Big Breakthroughs

The latest in the fight against Alzheimer's. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( July 18, 2023 We’re starting off with good news: There have been numerous breakthroughs in the fight against Alzheimer’s. We break those down, including [which states have the highest prevalence]( of the disease. We also unpack [a common myth about sleep and aging](. Then, we’re taking it all the way back to reminisce about [the relatable Barbie stories]( from our youth. We’re also sharing [what our editors are buying from Nordstrom’s sale]( this week. Let's begin!   In the News [Illustration of someone with Alzheimers]( Getty Images Fighting Alzheimer’s There have been some exciting developments in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, which affects an estimated 6 million Americans. Here’s a breakdown of the latest. An effective new drug: The pharma giant Eli Lilly just developed an experimental medicine called donanemab. A new study showed that it slowed memory and thinking problems by as much as 60% among patients in the early stages of the disease. A different approach: In an effort to be more accurate, medical experts are changing the way doctors diagnose patients by adopting a numerical rating system similar to cancer. This includes adopting a seven-point rating scale based on cognitive and biological changes in patients, instead of using terms like mild, moderate, and severe. But not all the news is necessarily optimistic: New data suggests that Alzheimer’s is more common in certain parts of the U.S. — [here are the 10 states where it’s most prevalent](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fhealth%2Falzheimers-disease-most-common-states%2F   More Stories [Donald Trump]( Getty Images Trump legal latest: Georgia's Supreme Court has rejected former President Trump's attempt to quash the Fulton County DA's probe into whether he and his allies interfered in the 2020 election. Even Trump's lawyers conceded that the bid was a long shot, identifying "no case in 40 years" in which the court has made such an intervention. This comes as the New York Times reports that Trump is planning a ["sweeping expansion of presidential power"]( if he's returned to the White House in 2025... Gilgo Beach serial killings: Per CNN, investigators feared that Rex Heuermann, the man who's been arrested in relation to the killings of several women whose remains were discovered more than a decade ago on Long Island, would flee the country if he caught wind that prosecutors were preparing charges. Heuermann, who's on suicide watch, apparently followed the case of the "Gilgo Four” obsessively, with his internet history revealing hundreds of searches for information. Ominous signs: Officials in Portland, Oregon believe the deaths of four women whose bodies were found between February and May are linked. The Multnomah County DA’s Office says that "at least" one person of interest has been identified in the deaths of Kristin Smith, 22, Charity Perry, 24, Bridget Webster, 31, and Ashely Real, 22 — though no charges have yet been filed. The manner of the women's deaths is still being investigated, but the DA stressed that there isn't thought to be any "active danger" to the community. On hold: An Iowa judge has temporarily blocked the state's six-week abortion ban. This means that the ban, which Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law on Friday, will be suspended while a legal challenge to it is fought in court. In the meantime, abortion will remain legal up to 22 weeks. Gov. Reynolds, who assiduously backed the ban, swore Monday that she'd "fight this all the way to the Iowa Supreme Court."   Active Aging [Aerial shot of men playing basketball]( Getty Images What’s the key to living longer? While no one has the perfect answer, this athletic family proves that fostering connections and picking up new (or long-forgotten) passions, like the sports you played in high school, can lead to a healthier and more sociable life. If you've been yearning to get back on the basketball court or pick up your pickleball game, [this inspiring story]( has all the motivation you need. [READ MORE]( [Supported by Humana](   Must-Reads [Barbie Dolls]( Play Time From the wonderful to the weird, these hilarious and heartwarming stories of Barbie culture will move you in unexpected ways. [Read More »]( [Branzino in tinfoil]( Taking the Heat I got a lot of feedback about cooking with tin foil when I shared my grilled branzino recipe — so we got to the bottom of whether it's safe. [Read More »]( [Woman face-down on a couch with her legs sticking out in the air]( Catching Zzz's There’s a pervasive idea that we need a lot less shut-eye as we get older, but it's not quite true. Here’s how our sleep needs change. [Read More »](   On the Record With the controversy over [what’s allowed in our libraries]( becoming ever more complicated, former president Barack Obama addressed the growing trend of book banning in a letter to librarians around the country: “The world is watching. If America — a nation built on freedom of expression — allows certain voices and ideas to be silenced, why should other countries go out of their way to protect them? Ironically, it is Christian and other religious texts — the sacred texts that some calling for book bannings in this country claim to want to defend — that have often been the first target of censorship and book banning efforts in authoritarian countries.”   Extra Credit Face food: A radiant complexion starts in the kitchen, not the bathroom. We asked a dietitian about [the best foods to eat for glowy skin](. Main character energy: Picture it: You’re standing on the porch of your beach house, staring out wistfully at the ocean ahead, pulling your caftan tighter around your body. That’s basically the coastal chic trend in a nutshell — doesn’t it sound dreamy? Here’s [how you can pull this aesthetic off from anywhere](. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it: When I’m craving something that’s savory, salty, and a little nutty, [I whip up this sandwich](. You might think the recipe is weird, but just trust me on this one!   *Adds to Cart* [Marc Fischer boots, diptyque candle, and tan bag on maroon background]( KCM / Nordstrom Wondering how to shop Nordstrom’s epic Anniversary Sale like a pro? You're invited to explore our team’s shopping carts to check out [all the discounted treasures we’re snatching up](, like the perfect knee-high boot from Marc Fisher LTD (that I know are going to be the star of the show this season), or an interior designer-grade candle set. For trusted takes on what to shop before the prices hike back up on Aug. 6, we’ve got you covered. [SHOP NOW](   Final Words It’s been more than 100 days since journalist Evan Gershkovich was detained in Russia. I sat down with WSJ publisher Almar Latour at Aspen Ideas Festival to pull back the curtain on [what’s being done to secure Evan’s release]( — by his employer and the government — and why it’s important to keep the pressure on.   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community. If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.