™ USF HEALTH BYRD ALZHEIMER’S INSTITUTE FALL 2010

3 The Blueberry Study: Can foods rich in anti-oxidants help delay memory loss in older adults?

4 Clinical trials offer patients new medicines – and hope

6 Q&A with David Chiriboga, PhD

8 Planned giving to fund Alzheimer’s research

1 2 Caregiver Seminars: Support built on science USF HEALTH BYRD ALZHEIMER’S INSTITUTE Welcome The Blueberry Study: It is finally fall: football, crisp morn- ings, holidays and family get-togethers, beginning to think about the end of Fall 2010 Can foods rich in anti-oxidants another year. What a great season. In July, I was named as CEO and Director Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA help delay memory loss in older adults? of the Institute. We are nearing the end Sr. Vice President for USF Health Dean, USF College of Medicine of our first full year as part of the ould a mega-dose formula of anti-oxidants found in For her latest study, she is teaming up with Brent Small, University of South Florida, and I want ALEX STAFFORD Dave Morgan, PhD Chief Executive Officer C blueberries and green tea, and other nutrients PhD, a professor in USF’s School of Aging Studies who has to thank all of our community partners and supporters for found in everyday foods, boost declining memory function studied life span and aging issues in humans for more than their involvement and hard work in the last year. Progress Amanda G. Smith, MD Medical Director in ordinary older adults? two decades. in Alzheimer’s research used to be discussed in five-year That’s the question two USF researchers hope to answer The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Melanie Meyer in a clinical trial with volunteers. The researchers have increments. Now the breakthroughs are starting to come Director, External Affairs researchers’ investigational use of high doses of cell-boost- every year, and this past year, we had exciting news almost already found promising results in preliminary tests using ing nutritional supplements to see if it will enhance mental Holly Lisle older laboratory rats. fitness among older adults. every quarter. Associate Director of Development The rats used in the study were approximately 1½ years USF’s Neuroscience Collaborative is funding the study as Editor old (roughly the equivalent of people ages 60 to 65) and part of a two-year, $50,000-a-year grant awarded to the In this issue, we want to share with you some of the Melanie Meyer the test animals were exhibiting age-related memory decline. researchers, who will be conducting their study at the USF family and community related aspects of our work with Creative Director “We looked at learning and memory and saw that in the Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute in Tampa. Alzheimer’s. Our caregiver education seminars prepare Steve Smith segment of animals that showed impairments – and not CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 families with practical skills that help them through the Art Director every rat at that age showed impairment long Alzheimer’s journey. Our clinical trials research Donald A. Adamec in memory – it seemed there was an volunteers partner with us as a research team, with some Writer improvement in memory in that subset of “If we can target therapies toward [stem] cells, that may participating for seven years. We value the time they Mark Zaloudek animals in the intervention group that we help many aspects of aging mentally, and it may also would have expected to show a memory donate, and they enjoy contributing to the work that will Contributing Writers lead us to prevention and cure of this disease. Our Kelly Retrievi deficit,” said Paula Bickford, PhD, a profes- have broader effects on the body overall.” Carol Wight sor in the Center of Excellence for Aging Paula Bickford, PhD education and clinical services join research as the three and Brain Repair at USF Health and the pillars of our mission. In this issue you will also meet Graphic Designer Rosie White James A. Haley Veterans Affairs Hospital. research colleagues from other parts of the USF community. Bickford has been studying USF researchers Dr. Paula Bickford (Neurosurgery) and Dr. Brent Small Photographer Paula Bickford, PhD Alex Stafford rats for more than 30 years. (Aging Studies) are studying the potential of molecules and Brent Small, PhD. in food to improve brain health. Dr. David Chiriboga is an expert on healthcare access and health disparities in Brain Research Discoveries is published by the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, part of USF Health, a partnership of the minority communities. The USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s colleges of medicine, nursing and public health at the Univer- Institute continues to focus attention on the needs of sity of South Florida, the fastest growing research university in the United States. what are historically underserved communities. Board of Directors: Mary Barnes, Johnnie Byrd Jr, John Hehn, Karen Holbrook, PhD, Frank Morsani, Eric Pfeiffer, MD, Sherrill Again, I wish to thank you, our friends and supporters. Tomasino. As we approach the close of 2010, I am thankful for the © Copyright 2010, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute accomplishments we created together: breakthrough Material provided in this publication is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of science, excellent clinical care, and education that teaches your physician. Always consult your physician for individual families and professionals about the best practices in care care. Publication developed by Stephen A. Smith & Associates, 1990 ALEX STAFFORD for Alzheimer’s. We will continue working together… Main Street, Suite 750, Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 355-7900. until Alzheimer’s is a memory.

USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute Dave Morgan, PhD 4001 E. Fletcher Avenue Tampa, FL 33613-4808 Chief Executive Officer Disclosure: Paula Bickford and Paul Sanberg, USF Senior Associate (813) 396-0606 Vice President for Research & Innovation, are co-founders of Natura alz.health.usf.edu Therapeutics Inc., which has been granted the license to produce NT- 20 patented by USF. 3 USF HEALTH BYRD ALZHEIMER’S INSTITUTE Clinical trials offer patients new medicines – and hope. ALEX STAFFORD

ince learning at the age of 53 really works or has side effects,” states Maureen Kerr of Tampa has helped S that he was developing the Dr. Amanda Smith, Medical Director of her 63-year-old husband, Desmond, take early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, Joe the Institute. part in two drug studies in recent years, Furey has taken part in two different Ardila tells prospective volunteers including one that currently involves an drug studies in recent years to try to that well-established drug manufactur- intravenous infusion every 12 weeks, slow his memory loss. ers, such as Pfizer, Bayer, Eli Lilly, with medical checkups and cognitive And he’s already looking ahead to GlaxoSmithKline, Wyeth and Bristol- testing every six weeks. next year when he can take part in his Myers Squibb, are behind some of the “The one thing people need to next clinical trial. studies, and that those companies have know is that if you’re in a study, you “I’ve got nothing to lose,” says the already created household staples such get really excellent medical care while former welfare office administrator as, Advil®, Lipitor®, Plavix®, Aricept®, you’re there,” she says. “Fortunately, from Philadelphia, now 62. Furey One A Day® vitamins, and a number of the Desmond is really healthy physically retired just two months before his diag- antibiotics we use. “People don’t always except for Alzheimer’s disease. But nosis but had suspected something was I personally believe that if there’s wrong when he found himself doing anything else going on with him, they’d some of his work over again. “Alzheimer’s disease is an enormous puzzle, and every find it first at USF.” Taking experimental drugs under In addition to having access to close medical supervision at the USF study we do and all of the participants involved provide experts with the latest information Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute is fine valuable new pieces of that puzzle.” about Alzheimer’s, participants are with him. informed about support groups and Jill Ardila “If it works, I’m ahead of the game. If other services in their community they Assistant Director of Clinical Research, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute it doesn’t, I’m where I would have been may have been unaware of otherwise. anyway,” he says. “You’re taking a Maureen Kerr knows that if she has chance, but I don’t want to sit and do any questions about dealing with her nothing.” realize that every drug we use today husband’s advancing illness, help is Furey doesn’t mind going to the Jill Ardila, Assistant Director of L-R: Desmond and Maureen Kerr, Jill had to go through the same research just a phone call away. “We’re very Alzheimer’s Institute in Tampa to partic- Clinical Research at the Institute, Ardila, Bob Bainbridge and Joe Furey. volunteers. “We hold ourselves to the process that we are doing now,” Ardila spoiled at USF because it’s a really good ipate in the drug studies, even though regards the volunteers as medical highest ethical standards, and the FDA says. Other studies at the Institute are team: the (study) coordinators, the he lives 80 miles south in Venice. Bob pioneers helping to advance scientific and university review committees funded by the federal government. nurses, the social workers – all of them. Bainbridge, Furey’s partner of 36 years, research. ensure that.” She also points out that the trial I know that I can call them at any time handles the driving and shares informa- “Alzheimer’s disease is an enormous communication among nerve cells in Prospective volunteers are screened participants never go it alone. A spouse if I have a question or a concern, and tion about Furey with the clinical team puzzle, and every study we do and all the brain, but finding a cure has proven before enrolling to make sure they or other family member or friend they’ve made themselves very available throughout the carefully monitored of the participants involved provide elusive. meet the criteria of each study. There always accompanies them as their to us.” ■ study. valuable new pieces of that puzzle, Clinical trials are necessary to deter- is no cost to participate, and sometimes “study partner” to make sure people Both men know that Furey and the either because an experimental drug mine the safety and effectiveness of all the volunteers receive a modest stipend who sign up maximize the benefits of hundreds of other drug trial partici- worked or didn’t work,” she says. “We new drugs and medical procedures on to cover travel or other expenses. The their enrollment, and to report any pants each year at the Alzheimer’s also want to diagnose Alzheimer’s more humans before they can be marketed. costs of most studies are typically changes in the participant’s behavior Institute will receive frequent medical effectively through research in brain Because of their broader resources, uni- borne by the major drug manufacturers, during the study. Interested? For more information checkups throughout their study and imaging.” versity-based research centers around and most of the experimental drugs Trial participants may also receive on clinical trials, call (813) 974-4355 or visit the Web site can quit at any time. Individuals and With more than 5 million Americans the country are among the most reputa- have already passed preliminary tests various free medical tests, such as alz.health.usf.edu entire study groups can be dismissed living with Alzheimer’s disease, includ- ble facilities for testing new drugs. and are in their final phase of testing neurological exams, EKGs and PET early if the drug being tested doesn’t ing one in every 40 Floridians, the The Alzheimer’s Institute often has a before being submitted to the Food and scans, depending on the study. A team which includes answers to some show promise or could prove harmful. search for ways to prevent or cure the dozen or so clinical trials taking place Drug Administration for approval. of doctors and other experts at USF frequently asked questions. “We are upbeat about this process progressive disorder has never been at the same time. Ardila said the Almost every study involves a placebo, often provides volunteers with closer and encourage people to do it,” greater. Only a few medications so far Institute adheres to several measures or an inactive version of the treatment. medical supervision than the care they Bainbridge says. have managed to help restore some to ensure the comfort and safety of its “This is the only way to know if a drug receive outside of the study. 5 DONOR PROFILE David Chiriboga, PhD

Professor, Department of Aging and Mental Health Disparities, Florida Mental Health Institute, USF Remembering Martha Politz. Dr. David Chiriboga has studied mental health issues for more than 40 years, often as Her selfless dedication and generous gift will help us change the world. they relate to racial or ethnic minorities. His current work includes a statewide study of mental and physical health disparities in Florida, including disparities in services used by by Carol Wight Medicaid beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s disease. He received the Hispanic Pathways Award from the USF Latin Community Advisory Committee in 2009 for helping to improve the lives of Latinos.

artha Politz wanted to Alzheimer’s disease, she dedicated make a difference in herself to do whatever she could to Q Do Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are a number of studies indicating that Hispanic caregivers M vary by ethnic group? have higher levels of caregiver burden than other groups. her adopted community of help. Eventually she joined the Tampa Bay. Through her Center’s Board of Directors and A According to a 2010 report from the Alzheimer’s Q Why are some groups less likely to seek medical help commitment to create a regularly attended meetings until Association, Alzheimer’s disease is 50-100% more prevalent before or after they are diagnosed with memory loss? Charitable Remainder Unitrust her death in 2006. among African-Americans and Hispanics than among whites. to benefit the Suncoast The Center’s Founding Director, In fact, minorities in general are less likely than whites to A One major concern for those of us in the helping profes- Gerontology Center, she has Dr. Eric Pfeiffer, recalls, “Once Martha receive a specialized diagnostic evaluation for dementia and sions is the low levels of health literacy we often encounter are generally diagnosed at more advanced stages of in disadvantaged groups. These low levels, coupled with high not only impacted her became a member of the Suncoast Alzheimer’s disease, and their caregivers are less likely to levels of stigma attached to mental health problems, may community, but is now helping Board, she adopted the board and use supportive services. We need more research in this area, create barriers to care. I have already mentioned that the lack to establish a program that staff as family, and vice versa: She however, because the reasons these differences in preva- of health insurance is another critical problem, with Latinos could literally make a world could see that this group of people as a group being the least likely to have health insurance. lence exist are unknown. Due to difficulties in recruiting and of difference. were going to make a difference in retaining participants in clinical esearch studies, we lack a Born in Berlin, Germany, solving an important problem, i.e., comprehensive understanding of variations in the prevalence Q Why are these disparities in access to medical care of Alzheimer’s disease across racial and ethnic groups. important? Martha immigrated to the Alzheimer’s disease. She wanted United States in 1939 and to be part of making that difference, Q In what ways are some groups less likely to access A Making culturally and linguistically appropriate care married Alfred Politz, prior to and she has.” medical services? available to groups that historically encounter various barriers becoming a U.S. Citizen in 1949. Because of the caring generosity to health care has ethical as well as fiscal implications. The She had worked in the banking of Martha Politz, her gift is now Economic and language barriers, and differing cultural ethical concerns arise from the importance of making such A industry in Germany, and was making it possible for the USF perspectives on what constitutes appropriate care often health care available to all. Doing so can be assumed to keep members of disadvantaged racial or minority groups improve the social, psychological and physical quality of life, employed in New York City until her retirement Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute to begin construc- from receiving care. For example, a frequent lack of ade- not only for the individuals concerned, but also for their as an executive with Alfred Politz Research Inc., a tion of a Clinical and Research Integrated Strategic quate health insurance translates into racial or ethnic group family members. While increasing access may also result in market research firm founded by her husband, Program (CRISP). The Comprehensive Dementia members being less likely than non-Hispanic whites to have short-term increases in cost, in the long run better access to who became one of the leaders in advertising Diagnostic Clinic, the NeuroImaging Center and the health care has historically led to better health, which in turn what is called a “medical home,” meaning a specific health media research. Caregiver Education Resource Center that are part care provider they can turn to for help. There is growing can reduce the need for health care. In short, when society After her husband’s death in 1982, Martha actively of the CRISP will be a beacon for transforming evidence that having a medical home is associated with does not provide adequate care to everyone, we all suffer. better health. filled her days with managing a tree farm and orange patient and family-centered care, all under one roof. Latinos seem less likely to place their loved ones in Q What is being done or needs to be done to reach out grove on her 50-acre property in Odessa, Florida. The Institute’s goal is to expand the frontiers of nursing homes, and the same appears to hold true for to these historically underserved groups? Having no children, Martha also dedicated a consider- dementia care through research leading to innova- African-Americans. So, are they underserved with respect able amount of time to her community. It was tions in prevention, early diagnosis, and intervention Health care reform may provide some help by ensuring to long-term care, or simply employing another, more A through this community involvement that she was for patients. culturally defined model? Perhaps more important is whether that the proportions of racial or ethnic group members introduced to Dr. Eric Pfeiffer, founder of the then- Martha Politz cared deeply about Alzheimer’s we can tailor services to a specific group when an individual with health insurance increases. But that is just part of from that group may really need help. Families, for example, the solution. named Suncoast Gerontology Center, now part of the research and care. Every planned gift can make an may be extremely burdened by the need to care for a family We need more “culturally competent” and coordinated USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, and became impact. In the case of Martha Politz, her gift is helping member and yet not seek formal support because the family programs of outreach, where a particular focus is on education. passionately involved. to create a better world for Alzheimer’s patients; one is expected to care for its own. This may explain why there Health literacy is also a big problem. And of course, we need Though Martha had no personal experience with that can include hope. ■

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 7 PLANNED GIVING USF HEALTH BYRD ALZHEIMER’S INSTITUTE Your Planned Gift: Funding Alzheimer’s research today, sustaining the USF Health of tomorrow.

What is a planned gift? Planned giving describes a way of demonstrating charitable support and commitment using a variety of assets, other than or in addition to cash, to make a gift to USF Health. It encompasses many types of gifts, such as life income gifts, estate bequests, gifts of life insurance or retirement plans and gifts of real and personal property. The type of gift depends on your personal situation and your goals for giving. Because many of the planned giving vehicles delay the realization of the gift until after your death or the death of another, planned gifts shape and sustain the USF of tomorrow.

What are the advantages of planned giving? There are many benefits to arranging a planned gift, including: • Income to you and/or another beneficiary for life • A charitable income tax deduction for a portion of your gift • Avoidance of all or a portion of the capital gains tax on the transfer of appreciated property • Ability to designate how your gift will eventually support USF

What are some examples of planned gifts? By Kelly Retrievi A life income or deferred gift can take any of several forms, including but Sr. Director, Gift Planning not limited to: University of South Florida Charitable gift annuity: In return for your gift of cash or marketable securi- Foundation Inc. ties in an amount of $10,000 or more, you and/or your beneficiary receive Gifts of Real Estate: Several types Gifts of Tangible Property: By To make a bequest to benefit the USF from the USF Foundation a guaranteed income stream for life or for a specified of real estate are appropriate as gifts, donating tangible property (such as number of years. Income payments begin immediately or are deferred to Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, simply including a personal residence or works of art, antiques, stamp and coin begin at a later date. You receive an immediate income tax deduction for the include the following language in your vacation home, commercial or collections) during your lifetime, you gift portion of the annuity and part of the income you receive may be tax-free. estate plan: agricultural property, and undeveloped may reduce your taxable estate while “I give (______dollars or land. In the case of a residence, you potentially benefiting from a charitable Charitable remainder trust: A gift of cash, marketable securities, closely held ______percent or all of the residue may retain lifetime tenancy in the income tax deduction in the year you stock, real estate, and in some cases, tangible personal property such as works of my estate) to the USF Foundation property (though not also an income make the gift. of art may be used to fund a trust that provides a fixed income at a guaranteed stream). Real estate can also be used amount or an amount that varies based on the trust’s investment performance. Inc., a nonprofit direct support Gifts of Retirement Plans: By naming organization of the University of South in establishing a trust that can provide USF Health as the beneficiary of your Income payments are made for life or for a specified number of years. you and/or your beneficiaries with Florida, for the benefit of the USF Health IRA, Keogh Plan, tax-deferred annuity, lifetime income. Charitable lead trust: A charitable lead trust generates and provides income Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute. If the or qualified pension plan, any assets during your lifetime, or the terms of the trust that is immediately given to the Foundation Board of Directors Gifts of Life Insurance: You may wish remaining in the plan after your death charity, and can provide significant short and long-term tax benefits. Assets determines that all or part of the gift to donate a fully paid-up policy for pass untaxed to USF Health. remaining in the trust pass to your heirs. cannot be used in the manner set forth, which the original need no longer Planned gifts may be made through- exists, or you may give a partially-paid out the year; however, you may receive Bequests: Making a bequest to support USF Health through your then the Board may direct that the gift policy, in which case the present value tax benefits from establishing a life trust or will can consist of cash or property such as securities, real estate inter- be used for other University purposes est, or certain types of tangible property, such as artwork. A bequest can take of the policy plus your remaining income gift prior to year-end. Year-end Help us make more discoveries. that will most nearly accomplish my the form of a specific sum or item, or the form of a residuary bequest in premium payments are tax deductible. gifts must be received or postmarked Please support the vital work of the USF Health wishes.” Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute with your gift today. which USF Health receives the remainder of an estate after specific bequests Similarly, if you took out a new policy on or before midnight December 31. are distributed. and named USF Health as owner and Consult with your professional Contact our development office at (813) 974-0890 beneficiary, all of your premiums would advisor with regard to the impact of or visit giving.usf.edu for more information be deductible. any gift on your personal situation. ■ 8 or to make your gift securely online. Thank You! 9 USF HEALTH BYRD ALZHEIMER’S INSTITUTE Institute Tours How To Give Age-Related Memory Loss continued from page 3 ongoing research into oxidative An interesting way to learn more The USF Foundation welcomes gifts of all sizes on behalf of the “Other people are as excited about stress and inflammation in about the Institute is by taking a Institute. Outright gifts and planned gifts can benefit both the this as we are,” said Small, the co-princi- aging, for which she facility tour. Visit the Discovery Labs university and the donor, via potential tax benefits. to see our researchers at work in the pal investigator. received a five-year grant pursuit of a cure for Alzheimer’s. Tour Bickford and Small of $1 million a year from our Medical Clinic and learn about Outright gifts are seeking 120 healthy the National Institute the clinical trials, services, and care Outright gifts are the simplest way to help, and immediately volunteers for the study: on Aging in 2006. She hopes to receive we provide to Alzheimer’s patients go to work on behalf of the university. Donors can make checks men and women, ages 65 to 85, who a continuation of the grant next year. A New Treatment and their families – all under one roof. payable to the USF Foundation. The donor can designate the gift have not been diagnosed with any Interested? For more information for Alzheimer’s? Along the way, you will learn about for Alzheimer’s by a note in the memo line of the check or in a memory disorder. about this investigational study or to inquire about participating, contact Ms. Researchers at USF are testing an Prevent Alzheimer’s Now, our revolu- letter, and may designate the gift for a specific department or During the supervised, 10-week clini- cal trial, some of the participants will be Kerri Rawson, School of Aging Studies, experimental approach to treating tionary plan to create a Multi- program. disciplinary Diagnostic Dementia given a concentrated dose of anti-oxi- USF by telephone (813) 974-6873 or Alzheimer’s disease that may provide a Center for patients and their families Donations can be mailed to: dants extracted from blueberries and email [email protected]. breakthrough in preventing memory loss. green tea, combined with vitamin D-3 The clinical trial is one of several under at the Institute. University of South Florida Paula Bickford, PhD, is a professor of ATTN: Development Department and amino acids, including carnosine. neurosurgery and pharmacology at USF way at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 70 The formula of nutrients, known as and a Senior Research Career Scientist at Institute in Tampa, this one taking cues Tour dates the James A. Haley VA Medical Center and from our body’s own immune system – Tampa, FL 33612-4742 NT-20, has been patented by Bickford, is president-elect of the American Society The following tour dates are sched- her colleagues, USF and the VA because an approach known as immunotherapy uled for the remainder of calendar for Neural Therapy and Repair. Brent Small, Donors may also use the pre-addressed envelope bound into of early indications that it may boost PhD, is a professor in USF’s School of – to try to prevent or reverse the cellular year 2010. All tours are from 11:30 memory performance by promoting the Aging Studies and a Senior Member in damage linked to dementia. a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and include lunch. copies of Brain Research Discoveries magazine. Donations also can the Department of Health Outcomes and be made online, using a credit or debit card. Visit the Web site health of neurons in the aging brain. Behavior at the Moffitt Cancer Center. But it is not a typical treatment that Volunteers in the Bickford and Small is given to prevent a disease. Rather, Day Date at giving.usf.edu and click the Make A Donation link. Many corporations will match gifts made by employees, retirees or even study will be asked to perform memory Q & A bapineuzumab is a passive immuno- Tuesday December 14 tests at the beginning and end of the therapy approach to treating Alzheimer’s spouses, allowing the donor to double or triple the value of their continued from page 5 study. During the study, the volunteers in people who already have the disease. gift. It only requires the donor to request a matching gift form If you would like to schedule a tour will receive free medical supervision to develop effective interventions that are If successful, it could lead to a treatment and send it along with the gift. designed to be accepted by those in the of the Institute, please contact Holly related to the investigational study. to help delay the progression or even various racial or ethnic groups. With Lisle, Associate Director of Bickford found in an earlier study prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s, accord- respect to acceptance and effectiveness, Development, at (813) 974-0890 or that aging rats that received NT-20 per- ing to Jessica Banko, PhD, associate email her at [email protected]. Planned giving one related issue that is gradually being Planned giving involves donating assets and is usually part of formed better in behavior and memory director of the Institute. There is no cost for the tour, but recognized is the need to ensure that a donor’s estate plan. Options include simple bequests, memorial tests than rats that did not receive the members of disadvantaged racial or ethnic Researchers are testing whether reservations are required as space is nutrient-rich supplement. antibodies harvested from labora- limited. and honorary gifts, endowed gifts, charitable gift annuities and groups participate fully in research intend- charitable remainder trusts. Such gifts usually involve legal She believes the high doses of anti- ed to lead to evidence-based practice. The tory animals will attack harmful gooey documents and require the advice and assistance of a professional oxidants and other natural components effectiveness of established interventions protein deposits in the human brain and Institute Open House help the body’s immune system remove financial consultant. The USF Foundation offers more information in the supplement can reduce age-relat- for older members of racial or ethnic November 18, 2010 ed damage to stem cells in the brain them. The deposits, known as amyloid at its Web site. groups is largely unknown. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and lead to an enriched environment plaque, are a feature of Alzheimer’s In recognition of National for the neurons in the brain, leading to Q Much of what you have said relates disease thought to damage the commu- Alzheimer’s month, you are invited Corporate & foundation giving better cognitive performance. to efforts to increase the overall cultural nications system in the brain. “There are “One of the things that’s emerging in competence of our health care system. no drugs on the market for Alzheimer’s to attend an Open House at the USF Donating to USF can also benefit corporations and foundations. Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute. the field of aging is that the stem cells Are there any other strategies that aid that target the amyloid plaques,” Banko Through corporate giving, businesses can build partnerships, Our regularly scheduled tour and in the body are one of the more sensi- in this effort? said. “This treatment has the potential participate on USF advisory boards, and develop relationships with presentation have been expanded to tive cells to aging and they seem to to actually modify the underlying cause offer several opportunities throughout outstanding students who are preparing to enter the workforce. slow down,” Bickford said. “If we can A Several states have created legislation of the disease rather than just treat the the day. Scheduled tour times Foundations can fulfill their missions by working with USF target therapies toward that population mandating training in cultural competence symptoms. That’s what is so exciting are: 10:00 a.m.,1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. to find projects and goals that meet or align with their funding of cells, that may help many aspects of for all licensed health care providers. In about it.” and 4:00 p.m. Scheduled presentation initiatives. aging mentally, and it may also have Florida, the previous director of the Office USF is one of several test sites around times are: 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The USF Foundation has staff trained in coordinating these broader effects on the body overall.” A of Minority Health had expressed a strong the country that will complete their No reservations are necessary. gifts and developing opportunities that help both the university growing body of research suggests that interest in creating similar legislation, studies by 2016, before federal regulators but with his departure I am not sure For larger groups, or if you have and the donor organization. blueberries and other foods high in rule on the safety and effectiveness of whether this will happen. One strategy questions, please call Holly Lisle at For more information, please contact Holly Lisle, Associate anti-oxidants may help protect the body the treatment. to which universities such as the (813) 974-0890 or email her at Director of Development, at 813.974.0890 or email her at against damage from oxidative stress University of South Florida are paying For more information [email protected]. [email protected]. ■ and inflammation, biological processes increasing attention is to expand the about this study visit: linked to aging. “pipeline” of racial or ethnic minority 10 The study will help advance Bickford’s students in the health professions. ■ alz.health.usf.edu 11 USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute University of South Florida 4001 East Fletcher Avenue NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION Tampa, FL 33613 U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1632 TAMPA FL

Caregiver seminars at The Byrd Institute: Support built on science. practical information five years ago, my life would have been so much easier,’” Poiley said. She encourages caregivers to attend more than one seminar because their circumstances will likely change over time. “The thing about Alzheimer’s is they’re going to come and learn information that they need now, but in six months or a year from now things could be completely different and they could be dealing with new behaviors and entirely different issues,” she said. The training caregivers receive is based on scientific research, she added. The Institute welcomes the opportunity A common misconception among loved one’s unpredictable behaviors and to collaborate with community partners families when told a loved one has needs. to sponsor a caregiver seminar in their Alzheimer’s disease is to think they can Caregiver seminars are held in the community. For more information on handle it themselves. Tampa Bay area and surrounding coun- sponsorship, please contact Eileen “In the very beginning, the demands ties throughout the year to provide fam- Poiley at (813)974-4355 or epoiley@ on the caregiver are not as great,” says ilies with information and strategies to health.usf.edu. ■ Eileen Poiley, director of education at better handle their situation. The free USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute. programs typically cover medical and But she wants families to know that as behavioral issues, legal matters, clinical the disease progresses and poses greater trial information and other common To learn about upcoming seminars, go to challenges, help is available. concerns. They also include several alz.health.usf.edu and click on Poiley believes that the sooner care- question-and-answer opportunities, a “Upcoming Events.” givers learn about the disease and the resource folder and lunch. The Web site also provides caregivers with variety of resources available, the more “We’ve reached thousands of caregiv- helpful resources and other tips for their capable they can be at shouldering the ers, and they tell us in their evaluations crucial role. increasing responsibilities of maintain- how helpful these seminars are. They Caregivers can also call (813) 974-4355 ing a household and dealing with their say things like, ‘If I had only known this and ask to be placed on a mailing list for upcoming seminars.