“Alzheimer’s in a Dish” Model Accelerates the Search for Treatments

Scientists have made an exciting discovery that could speed up the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Instead of waiting years to see how the disease develops in the brain, researchers have created a miniature lab model that replicates Alzheimer’s processes in just six weeks. This breakthrough, called “Alzheimer’s in a dish,” allows scientists to study the condition more quickly and test new treatments much faster than before.

By using a special algorithm called Integrative Pathway Activity Analysis (IPAA), the team confirmed that their lab-grown brain model accurately mirrors the changes seen in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This means they can now better understand how the disease progresses and which drugs might work best.

One test showed that a drug called losmapimod, which targets a key brain pathway linked to cell damage, significantly reduced Alzheimer’s-related harm in the model. Researchers are now using this method to test hundreds of drugs, hoping to find more effective treatments for Alzheimer’s.

This innovation is a big step forward, offering hope for faster, more affordable drug development. For families affected by Alzheimer’s, this could mean quicker progress toward finding better therapies to improve lives.


Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act Becomes Law to Deliver In-Home Caregiving

Veterans Who Qualify for Care in a Nursing Home May Now Receive the Same Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home

The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (H.R. 542 and S. 141) was signed into law by former President Biden on January 2, 2025, to expand home health care benefits for veterans. Championed by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) with bipartisan support, the Act passed the House with a 414-5 vote and was unanimously approved by the Senate.

The Act allows qualifying veterans to receive 100% covered home-based care through licensed agencies, providing services like nursing, therapy, and caregiving. This shifts funds typically used for nursing homes to in-home care, aligning with veterans’ preferences to age in place.

Elizabeth Dole’s foundation, focused on veterans’ care, advocated for this shift, demonstrating the benefits of home-based care. The legislation includes pilot programs for low-population areas and initiatives to expand home and community-based services, including for Native American veterans.

Additionally, the Act extends caregiver benefits, expands VA programs like Veteran Directed Care, and mandates program reviews to close service gaps. It may pave the way for Medicare to adopt similar home care benefits for seniors.

 Caregiverlist offers resources for caregivers, agencies, and families to learn about home care services, costs, and Caregiver training options.


How Small Acts of Kindness Bring Hope

Did you know that Filipinos have a term called “bayanihan“, that means working together to help each other. In the past, it referred to neighbors helping a family move their house by carrying it together. Today, it means people coming together to assist those in need, especially during crises. The recent California fires revealed the true spirit of “bayanihan“, with people uniting to help those affected, among the heroes were prisoners working as firefighters, earning less than $2 an hour, yet risking their lives to save everyone.

The devastation hit seniors particularly hard. Many lost not only their homes but also their sense of safety and stability. Caregivers, who often serve as their lifeline, faced the challenge of finding new ways to support their clients amid the chaos. For seniors, losing their homes means losing familiar spaces where they feel secure, and the disruption can be overwhelming.

But even in this tragedy, small acts of kindness make a big difference. As Elissa Strauss writes in her book When You Care, “The smallest acts of kindness can spark hope and healing. Whether it’s writing letters of encouragement or volunteering time, caregivers have the power to create light in the darkest of times.”

Remember, one of the most simple ways to make a difference is by providing companionship and a listening ear.


President Biden Signs Elizabeth Dole Act to Enhance Veterans’ Healthcare and Support Services

On January 2, 2025, President Biden signed into law the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, commonly known as the Dole Act.

The White House This comprehensive legislation aims to enhance support for veterans, their caregivers, and families by:

  • Expanding In-Home Care: The Act increases the cap on home care costs covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), allowing veterans to receive more extensive in-home services.
  • Establishing Assisted Living Pilot Program: A pilot program is introduced to provide eligible veterans with access to assisted living care, offering alternatives to traditional nursing home facilities.
  • Enhancing Caregiver Support: The legislation improves mental health services for caregivers and extends benefits to those caring for elderly and infirmed veterans.
  • Improving Access to VA Services: The Act addresses various aspects of veterans’ healthcare, economic opportunities, disability and memorial affairs, homelessness, and oversight, aiming to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and improve service delivery.

Named after former Senator Elizabeth Dole, a dedicated advocate for veterans’ issues, the Act represents a significant advancement in modernizing and expanding support systems for veterans and their families.

Rep. Juila Brownley, a Democrat of California, and Senator Jerry Moran, a Republican representing the state of Kansas, submitted this bill which means both parties agree on it! Caregivers are trained to provide care in the home and the one-on-one care delivers more care services than in a nursing home where 1 caregiver may care for as many as 10 to 12 residents.