly/2M6YQFc March 1st Registration: https://bit.ly/3pt8sIt
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UCI researchers developing vaccine designed to prevent future coronavirus outbreaks

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
KABC - Jan. 15, 2021 (Video) Scientists at UC Irvine are developing a vaccine designed to prevent future coronavirus outbreaks. …UCI professor Lbachir BenMohamed, Ph.D. said it's not a matter of if another coronavirus will emerge, but when. …BenMohamed and his team at the UCI School of Medicine are working on a pre-emptive strike -- a universal vaccine that can protect against all forms of the coronavirus. … Early trials have produced promising results. Click here to watch the full video and learn more >
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Reminder: Vaccine now available for anyone age 65 and up

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
State and county health officials have authorized COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone age 65+. Eligible people who live or work in Orange County can register online through www.Othena.com to view appointment times and track vaccine availability. Or consult your healthcare provider. UCI strongly recommends the vaccine as a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others. County vaccinations are by appointment only.
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Helpful Vaccine Information for Older Adults

By Commentary, COVID-19
National Institute on Aging Orange County Phase 1A COVID-19 vaccine distribution now includes people age 65 and older, giving priority to those who are most vulnerable and with chronic health conditions.​ FAQs about the COVID-19 Vaccine UCI: https://uci.edu/coronavirus/testing-response/covid-19-vaccine.php OC Health: https://coronavirus.egovoc.com/covid-19-vaccine-faqs-0 General Vaccine Information for Older Adults CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html NIA: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/shots-safety
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Holidays during COVID-19

By Commentary, COVID-19, Participants
Contributed by UCI MIND Nurse Practitioner, Catherine McAdams-Ortiz, MSN, RN, A/GNP Have you noticed the Holiday decorations popping up at shopping malls already? Yes, the Holiday Season is upon us. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we all need to carefully plan our social gatherings, meals, and guests in our homes. Hopefully, you will find some helpful hints here so you can safely navigate all the Holidays you will celebrate this year.   The very best gift you can give yourself, your loved ones and your friends is to make sure you get your flu vaccine as soon as possible.…
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Fall 2020

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director   Dear Friends of UCI MIND, As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives this fall, the fight to solve Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) must charge forward. This November, the U.S. FDA will convene an advisory committee to assess potential approval of Biogen’s aducanumab, a monoclonal antibody in development for treatment of early AD. We will watch closely as aducanumab could be the first new approved drug for AD since 2005. Regardless of the outcome of the meeting and subsequent FDA decision – anticipated in March 2021 – this represents a milestone for…
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Dr. Joshua Grill discusses Alzheimer’s clinical trials during the pandemic with NPR

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
Alzheimer syndrom screening.The presentation is made by me based on real scientific knowledge in the public domain. (3-minute listen) After cases began emerging worldwide, thousands of clinical trials unrelated to COVID-19 were paused or canceled amid fears that participants would be infected. But now, some researchers are finding ways to carry on in spite of the coronavirus. "It's been a struggle of course," says Joshua Grill, who directs the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders at the University of California, Irvine. "But I think there's an imperative for us to find ways to move forward."
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The COVID-19 guide to holiday travel – and the case for why you shouldn’t go this year

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
"We'll likely continue to see a surge of cases in the fall and over the holidays," says Karen Edwards, a professor and epidemiologist at the University of California, Irvine. "If you must travel, be sure to follow all recommendations, including checking with destinations and events you plan to attend to be sure that travel to that destination or event is still possible. Cancel your trip if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or concerns about risk of infection."
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Having Dementia Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Vote

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
“There are many misperceptions of what ‘capacity to vote’ is,” said Charles Sabatino, director of the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging. “Incapacity to follow a recipe and cook dinner doesn’t mean incapacity to vote. The inability to remember your grandchildren’s names doesn’t mean you can’t vote.” What is required — as the commission and the Penn Memory Center point out in a new guide — is the ability to express a preference. “Can you pick among the choices?” said Dr. Jason Karlawish, a geriatrician and co-director of the Penn Memory Center. “That’s it.”  
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Helping People With Dementia Exercise Their Right to Vote

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
The novel coronavirus pandemic and a US Postal Service slowdown may not be the only hurdles facing people with dementia who want to vote in the 2020 general election. Nearly 6 million people in the US have some form of the condition, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, and they represent almost 2.5% of the 253.8 million US residents who are of voting age. The oldest voters, those aged 60 years or older, are more likely to vote than younger age groups, according to the United States Elections Project; the lion’s share of people with dementia fall…
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Portrait Of A Parent With Alzheimer’s

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
My 87-year-old mom has Alzheimer's disease in the midst of COVID-19. Right now, that means I can only see her when her Bronx nursing home connects us on Skype. Our Internet connection is sound, but mentally, she is in the grips of this disease. All she can do is just look at me for a few minutes at a time, as I try to get her to remember me. Ramona Latty, talking to her daughter Yvonne over Skype from her nursing home at the beginning of the pandemic. Courtesy of Yvonne Latty "Mommy, it's me, your daughter, tu hija," I…
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NIA Webinar on Social Isolation & Loneliness

By Community Events, COVID-19, In the News
Webinar Monday, September 28 @ 11 AM PST. This webinar will focus on how social isolation and loneliness affect older adults’ health and well-being, particularly amid the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar will also address social isolation and loneliness in the context of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, emphasize the impact of health disparities, and provide information on potential interventions and mitigating technologies.
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VIDEO: UCI Panel on COVID-19: Part 2

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
The UCI Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Center, led by UCI MIND faculty member Dr. Aileen Anderson, hosted part 2 of their expert panel on the state of COVID-19 on September 1. Topics include: Introduction to SARS2-CoV/COVID-19 from Dr. Ming Tan Current status of testing for COVID-19 from UCI MIND faculty member, Dr. Ed Monuki Back to school, wearing masks and public health from Dr. Dan Cooper ASCC’s convalescent plasma and trials for COVID-19 from Dr. Daniela Bota View the complete panel recording below:
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Summer 2020

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director   Dear Friends of UCI MIND, Summer of 2020 has been unlike any summer before. We are all struggling to adjust to life amid a global pandemic that has been upending our lives for several months. Many of us have been unable to see our loved ones, others have lost our treasured family members. At the end of this newsletter, we offer some guidance from the Centers for Disease Control for caregivers of people living with dementia. Despite COVID-19, the work of UCI MIND continues. This includes important milestones. Most notably, the NIH selected UCI MIND…
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VIDEO: Do all people with Down syndrome get Alzheimer’s disease with Eric Doran, MS

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19
ASK THE DOC! UCI MIND Facebook LIVE Video Series This monthly series features short talks and Q&A with experts from the University of California, Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), 1 of 32 congressionally designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers in the nation. Join UCI MIND on Facebook (@UCIrvineMIND) to learn about advances in research to improve Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Do all people with Down syndrome get Alzheimer's disease?   About the Speaker: Eric Doran, MS, serves as manager for the UCI Down Syndrome Program, directed by Ira Lott, MD, professor emeritus of pediatrics…
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UCI scientists get ‘initial hit’ in developing drug to treat COVID-19

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
When the coronavirus pandemic hit, almost everyone at UCI – and colleges across the nation – had to abandon campus. But UCI MIND faculty member James Nowick, professor of chemistry, was not a part of that exodus. That’s because his lab, which designs and constructs chemical molecules, had the right equipment to help in the global push to find treatments for COVID-19. A synthetic molecule called a macrocycle created in the laboratory of UCI chemistry professor James Nowick binds onto coronavirus particles and won’t let go. Adam Kreutzer, Rene Gauthier-Butterfield / UCI
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FDA: Beware hand sanitizers tainted with methanol

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
Hand sanitizer has become an integral part of the COVID-19 health toolbox, especially when soap and water is not available. However, some brands of hand sanitizers pose a new threat to our health. Increased demand during the pandemic has caused shortages of well-known U.S. brands, and now many new companies are selling hand sanitizer products that contain methanol, commonly known as wood alcohol. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled and imposed import bans on dozens of brands found to contain the toxic chemical. It also is working with major retailers to pull those products off shelves. Methanol…
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Free COVID-19 antibody testing

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
The UCI Blood Donor Center is now offering free COVID-19 antibody testing for qualified donors who donate blood or platelets. This is exclusively available at the donor center in Orange, not at mobile drives. Testing is open to all, not just UCI employees. Antibody testing does not diagnose a current case of COVID. It may help determine whether a person was previously infected, but not in all cases. Please read this Q & A to better understand the COVID antibody test. The blood donor center is located in Pavilion 3 next to Occupational Health. Hours are Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.…
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CA Department of Aging Survey: COVID 19 Impacts & Recommendation

By Community Events, COVID-19
Contributed by the Long-Term Care and Aging Services Division of the California Department of Aging (CDA)   I would like to share with you the California Department of Aging’s latest opportunity for public engagement with the Master Plan for Aging: the COVID-19 Impacts & Recommendation Survey. COVID-19 has changed the lives of Californians in so many ways.  Millions of people of all ages are staying home and reinventing how to live, work, and connect with family, friends, and communities. Many are experiencing isolation, interruption in services, and loss of income due to the pandemic and resulting recession.  Others cannot stay home, because of essential…
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Breaking News from CA Governor Newsom, and UCI In The News about COVID-19

By COVID-19, In the News
Breaking News from CA Governor Newsom:     COVID-19 cases are spreading at alarming rates in some CA counties. Effective immediately, California Department of Public Health is requiring counties that have been on the County Monitoring List for at least 3 days to move certain sectors outdoors or close. In addition, all brewpubs, breweries, bars, and pubs in these counties must close immediately, both indoor and outdoor. Visit covid19.ca.gov for more information.   UCI In The News: State puts Orange County on coronavirus watch list: Orange County Register: Bernadette Boden-Albala, dean of University of California, Irvine’s public health program and…
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Updated OC Health Officer Orders & Recommendations as of Jul 1

By COVID-19, In the News
AMENDED ORDERS AND STRONG RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COUNTY OF ORANGE HEALTH OFFICER REVISED July 1, 2020 In light of the recent increased COVID-19 hospitalization rate in Orange County, the placement of Orange County on the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) County Monitoring List, and further CDPH guidance, these AMENDED ORDERS AND STRONG RECOMMENDATIONS revise the prior AMENDED ORDERS AND STRONG RECOMMENDATIONS, issued by the Orange County Acting Health Officer on June 19, 2020.  The June 19, 2020 Amended Orders and Strong Recommendations are no longer in effect as of the effective date and time of these AMENDED ORDERS AND…
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Two sisters wanted to lift lonely seniors’ spirits. Here’s what happened next

By COVID-19, In the News
Shreya and Saffron Patel usually FaceTime their grandparents in England every weekend, but during the novel coronavirus pandemic, they have typically reached out each day. Their grandmother on their mom’s side hasn’t left her apartment in nearly four months. She lives alone and can no longer socialize at the gym. Some of her younger friends have stopped by, and she leans out her kitchen window to chat. One friend sends handwritten letters. When the Patel sisters, who live in Boston, spoke to their grandmother, they noticed her mood improve. She texted them about the cards and showed them to her…
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How can we ensure Alzheimer’s is a national priority?

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. While COVID-19 and systemic racism continue to profoundly affect our nation, it is important to reflect on the role of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in these unprecedented times. COVID-19 disproportionately impacts people with dementia and their caregivers, and both conditions disproportionately impact people of color. Wall Street Journal | Source: CDC According to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article, approximately 100,000 people died from Alzheimer’s dementia from February through May alone – 18% higher than average. Moreover, the article discusses the pandemic’s abrupt halt to…
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Laughter on Call in the NY Times

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19
Laughter On Call founder, Dani Klein Modisett, was recently featured in the New York Times. Learn more about the inspiration behind the program here. We could all use a laugh in these uncertain times. If you’re a person with Alzheimer’s disease, a family member, or caregiver, you can join LaughterOnCall for their virtual Lunchtime Laughter meetings, Monday-Friday at 12 PM PST. This webinar offers a light-hearted, engaging way to laugh and cope with feelings of isolation that can come from social distancing.    To register, visit https://zoom.us/meeting/register/uZEtdemurzIq_pN_HCQ7TY2I8cpa4NsoGQ OR e-mail info@laughteroncall.com to sign up. LaughterOnCall may record these meetings for quality purposes.
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California orders statewide use of face coverings

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
Your cloth face covering may protect them. Their cloth face covering may protect you. (CDC) Face coverings must now be worn statewide in indoor public spaces, workplaces, outdoor lines, public transportation and other high-risk settings under guidance issued today by Gov. Newsom and the California Department of Public Health. “We are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease,” Newsom said. “California’s strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations.” The new…
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Could I have immunity to the COVID-19 virus?

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
As COVID-19 cases spread across the state and nation, demand is growing for blood tests to identify people who may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus and developed antibodies to it. Such antibodies may mean these individuals have at least some immunity to the virus, formally named SARS-CoV2, and therefore may be able to return to work and school — and help jump-start the flagging U.S. economy. Results may also help identify COVID-19 antibody-positive people whose blood donations could be used to make convalescent plasma, an investigational treatment for seriously ill COVID-19 patients, according to the U.S. Food & Drug…
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What’s next: The future of summer vacation

By Carousel Slider, COVID-19, In the News
Epidemiology professor Karen Edwards, department of Public HealthSteve Zylius / UCI UCI epidemiologist offers advice on healthy travel, recreation during the pandemic Despite the all-encompassing disruption of the coronavirus pandemic, time marches on, with summer just around the corner. For many, June signals the beginning of vacation season. But as COVID-19 continues to spread, where does summer travel stand? States are reopening and inviting tourists – and their dollars – to return. But is it safe to take a trip? What do we need to know about hotel or Airbnb lodgings? About eating in restaurants? About large public gatherings? Karen…
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Sign Petition to Support Public Health Measures in OC

By Commentary, COVID-19
Public Health First As our community is opening up, elected officials, governmental entities, community-based organizations, health care providers, educational institutions, businesses, and concerned community members must come together to do more to protect the health and safety of all of us. To prevent the re-closure of businesses and regress in our efforts from these past three months, safe, comprehensive strategies of evidence-based preventative measures is encouraged. Orange County residents need our leaders to stand strong and continue encouraging recommendations from our public health officials in a uniform voice. We understand it’s difficult to support rules that may face some public…
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Systemwide COVID-19 data

By Commentary, COVID-19
UC Health’s Twitter feed now includes daily COVID-19 updates with the number of patients at each UC hospital, maps showing the generalized home locations of recent patients, testing data graphs and more: https://twitter.com/UofCAHealth    And the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research has created a data dashboard with information about COVID-19 case and death rates by race and ethnicity: http://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/health-profiles/Pages/COVID-19Dashboard.aspx 
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A Call to Advocate: Help Protect Critical Services for CA Seniors

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
Attendees at Acacia Adult Day Services center in Garden Grove play a game after breakfast. The center provides low-income elderly and disabled people meals, medical care, occupational therapy and social programs. Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed eliminating funding for Adult Day Services programs to help cover a $54 billion gap for the 2020-21 fiscal year. (Lauren M. Whaley/Center for Health Reporting) A recent article from the OC Register highlights the critical need for advocacy to save Orange County's senior services. State budget cuts could end adult day care that helps thousands of local families. What can you do to help?…
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Phone pals? For UC Irvine med and nursing students, and older people dodging the virus, a call can be a lifeline

By COVID-19, In the News
ASSIST Program pairs future health workers with homebound to address needs and loneliness. Once she starts talking, Geraldine Buchanan admits, she can keep right on going. About to turn 91 on Friday, Buchanan, for now, is a prisoner of the pandemic, stuck inside her Westminster home in an effort to stay safe from the spread of coronavirus. Talking on the phone is an escape. Buchanan’s loquaciousness is OK with Ryan Batten, a 22-year old UC Irvine nursing student who calls her at least once a week. Batten, set to graduate in June, is a good listener, something that figures to…
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VIDEO: UCI Podcast Video Series: The race for COVID testing

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19
In March, the UCI Medical Center became the first hospital in Orange County to provide COVID-19 testing. In this episode of the UCI Podcast Video Series, UCI MIND faculty member Dr. Ed Monuki, chair of pathology who leads UCI Health’s testing efforts, discusses how the campus came together to address this community need and how future testing for the coronavirus and its antibodies will play an important role with the resumption of our regular daily activities, like going back to work or the classroom. https://youtu.be/U6MJL-KoOrU
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Spring 2020

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director   Dear Friends of UCI MIND, Since writing my last message for our Winter 2020 issue, we have all had our worlds turned upside down by COVID-19. At UCI MIND, we have faced challenges and have had to temporarily adapt our research programs. But, I know these challenges pale in comparison to those faced by members of our community. I’m especially concerned about the additional challenges faced by caregivers of people living with dementia, as well as the social isolation physical distancing can bring to older people who are living alone. We are eager to help…
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