Monthly Archives: May 2021

Walter Pincusis a contributing senior national security columnist for The Cipher Brief. He spent forty years at The Washington Post, writing on topics from nuclear weapons to politics.

OPINION Last Wednesday, the Government Accountability Office released a declassified version of a once-secret June 2020 report titled: Nuclear Triad: DOD and DOE Face Challenges Mitigating Risks to US Deterrence Efforts.

Conducted under the Trump administration, the report raised questions about whether the Defense Departments (DOD) replacement programs for todays strategic nuclear weapon delivery systems [submarines, bombers, ICBMs] face schedule risks that could exacerbate challenges with existing triad systems.

In addition, the nearly year-old report questioned whether the Department of Energys (DOE) nuclear warhead life extension programs, which depend on manufacturing and assembly facilities that are outdated or obsolete, also face schedule risks.

As a result, the GAO said, DOD and DOE have limited ability to mitigate risks to the efficacy of the nuclear deterrent with their current strategy and are beginning to consider alternatives.

The GAO said it did the 2020 study because DOD has reported that due to prior delays and challenges with aging nuclear Triad systems, there is little to no margin for delaying replacement systems without incurring risk to the nuclear deterrent. Similarly, DOE faces a demanding schedule for infrastructure projects and programs for the life extension and production of warheads and bombs.

The report went on, We found that every nuclear Triad replacement programincluding the B-21 [new strategic bomber], LRSO [new long-range, stand-off, air-launched, nuclear cruise missile], GBSD [new Ground Based Strategic Deterrent Intercontinental Missile], and Columbia class submarine, and every ongoing bomb and warhead modernization programfaces the prospect of delays due to program-specific and DOD-and DOE-wide risk factors. These risk factors include an insufficient DOD nuclear certification workforce, limited DOE infrastructure capacity, and supply-chain risks. If realized, these delays would prolong DODs operation of existing Triad systems.

Two points about this report make it interesting.

It was based on requirements set by the 2018 Trump Nuclear Posture Review, and as the GAO pointed out in the declassified version released last week the report does not reflect the effects of these COVID-19 measures on program schedules or progress.

In short, the report showed the Trump administration was pushing ahead with programs to replace its three major strategic nuclear delivery systems, at costs in the hundreds-of-billions of dollars, in the face of what the GAO said were risk factors that include concurrency between phases of acquisition programs from development through production, immature technologies, and limited schedule margins.

I write about the GAO report today because the Biden administration has its own Nuclear Posture Review underway, which will allow reassessment of Trumps nuclear programs, and possibly offer the prospect of slowing down the new Columbia submarine, GBSD ICBM, and B-21 systems to reduce some risks pointed out by the GAO.

Will that harm todays deterrence effect?

The GAO report notes that much of the concern raised by Trump Pentagon personnel rested on the ability to generate additional numbers of strategic nuclear systems called force generation based on U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) operational requirements in some future crisis. Those requirements could very well change under the Biden administration given President Bidens intention to try to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in national security. Meanwhile, as the GAO report points out, the Navy already apparently has not met STRATCOMs current force generation requirements having operational and available 10 SSBNs [strategic ballistic missile submarines] because the current Ohio SSBNs have faced months of unplanned delays in extended mid-life maintenance, refueling overhauls and refit periods.

However, no one has claimed the U.S. deterrent is currently ineffective.

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Meanwhile, President Biden has agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin to extend the New START (Strategic Arms Treaty) for five years. That extension keeps in place inspection and verification rules and, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said, Provides us with greater insight into Russias nuclear posture, including through data exchanges and onsite inspections that allow U.S. inspectors to have eyes on Russian nuclear forces and facilities.

Just what are the risks that the GAO said relate to replacement of the new delivery systems?

The first, new Columbia-class strategic submarine went into production in October 2020, despite the finding that additional development and testing are required to demonstrate the maturity of several technologies critical to performance, according to the GAO report. In addition, the GAO described as aggressive the Navys Columbia production plan noting it plans to build the lead submarine over 7 yearsor 84 monthsThis duration is shorter than what the Navy achieved on any recent lead submarine construction effortincluding during high levels of Cold War submarine production. The average construction time for the first of class submarine for the last four classes has been approximately 91 months.

A February 2021 Congressional Research Service report also raised risks to the Columbia program, citing the COVID-19 pandemic, technical challenges, and/or funding-related issuesof a delay in designing and building the lead Columbia-class boat, which could put at risk. the Navys ability to have the boat ready for its first scheduled deterrent patrol in 2031, when it is scheduled to deploy in the place of the first retiring Ohio-class SSBN.

The GAO report also claims that Pentagon officials called the current schedule for the GBSD aggressive and compressed compared to prior ICBM programs. Designed to replace the currently deployed 400 Minuteman IIIs beginning in 2029, The Air Force plans to deliver the first production unit of the GBSD missile at the earliest feasible date and reach initial operational capability in fiscal year 2029.

GAO said the missiles program schedule delays are likely because of several risks starting with the use of immature technology. To meet the planned first delivery, the Air Force developed an acquisition approach that calls for the use of mature technologies, but GBSD program officials acknowledge in the programs acquisition strategy that there is a risk that the program could be delayed if it does not demonstrate a mature design based on mature technologies, according to the GAO.

Another risk is the GBSD programs draft developmental testing schedule only includes two months to address deficiencies found in flight testing before the next test is expected to begin, including any resulting design changes. The GAO said, Our work on other acquisition programs shows that testing is a process of discovery and that programs need time to incorporate necessary changes and retest.

Another risk factor is the time it would take to convert Minuteman III launch facilities into the configuration needed for the GBSD. Current plans call for averaging 50 conversions per year with slightly more than that number going through the process before the first new ICBM is turned over to the Air Force. Under current deployments, there are 50 former Minuteman III launch facilities without missiles, a reduction undertaken under the New START treaty. The current estimate is that it could take up to six months to restore and convert a launch facility to handle a GBSD missile.

The Air Force has yet to evaluate all of the launch facilities and, accordingly, the full scope of work necessary to prepare the facilities for use by the GBSD program has yet to be determined. If the Air Force does not resolve the issues with the launch facilities in advance of the transition to GBSD, additional time could be needed for construction, which could result in delays to GBSD fielding, according to the GAO report.

As for programs to upgrade aging U.S. nuclear warheads, the GAO had previously, in 2019, found that the next decade is particularly challenging for DOEs nuclear modernization efforts because the agency needs to ensure sufficient production capacity to execute LEPs [Life Extension Programs] and modernization programs while conducting major construction projects and programs to modernize its uranium and plutonium capabilities. The GAO report goes over problems related to not only producing plutonium pits, the triggering devices for thermonuclear weapons, but also the availability of weapons-grade uranium, tritium, lithium, as well as specialized explosive materials that meet the exacting standards required for use in nuclear weapons.

What is clear from analysis of last weeks GAO report is that the long-planned, costly replacement of strategic nuclear delivery systems was already running behind meeting the Trump administrations schedule before the Biden presidency began. Nonetheless, Americas nuclear deterrent, in the form of todays deployed triad of submarines, ICBMs and bombers, remains unchallenged.

It follows, therefore, that there is some timing flexibility for the Biden administrations national security team to put together its own nuclear weapons policy, relate it to arms control approaches, and continue the Triad delivery systems replacement programs, although probably at a more responsible pace and perhaps calling for lesser numbers.

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US Nuclear Weapons Systems Facing Risk with Replacements - The Cipher Brief

Chris Berman will continue to host NFL PrimeTime after agreeing to a new contract with ESPN.

The multiyear agreement was announced on Berman's 66th birthday Monday.

"We've been working on it for a while, and this was the perfect time to do it," Berman said during a telephone interview. "ESPN has been almost two-thirds of my life. I'm honored that what I do still works."

Berman has been an integral part of ESPN throughout its history after joining the network a month after its launch in September 1979. Besides being one of the original SportsCenter anchors, he also has been a key part of the network's NFL and baseball coverage.

He hosted NFL PrimeTime with Tom Jackson from 1987 to 2005 on ESPN and then starting again in 2019 when it returned on the ESPN+ streaming service. Berman -- who also hosted NFL Countdown from 1985 to 2016 -- teamed up with Booger McFarland for PrimeTime last year when Jackson could not travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Berman approached ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro when ESPN+ started about the possibility of reviving PrimeTime. Berman said seeing the success of PrimeTime on the streaming service has mirrored watching the growth of ESPN.

"The fact that I will get to do it again this season is something I have enjoyed the most," he said. "I love being able to help build another entity with it this time being in the streaming world."

Berman said it remains to be determined who will join him on PrimeTime during the coming season.

Berman was the 2010 recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award and has been the master of ceremonies for the Hall's induction ceremony since 1999.

"Quite simply, Chris Berman has personified ESPN's success for more than four decades," Norby Williamson, ESPN's executive vice president and executive editor, said in a statement. "Fans respond to his authentic love of sports, his ability to savor and capture the big moments, and his on-air style that reminds us how live games can truly be equal parts essential and fun. We are delighted Boomer's magical ride at ESPN will continue for years to come."

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Chris Berman signs multiyear extension with ESPN - ESPN

May 9, 2021 (Reports and Markets) Nuclear Plant Life Extension Market

Reports And Markets recently added a research report on the Nuclear Plant Life Extension Market, which represents a study for the period from 2021 to 2027. The research study provides a near look at the market scenario and dynamics impacting its growth. This report highlights the crucial developments along with other events happening in the market which are marking the growth and opening doors for future growth in the coming years. Additionally, the report is built on the basis of the macro- and micro-economic factors and historical data that can influence the growth.

The report offers valuable insight into the Nuclear Plant Life Extension Market progress and approaches related to the Nuclear Plant Life Extension market with an analysis of each region. The report goes on to talk about the dominant aspects of the market and examine each segment.

Key Players: Areva,CNNC,Rosatom,Westinghouse Electric Company,CGN,Hitachi GE Nuclear Energy,Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,KHNP,Kansai Electric Power,Japan Atomic Power,Alstom,Hitachi

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The global Nuclear Plant Life Extension Market segmented by company, region (country), by Type, and by Application. Players, stakeholders, and other participants in the global Nuclear Plant Life Extension market will be able to gain the upper hand as they use the report as a powerful resource. The segmental analysis focuses on revenue and forecast by region (country), by Type, and by Application for the period 2021-2027.

Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers

North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)

Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)

Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.)

Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)

Key Points of the Geographical Analysis:

Data and information related to the consumption rate in each region

The estimated increase in the consumption rate

The expected growth rate of the regional markets

Proposed growth of the market share of each region

Geographical contribution to market revenue

Research objectives:

To study and analyze the global Nuclear Plant Life Extension Market size by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2027.

To understand the structure of the Nuclear Plant Life Extension Market by identifying its various sub segments.

Focuses on the key global Nuclear Plant Life Extension players, to define, describe and analyze the value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.

To analyze the Nuclear Plant Life Extension with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the size of Nuclear Plant Life Extension sub markets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

The report lists the major players in the regions and their respective market share on the basis of global revenue. It also explains their strategic moves in the past few years, investments in product innovation, and changes in leadership to stay ahead in the competition. This will give the reader an edge over others as a well-informed decision can be made looking at the holistic picture of the market.

Table of Contents: Nuclear Plant Life Extension Market

Chapter 1: Overview of Nuclear Plant Life Extension Market

Chapter 2: Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions

Chapter 3: Global Market Status and Forecast by Types

Chapter 4: Global Market Status and Forecast by Downstream Industry

Chapter 5: Market Driving Factor Analysis

Chapter 6: Market Competition Status by Major Manufacturers

Chapter 7: Major Manufacturers Introduction and Market Data

Chapter 8: Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis

Chapter 9: Cost and Gross Margin Analysis

Chapter 10: Marketing Status Analysis

Chapter 11: Market Report Conclusion

Chapter 12: Research Methodology and Reference

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Key questions answered in this report

What will the market size be in 2027 and what will the growth rate be?

What are the key market trends?

What is driving this market?

What are the challenges to market growth?

Who are the key vendors in this market space?

What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?

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Global Nuclear Plant Life Extension Market Insights 2021 Industry Overview, Competitive Players & Forecast 2027| Areva,CNNC,Rosatom,Westinghouse...

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, May 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascendis Pharma, Inc.(Nasdaq: ASND), a biopharmaceutical company that utilizes its innovative TransCon technologies to create product candidates that address unmet medical needs, today announced preliminary 58-week results from the continuing open-label extension (OLE) portion of the PaTH Forward Trial, a global phase 2 trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of its investigational product candidate TransCon PTH in adult subjects with hypoparathyroidism (HP).

Today we announced results which demonstrated, after one year of treatment, that TransCon PTH was well-tolerated at all doses and provided durable benefit in adults with HP. Data from these subjects provided evidence suggesting they are establishing physiologic calcium metabolism based upon normalization of 24-hour urine calcium excretion and a downward trend toward mid-normal levels in bone markers without the use of therapeutic calcium and vitamin D supplementation. In addition, patient data also showed continued normalized quality of life as measured by the SF-36 questionnaire. Taken together, we believe these results further support the use of TransCon PTH as a potential new treatment paradigm for adults living with HP, said Jan Mikkelsen, President and CEO of Ascendis Pharma.

What is particularly rewarding to me is that all 58 patients continue to participate in the open label extension. I believe this is a reflection of the positive impact TransCon PTH is having on these individuals lives, continued Mr. Mikkelsen.

Key Findings of the Preliminary OLE Results of PaTH Forward Trial at 58 weeks

A slide presentation with these data is available at the Investors & News section of the companys website here:https://investors.ascendispharma.com/

TransCon PTH Program Update

In addition to PaTH Forward, Ascendis Pharma is conducting the PaTHway Trial, a North American and European phase 3 clinical study evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of TransCon PTH in adults with HP. Topline results are expected from PaTHway in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Ascendis plans to submit a Clinical Trial Notification to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in Japan during the second quarter of 2021 to initiate a phase 3 trial of TransCon PTH in adults with hypoparathyroidism.

About the PaTH Forward Trial

PaTH Forward is a global, phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled group trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of three fixed doses of TransCon PTH (15, 18 or 21 g/day or placebo). The trial enrolled 59 adult subjects with chronic HP who received standard of care or were previously treated with PTH therapies. The goal of PaTH Forward is to evaluate TransCon PTH control of serum and urinary calcium and identify a titration regimen for complete withdrawal of standard of care (i.e., active vitamin D and calcium supplements). PaTH Forward has introduced a ready-to-use pre-filled pen injector and assesses disease-specific patient-reported outcomes. After four weeks of fixed dosing, all subjects were eligible to enter an open-label extension period with the opportunity to receive a customized maintenance dose of TransCon PTH to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy.

About TransCon PTH1

TransCon PTH is an investigational once-daily long-acting prodrug of parathyroid hormone (PTH[1-34]) in development as a treatment for adult hypoparathyroidism (HP) designed to restore PTH at physiologic levels for 24 hours each day to address both the short-term symptoms and long-term complications of the disease. TransCon PTH was granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2018, and in October 2020 was granted Orphan Designation by the European Commission for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism.

About Hypoparathyroidism (HP)2,3,4,5,6,7

Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), resulting in low calcium and elevated phosphate levels in the blood. HP affects approximately 200,000 patients in the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea, the majority of whom develop the condition following damage or accidental removal of the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery. Patients often experience decreased quality of life. In the short term, symptoms include weakness, severe muscle cramps (tetany), abnormal sensations such as tingling, burning and numbness (paresthesia), memory loss, impaired judgment and headache. Over the long term, this complex disorder can increase risk of major complications, such as extraskeletal calcium depositions occurring within the brain, lens of the eye, and kidneys, which can lead to impaired renal function.

HP remains among the few hormonal insufficiency states without a replacement therapy that restores the missing hormone at physiologic levels. Standard of care with active vitamin D analogs and calcium supplementation do not fully control the disease and may contribute to risk of renal disease. As a result, patients with HP have an estimated 4-fold to 8-fold greater risk of renal disease compared to healthy controls.

About TransCon Technology

TransCon refers to transient conjugation. The proprietary TransCon platform is an innovative technology to create new therapies that are designed to potentially optimize therapeutic effect, including efficacy, safety and dosing frequency. TransCon molecules have three components: an unmodified parent drug, an inert carrier that protects it, and a linker that temporarily binds the two. When bound, the carrier inactivates and shields the parent drug from clearance. When injected into the body, physiologic conditions (e.g., pH and temperature) initiate the release of the active, unmodified parent drug in a predictable manner. Because the parent drug is unmodified, its original mode of action is expected to be maintained. TransCon technology can be applied broadly to a protein, peptide or small molecule in multiple therapeutic areas, and can be used systemically or locally.

AboutAscendis Pharma A/S

Ascendis Pharmais applying its innovative platform technology to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients lives. Guided by its core values of patients, science and passion, the company utilizes its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies.

Ascendis Pharma currently has a pipeline of three independent endocrinology rare disease product candidates and one oncology product candidate in clinical development. The company continues to expand into additional therapeutic areas to address unmet patient needs.

Ascendis is headquartered inCopenhagen, Denmark, with additional offices in Heidelberg andBerlin, Germany, inPalo AltoandRedwood City, California, and in Princeton, New Jersey.

Please visit http://www.ascendispharma.com (for global information) or http://www.ascendispharma.us (for U.S. information).

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding Ascendis future operations, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to (i) Ascendis expectations regarding the timing of topline results from PaTHway, (ii) Ascendis plans to submit a Clinical Trial Notification to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in Japan to initiate a phase 3 trial of TransCon PTH in adults with hypoparathyroidism, (iii) Ascendis ability to apply its platform technology to build a leading, fully integrated biopharmaceutical company, (iv) Ascendis product pipeline and expansion into additional therapeutic areas and (v) Ascendis expectations regarding its ability to utilize its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions, expectations and projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that Ascendis makes, including the following: unforeseen safety or efficacy results in its oncology programs, TransCon hGH, TransCon PTH and TransCon CNP or other development programs; unforeseen expenses related to the development and potential commercialization of its oncology programs, TransCon hGH, TransCon PTH and TransCon CNP or other development programs, selling, general and administrative expenses, other research and development expenses and Ascendis business generally; delays in the development of its oncology programs, TransCon hGH, TransCon PTH and TransCon CNP or other development programs related to manufacturing, regulatory requirements, speed of patient recruitment or other unforeseen delays; dependence on third party manufacturers to supply study drug for planned clinical studies; Ascendis ability to obtain additional funding, if needed, to support its business activities and the effects on its business from the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Ascendis business in general, see Ascendis Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 10, 2021 and Ascendis other future reports filed with, or submitted to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future in-licensing, collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments that Ascendis may enter into or make. Ascendis does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Ascendis,Ascendis Pharma, theAscendis Pharmalogo, the company logo and TransCon are trademarks owned by theAscendis Pharma Group. May 2021Ascendis Pharma A/S.

1 Karpf DB, et al. J Bone Miner Res. 2020; x:1-11.2 Mannstadt M, et al. Nature Reviews2017, 3: 170553 Ascendis Pharma HP Patient Experience Research.4 Hadker N, et al. Endo Pract. 2014, 20(7);671-679.5 Powers J, et al. J Bone Miner Res 2013, 28: 2570-2576.6 Mitchell DM, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2012, 97(12): 4507-45147 Underbjerg L, et al. J Bone Miner Res 2013, 28: 2277-2285

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Ascendis Pharma A/S Announces Preliminary 58-Week Results from Open-Label Extension of Phase 2 PaTH Forward Trial of TransCon PTH in Adult...

CINCINNATI Marilyn Andersons late husband, Herndon, was only 50 when he started experiencing problems with his memory.

Doctors determined he had mixed dementia, where multiple types of dementia were occurring in his brain at the same time. Anderson used her skills as a nurse to care for her husband at home for 10 years before his disease became too difficult for her to manage.

When it came time to move him to a nursing home, she had concerns as the wife of a Black man and was relieved to find a facility where many of his direct care providers were Black, too.

Particularly when a person might have days or times when, you know, their behavior is the result of their feeling agitated or more confused, it was really helpful, Anderson said. I was very grateful that there were staff members there that were not overwhelmed by that or would not be fearful of him.

Courtesy of Marilyn Anderson

My husband was a relatively tall, strong-looking African-American male, and that could have resulted in over-medication or someone saying, Hey, we dont think we can continue to care for your husband here, she added. I did not have that situation, and I think thats largely because there was a team of staff members there who were able to identify with him and connect with him and were not afraid of him.

Two national surveys released earlier this year raised concerns about discrimination as a barrier to Alzheimers and dementia care.

The survey results were part of a March Alzheimers Association report and found that 66% of Black Americans believe it is harder for them to get excellent care for Alzheimers disease or other types of dementia. In addition, 40% of Native Americans, 39% of Hispanic Americans and 34% of Asian Americans believe their own race or ethnicity makes it hard to get care.

One of the challenges is that numerous studies have told us that about one in four patients and families struggling with dementia really get a good quality of care, said Robert Keyes, co-director of The Christ Hospital Health & Aging Center and a board member of the Alzheimers Association Greater Cincinnati chapter.

The importance of trust

Its a relatively somewhat scarce resource already, Keyes said. If everyone who really needed the specialty care would all of a sudden go to the specialist, wed be overwhelmed.

Patients of color who visit Christs Health & Aging Center typically get referred there by their primary care physicians, who often are the same ethnicity, Keyes said, and those doctors have the trust of their patients.

It really helps us to partner with other primary care physicians who say, OK, this is where you can go and get treatment and get some benefit, he said. That partner is crucial, I think, and the trust that is generated from that.

Thats why the Alzheimers Associations Alzheimers and Dementia Care ECHO Program is so important, he said.

Courtesy of Dr. Robert Keyes

The six-month program uses videoconferencing to pair specialists with primary care doctors so they can share information and learn from each other. Keyes said the program does a good job of helping primary care doctors learn more about the best ways to care for people with Alzheimers and dementia.

Project ECHO (which stands for Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) has included discussions of racial disparities in care but soon could focus one of its sessions specifically on the topic, said Amy Boehm, the health systems director for the Alzheimers Association in Ohio.

As this special report has come out and were learning more, we want to make sure as an organization were doing our part as well, Boehm said. Were making sure that were dedicating some time to this issue.

The Alzheimers Association is working to help care providers understand the concerns expressed in the organizations special report released in March, Boehm said, and wants to make sure doctors are informed about clinical trials for new medications in development.

The other part is just making sure that we are really partnering strategically with other community-based organizations because we know one organization cant tackle this alone, she said.

The association also has a special African American Caregivers forum coming up on June 24 to help families navigate dementia care.

Black Americans are at higher risk for Alzheimers and dementia just like they are at higher risk for vascular diseases, Boehm said, so its important to make sure Black patients are properly diagnosed and treated.

A loving wifes lessons

Andersons husband was in the advanced stages of dementia when he died in December after contracting COVID-19, Anderson said.

Courtesy of Marilyn Anderson

The Greater Cincinnati chapter of the Alzheimers Association was especially supportive during the final years of Herndon Andersons life, his wife said, and she hopes telling his story will help other families, too.

During her husbands 16-year experience with dementia, Anderson said she learned that when people living with dementia lose their ability to communicate clearly, they are vulnerable to mistreatment or poor-quality care when theyre hospitalized.

Also, family caregivers who are close to the person with dementia have valuable information that health care professionals might not get otherwise, she said.

They know their loved one better than anyone else, Anderson said. Whether they have a health care background or not.

Anderson recalled a time when her husband was hospitalized. She tried to tell the staff that her husbands behavior had gotten more out of control after he took a particular medication. But before she could explain, she said, the staff gave him the same medication that had caused such a problem.

That can happen, particularly if youre not right there, she said. Which makes it difficult for you to feel like you can ever leave.

Anderson said she knows problems like that can happen to any family, regardless of race. But when health care providers actively seek information and listen well, she said, they can help reduce the harm that hidden biases can cause.

Courtesy of Marilyn Anderson

The Alzheimer's Association African American Caregivers forum -- Empowering African Americans in Navigating Dementia Care -- will be 5-6:30 p.m. June 24. To register, call 513-342-6306.

More information about the Alzheimers Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter is available online. The associations special report Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimers in America is available online, too.

Lucy May writes about the people, places and issues that define our region to celebrate what makes the Tri-State great and shine a spotlight on issues we need to address. To reach Lucy, email lucy.may@wcpo.com. Follow her on Twitter @LucyMayCincy.

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Study finds racial disparities in health care extend to dementia, Alzheimer's treatment - WCPO