DEAR ABBY: My daughter is married with two kids. They live a number of hours away. I really like seeing them, but I actually have only one issue. She continuously corrects the best way I pronounce words. Nobody ever mentioned it before she did. A variety of the pronunciations are how my relations and folks in my state pronounce them.
She began criticizing me after she lived in three different states. It has reached a degree where I dread seeing her. I feel self-conscious, and my self-esteem gets shot down each time I do. Once I tell her it hurts me, she says I’m being “too sensitive.” I don’t know what I should do. — HURTING OVER THIS
DEAR HURTING: Individuals who make comments that hurt other people’s feelings after which tell them they’re “too sensitive” are rude and passive-aggressive. What it is best to do is tell your conceited daughter to knock it off because you may have had it.
DEAR ABBY: After a long time of research, I’m thrilled with the recent major progress being made in treatments for individuals who have already got symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. I’m hoping that, someday, we’ll have the ability to stop people from developing memory impairment and dementia.
Brain changes, including the buildup of a toxic protein into amyloid plaques, begin as much as 20 years before an individual notices any symptoms. This “asymptomatic” stage would be the perfect time to check treatments aiming to delay or prevent symptoms before they start.
Because of this we’re conducting the AHEAD Study, an investigational trial of lecanemab, an FDA-approved medication for mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia resulting from Alzheimer’s disease. The AHEAD Study is testing whether starting lecanemab in those with amyloid plaques before symptoms start can assist prevent cognitive decline.
As a neurologist, a clinical researcher and someone who has seen Alzheimer’s in my family, I’m grateful we’re seeing such progress in our field. But, Abby, we’d like help out of your readers to check these promising medications before the devastating symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are apparent. Those thinking about the AHEAD Study should call 800-243-2370 or visit AHEADstudy.org to assist us get ahead of Alzheimer’s. — REISA SPERLING, M.D., PROFESSOR OF NEUROLOGY, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
DEAR DR. SPERLING: Thanks in your letter. Readers, greater than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s. Changing the trajectory of the disease before symptoms appear is a very important scientific pursuit. Clinical trials hold the important thing to recent and higher Alzheimer’s disease treatments.
Roughly 55,000 volunteers are needed for greater than 180 clinical trials. Along with the AHEAD study, the Alzheimer’s Association offers TrialMatch, a free service that connects people living with dementia, caregivers and healthy volunteers to clinical trials. Clinical trial volunteers are key to higher treatments, prevention strategies and a future cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Visit trialmatch.alz.org or call 800-272-3900 to learn more.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also often known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.