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Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, is a progressive brain
disorder associated with the buildup of abnormal amyloid and tau proteins that damage
nerve cells. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) can affect memory,
judgment, mobility, balance, and everyday independence, often beginning years before
symptoms become noticeable.
“One of the most important things to understand about AD/ADRD is that it affects more than memory,” explains Deborah Jehu, PhD. “It can change how someone plans, makes decisions, moves through their environment, and completes tasks they have performed independently for years.” Recognizing the Early Signs Early symptoms may include repeatedly asking the same questions, forgetting recently
learned information, misplacing items, struggling to find words, or having difficulty
managing finances and appointments. Someone may also become confused in familiar
places, struggle to follow a recipe, or find it increasingly difficult to organize multistep
activities.
AD/ADRD progression is variable, and cognitive and functional abilities may fluctuate
from day to day. Individuals may require intermittent reminders or assistance with tasks
such as meal preparation and medication management. Persistent changes in daily
functioning warrant clinical evaluation but do not necessarily indicate AD/ADRD.
Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosing AD/ADRD typically involves reviewing medical history, assessing memory
and thinking, evaluating daily functioning and conducting physical and neurological
examinations. Clinicians may order laboratory tests to identify other causes of cognitive
changes, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies. Brain imaging and, when
appropriate, blood-based biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid testing, or amyloid PET scans
can help clarify the diagnosis.
There is currently no cure for AD/ADRD, but treatments can help manage symptoms or
slow disease progression in some people. Medications such as donepezil and
memantine may help manage cognitive symptoms, while certain anti-amyloid therapies
may slow decline in eligible patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment
decisions require individualized assessment of potential benefits, risks, and monitoring
needs.
Preserving Mobility and Independence Dr. Jehu emphasizes that comprehensive AD/ADRD care must address physical
function alongside cognitive health. People with AD/ADRD can be up to twice as likely
to fall as cognitively healthy older adults. As the condition progresses, changes in
balance, gait, coordination, and judgment can increase fall risk, potentially leading to
injuries, reduced mobility, and loss of independence. These challenges make routine
mobility assessments and early rehabilitation particularly important.
Physical and occupational therapists can recommend individualized strength and
balance exercises, adapt activities, and identify environmental hazards. Caregivers can
also support independence through consistent routines, familiar surroundings, simple
instructions, medication reminders, and visual cues.
“Supporting independence means recognizing what a person can still do and providing just enough assistance to help them succeed safely,” says Jehu. “The goal is not simply to prevent accidents, but to preserve dignity, autonomy, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.” Technology may also help through timely reminders, medication prompts and task-by-
task guidance. However, these tools should complement, not replace, human
connection, professional care and appropriate supervision.
Looking Ahead Early recognition, personalized treatment, physical activity, and coordinated support can
help people living with AD/ADRD maintain function and quality of life. Dr. Jehu
underscores the need for research that evaluates practical, dementia-specific
interventions to preserve mobility, prevent falls and reduce caregiver burden.
Ultimately, successful AD/ADRD care should be measured not only by changes in
memory, but also by a person’s ability to remain safe, active, connected, and as
independent as possible throughout the course of the disease.
If you're interested in speaking with Dr. Jehu about Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia and the research taking place at Augusta University – contact AU's External Communications Team mediarelations@augusta.edu to arrange an interview today.
Artificial intelligence is already transforming industries, reshaping labour markets and changing how governments deliver services. Now, new research suggests AI development may also influence something far less obvious: a country's ability to secure favourable credit ratings and access lower-cost capital.
A study co-authored by Lance Y. Hunter, PhD, a professor at Augusta University, and Glen Biglaiser, PhD, Regents Professor at the University of North Texas, finds a significant positive relationship between national AI development and sovereign bond ratings.
Published in the International Area Studies Review, the research examines sovereign bond ratings across 101 countries between 2020 and 2023, using ratings from Moody's and Standard & Poor's alongside measures of national AI readiness.
Lance Hunter, PhD, is a political science professor at Augusta University whose expertise in political behavior, elections and political communication makes him a valuable resource for journalists covering the growing influence of artificial intelligence on American politics. View his profile AI and Economic Confidence The researchers found that countries with more advanced AI capabilities generally received higher sovereign bond ratings, even after accounting for a range of economic, political and social factors.
Their analysis suggests AI development may strengthen national economies by increasing productivity, improving government efficiency and supporting economic growth. These improvements can contribute to stronger public finances and greater confidence in a government's ability to repay its debts.
The findings have potentially significant implications for governments seeking to attract investment, finance infrastructure and reduce borrowing costs.
Government Efficiency Matters One of the study's most notable findings concerns the relationship between AI development and government effectiveness.
Using statistical mediation analysis, the researchers found that government effectiveness accounted for 32.2% of the relationship between AI development and Standard & Poor's ratings and 26.1% of the relationship with Moody's ratings.
The research also identified national income and gross savings as contributing factors, reinforcing the connection between technological development, economic performance and sovereign creditworthiness.
The findings suggest that national AI strategies may have financial implications extending beyond innovation and industrial competitiveness.
Opportunities and Risks The researchers also caution that AI's economic benefits are not guaranteed.
While greater adoption can increase productivity and improve public services, poorly managed implementation could contribute to job displacement, inequality and economic instability.
Their findings underscore the importance of responsible AI development, particularly policies that support workers while encouraging technological innovation.
The study, Artificial Intelligence Development and Sovereign Bond Ratings, offers a new perspective on how emerging technologies may influence international finance and government borrowing.
As governments worldwide increase investments in artificial intelligence, Hunter's research raises important questions about whether technological readiness could become an increasingly influential consideration in assessments of national economic strength.
Lance Y. Hunter, PhD, is available to provide expert insight into the relationship between artificial intelligence, government effectiveness, sovereign debt, international political economy and the economic implications of emerging technologies.
To connect with Dr. Hunter for an interview or learn more about his research, visit his profile below.
As communities across Georgia continue to confront substance use disorders and the challenges of addiction recovery, researchers at Augusta University are expanding efforts to improve overdose prevention and access to treatment.
The university's School of Public Health has received a three-year, $2.5 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to strengthen overdose prevention initiatives across several high-risk regions of Georgia.
The project will involve partnerships with treatment and recovery organizations in Augusta and surrounding counties, northwest Georgia, south central Georgia and southeast Georgia.
Aaron Johnson, PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Community Engagement and Director of the Institute for Public and Preventive Health, is helping lead the initiative. View his profile “Part of the project will be here in Augusta and surrounding counties with Serenity Behavioral Health as a partner, and we also identified three more high-risk areas in Georgia, which include six counties in northwest Georgia, six counties in south central Georgia and four counties in southeast Georgia. We will work with treatment and recovery organizations in those areas to address overdoses,” said Aaron Johnson, PhD, associate dean for research and community engagement and director of the Institute for Public and Preventive Health at SPH. The funding announcement coincides with Augusta University's recent hosting of the Augusta Recovers event, which brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, recovery advocates and community organizations to examine the barriers preventing individuals from accessing addiction treatment and recovery support.
Among the concerns raised were shortages of recovery services in rural communities, difficulties recruiting healthcare providers and the importance of directing opioid settlement resources to underserved areas.
Johnson emphasized that expanding treatment and recovery services beyond major urban centres will be essential to addressing the crisis.
The initiative, recently featured in Jagwire, Augusta University's official news publication, highlights Dr. Johnson's work and the importance of collaboration among universities, healthcare providers, government agencies and community organizations in developing effective approaches to overdose prevention.
As communities across the country look for effective ways to address the opioid crisis, J. Aaron Johnson, PhD, is available to provide expert insight into overdose prevention, substance use treatment, rural healthcare challenges and evidence-based recovery strategies.
To connect with Dr. Johnson for an interview or learn more about his research, visit his profile below.
